NUMBERS
100 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT COLLIER COUNTY
LONGTIME RESIDENTS REMEMBER NAPLES
+ HOT TAKES
VINTAGE-INSPIRED LOOKS THAT SIZZLE
EVERY GREAT DESIGN BEGINS WITH AN EVEN BETTER STORY. YOURS.
GREAT DESIGN BEGINS WITH AN EVEN BETTER STORY. YOURS.
EVERY GREAT DESIGN BEGINS WITH AN EVEN BETTER STORY. YOURS.
Discover how our acclaimed design team creates bespoke luxury interior design solutions driven by the chapters of your life that inspire you. Schedule a complimentary personal Design Profile at our inspiration studio located in Mercato, Naples or at DWest.com.
how our acclaimed design team creates bespoke luxury interior design driven by the chapters of your life that inspire you. Schedule a complimentary personal Design Profile at our inspiration studio located in Naples or at DWest.com.
Discover how our acclaimed design team creates bespoke luxury interior design solutions driven by the chapters of your life that inspire you. Schedule a complimentary personal Design Profile at our inspiration studio located in Mercato, Naples or at DWest.com.
Where Talent Comes Naturally
239.860.7176
michelle.thomas@premiersir.com michelle.thomasteamflorida.com
#1
MAY 2023 | NAPLESILLUSTRATED.COM FOR THE LATEST IN ALL THINGS LUXURY
74 SULTRY DAYS
Today’s hottest designers put a modern spin on the fashion of yesteryear
Photographyby
Gabor Jurina86 COUNTING TO 100
What we love about Collier County all adds up as it celebrates its centennial
By Gaylene Salomons and Jane E. Enos94 VOICES OF NAPLES
Half a dozen Neapolitans sound off about the transformation of their city throughout the years
By Gaylene Salomons100 IN THE FIRST PLACE
A look at some of the first and longest running businesses and attractions in Naples
By Andrea Stehle and Jane E. Enos
20 OUR ADVISORY BOARD
22 FROM THE EDITOR
24 RSVP Events with Youth Haven, Gulfshore Playhouse, Baker Senior Center Naples, and more
INSIDER
35 SPOTLIGHT
Hope Lives Here’s yellow-ribbon initiative
36 AROUND TOWN
Updates from Hermès, the Give Where You Live Collier campaign, London Bay Homes, and more
40 FINDS
Selections in happy, sun-inspired tones
STYLE
43 THE LOOK
Fashionable favorites for babies, kids, and moms, plus fresh takes on garden florals and butterfly motifs
46 REAL TALK WITH...
Nell Diamond of Hill House Home
48 BIJOUX
Safety pin jewelry for your inner posh punk
RESIDE
51 AT HOME WITH...
Le Parc resident Wynnell Schrenk
54 ROOM ROUNDUP
Six local interior designers share their insights for creating inviting foyers
60 ELEMENTS
Contemporary Caribbean colors and textures
62 DESIGNER DEFERENCE
Advice from Design West’s Glenn Midnet on achieving a coastal aesthetic
JOURNEYS
65 WANDERLUST
Discover the duality of New Orleans with experiences that epitomize both the past and future
70 HIGH ROAD BMW’s iX M60 all-electric SUV
72 HIGH SEAS
Invictus Yachts’ brand-new flagship TT460 weekender
EAT + DRINK
105 GLOBAL GOURMET
Three renowned chefs collaborate to impart authenticity at The French Brasserie Rustique
106 LOCAL BITES
Bespoke honey and beyond, two innovative supper clubs to try, less-predictable proteins, and more
112 MINDFUL MIXOLOGIST
Celebrate May with a festive, fruity, and floral libation
BALANCE
115 SOUND ADVICE
Secrets to sleeping better with green noise
116 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Tips for fighting food addiction, meditation for your microbiome, and more
ON THE COVER: PHOTOGRAPHER: GABOR
JURINA MODEL: ANTONINA VASYLCHENKO
LOCATION: ROD & GUN CLUB, EVERGLADES CITY HAIR AND MAKEUP: COLLEEN STONE FASHION
EDITOR: KATHERINE LANDE CLOTHING: JOHANNA ORTIZ MAXI DRESS, EARRINGS, HANDBAG; JIMMY CHOO SANDALS; SARAH BRAY BERMUDA HAT. FOR BUYING INFORMATION, TURN TO PAGE 135.
120 GOOD NATURE
How bees highlight the natural reciprocity that surrounds us
SCENE
131 TOP BILLING
“Naples Collects 2022-23” at The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples
132 CALENDAR
What to see and do this month
TAIL END
136 A MOTHER’S PRIDE
Meet Shani, a 17-year-old lioness who became a first-time mom at the age of 13
Publisher Meegan Wyatt
Editor in Chief Jane E. Enos
Creative Director Olga M. Gustine Executive Editor Mary Murray
Senior Editor Allison Wolfe Reckson
Associate Editor Gaylene Salomons
Copy Editor Kelley Marcellus
Dining Editor Karen Feldman
Fashion Editor Katherine Lande
Automotive Editor Howard Walker
Travel Editor Paul Rubio
Web Editor Abigail Duffy
Social Media Manager Roxy Rooney
Editorial Intern Corin Mellone
DESIGN
Senior Art Director Ashley Meyer
Art Directors Airielle Farley, Jenny Fernandez-Prieto
Photo Editor Lydia Harmer Digital Imaging Specialist Leonor Alvarez-Maza
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jules Aron, Cathy Chestnut, Tammy Fender, Patricia Janeway, Erika Klein, Liza Grant Smith, Andrea Stehle, Mary Thurman Yuhas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gabor Jurina, Audrey Snow Owen, Nick Shirghio
SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tim Gibbons, Michelle Reed, Louis Venne
ADVERTISING
Account Managers Kathleen Beuttel, 239-298-7506, kbeuttel@naplesillustrated.com; Melissa Zolin Schwartz, 561-472-1922, mschwartz@palmbeachmedia.com; Dina Turner, 561-472-2201, dturner@palmbeachmedia.com; Deidre Wade, 561-472-1902, dwade@palmbeachmedia.com
Digital Account Manager Ryan Hollihan, 561-472-2208, rhollihan@palmbeachmedia.com
Marketing Manager Rebecca Desir
PRODUCTION
Production Director Selene M. Ceballo
Production Manager Lourdes Linares
Digital Pre-Press Specialist George Davis
Advertising Design Coordinators Anaely J. Perez Vargas, Jeffrey Rey
Production Coordinator Ileana Caban
Digital Marketing Manager Tyler Sansone
OPERATIONS
Office Manager, Corporate Tanya Gomez
Office Manager, Naples Alexandra Frangie
Accounting Specialist Mary Beth Cook
Accounts Receivable Specialist Ana Coronel
Distribution Manager Judy Heflin
Logistics Manager Omar Morales
Circulation Manager Marjorie Leiva
Circulation Assistant Britney Stinson
Circulation Promotions Manager David Supple
IT Manager Keith Gonzalez
SUBSCRIPTIONS
800-308-7346
Group Publisher Terry Duffy
Editorial Director Daphne Nikolopoulos Chief Operating Officer Todd Schmidt
In Memoriam Ronald J. Woods (1935-2013)
HOUR MEDIA, LLC
CEO Stefan Wanczyk President John Balardo
Our county and city are starting to wind down from season. As much as I appreciate the hustle and bustle and relish the seemingly endless months of continuous events, I value this time of year; it’s a bit of an exhale. Traffic lightens. Dinner reservations don’t require multiple weeks of lead time. Nights are spent in my backyard in casual clothes, and as the humidity and temperatures climb, my shoulders start to relax.
Even with the slackened pace of late spring, there’s still much to enjoy up and down the Paradise Coast—even more so this year, as both Collier County and Naples are celebrating their 100-year anniversaries. It goes without saying that centennial celebrations are significant ones. We at Naples Illustrated are honored to pay homage to these milestones—so much so that we have dedicated this issue to the people, places, and things that set Naples and Collier County apart.
NI has a reputation for its superlative fashion features. In this issue, Fashion Editor Katherine Lande has produced yet another impressive set of spreads—in addition to the photo on the cover—which I am elated to report were photographed in nearby Everglades City, including at the historic Rod & Gun Club. These sultry looks offer a feast for fashionforward eyes and are complemented by the Old Florida ambience offered at this storied location. For the full fashion feature, turn to page 74.
In addition to fashion, we are excited to bring you three features that nod to the past without ignoring the present. Starting on page 86, you’ll find “Counting to 100,” an article that points out 100 places, businesses, and organizations we love in Collier County. Also probing yesteryear are “In the First Place” (page 100) and “Voices of Naples” (page 94)—two articles that provide some interesting historical context from prominent Neapolitans, many of whom are longtime residents offering perspectives of the city’s formative years.
While many of you have journeyed north for the spring and summer, there’s still important moments taking place in Southwest Florida in May. Whether you’re near to or far from Naples, we hope you learn (or relearn) something about the history and traditions of our little piece of paradise.
Let’s celebrate spring!
Jane E. Enos
jenos@naplesillustrated.com
WHO: Youth Haven WHAT: Cherish the Children
Luncheon WHERE: The RitzCarlton Naples, Tiburón
DETAILS: Best-selling author Ashley Rhodes-Courter shared her transformational story of growing up in foster homes at this annual fundraiser. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated
1. Leonid Khankin, Linda Goldfield
2. Scott and Jennifer O’Dell, Colin O’Dell 3. Jane Enos, Ilkay Turk, Ingrid Aielli, Gaylene Salomons, Marie-Christine St. Pierre
4. Ashley Rhodes-Courter
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5. Linda Meak, Katy Tetta 6. Annie Griffo, Anna McKinnon 7. Suzanne Demeules, Patty Schirmer, Dede Owen 8. Sue Brousseau, Lynne Steel, Kim Murray, Carol Stanhope, Dawn Chioni 9. Janine Rendano, Christine Rendano, Mary Jain 10. Sue Brousseau 11. Ingrid Aielli, Linda Meak, Trina Mostyn, Gillian Campbell
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WHO: Gulfshore Playhouse
WHAT: Post-show reception for the cast and crew of Mud
Row WHERE: Norris Center, Naples DETAILS: Gulfshore Playhouse presented a compelling play of race and family by Dominique Morisseau.
MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated
1. Jill and Tim Hall, Jackie Kuhnert, Geraldine Moss, Kathy Beuttel
2. Michael Wynn, Kristen Coury
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3. Kristen Coury, Steve and Jane Akin, Joel Markus 4. Kathy and Jeff Beuttel, Kamela Patton 5. Brendan and Kathleen Fitzgerald, Sandi and Tom Moran 6. Bobbi and David Drobis, Kristen Coury
7. Kathy Beuttel, Rachel Applegate 8. James Holloway, Lilian Oben, Philipe Preston, Toni Lachelle Pollitt, Kelli Karen, Marshall Jones III, Jose Santiago
9. Reception refreshments
WHO: Baker Senior Center Naples
WHAT: Evening for Better Tomorrows
WHERE: Royal Poinciana Golf Club, Naples
DETAILS: The volunteer of the year award was presented to Bonita King-Steinkamp at this annual fundraising evening.
WHO: Women’s Foundation of Collier County WHAT: Women Rock Philanthropy
Luncheon WHERE: Naples Grande Beach Resort DETAILS: Eight local women leaders who make a difference through philanthropy and civic engagement were honored at a midday celebration.
WHO: Amy Moglia
Heuerman WHAT: Evening Reception WHERE: Amy Art, Naples DETAILS: Artist Amy Moglia Heuerman unveiled new paintings, from abstracts to coastals and florals, in her Naples Design District studio while art lovers enjoyed live music and light bites.
1. Darlene and Mike Lobalzo
2. Lisa Pierce, Amy Moglia Heuerman, Johanna Harrison
3. Mary and Mike McCabe
4. Kim Bertolini, Elise Joyce
5. Mark Lozier, Matt Cullen, Amy Moglia Heuerman and Paul Heuerman, John Worthington
6. Nina and Bill Beynon 7. Lorna Fedelem, Scot Matusz 8. Olivia Veliz, Amy Moglia Heuerman
9. Ruben Daniel Gonzalez
10. Jane Enos, Beth Preddy
Imagination requires a kind of empathy—the ability to envision an idea as well as its benefits for the future. Barron Gift Collier funded the completion of the Tamiami Trail—the first highway connecting the south Florida coasts. He also introduced Collier County’s first bus line and telephone service. Following in his footsteps, Barron Collier Companies firsts today include innovations in Florida citrus production, ranch management advances in one of the state’s largest cattle operations, along with building a town—Ave Maria—from the ground up. Inherited empathy, to recognize long-term benefits, and the advantage of experience and vision, make Barron Collier Companies one to follow for future firsts.
firsts that have followed us.
Hope is a word everyone appreciates. And it’s embraced by Brenda Melton, founder of the Hope Lives Here initiative, which has left a distinct footprint across Naples via bright yellow ribbons. Hope Lives Here serves multiple functions, including promoting awareness of veterans’ needs; signaling solidarity within the community; and raising funds through the sale of yellow ribbons to support the Baker Senior Center Naples, to which 100 percent of the proceeds are donated. The idea for the endeavor started in Melton’s childhood. “I had an Air Force father,” Melton recounts, and inspired by Tony Orlando and Dawn’s hit 1973 song—“Tie a Yellow Ribbon ’Round the Ole Oak Tree”—her family displayed a yellow ribbon in their yard to support deployed soldiers.
“The yellow ribbon has always signified solidarity in the veterans’ community,” explains Melton, “and between the hurricane striking and the constant need to raise awareness for veterans, I thought it was a good opportunity to bring [them] out again.”
