NAPLES A SHINING SPOT IN PARADISE COAST

Resort town is known for white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets

Most people are familiar with Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Key West and Orlando, but Florida also has gems farther west. I recently returned to one of my favorite Sunshine State locales, Naples.

Part of the Paradise Coast, tranquil Naples, hugs the Gulf of Mexico. The area is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, golf courses, fishing, boating and spectacular sunsets.

The Crayton Cove area of Naples has the feel of a New England fishing village and the warmth and charm of old Key West. Downtown Naples is one of the best places in Florida for a scenic stroll, admiring beautiful architecture, window shopping and dining at trendy cafes and restaurants. Alfresco and waterfront dining range from casual to elegant.

My oasis during this trip nestles along both sides of the thick mangroves of Clam Pass. Naples Grande Beach Resort www. naplesgrande.com is a welcoming and culinary-oriented beachside enclave, a must-stay destination within the destination of Greater Naples. To say that you can leave the car behind and truly kickback, relax and unwind with myriad options from a cabana at the beach to experiencing an awardwinning brunch to the spa, you can do it all on-foot at this beautiful, bustling yet tranquil resort.

A short walk on the boardwalk through the mangroves to arrive at the beach, is a treat in itself, enjoying nature’s canopy of trees along the way. It will also help burn off some of the calories from the culinary creations offered by the resort’s Executive Chef, Marcos Seville. Not into the walk? Golf cart drivers continuously go back and forth throughout the day.

If you’re hungry or need a drink to cool you down at the beach, Rhode’s End, the resort’s beachside restaurant serves a

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN FRIES Above: Spectacular views from all directions! Left: The entrance to the resort is so welcoming.