The pace picks up a bit as Day Two opens with another blue sky, palm trees gently dancing in the breeze with touches of red hibiscus flowers blanketing the plants outdoors. Southwest Florida is famous for its wildlife and heading out into the backwaters of the Everglades on one of the many eco boat tours is one of the best ways to see, experience and learn about the area. Depending on the tour; photography, history, shelling, birding or just sightseeing are all options to experience the sights, colors and life in southwest Florida. After lunch at one of the outdoor and waterfront restaurants dotting the landscape in Naples, Marco Island, Goodland or Isles of Capri, the area continues to lure the vacationer and the choices of activities are plentiful. Kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing or shelling on the nearby islands is all readily available. Round off the day on one of the area’s sunset cruises.

Waking up early and walking the beautiful sandy beaches becomes habit forming in paradise. However, shopping is on the to-do list today, so your beach walking needs to be a bit more brisk. Joggers, mothers pushing strollers and children making sandcastles with grandpa and grandma are common sights. A hearty breakfast is in order before cruising unique boutiques and gorgeous shopping plazas. Renting a limo and driver seems the best course of action today, making sure nothing is missed. The shops of Tin City, numerous internationally known galleries, the state of the art Botanical Gardens, and prized Caribbean Gardens are all a must-do in visiting Naples. A late afternoon appointment at one of the many exclusive spas is mandatory before dressing to the nines for dinner. Finish your evening at the Philharmonic cultural and art center.

 

Adventure is the name of the game today in Southwest Florida. Renting a car and driving east on Tamiami Trail heralds beautiful Everglade vistas and unique daytime activities. The Collier Seminole State Park is the first attraction you come to heading east on Hwy 41, or the Historic Scenic Highway of Tamiami Trail. History, picnicking and canoe/kayak trails add to the RV and camping facilities there. Port of the Island is next, a gorgeous and unexpected oasis greeting the roadway traveler rounding the bend. A hotel restaurant and marina welcome the traveler. The various eco boat tours thoughout the Everglades and The Ten Thousand Islands offers kayaking, photographic tours, and information cruising, a must-do to get the feel of what the Everglades are all about. Continuing east on Tamiami Trail, road side attractions include The Wind Dancer air boat ride, Joannie’s Café, the Skunk Ape Headquarters, the smallest post office in the United States and various Indian villages are all stops to make before turning south on HWY 29 towards Everglades City. Everglades City, once the county seat of Collier County, is a historic fishing village. Activities galore greet the road traveler once the bridge is crossed into Everglades City proper. The Seafood Depot, Rod and Gun Club, Ted Smallwood Store and the Museum of the Everglades fill the afternoon with good food and great history. End the day with a drive back through the Everglades at sunset towards another historic fishing village, Goodland. Then on to Marco Island to take advantage of the many great restaurants.

Exploring Naples, Goodland, Isles of Capri and Marco Island by water seems to be a logical course to take for day five. Again, the choice of water bound activities are endless. Most marinas have boats to rent allowing the freedom to shell or explore the coast line. Docking at one of the many restaurants on the water offers unique experiences too. Jet ski tours in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming with the dolphins, sailing lessons, and even kayak fishing are all possible in southwest Florida. Hats, sunscreen and protective covering are a must while shopping at one of the local beach shops should be number one on the to-do list today. Commercial fishing has been a livelihood since the days of the early southwest Florida pioneers. However, the Collier County visitor also has the opportunity for a successful off shore fishing excursion. Hiring a licensed fishing captain or tour guide is one way to experience a successful and entertaining day of fishing.  Most local restaurants are more than happy to prepare and cook your freshly caught fish for a festive evening dinner. Live entertainment for an after dinner activity is a great way to end the night.

Adding to the thrill of exploration, venturing afar adds even more excitement to a vacation that is already full of exceptional activities. Traveling north to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel or Captiva offers unlimited choices for sightseeing and fun. The Thomas Edison House in Ft. Myers is one of the most popular choices for visitors and residents of all ages. Or plan a day trip, heading south, either by boat or air, to Key West.  Key West is the southern most tip of the United States and only 90 miles from Cuba. Historic homes, history and culture permeate this colorful town. The Key West Trolley is a must to get a bird’s eye view of the town, before striking out on one’s own. Air Key West at the Marco Island Airport or The Sea Key West Express, docked in Marco Island, offers the adventurous traveler a choice of a one day trip, or the chance to spend the night in Key West and come back to the mainland the next day. Whichever choice, great food, clear blue water and gorgeous sights are at every turn.

A week in paradise… realizing that dreams do come true, number one on the to-do list today is to talk to a real estate professional and explore property choices for your future. Choose from holiday investment rental, second home or retirement property. The choices are endless in Naples. Tranquil beauty and a tropical lifestyle is indeed at arms length in southwest Florida.

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