Ribbons can be purchased for $100 to support Hope Lives Here’s goal of raising $100,000 in 2023; these are fitting numbers since Naples is celebrating its centennial this year. “We’ve raised $60,000 so far, and it’s unbelievable,” Melton reports, giving special thanks to Fifth Avenue South and The Wellington Group for their respective $10,000 donations. (naplesseniorcenter.org/hopeliveshere)
–Corin Mellone
Hermès, the French luxury design house, recently opened its doors in Naples. The spacious boutique, with its all-white exterior, is uniquely positioned in the exclusive Waterside Shops, giving it a stand-alone feeling and impressive appearance.
Upon entry, guests are welcome to discover the Hermès collections displayed across one floor: women’s and men’s silks, home goods, perfume, makeup, fashion, and fine jewelry and watches; the store also includes a shoe salon and a niche devoted to leather goods.
The lush environment of the Gulf Coast is reflected in the colors and textures found within the store’s interior: high ceilings and tall windows flood the space with natural light; a stucco wave treatment is displayed on the walls; and a pastel palette of ochre, green, and ivory is woven into custom gradient carpets and terrazzo floors, all of which are surrounded by display cases and walls of sandblasted cherrywood. An art collection, including landscapes and photographs, further connects the Naples store to the artistry inherent in the brand.
Diane Mahady, president, Hermès of Paris, sums it up best, stating: “We are thrilled to join the vibrant and dynamic city of Naples with the opening of our fifth store in Florida. Our beautiful new home at Waterside Shops is the perfect location to share Hermès’ craft and culture, and we look forward to welcoming the community.” (hermes. com) —Gaylene Salomons
More than $3.3 million was raised for local nonprofits with the ninth-annual Give Where You Live Collier campaign. The online giving initiative, an established and impactful virtual event in Collier County, is built upon the idea that everyone can be a philanthropist. This year, there were 1,753 donors from noon on Wednesday, February 15, to noon on Thursday, February 16.
The project provides an easy way to support the education and basic-needs efforts of 37 nonprofits through a 24-hour online fundraiser. Since its inception in 2015, Give Where You Live Collier has brought in more than $39 million. Hosted and matched by the Collier Community Foundation and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, nonprofits received a boost in donations, a $500,000 matching fund, and $50,000 in prizes.
Eileen Connolly-Keesler, Collier Community Foundation president and CEO, was especially pleased with the results amid this already tough year, expressing thanks to the donors, especially the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, who helped make the event a success. (givewhereyoulivecollier.org) –G.S.
Supported by:
Immerse yourself in this exhibition featuring the plants and animals that inspired one of the world’s most iconic artists.
A sprawling 6,000-square-foot custom estate located in The Estuary at Grey Oaks pushes the boundaries of innovation in maximizing energy efficiency for London Bay Homes. The recently completed home incorporates advanced and emerging technologies—like energy-storing Tesla Powerwalls in lieu of a generator—and relies on sunshine, Florida’s greatest asset, for most of its power.
Mark Wilson, president and CEO of London Bay Homes, is grateful for clients who want to build greenly. The owners of this residence built a home using London Bay in the early 2000s and were looking for a change from their central courtyard design. Their new residence features an open-concept floorplan maximizing indoor-outdoor living.
London Bay’s team of architects, interior designers, and building professionals partnered with Florida-based Goldin Solar to achieve the right balance of beauty and function. The home was positioned strategically to ensure optimal sun exposure to fuel 78 solar panels. To address interior heat gain, extended overhangs shade windows from the outside while automated treatments and smart lighting
Naples businessman David Hoffmann is among 13 recently honored with the Seventy-sixth Annual Horatio Alger Award during a three-day ceremonial event in Washington, D.C.
The prestigious accolade, presented by the U.S. Supreme Court in Constitution Hall, is bestowed by the nonprofit educational organization Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. to “exceptional business, civic, and cultural leaders” who have “overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success,” according to the organization.
Hoffmann is the founder and chairman of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, which encompasses 111 businesses with 240 locations in 27 countries. The Hoffmann Family of Companies is the largest commercial property owner in Naples, with a port-
inside react to natural sunlight at different times of the day and the year. Additionally, the home was designed using features such as higherrated wall insulation and insulated windows. Multi-zoned air-conditioning conserves energy in seldom-used parts of the home, sensors monitor water consumption, and Tesla Powerwalls store power for future use.
The home—with its four-car garage, artificial turf for putting practice, and a light and bright contemporary interior—caters to the busy lifestyle of the clients. While they appreciate the financial savings from incorporating solar technology in their new home, their primary goal was to be an early adopter of solar power. Through open communication and collaboration, London Bay was able to evolve, meet, and surpass the expectations of their repeat clients. (londonbay.com) —G.S.
folio of 42 buildings. His company, one of the largest employers in the region, also owns Hertz Arena and the Florida Everblades, Naples Princess, The Old Collier Golf Club, and Naples Trolley Tours. He recently led the acquisition of Linstol, the international maker of in-flight headphones headquartered in Naples.
Being recognized with the Horatio Alger Award is “the greatest honor to be bestowed on me in my lifetime. I grew up a poor kid without hot running water until I was a sophomore in high school,” Hoffmann says. “Like me, the other honorees came from humble beginnings and achieved a level of success—and along the way didn’t forget to give back.”
The Horatio Alger Association
provides annual need-based scholarships to high school students, totaling more than $245 million to date. “Anyone with humble beginnings can accomplish anything in the United States of America. There are no barriers if you work hard and do the right thing—you can have an adventurous and prosperous life.” (hoffmannfamilyof companies.com) –Cathy Chestnut
RADIANT READ
Born To Shine ($28) tells the story of female entrepreneur Kendra Scott’s successful jewelry brand. Barnes & Noble, Naples (barnesandnoble.com)
SHINE ON
Light this substantial 2.4-pound fragranced candle ($175) from the Baobab Collection when you want to stave off burnout. BRuno, Naples (239-261-9806)
TRUE COLORS
Life is vibrant with these Polo Ralph Lauren men’s tie-dye socks ($18) and this bold multi-stripe lightweight terry hoodie ($168). Dillard’s, Naples (dillards.com)
LITTLE BUDDIES
Available in round, tall, or squat sizes, these gold jewel-tone vases ($46 each) from Little Tomato Glass display an array of cut flowers. Random Acts of Art, Naples (random actsart.com)
PERENNIAL BEAUTY
Handcrafted in a woodshop in Minnesota, this wooden sunflower arrangement ($80) recreates the distinctive characteristics of an actual flower for enduring enjoyment. Random Acts of Art, Naples (randomactsart.com)
Chill your favorite drinks in this playful white polka dot vessel ($60) from Mr. Ice Bucket BRuno, Naples (239-261-9806)
The Star Luca pizza ($19) is filled with ricotta cheese, Italian tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy salami calabrese, and fresh basil; takeout, delivery, or dine in. Mister 01 Extraordinary Pizza, Naples. (mistero1.com)
The perfect companions for the beach include this quick-drying super absorbent Clutch microfiber towel ($32) and Florida Squeezed broad-spectrum sunscreen ($20). BRuno, Naples (239-261-9806)
Author/artist Richard Diedrich compiled a selection of paintings of local buildings in his new coffee table book, Painting Naples Architecture ($125); signed editions available. Arabesque of Naples, Naples (arabesque ofnaples.com)
Put the sunshine state front and center with every sip of Florida Orange IPA ($11 per six pack) from 3 Daughters Brewing The Fresh Market, Naples (thefreshmarket.com)
FASHION IS FUN AGAIN WITH THESE COOL FINDS FOR BABIES, KIDS, AND MOMS
BY KATHERINE LANDE
1. Louis teddy bear ($1,370), Louis Vuitton, us.louisvuitton.com, this cotton bear is part of the first-ever Louis Vuitton Baby collection. | 2. Bloom Wind wallpaper in blue (price upon request), Marie-Chantal x Schumacher, mariechantal.com, this collection of wallpapers, fabrics, and trims was inspired by Marie-Chantal’s sleepwear designs. | 3. Delicate heart bracelet in 18-karat gold ($1,385), Aurelia Demark, aureliademark. com, this bracelet for moms can be engraved with a baby’s initials and birthdate. | 4. Baby Dior T-shirt (price upon request) and shorts (price upon request), Dior, similar styles, dior.com, the Villa Rhumbs Baby Dior Summer 2023 line exudes the same joyful spirit present at Christian Dior’s French home and garden. | 5. Charmed Life bracelets/hair ties ($28 each), Mermaid Pool Party Mega Set with necklace and bracelet ($39), Pink Splash goggles ($29), and Daydream Queen play shoes ($36), Super Smalls, supersmalls.com, this brand by Florida native Maria Dueñas Jacobs boasts accessories and play gear that foster creativity.
FRESHEN UP YOUR LOOK WITH BLOOMING FLORALS AND FLUTTERING BUTTERFLIES
MIRROR IMAGE
Marquetry butterfly earrings with diamonds and pink tourmaline ($4,180), Silvia Furmanovich, Marissa Collections, Naples, marissacollections.com
ETERNAL SUMMER
Multi-floral Alibi printed minaudière ($2,690), Oscar de la Renta, Marissa Collections, Naples, oscardelarenta.com
HERE COMES THE SUN Smoked emer-
ald sunflower sunglasses ($175), Lele Sadoughi, lele sadoughi.com
FLOWER POWER: Opt for prints with a mixed assortment of botanicals.
TAKE FLIGHT: Add a dash of whimsy with butterfly accessories.
NEW AGE: Finish your fit with an accent in an unexpected shape.
DOUBLE TIME
Two Butterfly between-thefinger ring with lapis lazuli and diamonds set in 18-karat gold ($23,000), Van Cleef & Arpels, Naples, vancleef arpels.com
BUDS OF MAY Small Flower
Puzzle Edge bag in satin calfskin ($3,400), Loewe, loewe.com
LADY IN RED
Ruby sandals with cut-out wing detail ($880), Sophia Webster, sophia webster.com
Botanical prints in a modern silhouette
CHRISTIAN DIOR SPRING/SUMMER 2023 Botanical prints in a modern silhouette offer a new take on floral attire.
STOMPIN’ STEMS
Patent leather sandals with floral embellishment ($2,495), Dolce & Gabbana, dolce gabbana.com
($4,200), Dior, dior.com
Introducing the all-electric Taycan. Countless customization options. Iconic Porsche DNA in every curve and stitch. A Porsche Advanced Cockpit in every bit as smart and connected as you demand. Get in the driver’s seat and prepare to be moved.
Experience the Porsche Taycan.
What was the inspiration behind launching Hill House Home?
I founded Hill House Home in 2016 when I saw an opportunity in the market to create affordable, luxury bedding. With our designcentric approach, our goal is to offer impeccable quality and timeless, delicate styles through quality products designed to enhance and celebrate life. We built on that idea with the Nap Dress, which was a viral hit, and now Hill House has spun into a full-fledged fashion company releasing four collections a year.
How did the idea of the Nap Dress come about?
The Nap Dress was born out of personal necessity. I wanted a dress I could throw on and still feel put together no matter how busy I was or where I was going. Each Nap Dress features our proprietary smocking, which allows for a comfortable and flattering fit across a range of body types. For me, it’s really a closet staple that I can wear every day and style in a variety of ways. We’ve now fully expanded into the Nap Family, which offers a wide range of dresses, skirts, and tops, all featuring our signature smocking. There’s truly a piece for everyone.
What’s next for the Hill House Home brand?
Our current focus is retail
expansion. In 2022, we opened on Nantucket Island and at Rockefeller Center in NYC. This year, we’ve already opened in Palm Beach, with more to come. It’s really special to be able to meet our customers in real life and give them the chance to see and try on our products. Nothing makes me happier than seeing friends shopping together in our stores. We have some very special collaborations coming later this summer, and I’m so excited about our Ditsy Floral capsule that just launched within our Grown Up & Me collection. We have seen so many parents matching their children in Hill House that we wanted to offer more options for these matching moments.
As a mother of three, what advice would you give to other mamas? Invest in therapy. Protecting your mental health is key to being a great parent.
What’s one lesson you hope to pass along to your children?
I hope to teach my children to push through the fear of being bad at new things. The first time I’ve tried anything, I’ve been awful. My first podcast interview? Awful. First Instagram caption? Embarrassing! First pitch to potential investors? Couldn’t have been worse. Just keep trying!
The founder and CEO of Hill House Home dishes on design, motherhood, and moreNell Diamond’s Hill House Home is known for signature collections such as the Nap Family and Grown Up & Me.
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BIJOUX
PUT A PIN IN IT
BY MARY MURRAY
1. REBEL GIRL Anita Ko safety pin earring with pink sapphires set in 18-karat rose gold, $1,050. Marissa Collections, Naples (marissacollections.com)
2. MARQUEE MOON Colette Oberon earrings with diamonds and lapis set in 18-karat white gold, $9,410. (colettejewelry.com)
3. TEENAGE ANARCHIST Ali Weiss safety pin earring with black diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $400. (aliweissjewelry.com)
4. WAITING ROOM Versace safety pin brooch finished in Tribute Gold, $225. (versace.com)
5. BASKET CASE Zoë Chicco safety pin medium curb chain bracelet with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $1,350. (zoechicco.com)
6. LUST FOR LIFE Aaron Basha safety pin and chain with diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $7,600. (aaronbasha.com)
set in 14-karat gold, $1,350. gold, $7,600.
