Welcome to Naples Nestled among the wooded hills of Naples Valley, the Village of Naples, already well-known for its annual Naples Grape Festival, now offers even more to love. Situated just 7 miles off the southern shores of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is a must-see Finger Lakes destination. Visitors are invited to sample wine from several nearby vineyards, tour future twin historic districts, stay at a landmark hotel, inns, and bed and breakfasts, take in a live show, browse artisanal shops, trout fish, golf a picturesque yet challenging course, hike wilderness trails, discover waterfalls, and much more. Naples Mayor Brian Schenk shares his perspective on the town’s rich history, irresistible charm, and attractive future. Naples, the Southern Gateway to Ontario County, is an extraordinarily historic town established just after the American Revolution. Its many historic sites, homes, and its historic cemetery have made it a popular vacation spot for nostalgia seekers and history buffs alike. “Naples has a rich history, and our efforts are two-fold: to preserve its stories which have national implications on many levels, and preserving its structures, as well,” stated Mayor Schenk. Even so, some modernizations are beneficial, such as the development and installation of Naples’ new public sewer infrastructure, replacing several aged septic tanks with a more sanitary system. After years of effort, Naples rallied together to support a solution the Mayor called “the first of its kind.” “Our infrastructure is now a model for New York State, and we were presented with the very prestigious Frank E. VanLare award,” Mayor Schenk announced. “We currently have three infrastructure projects going on which are set to wrap up this summer. We could have faced serious problems when coronavirus safety became an issue, but thanks to the community’s dedication, things went very well.” Mayor Schenk observed that all Naples residents seem to have the same mindset. “Whether people
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NAPLES TOURISM GUIDE | 2021
have been here two months, two years, or all of their lives, everyone seems to immediately immerse themselves in Naples history and culture,” he said. “Part of what makes Naples special is that people relate to it as if they have been here all their lives.” When the pandemic hit last year, the Naples community stood strong. “Naples has a long-standing history of its citizens coming together at any time no matter the need,” said Mayor Schenk. “Early on, everyone realized that this problem wasn’t going away quickly or easily and that their neighbors would need help getting groceries and medicine. People banded together and organized assistance for those in need. It was all about helping each other.” Taking care of each other is a mindset also embraced by the Naples business community, encouraging economic growth. “Naples has grown its local economy by roughly 7 businesses during the pandemic, and a number of factors are responsible for that,” Mayor Schenk enthused. “One factor was the launching of a local development group. All of the necessary pieces were in the right place at the right time.” These new businesses include restaurants and microbreweries, among others. While still known for local wine and iconic grape pies (It is “Grape Pie Capitol of the World, after all!), Naples is expanding its interest in the arts. “We are becoming an epicenter for music,” Mayor Schenk said. “Naples has many venues for enjoying music, including a very small park downtown. We plan to set up a busking (street performance) stage there to encourage music to simply happen.” More local music will pair well with Naples’ live theatre shows and its Finger Lakes artists and creators. “People in Naples have a lot of passion and a lot of courage,” Mayor Schenk praised. “In the midst of a pandemic, several of them were brave enough to walk right into opening and inventing new businesses. That is who they are: the right people with the right mindset. None of this happened by chance, and more is yet to come. We have only just begun.”