7. I WANNA BE SEDATED
7. I WANNA BE SEDATED La Enovesé safety pin earrings in 18-karat vermeil, $168. (laenovesedesigns.com)
8. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN The Last Line safety pin ring with diamonds set in 14-karat gold, $895. (thisisthelast.com)
9. ROCK THE CASBAH Provident Jewelry safety pin ring with diamonds set in 18-karat gold, $2,500. Provident Jewelry, Naples (providentjewelry.com)
10. ONE WAY OR ANOTHER Jacob & Co. safety pin cuff bracelet with diamonds set in 18-karat rose gold, $12,700. (saksfifth avenue.com) STYLE
Shawn is a 4th generation art dealer that brings decades of experience to our Worth Avenue gallery. He takes pride in helping clients whether they are building their collection or divesting of pieces they no longer desire.
The gallery always has exquisite works for those with diverse and discerning tastes. Pieces include 19th & 20th century French and American Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Modernism and Contemporary works, always vetted for quality and condition.
Shawn embodies Provident Fine Arts’ passion for exemplary customer service and placing beautiful art into our customers lives.
Call or visit the gallery and allow Shawn to help you with all your fine art needs.
AT HOME WITH...
GLAMOUR TAKES THE LEADING ROLE IN THIS CONDOMINIUM HOME WHERE THE GULF OF MEXICO PROVIDES AN EXQUISITE BACKDROP FOR AN A-LIST CAST OF FINE ART
BY GAYLENE SALOMONS PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK SHIRGHIOX
Dionne Warwick croons over the surroundsound speakers. Marble, Lucite, crystal, and mirrored glass combine, glistening from strategic locations throughout the main room—juxtaposed against a shiny black floor. Perfectly placed and framed black-and-white photographs cover every spare inch of a feature wall, while floor-to-ceiling windows showcase an ocean of aqua blue.
We have entered the private domain belonging to Wynnell Schrenk and her husband, George. “This home is not about casual and comfortable,” she emphasizes. It’s elegant and glamorous—just the way she envisaged it to be.
A Neapolitan for the past 20 years, Schrenk remodeled the approximately 4,000-square-foot Le Parc condo—on the eighth floor—a few years after moving in. She claims it wasn’t easy finding an
interior designer to realize her vision. Eventually, she met Joie Wilson, who has since moved from Naples. Together, they designed a sophisticated interior in the Hollywood Regency style, a design aesthetic Schrenk loved before she even knew it had a bona fide name.
This American design style first emerged in California in the 1930s, reflecting the glitz and glamour of the silver screen. Hollywood royalty developed a taste for the opulence of the movie sets, choosing similar design aesthetics in their own homes. Moviegoers too emulated the look, propagating the mystique of Hollywood.
The decorating script calls for glam finishes; luxe accent pieces, including grandiose chandeliers and mirrors, as well as crystal vases and sconces; bold colors; a deliberate use of black and white; and sur-
Wynnell Schrenk’s 4,000-square-foot Le Parc condo exudes Hollywood Regency style. The distinctive design aesthetic combines glam finishes, luxe accent pieces, bold colors, a deliberate use of black and white, loads of Lucite, and statementgrabbing pieces, all of which complement her impressive fine art collection.
faces of stone and marble. Add to these loads of Lucite—the high-quality acrylic resin first introduced by DuPont Corporation in the 1930s. Statement-grabbing pieces are also de rigueur.
Schrenk and her husband have traveled the globe, spending years carefully selecting and curating each piece in their home for its exceptional quality and, as she puts it, “the feelings it invoked in us.” Their collection is deliberately minimal, explains Schrenk, who adds “only those objects of exceptional beauty and craftsmanship were allowed to stay.”
Starting in the foyer, the pieces on display today include but are not limited to a Venini
chandelier (from the mid 1960s) hanging from the ceiling and shining down on a two-part, lighted neoclassical mahogany breakfront (defined as a large cabinet with a slightly protruding central section) from New York furniture makers Grosfeld House. The piece includes Lucite rods, crystalline plastic appliques of ancient Grecian-style helmets, and mirrored doors. On the backlit shelves, assorted Italian Barovier and Barbini glassworks from the 1930s and 1940s are on display.
Moving into the great room, across from the photo wall is a large Italian bubble mirror from the 1940s that reflects many of the stun-
ning photos on the wall, from A Young Waitress at a Nudist Camp by Diane Arbus (1963) to JFK at the Podium by Garry Winogrand (1960) to Jayne Mansfield Holding a Poodle by Edward Quinn (1960).
After a futile search for the perfect rug for the great room in white (Schrenk’s favorite color), she finally found what she was looking for in a custom pink and purple Clive Christian creation. In the center of the rug sits a massive glass-top coffee table set on four cylindrical legs of Lucite. It was designed by Karl Springer in 1970 and is one of a pair—its mate, says Schrenk, “lives with Diane von Fursten-
berg.” A set of four crystal two-arm candelabra by Georges Chevalier for Baccarat (signed from the 1930s) rests near a trio of turquoise Seguso vases from the 1960s.
In the corner with the best view, a glass Sputnikshaped chandelier by Mazzega highlights the dining area and table. Nearby, the statement piece of all statement pieces resides: a massive signed first-
edition book of photos by Helmut Newton. Called a SUMO, it refers to the biggest and most expensive book produced in the twentieth century; a limited edition of 10,000 copies were sold worldwide.
Just like its inhabitants, the sleek and sophisticated space exudes elegance and personality. Ultimately, says Schrenk, “We created a very personal space where we find solace and repose.” «
The foyer might well be the most trafficked stretch of a home; it’s where inhabitants and guests alike enter and exit all day long. Tasked with introducing the home’s tone, style, and color palette while often keeping keys, umbrellas, and footwear from invading the rest of the residence, the foyer plays multiple roles.
Creating an inviting entryway to hide the functionality of the space can be easily done. Benches, offering seating and storage and available in a variety of motifs, often come to the rescue. When there are no closets (as is often the case in Florida), belongings—such as jackets and hats—can be flaunted on a coat-tree or a wall-mounted rack. Umbrella holders make fetching accent pieces, and live green plants, while cleaning impurities from the air, are friendly ways to welcome guests indoors.
The entryway is the ideal location to showcase favorite pieces of art or sentimental keepsakes. Flooring, especially where sand and water are frequent visitors, is an important consideration. Water-resistant tile floors, available in a variety of styles and colors, merely laugh at the ocean’s leftovers, while wood flooring or porcelain tile with the look of wood mimics a natural option for beachside homes. And soft underfoot, rugs add texture and beauty to a space, pulling a design together.
Read on and discover how six local interior designers created great first impressions in homes they designed.
Designing Naples
Sarah Anderson, principal at Designing Naples Inc., thinks of foyers as “a prelude of sorts, just like [in] symphonies.” After undergoing an extensive renovation, this delightful cottage, found just one block from the beach in Old Naples, exudes a Key West style.
To add nautical ambience, Anderson started with a dramatic vaulted barrel ceiling. Both the European white oak flooring and ceiling in the symmetrical space are stained a dark walnut brown. The custom throw rug is made from Nepalese wool. Living in the home is a busy family only able to visit Naples a few times per
year; they requested a relaxed atmosphere for their home. Anderson set the foundation by combining an assortment of textures, alluring architectural details, and copious amounts of white trim juxtaposed against dark wood floors, allowing for the addition of bright and sophisticated beach-hued fabrics and cheerycolored paint. (designingnaples.com)
Located in Mangrove Bay in Naples, this contemporary home keeps with the coastal and cottage style of the neighborhood established by MHK Architecture. Open, airy, and alive with natural light, the foyer gently introduces its oceanic vibe through rattan pendants, jute poufs perched under a natural-colored entry table, and a woven jute rug. Warm, wide-plank European white oak floors further affirm the littoral aesthetic. High ceilings allow the convivial space to act as an art gallery.
“A foyer is an important space because it is the area of the home where you greet your guests,” explains Kira Krümm, principal interior designer at Koastal Design Group. “This space is the introduction to your home and establishes the visual language of your interior. First impressions make an impact and should communicate the feelings you wish your home to evoke. A successfully designed foyer draws you into the home with a sense of progression and intrigue.” (koastaldesigngroup.com)
Peaceful and elegant, this foyer reflects an affinity the clients have for classic design along with the love they hold for their longtime Port Royal residence. An abundance of natural light flowing through transom windows and the large, multiglass paned door help create a sense of peace and well-being. Overhead, an oversize brass chandelier is still open and light enough to not dominate the space. A padded bench, palm fronds in a vase, and light oak flooring lend a traditional air to a calm, relaxed space.
X“Foyers are the portal through which we pass as we enter the sanctuary that is our home,” explains Lisa Kahn, founder of Finding Sanctuary. “This is where we welcome people, give a tantalizing glimpse of what is to come, and embrace our visitors.” (lisakahndesigns.com)
A two-story floating stairway in front of an oversize window steals the show in this stylish, modern foyer. Situated within a home at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club, the impressive staircase features tempered glass sides topped with walnut wood railings. This particular Miromar Lakes neighborhood requires a flat roof and a modern structure, so the designer continued the theme of the architecture within the interior. Eye-catching, blade-shaped LED wall sconces flank the modern black metal and
glass front door. Walls are stark white, and large porcelain floor tiles are intersected by stripes of warm walnut wood.
“Foyers are to be welcoming, delight your senses, and give a sense of what you are about to experience in a home’s interior,” says Faith Fix, founder and principal at Freestyle Interiors. “We use transitions with flooring and ceilings, interesting textures on walls and in furnishings, and often a pop of color with artwork or lighting. We want guests to arrive with a smile.” (freestyleinteriors.com)
Bringing the outside in is what the clients wished for their Marco Island condominium at Veracruz at Cape Marco. The private elevator opens to a space where a swath of mosaic tile flows. Sky blue textured wallpaper adds to the scene. An effervescent chandelier of glass bubbles hangs from a shiny gold hand-painted ceiling.
“My client wanted to embrace the beach beyond the doors,” shares Dawn Harmon, principal and interior designer at Little Palm Design Group. “The elevator lobby is an introduction of what is to come beyond, and the colors are lively, dynamic, water colors that are carried throughout the home. The vibrancy and sparkle are a continual thread from the champagne[-colored] refrigerator to the dynamic massage room overlooking the Ten Thousand Islands.” (littlepalmdesigngroup.com)
When her client requested a fun, bold foyer for her condominium in Mystique—a luxury high-rise in Naples-located Pelican Bay—Renée Gaddis, principal and interior designer at Renée Gaddis Interiors, went to work. For fun, the walls were covered with grass-cloth wallpaper and crested with black ombré paint. The fashionable custom marble tile floor from Ann Sacks complements the unique design. Three globes suspended from a single cloudlike escutcheon in the corner provide yet another unexpected twist. Perched above the floating console table, a large and bold reflective black disk hosts a circular gold center with lines of gold flowing outward resembling rays of sunshine.
“You never get a second chance for a first impression, and that is how I feel about a foyer,” relates Gaddis. “It gives guests a taste and expectation of what the rest of the home holds.” (reneegaddis.com)
BY LIZA GRANT SMITH
HAUTE SPOT
Add a pop of color to your white couch with ’s striking fuchsia pillow ($110). Summerfields, Naples (summerfieldsnaples.com)
Take your tablescape on an underwater adventure with Kim ’s Coral Spray napkin rings ($120 for set of four). Gattle’s, Naples (gattles.com)
BEADED BEAUTY
Although neutral in color, this wood bead and abaca rope lamp ($1,398) from Palecek is anything but bland thanks to a textured facade. Peach Tree Designs, Naples (peachtreedesigns.com)
READ THE ROOM
For this book-lined space, designer Sherri DuPont of Collins DuPont Design Group created a Caribbean vibe with bright colors and a nod toward Palm Beach. “The owner of this Caribbean home wanted a truly feminine library drenched in the Palm Beach aesthetic,” says DuPont. “What better way to start [than] with Lilly Pulitzer prints? All the furniture is scaled for women, with the color and pattern being the star of the show, hence the use of the acrylic cocktail table.” Naples (collins-dupont.com)
SHELL RAISER
Hand-applied shells in a motif reminiscent of spouting ocean movement take center stage in the Cecilia mirror ($2,340) from Currey & Company Traditions, Naples (traditions.com)
TASTE OF THE TROPICS
Rizzoli’s India Hicks: Island Style ($50) goes behind the scenes of the British designer’s world to reveal her bohemian decorating aesthetic. Barnes & Noble, Naples (barnesandnoble.com)
RETRO ACTIVE
Interior designer Maggie Cruz’s home pieces, such as the Habanera console ($3,410), are inspired by Cuban architecture, her Miami childhood, and her appreciation of Old Florida refinement. (maggiecruzhome.com)
ON THE FRINGE
Enhance your tropical dining endeavors with these fringed raffia placemats ($32 each) from Deborah Rhodes A Mano, Naples (amano.bz)
From floor to ceiling, a two-story home in the Royal Harbor neighborhood with panoramic western views over Naples Bay showcases layers of texture—realizing a graceful yet friendly residence with a West Coast vibe.
“Clients who live on or near the water often request a California coastal theme for the interior of their home,” says Glenn Midnet, president and CEO, DW Interiors by Design West Midnet, who has been designing for 40 years, collaborated with Dominique Coffman, vice president of design, DW Interiors by Design West, on this multiyear project.
Design West is known for sitting down with clients to discuss family dynamics and how the family uses space, as well as any passions the family may have. “We got to know this particu-
lar family very well—this was the second home we designed for them,” remarks Midnet.
Coffman explains that the husband favors a more modern, sleek, and clean look, while the wife likes more traditional details and rustic textures. By juxtaposing modern and traditional details, a coastal aesthetic was achieved. And, while their previous home featured seafoam blue, a transition to a different blue was desired. “A bolder stormy or slate blue was chosen,” she remarks.
The master bath reveals a perfect marriage of the masculine and feminine—as well as the modern and traditional. Dark wood is wrapped around a large inset mirror; a floating cabinet of the same dark wood rests under a substantial marble top. A large, white soaking tub placed under a linear fireplace next to a wall covered in wallpaper of organic shapes of mother-of-pearl brings a warmth to the room, as do accessories mimicking nature. “The high contrast reads rich,” explains Midnet.
Throughout the home, there are subtle height and level differences in the floor. Add to this a variety of flooring options and you experience a range of dimension. In the spa-like VIP bathroom, for example, a stream of river rock runs through a porcelain tiled floor. “A fun detail at not a
huge expense,” notes Coffman. A darker wood floor dominates in the home. “It’s a little bit of tradition,” she adds. Laid diagonally, however, it is less abrupt to the eye when it meets another floor covering, and “it draws you in—in a friendly way.”
Ultimately by utilizing a variety of textures in the home—those more modern and cooler in tone and those composed of wood, shells, rattan, and fabric—an elegant yet casual look came to fruition. Says Midnet, “There is a continuity and a common thread in the home—seamless in transition for a serene and relaxing atmosphere.” (dwest.com)
DISCOVER A DIFFERENT SIDE OF THE BIG EASY, WHERE NEW ADVENTURES AND TRIED-AND-TRUE FAVORITES AWAIT
BY MARY MURRAY
Despite its historic reputation, New Orleans is a city in constant evolution. Part of the thrill of such a destination is the promise of duality, where you can plant one foot in the past and another in the future. Dine at a modern Mexican restaurant then catch a show at a jazz joint that dates to the 1950s. Discover the city’s cultural heritage via interactive displays at Vue Orleans before savoring a Sazerac at Peychaud’s cocktail bar and embarking on a ghost tour. Or simply post up on a veranda and soak in the sounds of the city as you scroll through social media to decide where to grab lunch (but hurry, because Turkey and the Wolf’s stoner-friendly sandwiches often sell out).
Such a veranda—and then some—can be found at Hotel Saint Vincent (saintvincentnola.com)
MML Hospitality resurrected this circa-1861 building (which had its first life as an orphanage) and debuted the hotel in June 2021. From the red brick
to the wrought iron, many of the original exterior architectural flourishes remain. Inside, however, sophisticated Italian decadence commingles with mid-century furnishings and cool ’70s elements such as vintage Murano glass chandeliers. There’s a hint of hedonism across the 75 rooms and suites, all unique in their layouts but inclusive of retro-tiled bathrooms awash in a custom psychedelic wallpaper by Voutsa.
The Italian vibes continue at the onsite San Lorenzo restaurant, while the adjacent Elizabeth Street Café serves French-Vietnamese fare with a Creole tinge. Think: a fried shrimp banh mi with Cajun hot sauce, plus daily special macarons like orange Creamsicle and mint chocolate chip. You can also get your cocktail on—a beloved Big Easy pastime no matter the era—at the Paradise Lounge, Chapel Club, or poolside bar.
One of Hotel Saint Vincent’s draws
is its location within the Lower Garden District. Not only is this neighborhood supremely walkable, but it’s far enough from the more touristy corners to remain insulated from the intense crowds. However, should the French Quarter call, it is just a quick Uber or trolley ride away.
Highlights within the Garden District itself range from gallery hopping to ogling nineteenth-century mansions and sidehall homes. Along the way, pop in and out of local watering holes like The Bower and Barrel Proof before a dinner reservation at Lengua Madre (lenguamadre nola.com). This spot by chef Ana Castro has garnered an avalanche of accolades, including being named one of Bon Appetit’s best new restaurants in America and landing on The New York Times’ 2021 list of the country’s 50 most delicious and vibrant restaurants. Herself a 2023 James Beard nominee for Best Chef: South, Castro crafts multicourse tasting menus that change seasonally, reflect her Mexican heritage, and celebrate Southern ingredients. The meal is a surprise—with the menu only presented at the end—but recent highlights have included a traditional quesadilla with crawfish gobernador and trout roe, and octopus with salsa negra, little gem lettuce, and a coffee-forward aioli.
To get the full scope of Southern cooking, head to the nearby Southern Food & Beverage Museum (southernfood.org).
Belly up to the circa-1850s bar pulled from one of New Orleans’ oldest restaurants, peruse the Galerie d’Absinthe, or
1. PRESERVATION HALL: Order your tickets early to attend an intimate jazz show at this historic venue, where an unassuming facade gives way to a living room–style performance space. These concerts truly feel like casual jam sessions between friends—that is, if your friends were some of the South’s foremost musicians. (preservationhall.com)
2. BLUE NILE: Accent an evening out on Frenchmen Street with a late-night visit to Blue Nile. Catch New Orleans native and trumpeter extraordinaire Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers at this hot spot every Friday. (bluenilelive.com)
3. RIVER CRUISE: For some jazz with a sweet breeze,
learn about the city’s rich culinary history, from red beans and rice to Popeyes and beyond. The museum also hosts cooking classes that provide a hands-on introduction to such staples as jambalaya and gumbo.
One woman who is becoming synonymous with New Orleans cuisine—in the same vein as Emeril Lagasse, Leah Chase, and Willie Mae Seaton—is Nina Compton. A Top Chef finalist and 2023 James Beard semifinalist for Out-
you cannot beat a river cruise. The New Orleans Steamboat Company hosts sailings along the Mississippi River, complete with views of the city, a jazz trio, and options for lunch, brunch, and dinner add-ons. (steamboatnatchez.com)
standing Chef, Compton operates two NOLA restaurants: Bywater American Bistro and Compère Lapin (comperelapin.com), which translates to “brother rabbit,” a figure in Caribbean and Creole folktales. This reference alludes to Compton’s playful marriage of the two cultures as seen in dishes such as hamachi tartare with jerk pineapple and fried okra, her signature curried goat served atop sweet potato gnocchi and garnished with cashews, and her addictive scialatielli, which eats like a Creole carbonara, dotted with crawfish and andouille.
Compère Lapin is part of the city’s Warehouse Arts District, which is also home to attractions including the National World War II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Mardi Gras World, where you can check out the event’s famous floats yearround. For a more off-the-beaten-path stop, walk to the other
side of the French Quarter to visit Studio Be (studiobenola.com). The resident gallery for artist Brandan “BMike” Odums, Studio Be covers some 35,000 square feet and boasts floorto-ceiling artworks that reflect the spirit of New Orleans and those who call it home.
Speaking of spirits, few American cities have as much ghost lore as New Orleans. If you have a penchant for spooky stuff and
plan to explore the French Quarter, do so on a ghost tour. Given the destination’s association with hauntings, vampire sightings, and everything voodoo, there’s no shortage of companies offering these types of experiences both day and night. A standout is NOLA Historic Tours and its Haunted French Quar-
ter Tour (tourneworleans.com). Start at the iconic St. Louis Cathedral to hear the tale of Père Dagobert, followed by stories of the Ursuline Convent’s casket girls, the gregarious ghoul who demands his own table at Muriel’s restaurant, and the city’s most notorious murderess, Madame Delphine LaLaurie.
Katie addresses difficult family issue issues with empathy and understanding in her practice. She makes sure her clients are aware of potential actions and outcomes when it comes to adoptions, divorce, child custody, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Katie does everything she can to keep the client well-informed, which helps to make the proceedings less frightening – just as we’ve done since 1924.
The LaLaurie Mansion, like much of New Orleans, has grown beyond its physical constraints to occupy a distinct place in the imaginations of travelers. The mansion’s insidious reputation has attracted tourists for generations, and the city’s promise of debauchery continues to entice. But should you choose to explore beyond Bourbon Street, you’ll find that New Orleans never plays anything the same way twice. (neworleans.com) «
Katie Kohn Divorce, Marital & Family Law
To quote the nineteenth-century British poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”
In this famous sonnet, Browning is praising her significant other. Had she been around today, she might have directed her adoration toward a far more exciting source—say, BMW’s astonishing new iX M60 electric SUV.
No words—not even those from one of the English language’s most eloquent bards—can come close to adequately describing the eyeball-watering, punch-in-the-solar-plexus way this family five-door spears down the road. That being said, allow me to explain what I love about this SUV that thinks it’s a supercar.
First, a little background. In November 2020, BMW revealed its all-new, all-electric iX xDrive50. Its look was a tad divisive, complete with a massively swollen upright kidney grille, origami-esque bodywork, and an interior George Jetson would love. Fast-forward to
Spring 2022 (about the time when iX hate mail had started to subside) and BMW unveiled the kind of magic the pros at its M for Motorsport division are capable of.
Enter the iX M60, a $108,900 electrified bundle of fun that is nothing less than the automotive equivalent of riding Space Mountain and the Daytona Beach Slingshot at the same time.
Visually, the M division amped up the drama with new 21- and 22-inch rims, blue M-
branded brake calipers, and blacked-out M60 badges. The main change, however, is beneath that aerodynamic skin. While the front electric motor is the same, the rear one got a serious increase in electrons, bringing the combined output to 610 hp and 749 lbft. When launch control is activated, that latter figure jumps to 811.
If you’ve never experienced this type of insta-torque from a high-powered electric
vehicle, go test drive an M60 right now. It’s just a pedal push away from full-on warp speed. Even better: The M60 delivers this intergalactic thrust with zero noise and no gear shifts breaking up the action. Click a stopwatch and you’ll see zero to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with no lull until the speedo needle shows 155.
Speed doesn’t come at the expense of battery range either. On a full charge, the M60 can whir along for 280 miles. BMW will also give you two years of complimentary charging at any Electrify America station, where 30 minutes of juice into the 111-kWh lithiumion battery should add 200 miles of range.
This iX boasts tighter handling courtesy of enhanced dual-axle air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and electric-assist steering. And with the low center of gravity that comes with having a battery pack mounted low under the floor, this new M carves curves like it’s running on invisible rails and rides surprisingly smoothly for such a performance-focused machine.
PRICE: FROM $108,900
ENGINE: TWIN ELECTRIC
MOTORS POWER: 610 HP TORQUE: UP TO 811 LB-FT RANGE: APPROX. 280 MILES
0-60: 3.6 SECONDS TOP SPEED: 155 MPH LENGTH/ WIDTH: 195/77 INCHES
WEIGHT: 5,769 POUNDS WHY WE LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT MIGHT JUST BE THE ULTIMATE ELECTRIC DRIVING MACHINE.
With no pesky internal combustion engine up front, the cabin floors are flatter than Kansas and the legroom is positively limo-like. Luxe materials—including the open-pore walnut panel on the center console, the crystal glass controls, and the clear-to-opaque panoramic glass roof—help to justify the lofty sticker price. Sprawling across the dash is the
iX’s curved screen display, with its 14.9-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch central touchscreen. But be warned: You may have to enroll in a college-level computer course to get the hang of the iDrive8 command screens. Tech demands notwithstanding, I’ve counted at least 20 ways to love this fast and feisty BMW. Your turn, Ms. Browning. «
HIGH SEAS
If it were any more Italian, Invictus Yachts’ brand-new flagship TT460 weekender would run on Chianti Classico, blast Andrea Bocelli from its speakers, and use spaghetti as mooring lines.
Built in Roccelletta di Borgia, this axe-bowed cruiser comes with the kind of handcrafted luxury features you’re more likely to find in a high-end boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. The sun pad cushions, for example, are held down with hand-stitched belts and engraved buckles that wouldn’t look out of place on a Prada handbag. Check the options box, and you too can protect your Invictus against that slimy, barnacle-encrusted dock piling with a set of fenders wrapped in cream leather. Even by the standards of such high-luxe Italian builders as Riva, Azimut, and Benetti, this Invictus stands out.
The TT460 excels in its impressive deck space, as well. Deep side decks make it a breeze to sashay from the cockpit to the sun pad on
the bow. In the cockpit, there are twin sofas with a pair of teak tables that join to accommodate groups of eight or so. Two fold-down terraces make for great dive boards and expand those water views from the dining table. On the back deck there’s another sun pad and steps that lead to the hydraulically lowering swim platform. At the push of a button, the sun pad rises to reveal a tender garage.
Should you want to spend the night, the TT460’s accommodations are surprisingly spacious. The beautifully finished cabin can be configured with the forward part either as a salon with a big sofa or as a sep-
arate master suite with a leather-wrapped double bed. Both layouts come with a second restricted-headroom cabin under the cockpit with twin beds that slide together, plus a bathroom with a separate shower and designer fixtures like a vessel sink.
This new Invictus also boasts a headspinning exterior from the drawing board of Christian Grande. Yes, there are plenty of blunt, axe-shaped bows out there. But the TT’s has added visual drama with contrasting colors and stainless-edged, three-quarter-length hull windows. The stainless-framed windshield and carbon-fiber hardtop that flows off it are gorgeous, and the wing-like panel in the top that rises to direct cooling air to the helm looks like something off a Lamborghini supercar.
Sadly, there are no screaming Lamborghini V12s spinning the props. The 460 comes with a pair of 650-hp Volvo D6 turbo diesels driving forward-facing IPS pod drives. With its smooth, wave-slicing, stepped hull, the 460 can lift on to the
plane in just 7 seconds and hit a top speed of close to 35 knots. Those 6-cylinder Volvos are economical too, especially at a relaxed 20-knot cruise speed.
As for pricing, this flagship TT460 (which made its debut at the recent Miami International Boat Show) starts at around $830,000, though those leather fenders will no doubt bump up the price. Want smaller? Invictus also offers a similarly sleek TT420 and TT280, along with an open-top GT series in 37, 32, and 28 feet.
But nothing can compare with the posh appeal of the new TT460. Take it for a couple trips around the bay, and you’ll be speaking Italian like De Niro in The Godfather Part II in no time. «
A heritage of trust. A modern approach. in Southwest Florida.
850 PARK SHORE DRIVE SUITE 200 NAPLES, FLORIDA 34103
*Wilmington Trust traces its roots to the founding of Wilmington Trust Company in 1903. Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark used in connection with services offered by certain subsidiaries of M&T Bank Corporation. This material is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental agency, are not deposits of or other obligations of or guaranteed by Wilmington Trust, M&T Bank, or any other bank or entity, and are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.
Private Banking is the marketing name for an offering of M&T Bank deposit and loan products and services. Private Bankers are M&T Bank employees. Equal Housing Lender. Loans, retail and business deposits, and other personal and business banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank, Equal Housing Lender Bank NMLS #381076. ©2023 M&T Bank and its affiliates and subsidiaries. All rights reserved. AMP 3685 221229 VF
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABOR JURINA
Shot by Naples Illustrated on location at the Rod & Gun Club and across Everglades City
SOME LIKE IT HOT IN FLIRTY, VINTAGEINSPIRED ATTIRE
Prada slip dress
Opposite page: Dior dress, socks, pumps, necklace For buying information, turn to page 135.
Johanna Ortiz maxi dress, earrings, handbag; Jimmy Choo sandals; Sarah Bray Bermuda hat.
Louis Vuitton utility dress, boots
Opposite page: Dior coat, bra, shorts, socks, boots, necklace
Chanel jacket, belt, boots, earrings, handbag
Opposite page: Michael Kors Collection
caftan gown, sandals, cuff
For buying information, turn to page 135.
Model: Antonina Vasylchenko, The Source Models, Miami
Hair and makeup: Colleen Stone, Creative Management, Miami
Digital tech: Tony Lai
Boat provided by Everglades Fishing Company (evergladesfishingco.com)
COLLIER COUNTY, CARVED FROM A VAST, SWAMPY BACKCOUNTRY AND NAMED FOR THE MAN WHO OWNED MOST OF THE REGION AND A WHOLE LOT MORE— BARRON GIFT COLLIER, IS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS. THE STAFF OF NAPLES ILLUSTRATED GATHERED TO ENUMERATE ALL THE THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT THE GREATER NAPLES AREA, AND ALTHOUGH THERE WERE MANY MORE THAN 100 REASONS, WE CAPPED IT AT THAT.
BY GAYLENE SALOMONS AND JANE E. ENOS
Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli have achieved gastronomical success with their four high-end yet diverse restaurants: Dorona, Barbatella, Grappino, and Sea Salt.
X2 Bayfront
An upscale oasis awaits on Naples Bay at Bayfront, offering visitors a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a lively cabana bar at a colorful location.
3 Blue Martini Lounge
Live music, people watching, and specialty martinis make for entertaining evenings at Blue Martini Lounge, located in Mercato. Enjoy a cocktail on the patio or dance to the live entertainment indoors.
Burn by Rocky Patel
Cigar aficionados love Burn by Rocky Patel, a dark and dreamy cigar lounge that plays great music and serves up an array of cocktails.
5 Celebration Park
Spanning cultures and flavors, Celebration Park is a food truck spectacular. Sample myriad dishes in this open-air food park. Arrive by land or by boat for libations, live music, and fun.
D’Amico Restaurants
Nestled on Third Street South, The Continental and Campiello Ristorante & Bar are hard to beat for alfresco dining, people watching, and fantastic food. A bit north in Naples, you’ll find Ziggy D’Amico’s Whiskey Bar & Diner, serving up American comfort food.
7 Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Located on Third Street South, this popular spot serves Hawaiian blends, including 100 percent Kona coffee, as well as breakfast and bakery treats.
8 Sails Restaurant
A true dining experience, Sails offers exquisite selections, including fresh seafood and handmade pastas, in an elegant environment with exceptional service.
9 Narrative Coffee Roasters
With locations in Mercato and off Central Avenue in Naples, Narrative Coffee roasts quality seasonal coffees and maintains a mission of putting people first.
10 Culinary Concepts Restaurants
With locations just steps away from one another on Fifth Avenue South, Chops City Grill, Pazzo!, and Yabba Island Grill—all restaurants from Culinary Concepts—provide excellent food and drink in modish surroundings.
11 Lake Park Diner
A fun, casual eatery with a focus on quality foods and sustainable practices, Lake Park Diner provides creative menu options that are enjoyed in a comfortable outdoor setting.
12 Hogfish
Harry’s
From roasted Gulf grouper to grilled hogfish, some of Naples’ freshest seafood is served at Hogfish Harry’s, where tropical flavors abound.
13 Island Gypsy Café and Marina Bar
Upon the charming Isle of Capri, you’ll find the Island Gypsy Café and Marina Bar, where you can arrive by car or boat and relish a casual dockside vibe.
14 La Playa Beach & Golf Resort
La Playa Beach & Golf Resort is the perfect place to meet for a cocktail with the setting sun as a backdrop. The signature restaurant of the resort, Baleen, provides picturesque vistas of the beach.
15 Mercato
Mercato doesn’t disappoint, providing an array of shops, restaurants, and activities to visitors— from a Silverspot Cinema to Whole Foods and everything in between.
Marissa Collections
Marissa Collections provides a superbly curated selection of luxury clothing and jewelry. Look for the hard-to-miss pink building on the corner of Third Street South and Broad Avenue South.
17 Seed to Table
It’s a culinary celebration at Seed to Table,
a 75,000-square-foot farmers market-inspired food and drink stop in North Naples that features several restaurants, bars, and live entertainment seven nights a week.
Waterside Shops
If it’s a brand-name fix you crave, Waterside Shops, a luxurious outdoor mall venue, is where to head. Hermès, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, and many other high-end retailers await.
19 Three60 Market
Three60 Market, overlooking Haldeman Creek, offers an impressive selection of freshly prepared foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as a wine shop known for its great prices.
20 Turco Taco
The fast-casual Turco Taco—with locations in both north and south Naples—is committed to serving fresh, organic produce and hormone- and antibiotic-free premium meats.
21 The Vine Room
Located in downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue
South, The Vine Room is a clandestine, sophisticated speakeasy that specializes in themed cocktails, small plates, and more.
22 The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
The Village Shops on Venetian Bay offer more waterfront shopping and dining options than any other destination in Naples. Favorite restaurants include M Waterfront Grille, Fish Restaurant, Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, and others.
23 Campagna Hospitality Group
Campagna Hospitality Group restaurants include Osteria Tulia, Bar Tulia, Bar Tulia Mercato, and The French Brasserie Rustique; they’re favorites for European flavors, the latest culinary trends, and excellent service.
24 The Oyster Society
A Marco Island fave, this sensational seafood restaurant known for its raw bar specialties serves up hand-selected catches, many of which are local, in a lively, Art Deco–designed atmosphere.
25 Jane’s Café on Third
Indoor and alfresco dining are available at this breakfast and lunch mainstay, located off Third Street South. The menu includes a range of fare, including delectable eggs Benedict and omelet options.
26 Clam Pass Park
A charming boardwalk wends its way through acres of mangrove preserve at Clam Pass Park, one of the most popular beach access points in Collier County that offers 35 acres of coastal habitat to its visitors.
27 Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park, open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., is a perennial favorite when it comes to beachfront parks, complete with sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, picnic tables, two gazebos for rent, a concession stand, and more.
28 Naples Pier
Though seriously affected by Hurricane Ian, the Naples Pier still stands proudly as an area icon. Slated to be restored by late summer, this long-standing landmark gives sightseers a chance to survey the Gulf of Mexico 1,000 feet from shore.
29 Tigertail Beach Park
Wade through a tidal lagoon and explore the coastal habitat of one of Marco Island’s most popular beach spots: Tigertail Beach Park. A barrier island in the making, it’s an exceptional place to bird watch, collect shells, and take in the golden hour.
30 Vanderbilt Beach Park
Situated next to upscale hotels in North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach Park is a popular destination with a dedicated parking garage. White sand beaches attract visitors at this 5-acre park.
31 Via Miramar Beach
When you want to spend a quiet day sitting at the edge of turquoise waters, Via Miramar Beach, just north of Doctor’s Pass off Gulf Shore Boulevard North, is the place to be.
32 Ave Maria
Ave Maria, a quaint college town built around a spectacular church, is just a lazy Sunday afternoon drive away. Enjoy shops and restaurants or take in the sights of Ave Maria University, including the Mother Teresa Museum.
33 Baker Park
Baker Park, inclusive of a 1.3-mile trail that features vistas of the Gordon River, comprises 15 acres and is the perfect location for a morning or afternoon out with friends, family, and fur babies.
34 CREW Land & Water Trust Trails
CREW (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed) Land & Water Trust is a private, nonprofit organization with preserved areas in both Collier and Lee counties. Aside from its conservation initiatives, it offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails to take in Florida’s most scenic flora and fauna.
35 Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center
With an array of indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Nature Center connects people with Southwest
Florida’s distinct ecosystem at its 21acre preserve.
36 Audubon’s Corkscrew
Swamp Sanctuary
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to a variety of creatures, from alligators to deer to turtles to sundry bird species. Venture into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem on a 2.25-mile boardwalk that traverses multiple habitats.
37 Crayton Cove
Beautiful Crayton Cove harbors fun restaurants and shops, as well as the Cove Inn, while sheltering a bevy of moored boats and yachts.
38 Freedom Park
Just off Gold Gate Parkway, a wooden boardwalk meanders through 50 acres of restored wetlands at Freedom Park in the center of Naples. It’s a great spot to take in nature, including ibis and a variety of herons.
39 Goodland
Goodland—believed to have been founded in the late 1800s—is a quaint fishing village with a relaxed weekend vibe visitors covet. Sundays are fun days here, with multiple spots for music, drinks, and dancing.
40 Gordon River Greenway Park
Gordon River Greenway Park is composed of 140 acres offering 2.5 miles of asphalt, mulch, and boardwalk trails that wind through six different native plant communities. Walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers are welcome, as are leashed pups.
41 Keewaydin Island
Located 3 miles off Naples, Keewaydin Island is a barrier island with abundant untouched white sand. The northern tip holds a dozen privately owned cottages, while Boater’s Beach, so-called by locals, is situated at the southern tip of the island.
42 Naples Botanical Garden
A world-class garden paradise spanning 170 acres is found at the Naples Botanical Garden; the garden welcomes 260,000 visitors each year to enjoy themed gardens representative of the tropics.
43 Naples Art District
Stroll through Naples Art District and discover a vibrant alliance of artists and galleries showcas ing their works.
44 Naples Design District
Naples Design District is a shopping destination dedicated to innovative design, art, architecture, dining, and more.
45 Naples Preserve and Hedges
Family Eco-Center
Walk the boardwalk through a natural
Florida habitat at Naples
Preserve and Hedges Family Eco-Center. This 9.5-acre scrub oak community contains diverse plants and wildlife; environmental education programs are offered, too.
46 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Experience the always-popular primate expedition cruise or take in giraffe feeding at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. These two encounters are a mere sampling of what’s found at a zoo offering fun for all ages.
47 Revs Institute
Declared the finest sports car collection in the United States by The New York Times, Revs Institute is home to more than 100 significant automobiles built between 1896 and 1995.
48 Paradise Coast Sports Complex
This complex hosts many tournaments throughout the year, including for youth travel soccer,
lacrosse, and football. However, here you can also listen to live music, eat from food trucks, or get fit at one of the most impressive outdoor gyms in Southwest Florida.
49 Rod & Gun Club
Established in 1864, the Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City allows you to step back in time to Old Florida. It’s a unique, rustic location to stay over, fish, dine, and watch the sunset.
50 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Learn about the vital estuarine habitat at Rookery Bay, a protected site spanning more than 110,000 acres of coastal lands and waters that constitutes 40 percent of the Collier County coastline.
51 Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Schedule a tour at Shy Wolf Sanctuary and learn about wild animals that are humanely rescued and rehabilitated. To date, more than 1,260 animals have been rescued.
52 NGALA
Your next event—be it a wedding, gala, or corporate outing—comes alive at NGALA Wildlife Preserve, featuring animal encounters and state-
of-the-art event facilities. Most animals found here were born in captivity and cannot be returned to their wild environments.
53 Ten Thousand Islands
Ten Thousand Islands are a maze of water and mangroves and home to an abundance of wildlife, including land and sea creatures. Spots to explore include Turner River, Halfway Creek, Sandfly Island, and the East River.
54 The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón Reserve a room and ride the waterslides at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, the perfect place for a family-friendly vacation or staycation. If golf is your activity of choice, two 18-hole championship courses are available.
55 Local Farmers Markets
There’s no shortage of quality farmers markets in our area. Some of our favorite markets include Third Street South Farmer’s Market, Vanderbilt Farmers Market, Pine Ridge Road Farmer’s Market, and Rookery Bay Farmers Market.
56 Tin City
A shopping destination specializing in local items, historic Tin City is a waterfront marketplace offering several boutiques, restaurants, an ice cream parlor, and more.
57 Naples Illustrated
The glossy Naples Illustrated perfectly captures the luxury lifestyle of Neapolitans. With a focus on local people, places, and events, the publication celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary this year.
58 Naples Daily News Visitors and residents with a 239 area code read all the local news—including the latest on sports and entertainment—in this publication, which was founded in 1923.
59 Naples Charity Register
Few towns are more philanthropic than Naples. A comprehensive event calendar is compiled every fall in the Naples Charity Register for those who want to support the area’s many philanthropies by attending parties, galas, and more.
60 Collier County Public Schools
Collier County Public Schools ranks as one of the top five districts statewide. The system boasts 63 schools, including eight high schools, 10 middle schools, and 31 elementary schools.
61 Florida SouthWestern State College
Offering associate degrees in arts or science, as well as bachelor’s degrees and various certificates, this college opened in 1992 and sits on an 80-acre site in south Naples.
62 The Naples 100
An annual publication, The Naples 100 highlights the area’s top leaders across multiple industries, including innovators, entrepreneurs, dedicated community builders, and other movers and shakers.
63 Artis—Naples
Home to The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis—Naples is one of the area’s leading cultural resources with more than 300 productions every year.
64 Cambier Park
Named after William Cambier—a town engineer vital to the early development of the City of Naples, Cambier Park boasts a playground, a baseball diamond, a bandshell, a tennis center, bocce ball courts, and more.
65 Cars on 5th Concours
Cars on 5th Concours hums 19 years strong and is the largest annual one-day event in Naples, featuring more than 650 exotic and classic cars, including more than 150 Ferraris.
66 Museum of the Everglades
This museum, located in historic Everglades City, features permanent and rotating exhibits that offer a glimpse at the more than 2,000 years of history in the area.
67 Naples Depot Museum
Temporarily closed due to Hurricane Ian, the museum is situated in the heart of Naples and is the site of the privately operated Naples Train Museum. On display are Seminole dugout canoes, an antique swamp buggy, restored rail cars, and more.
68 Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch
Immokalee Pioneer
Museum at Roberts Ranch is a 13-acre historic site and the longest running ranch in South Florida. Exhibits and programs are available, and on site are 15 preserved buildings.
69 Marco Island Historical Museum
Examine what life was like for Southwest Florida’s Calusa people via informative exhibits, including a re-created village scene. This museum is also home to the well-known Key Marco Cat, an important North American archeological discovery.
70 Collier Museum at Government Center
Exhibits covering diverse historical influences reveal how civilization progressed in Collier County. Learn about the Calusa and Seminole peoples, as well as early pioneers.
71 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The largest privately funded parade in Florida, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples draws approximately 40,000 people to the downtown area in celebration of Irish heritage and culture.
72 Naples Pride Fest
Celebrating diversity and inclusion, Naples Pride seeks to educate the community on LGBTQ issues. Pride Fest, held at Cambier Park, features speakers, musicians and performers, vendors, and exhibitors.
73 Fourth of July Parade
This fun, patriotic event offers excitement for the entire family. Typically, the parade route runs from Broad Avenue South to Third Street South and proceeds north to Fifth Avenue South, eventually ending at Eighth Avenue South.
74 East Naples Community Park
This park offers activities for youth, adults, and seniors, as well as a playground, a community center, soccer fields, and more. It’s also home to the Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships.
75 The Edge Johnny Nocera Skate Park
This skate park offers up an impressive 40,000 square feet of concrete and includes a variety of structures to practice skills, including those appropriate for beginners to advanced skaters.
76 Evenings on Fifth
Make sure to visit Fifth Avenue South the third Thursday evening of every month for an array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks at Evenings on Fifth.
77 Gulfshore Playhouse
Construction has begun on the new Gulfshore Playhouse, which is committed to enhancing the area’s cultural landscape through professional theater and unique educational opportunities.
78 Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Kayaking and paddleboarding options are plentiful in the many channels that wind through the mangroves.
79 Naples Art Institute
Professionally curated exhibitions draw visitors to Naples Art Institute, a vibrant cultural destination offering a place for artists—near and far—to share their work. Classes, workshops, lectures, and special programs are offered also.
80 Miss Naples Catamaran
This 48-foot custom catamaran (able to accommodate 48 people) offers daily trips, afternoon excursions, and sunset cruises.
81 Naples Princess
Perfect for a daily cruise, a private charter, or even a unique wedding venue, the Naples Princess is a large luxury yacht affording wonderful views of Naples from the water.
Sweet Liberty Catamaran
Operating more than 25 years and leaving from Naples City Dock, this 53-foot catamaran offers a variety of cruises, including shelling, sunset, and sightseeing tours. It’s also available for private events.
Black Pearl
Located in Marco Island, the Black Pearl offers interactive piratethemed tours, sunset cruises, and private charters to celebrate special events at sea.
84 Naples Trolley Tours
Hop aboard a vintage trolley and learn all about the area on Naples Trolley Tours. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about the city.
85 Off the Hook Comedy Club
Many laughs are to be had at this club that brings some of the biggest names in comedy to our area. Shows are performed every night, Thursday through Sunday.
86 Live Fest
Country music fans clap knowing Naples plays host to outdoor honky-tonk music performances at Live Fest.
87 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, C’MON
Dedicated to children, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, C’MON provides educational fun in 30,000 square feet of space and two stories.
88 Quick Draw Art Auction
Artists gather under the sun for three hours to create works that anyone can bid on and buy at the Quick Draw Art Auction benefiting Collier Legal Aid Services.
89 The Naples Players
Founded in 1953, The Naples Players performs great community theater at the Sugden Community Theatre, located in downtown Naples, which is undergoing substantial renovation.
90 Opera Naples
Internationally acclaimed artists perform some of the most treasured operatic works through Opera Naples, a community-based, nonprofit arts organization.
91 Baker Senior Center Naples
Supporting seniors in Collier County and beyond, Baker Senior Center Naples offers programs and services inclusive of respite support, geriatric case management, mental health services, and food assistance.
92 TheatreZone
You can find Broadway-quality productions in Naples at TheatreZone, in residence at the G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus.
93 Collier Community Foundation
More than 700 funds established by charitable individuals, corporations, and organizations are managed by the Collier Community Foundation to address the community’s most pressing needs.
94 David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health
David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health has provided much-needed mental health care services to the community for more than 50 years.
95 NCH
A nationally recognized and ranked health care system, NCH provides an array of top-quality medical services at the center of town and at its satellite locations.
96 Greater Naples Chamber
The Greater Naples Chamber successfully cultivates a business-friendly environment for those who choose to invest in the community.
97 Naples Winter Wine Festival
A days-long wine extravaganza, the Naples Winter Wine Festival is one of the most distinguished
wine events in the nation and arguably the world. Its proceeds benefit the Naples Children & Education Foundation.
98 Naples Children & Education Foundation
Naples Children & Education Foundation provides grants to organizations with effective charitable programs that benefit the lives of the county’s underprivileged and at-risk children.
99 St. Matthew’s House
St. Matthew’s House provides a large umbrella of services and resources to care for those wounded by life’s circumstances.
100 Generous Philanthropists
Naples Illustrated salutes Collier County’s many generous philanthropists who give, and give, and give some more to better our community.
Naples celebrates its centennial anniversary this year. On December 1, 1923, Naples was incorporated as a municipality; 20 years later the population was recorded at around 1,200. Today, the U.S. Census Bureau reports nearly 20,000 people (snowbirds not included). To learn more about how our area has transformed, we sought out current residents from multiple decades—from someone in their 40s to someone in their 90s. Through chats about their longtime lives in Naples, we unearthed when they came, why they came, what they remember, and their feelings about the evolution of Naples through the years.
BY GAYLENE SALOMONS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AUDREY SNOW OWEN
Minka McDonald moved to Naples when she was just 3 years old. Her family, including her grandparents, fled Jamaica, a country in political turmoil and on the verge of communism in the 1970s.
McDonald remembers Naples as a tiny beach town. After only one year, her family decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia, for business opportunities. “We lived in the Southern city for 11 years,” she says, but “we always returned to Naples and Marco Island for our family vacations.” Her parents had purchased a condo on Marco Island, making this possible. In 1991, at 15 years of age, McDonald and her family moved back to Naples in the middle of the school year; she and her sister enrolled at Barron Collier High School.
“We left our city, school, and all our friends and moved to this quiet town. We thought we were going to die,” she recalls. Fortunately, while attending Barron Collier High School and really “into running,” the sisters joined the track team, quickly finding themselves spending their weekends at the beach with a growing group of new friends—boating, tubing, and wakeboarding. “We fell in love with Naples.”
Her family rented a single-story house on Bayview Avenue that overlooked the bay directly at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. The beach was at the end of the street. Watching sunsets on the beach became the activity of choice.
McDonald’s mother opened her own interior design company—Jinx McDonald Interior Designs—in 2000. Soon after, McDonald once again made Naples her permanent home and worked as her mom’s design assistant. At that time, she recalls thinking the town was booming and blowing up. “I couldn’t have imagined then that it could grow even more,” she says. “The recession slowed things down for a few years, but Naples keeps going and going.”
Did she ever think Naples would turn into the place it is today?
“It has been amazing and unbelievable to watch this town grow into a thriving city where everyone in the world wants to live. I lived in different places in my 20s and some of my 30s—I was so happy to move back to Naples and settle down. I love running into old friends and acquaintances at the grocery store. I love that my dentist is an old friend and former track teammate. I could go on and on!”
Mark Stahlman is a rare true native—he was one of the first babies born at Naples Community Hospital, the oldest child of Russell and Edriess Stahlman. His father began Stahlman Property Maintenance Service in 1965, which at one time was located on Third Street South, where The Continental restaurant now operates. Stahlman recalls how the street was often lined with “20 green trucks.” In 1968, the property maintenance company included a nursery and became Stahlman & Sons, moving just north of Pine Ridge Road on undeveloped land.
Raised in the Aqualane Shores neighborhood, Stahlman experienced a pleasant childhood and has many good memories growing up in what he describes as a relaxed and low-key atmosphere with no crime. “You knew everyone,” he says. “Many of the Naples families owned the businesses, and we all supported each other.”
As a kid, he remembers building forts on the numerous empty lots surrounding his home, spearfishing at Gordon’s Pass, hunting on east Trail in the marshlands, and hearing ice being made and delivered by Naples Ice House. He could often be found watching the shrimp boats unload at the Turner and city docks or playing softball at Cambier Park. The movie theater was in a Quonset hut near the Beach Store (on Third Street South). Local businessmen would gather on Sundays at the dove fields— where Costco now stands—to hunt. Annual anticipated events included the Swamp Buggy Parade and an Easter egg hunt in Cambier Park. He remembers empty streets, which allowed his brothers and him to ride their bicycles everywhere; eventually they upgraded to Cushman three-wheel utility carts to traverse the town.
For Stahlman, “water sports were everything.” At 17 years of age, he was one of the country’s top young water-skiers. A newspaper article about him at this time states he thought he might make skiing his career—possibly opening a ski school in Naples. Having come from a family business of landscaping and irrigation, he instead founded Stahlman Irrigation in 1980. He grew the company and today serves as founder and vice chairman of the board for Stahlman-England; he also gives much of his time to industry-related groups. Devoted to his
community and faith, Stahlman is involved in charitable organizations, including St. Matthew’s House, Habitat for Humanity, Guadalupe Center, and the YMCA.
Did he ever think Naples would become what it has today?
“No, I never had a clue—even when Golden Gate started in the 1960s—they were just houses far out of town,” he notes. “Naples really didn’t take off until Coquina Sands and the Moorings developments began around 1965. It truly was a little fishing town that developed into a major city. I am so proud to be a native of Naples!”
Mary Molter Cohen was born in Fort Myers at the Lee County Memorial Hospital. She moved to the Pine Ridge neighborhood in 1963, when her father purchased five acres of land on Hickory Road (when Pine Ridge Road was dirt and gravel). “We lived out in the boonies,” she recalls.
Molter Cohen was from a large Catholic family—one of nine children. Attending mass was an important part of her life. “We drove to Saint Ann’s every Sunday before Saint William was built in 1980,” she says. Molter Cohen explains she loved school and attended Sea Gate Elementary, Gulfview Middle School, and Naples High School, involving herself in various after-school activities and clubs. Molter Cohen was the first recipient of the Elizabeth E. Barnett scholarship (created by former Naples mayor Bill Barnett in honor of his late mother), affording Molter Cohen the opportunity to obtain a college degree—the first in her family who did.
“Everything in my world centered around the beach and intercoastal waterways. If you had a friend with a boat, it was ideal. Sunset watching was popular,” remembers Molter Cohen. “Naples Pier, North Lake Drive, and Horizon Way were the top three beach sites for sunning and swimming. Hot spots were the Beach Store on Third Street South—it was a drug store with lunch service and a movie theater; Dairy Queen was popular, as was the 7-Eleven on Twenty-second Avenue.”
“I always considered Naples to be an idyllic small town where ordinances were strict and standards were high,” relates Molter Cohen. “Our medians on US 41 were beautified early on. Naples was charming—a quiet place where we really could not find trouble as teenagers.”
After graduating from college, Molter Cohen moved to Marietta, Georgia, working in the adult beverage industry—focused on wines—for 37 years. In January 2022, following a successful career (for several years as a single mother), she retired. Twenty-nine years ago, she married Barry Cohen, and together they raised a blended family of five children. She and Barry have been full-time residents of Naples since 2008.
Molter Cohen runs the annual Molter Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit Folds of Honor, honoring the sacrifices of military and first responders by educating their legacies. She also stays involved with Youth Haven. Often on her mind these days as well, she tells, is “keeping Naples affordable for those who provide vital services.”
Did Molter Cohen ever think Naples would become what it has today?
“Naples is a place that, no matter how much it has grown, represents happy, healthy, and benevolent people who do their best to help those most in need, especially the children, while generously supporting the arts, culture, and spiritual foundations and still preserving a charm and a small-town personality.”
Peter Van Arsdale’s parents, John and Betty Van Arsdale, first visited Naples in the spring of 1956. They were traveling the perimeter of the west coast, searching for a place they could operate the Provincetown-Boston Airline (PBA), which they founded in 1949, during the winter months when demand for travel to the Cape Cod airfield slowed. They didn’t necessarily discover Naples as a beautiful town in which to live or retire (as so many do today)—they saw a business opportunity.
Peter was born in 1949 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, becoming a snowbird at only 7 years old. From November to May, he attended Naples Elementary on the grounds of what today is Gulfview Middle School, claiming he was “the smartest kid in the class.” When he returned to school in Massachusetts, however, his mother quickly discovered he was lagging behind his peers and sent him off to a boarding school.
Van Arsdale’s father trained him to fly. And, although he was going to pursue a career in banking, he—with a wife in tow— returned to Naples in 1972 to work for PBA. In 1980, he and his brother, John, purchased the airline from their father and continued to expand the Florida routes. In 1984, PBA became a significant airline in Florida, growing from a small niche carrier to the largest commuter airline in the country with 113 aircraft transporting mostly vacationers.
He and his wife lived in a small condo on Gulf Shore Boulevard; daughters Joslyn and Nina were born in 1975 and 1978 respectively. The family’s recreation time was spent boating and enjoying water-based activities. “Dinners out might be at St. George & The Dragon or The Pewter Mug—seemingly light years away in north county,” says Van Arsdale.
In 1977, he bought a small home in the Port Royal neighborhood for $250,000. “When you walked in the front door, you could see for
Judy C. Sproul moved to Naples 50 years ago. Born in New York City, she’s the daughter of Barron Collier Jr. and his wife, Barbara. Her grandfather, Barron Gift Collier, was an American advertising entrepreneur who became the largest landowner and developer in the state of Florida.
“I have always loved Florida,” remarks Sproul, who as a child fondly remembers visiting Boca Grande and staying at The Gasparilla Inn & Club, which was owned from 1930 to 1961 by Barron Collier/The Collier Corporation of Useppa Island and New York. “Before people started buying second homes in Florida, they stayed for weeks at a time at hotels,” says Sproul.
Sproul’s father worked in the financial industry in New York and, after his two brothers passed in the 1950s, was needed to run the Barron Collier family business in Florida. At that time, the county seat was in Everglades City. Sproul’s mother decided that was not an option as a place to live, so when Sproul was 11, they moved to Palm Beach. Sproul attended college for two years, studying finance; she then met and married Earle “Bud” Sproul. They settled in Connecticut and together had three daughters. Her husband died when the girls were
miles—all the way to Gordon Drive,” he relates. In 1989, People Express Airlines, the first domestic low-fare airline, purchased PBA and Van Arsdale pivoted to the construction industry, later teaching flight safety courses. After leaving the area for 10 years, he is once again a snowbird, splitting his time between St. Louis, Missouri, and Naples.
What does he think about how Naples has developed over the years?
“Naples is a late bloomer,” he says. Although he considers change inevitable, Van Arsdale admits he likes what is happening in Naples. “The town has shown remarkable restraint over the years; development is being done so well—it doesn’t mean everyone likes it, but it is amazing how the grid, platted in the late 1800s, survived in Naples, including no high-rises from the former Naples Beach Club south to Gordon Pass. Naples had strong leaders, like Roy Smith, an early mayor in town.” Van Arsdale also remembers his term on city council and spearheading the revitalization of Fifth Avenue South, marveling at the bustling destination street it has now become.
As the town continues to change, he notes: “There are still serious issues, but there exists a strong will to make things right and better.”
On November 18, 1955, at 27 years of age, Thelma Teresa Rapa, born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, moved to Naples. A registered nurse, she was recruited by the first administrator of Naples Community Hospital (NCH) to help open the new hospital.
As nurses, “we lived at the Nightingale Apartments, located between Third and Fourth avenues,” says Hodges, who notes they paid $68 per month. “There was only one stoplight in town—at the Four Corners [Tamiami Trail and Fifth Avenue South]. Grocery shopping was done at Don Wynn’s Sunshine Grocer on Fifth Avenue; church was at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church.”
tending to every detail—even the selection of silverware and china for the dining room.
“But the real impact was Hurricane Donna,” says Hodges. “It devastated Collier County in the same way Ian devastated Lee County. It leveled us. Slowly and steadily, we came back. We needed every kind of work -
very young, so in 1973, Sproul decided to move to Naples to work in the family business and raise her family.
She discovered “Naples was a good ole boys’ town, and most of the women didn’t work,” declaring that she had to make her own way in the business world. Sproul chose to keep her maiden name private as she wanted to make a name for herself—something she accomplished. Today, Sproul serves on the board of Halstatt, a family-owned investment firm that she founded, and is a general partner of Barron Collier Companies.
Sproul arrived at what she views as an “exciting time” for the town of Naples and considers herself a pioneer of the era. One of Sproul’s greatest achievements was developing Grey Oaks Country Club. “I was land rich and cash poor,” she admits, so she sold some land in trust for her and her daughters to help fund the development. It quickly became her fourth child.
Fifty years later, what does Sproul think of the popular town she helped create?
In her opinion, those who chose to move to Naples wanted a more friendly town than what they found on the east coast. She believes this happened because the town developed slowly. She does fear that a way of life that includes and celebrates the natural beauty of Florida is getting lost—one of the reasons she built a home in a remote, rural location east of Immokalee that she often visits.
It is the interweaving of people from different places, bringing a variety of experiences, that Sproul concludes made and continues to make Naples so great.
Hodges remembers dining out at The Anchor or The Flaming Fountain. “We went to the movies in the Quonset hut on Third—but if it rained, they would have to stop the movie because it had a steel roof.” The Junior Women’s Club and the Beach Club hosted parties; an annual Tinsel Ball was held in December—where she reminds, “girls could invite boys.” It was at this ball that she met Earl Hodges, an ambulance driver in Naples. They married in 1958 and opened Hodges Funeral Home in the early ’60s.
What were her impressions of Naples as a place to live?
“When I first arrived, it was what everyone said it was: a fishing village. There was nothing here.”
Hodges maintains the hospital helped change that with the help of Mrs. Briggs (of Briggs & Stratton engines), a very civic-minded person. As a champion of the hospital, Hodges recalls Briggs
force imaginable. Many skilled workers came from up north, expecting to stay until particular projects were complete. Instead, many decided to stay. Marriages occurred, families emerged, schools were built—all thanks to Donna and determination.”
Did she ever think the town would become what it has today?
Did she see the potential?
“It all unfolded. Once I met Earl, every day was exciting. He loved the whole idea of living in a community and contributing to its development.” For Hodges, being a Neapolitan is “a privilege. A blessing, really,” she adds. «
AS NAPLES CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL, WE’RE PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLACES THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME AS SOME OF THE FIRST OR LONGEST RUNNING ESTABLISHMENTS
BY ANDREA STEHLE AND JANE E. ENOSThe Naples Museum of Art, now known as The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples, was the first full-scale art museum in Naples, offering visitors displays of permanent art collections, traveling exhibitions, and other attractions. The museum’s first few seasons offered an appealing range of exhibits, including works from local photographer Clyde Butcher, glassworks from artist Dale Chihuly, and an impressive collection of watercolors and drawings from French Neo-Impressionist Paul Signac. The museum’s inception drew national media
Standing humbly and in stark contrast to the mansions that line Gordon Drive is Naples’ oldest home: Historic Palm Cottage, a prominent landmark stewarded by the Naples Historical Society. Located on the corner of Twelfth Avenue South and Gulf Shore Boulevard, Palm Cottage dates to 1895; it’s partly constructed of tabby mortar—a type of concrete made from sand, shells, and water. The home, which was built by Walter N. Haldeman, a newspaper owner and publisher from Louisville, Kentucky, spans approximately 3,500 square feet and now appears within the National Register of Historic Places.
The cottage has weathered many storms in its more than 120 years, forced to close its doors recently because of Hurricane Ian. As of press time, this local treasure is scheduled to reopen in early
coverage, notably from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times
“The opening of The Baker Museum, then the Naples Museum of Art, in 2000 was a significant milestone in the cultural development of Naples,” says Courtney McNeil, director and chief curator of The Baker Museum.
Today, The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples is one of the foremost fine art museums in Southwest Florida. It continues to host impressive traveling exhibitions; these complement installations of works from its permanent collection, which comprises more than 4,000 unique art pieces.
“Now entering its third
April 2023.
“For the record, I am immensely pleased with the restoration progress to date,” says Elaine L. Reed, chief executive officer, Naples Historical Society. “We are tackling this major capital project with the finest of intentions to be good stewards of Historic Palm Cottage. We also have had a few good [Naples Historical] Society friends help us manage some expenses to date. For that we are all grateful.”
Naples Historical Society recently purchased the home and property adjacent to Palm Cottage and has plans to create museum exhibits within its interior. A winding pathway on the newly acquired prop-
decade, The Baker Museum is an important destination for locals and tourists alike and provides a vital contribution to the multidisciplinary mission of Artis—Naples, illuminating ties between the visual arts and other art forms,” explains McNeil.
As Naples has grown through the years so too has the museum. In fall 2020, Artis—Naples proudly opened an 18,000-square-foot expansion of The Baker Museum and is enjoying a wonderful new era of patrons engaging in its spaces in diverse ways, including through exhibitions, performances, educational activities, and social events. (artisnaples.org)
erty will feature educational signage—or “history stations”—explaining notable historical events in Naples.
In addition to tours (planned to return later in 2023), Palm Cottage hosts several exciting events throughout the year, including Croquet & Chardonnay and Summer at the Cottage. (napleshistoricalsociety.org)
Established in 1964 by Foster Harmon on Third Street South, Harmon Gallery (now Harmon-Meek Gallery) is the oldest gallery of fine art in Naples. In 1972, William Meek joined forces with Harmon as assistant director, later purchasing the gallery in 1978. The gallery’s name officially changed to Harmon-Meek Gallery in 1982 and relocated to Fifth Avenue in the ’90s.
In the area, Harmon-Meek Gallery was the first to exhibit art by established and master artists, and its selective standards for artist representation have not vacillated. To be considered for representation, artists must be in museum collections.
In 2012, Kristine Meek and Juliana Meek, William’s daughters, joined Harmon-Meek as assistant directors. Kristine and Juliana currently serve as co-directors and co-owners. William, regarded for his extensive knowledge of American art and the first art dealer awarded the New York Artists Equity Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Visual Arts, now holds the title of director emeritus.
“Because of our season, we would often get works from artists before their New York galleries,” explains co-director Kristine. “Often people visiting and ‘snow birding’ would be able to see the artists they enjoyed in Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and New York in Naples.”
The gallery has since made a historic return to the Third Street South district; a second location on Ninth Street is used as a private sales gallery, providing ample space for consultations with collectors. (harmonmeekgallery.com)
Many attractions draw visitors to Naples, and one of the most wellknown and beloved is Fifth Avenue South, the unofficial Main Street of the city established in the 1920s. What must be one of the busiest intersections in Naples now, the junction between Fifth Avenue South and Ninth Street South, was known to locals as the “Four Corners,” presumably so named because businesses existed on each corner of the intersection.
Since 1953 Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room, located in Tin City, has been serving fresh seafood to residents and visitors of Naples, making it the oldest seafood restaurant in Naples still in operation. It began as a net and gear shop frequented by shrimpers and other local fishermen, eventually evolving into Kelly’s Fish House Dining Room.
The family-owned restaurant imparts an Old Florida feel and is situated directly beside the Gordon River bridge on Fifth Avenue. With a rustic aesthetic, it looks much the same as it did 60 years ago, complete with cypress walls and a knotty pine ceiling.
The current owner, Kelly Ellis, explains that his stepfather was a commercial fisherman and bought the seafood business from Bob and Pat Combs in 1957; Ellis acquired the
restaurant in 1971. It has remained largely unchanged ever since.
Menu highlights include Gulf shrimp and stone crab, Florida Gulf grouper, Gulf snapper, and scallops. Ellis buys from independent fishermen who work on consignment to bring in local fish.
What’s responsible for the restaurant’s long run besides the fresh catch? According to Ellis, it’s his employees, many of whom have worked at the location for several decades.
(kellysfishhousediningroom.com)
The Tamiami Freightway Station and Frank’s Hardware appeared on the southeast corner. On the southwest corner was Naples Liquors and on the northwest a Sinclair station. In the ’20s and ’30s, Naples was a sleepy fishing village; however, many considered the northeast corner of the Four Corners the city’s social center. Here stood the Gulf service station, but it was also the location of Club 41 restaurant, where early Neapolitans would gather for good food, fun, and conversation.
By 1948, the Four Corners intersection necessitated a traffic light, the city’s first. Of course, there’s still a stoplight today, but—depending on the time of year— several thousands of vehicles pass through daily. Except for the northeast corner of the intersection, which is currently green space and absent of any buildings, a bevy of businesses from multiple industries now occupies this crossroads.
At the northwest corner stands First Foundation Bank, which at press time was temporarily closed from Hurricane Ian. At the southeast corner is a building holding Wells Fargo (temporarily closed at press time), Galt Insurance, Naples Flooring Company (closed due to remodeling at press time), and more. Closer to the hustle and bustle along Fifth Avenue South to the southwest is a building holding Sushi Thai, Project Glammers med spa, and more.
While the intersection was once chiefly utilized by only Neapolitans, it’s safe to say that persons from all corners of the globe now drive and walk the Four Corners. (fifthavenuesouth.com) «
We all know the adage about too many chefs spoiling the soup. Clearly, three is just right at The French Brasserie Rustique off Fifth Avenue South. The newest addition is chef Benoit Valota, who arrived from France after a threeyear delay caused by pandemic border closings. He joins chef-partner Vincenzo Betulia and The French’s executive chef, Ryan Bleem.
Betulia knew Valota would be a great addition when he received an Instagram message from the French chef in 2019. He realized Valota would “inspire an infusion of authentic French culture and cuisine” to the restaurant and
quickly offered him a position. But four days before Valota was scheduled to fly to the United States, the borders closed. He finally arrived in October and has been making his mark ever since, starting with the Tour de France, a menu of specials featuring the cuisine of a specific city each month. April was Biarritz, May is Bordeaux, and June features dishes of Marseille.
Besides the monthly tours, Bleem says Valota “brings such authenticity and more elegant presentation and plating. We can bounce things off each other, and I have someone to lean on.”
Betulia is excited about having Valota on the team, who has extensive experience, including apprenticeships at three restaurants in France that have been awarded coveted Michelin stars.
“We are chef-driven, not corporate,” he says. “Ben will teach Ryan and me” and, ultimately, will help customers learn what vari-
ous regional French cuisines are like as well.
“It’s always nice to have somebody cook that grew up eating this food,” he adds. “Having him here keeps us real. Do I love his cuisine? Absolutely.” (thefrenchnaples.com) –Karen Feldman
There are stores devoted solely to coffee—and chocolate, spices, and olive oil. Now, Naples has Grand Central Honey, an establishment dedicated to all things bee-related in one sweet spot. Owner Cindy
McCartney stocks a wide range of honeys, from local varieties to some from as far away as Australia. These aren’t your supermarket varieties; these are pure, just the way the bees produced them.
It was sweet serendipity that drew McCartney into her new venture, which held its grand opening in mid-February. “A friend asked me to help him market his honey,” McCartney says. “I thought it would be very hard to open a store with just one kind of honey, so I started to do research. I got sucked into the world of honey.” It occurred to her that a store filled with all kinds of honeys would not only help her friend but also would introduce customers to lots of varieties and the products made from them.
Grand Central Honey, located at 4444 Tamiami Trail North, features pure honeys as well as infused varieties. Think: lavender, coffee, and rum, as well as honey-based sauces, candies, and mead.
For those who like to wear rather than ingest it, there are skin-care products, bee-themed jewelry, and doggy duds. There are also beeswax candles and wraps. Buzz on over to the Bee Bar with whatever type of honey you want to taste, and McCartney will make a tester of it. Special events include honey tastings, partnerships with restaurants for honey-based charcuterie meals, visits by beekeepers to share their knowledge about bees, and more.
She’s also included a socially conscious bonus: The shop has partnered with Savannah Bee Company, carrying their products and donating to their “Bee Cause,” a nonprofit that engages students by setting up observation beehives at schools across the country.
“A lot of people expected a little rustic farmers market feel,” she explains. “I have some rustic fixtures, but it has a very cool vibe that people like. They are also returning for the Savannah Bee products, the artisanal honeys, and the infused teas.” (naplesflorida honey.com) –K.F.
While grilling never goes out of season in Naples, the traditional barbecue holidays kick off in May with Memorial Day.
Bored with the basic beef, steaks, and sausages? Perhaps it’s time to expand your repertoire—and your palate—with some less predictable proteins. Consider wild boar, venison, elk, or indulgent Wagyu burgers, easily acquired at Jimmy P’s Butcher Shop. This well-stocked, 38-year-old market is now operated by the third generation of the Pepper family in two locations, the original along US 41 and a second in Bonita Springs. Both specialize in exotic game, Australian Wagyu beef, heritage Berkshire pork, Colorado prime lamb, veal, and poultry.
But if laboring over a hot grill seems like too much effort as the temperature rises, make reservations at Jimmy P’s Charred, the butcher shop’s steak house sibling right next door. (jimmypssteaks.com) —K.F.
If ever there was an apt name for a business, Sweet Couple takes the cake. It’s what chef Sergiy Horyslavskyy and his wife, Galyna Horyslavska, have named their new bakery/café, located just a few storefronts down from Tartine & Tartelette, the intimate French restaurant they have operated for three years. Most recently the home of Bobby Yanks Burgers, it was previously the muchloved Sweet Caroline’s, from which wondrous baked goods emanated. That’s what the new owners are cooking up as well.
“He loves to bake,” says Horyslavska of her husband. “He cannot do so much of it here [at Tartine & Tartelette].”
The café menu features a host of breads, croissants, desserts, and pastries, as well as lunch fare such as salads, sandwiches, and quiches. Everything is made from scratch in the café’s kitchen by the chef, just as it is at Tartine & Tartelette.
While their French restaurant is only open for dinner, it is labor intensive to keep it running, something they do without any help.
“It’s just the two of us,” Horyslavska says. “We work hard from early morning
to late at night.”
Now they will do that at two places, so she is happy they will be so close to one another. As if running the two restaurants and raising three young daughters isn’t enough, the couple, who moved here from Ukraine seven years ago, worry about their families who remain in their homeland and spend time staying in touch with relatives.
They say customers regularly ask about the situation there and, when Russia invaded in 2022, many donated money—$12,500—to help the Ukrainians who had lost their jobs and, in many cases, their homes.
Horyslavska says they are grateful for the support, and both feel fortunate to be in the United States. (tartinetartelette.com) —K.F.
The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights.
As our community continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, please contact restaurants directly before visiting for the most up-to-date information.
485 DEGREES This from-scratch kitchen specializes in New England–style steak-and-cheese subs, po’ boys, and porchetta and fried chicken sandwiches. 7785 Davis Blvd. Unit 105, Naples (485degrees.com)
THE BEVY Everything old is new again at The Bevy (short for beverage). Be sure to try the Blackberry Tom Cat from the signature cocktail menu. 360 12th Ave. S., Naples (naplesbevy.com)
BILL’S CAFÉ Chef Bill Salley presides over an open kitchen that slings comfort food and connects to a welcoming dining area underscored by classic rock tunes. 947 Third Ave. N., Naples (billscafenaples.com)
BISTRO 821 Chef Jess Housman’s menu fuses Asian, European, and domestic flavors. 821 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bistro821.com)
COOPER’S HAWK WINERY Signature dishes paired with Cooper’s Hawk wines in a casual setting. 11905 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (chwinery.com)
LAKE PARK DINER A healthy spin on classic diner fare, with an emphasis on organic meats and produce. 944 Seventh Ave. N., Naples (thelakeparkdiner.com)
THE LOCAL Fresh, healthy meals dominate the menu, and its brunch is one of the best in town. 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples (thelocalnaples.com)
M WATERFRONT GRILLE Contemporary decor, fine cuisine, and views of Venetian Bay from every seat in the dining room. 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (mwaterfrontgrille.com)
MICHELBOB’S CHAMPIONSHIP RIBS & STEAKS
Family-run since 1976, Michelbob’s offers a full bar and comprehensive menu of barbecue favorites. 371 Airport-Pulling Road N., Naples (michelbobs.com)
MIDNIGHT TAVERN American favorites—specialty burgers, handhelds, fries, salads, and appetizers— along with live music three nights a week. 2800 Davis Blvd., Naples (midnighttavernfl.com)
OLD NAPLES PUB AND THE VILLAGE PUB Featuring an array of handhelds and finger-friendly foods perfect for the casual settings. 255 13th Ave. S.; 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd., Naples (naplespubs.com)
RIDGWAY BAR & GRILL Chef Tony Ridgway continues wowing diners with classic American cuisine. 1300 Third St. S., Naples (ridgwaybarandgrill.com)
SEVENTH SOUTH CRAFT FOOD + DRINK A locally and globally sustainable seafood program, handcut steaks, house-made pastas, and reimagined cocktails, along with a Sunday brunch. 849 Seventh Ave. S., Naples (seventhsouth.com)
TAVERN ON THE BAY This popular sports bar boasts huge televisions, great comfort food, and a lovely view of the Gordon River. 489 Bayfront Place, Naples (tavernonthebay.net)
THREE60 MARKET In addition to a stellar market, this local favorite boasts a café that serves classic, fresh fare for breakfast and lunch or an early dinner. 2891 Bayview Drive, Naples (three60market.com)
TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT & BAR Born in Naples, the Tommy Bahama laid-back lifestyle is full throttle in its original festive eatery and bar at 1220 Third St. S., Naples; and Coconut Point, 23150 Fashion Drive #101, Estero (tommybahama.com)
THE WAREHOUSE A menu dotted with fresh, local ingredients complements an award-winning cocktail program. 9010 Bellaire Bay Drive, Naples (thewarehousenaples.com)
YABBA ISLAND GRILL A fun place for steaks, seafood, and cocktails. 711 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (yabba islandgrill.com)
Two supper clubs are blossoming along Davis Boulevard, and they are decidedly not the sprawling meat-and-potato establishments of yesteryear. Instead, inventive Naples chefs have redefined the term to fashion intimate spaces ideal for wine dinners, special occasions, and unique events.
The 30-seat Old Vines Supper Club offers prix-fixe wine and dining pairings in an intimate, casual setting. It’s run by co-owner Brooke Kravetz, former executive chef/general manager of The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar, chef de cuisine at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, and sous-chef at Sea Salt.
A native of Kennebunkport, Maine, she helped open Old Vines Bar there and was thus connected when the current owners, Rick Taranto and Jon Ellms, decided to open this club and a second, larger location at Mercato, scheduled to open in late summer.
While the larger, initial concept is being worked on in the space that once held TooJay’s Deli at Mercato, Kravetz says she opened the smaller club on Davis Boulevard on Valentine’s Day. On Tuesdays, she serves family-style, four-course meals. Wednesdays are typically reserved for wine dinners, and Thursday through Saturday, there are tasting menus with optional wines by the bottle or glass, beers, and wine-based cocktails.
Despite having no hard liquor, “they are fruity, vibrant cocktails, infused with fruit and herbs,” Kravetz notes, adding that people are pleasantly surprised by how tasty they are. She describes her style of food as new American, employing French techniques, “a lot of European influence, and as many seasonal and local ingredients as possible.”
Each dinner includes a cheese course that can be paired with wine. Menus are posted on the website. The supper club is usually open to the public but may be closed on some evenings for private events. While
AQUA The restaurant’s look is fresh and airy, just right for the seafood-centric menu. 862 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (aquafifth.com)
BAYSIDE SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR This Venetian Bay favorite boasts grand water views, prime grilled meats, and seafood specialties. 4270 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (baysideseafoodgrillandbar.com)
THE BOATHOUSE ON NAPLES BAY Arrive by car or dock your boat at this waterfront seafood res-
the menus are relatively limited at the club, the Mercato location will have a more wide-ranging selection.
Down the road is Sage
Supper Club, slated to open by June. Chef Amber Phillips has been serving the region for 17 years with Sage Events, offering catering, home-delivery service, allergy-free meals, wedding planning, and even officiating. Now add Sage Supper Club to that already impressive list. Phillips has spent months remodeling the location, which has been a challenge given the difficulty of hiring contractors in post-Ian Naples.
“The idea is to create a culinary heartbeat in the space,” she says. “I want different chefs to come in and do pop-up dinners—people like Tony Ridgway and Fred Gardner. We can learn from each other. Then have local farmers and fishermen coming into the kitchen and dining room, talking about what they do and what they harvest.”
“It will be casual, not low end, but not pretentious. I’d like to help people learn about local foods and how to work with them.”
While local beers and wines are available, she also incorporates shrub drinks and mocktails.
“I’m hoping you can have really fun drinks and not have alcohol with every course and still feel like you’re having a treat,” Phillips says.
Because it isn’t a full-time restaurant, the 32-seat space is available for bridal and baby showers, pharmaceutical lunches, cooking classes, and other events. (oldvinesnaples.com; sageevents.net) –K.F.
taurant overlooking Naples Bay. 990 Broad Ave. S., Naples (boathouseonnaplesbay.com)
CAPTAIN & KREWE SEAFOOD MARKET & RAW BAR Enjoy oysters and other seafood, beer, and wine in a relaxed atmosphere. 629 Eighth St. S., Naples (cknaples.com)
THE CATCH OF THE PELICAN Fine steaks, local seafood, and hand-picked produce—much of it grown on-site—in a relaxed, sophisticated setting overlooking the pool at Naples Grande. 475 Seagate Drive, Naples (naplesgrande.com)
THE CLAW BAR This sister restaurant to The Bay House features a sophisticated blend of Southern traditions and high-quality ingredients. 221 Ninth St. S., Naples (theclawbar.com)
THE DOCK AT CRAYTON COVE An open-air restaurant serving fresh catches prepared with Caribbean and Latin influences. 845 12th Ave. S., Naples (dockcraytoncove.com)
FISH RESTAURANT Fabulous views of Venetian Bay complement the outstanding seafood. 4360 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples (fishrestaurantnaples.com)
HOGFISH HARRY’S Showcasing the Gulf Coast’s bounty, Hogfish Harry’s serves up signatures such as monkfish bucco and, of course, grilled hogfish. 600 Neapolitan Way, Naples (hogfishharrys.com)
LA PESCHERIA A creative, stellar eatery that honors the culture of Italian fish markets. 474 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (lapescherianaples.com)
OCEAN PRIME Enjoy exceptional hospitality, a delectable seafood and steak menu, luxe cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. 699 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (ocean-prime.com)
SAILS This bona fide “pescatarian’s haven” features exquisitely fresh seafood prepared to perfection. 301 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (sailsrestaurants.com)
SEA SALT Chef Fabrizio Aielli is a master at marrying organic local produce, wild-caught fish, naturally raised meat, and poultry with modern cooking techniques. 1186 Third St. S., Naples (seasaltnaples.com)
USS NEMO UNDERSEA CUISINE & ADVENTURES
Everything is a cut above, but the signature misobroiled sea bass is a must. 3745 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (ussnemorestaurant.com)
THE CAPITAL GRILLE Fine dining with an array of dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. 9005 Mercato Drive, Naples (thecapital grille.com)
CHOPS CITY GRILL A modern take on the traditional, with prime aged steaks, local seafood, and more than 100 whiskey selections. 837 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 8200 Health Center Blvd. Ste. 100, Bonita Springs (chopscitygrill.com)
THE CONTINENTAL This D’Amico restaurant is a stylish steak house and gastropub. 1205 Third St. S., Naples (damicoscontinental.com)
DORONA Local culinary superstars Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli have excelled again with this modern Italian steak house. 2110 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (doronanaples.com)
JIMMY P’S CHARRED Known for its Wagyu beef, the popular butcher shop’s steaks and other fine foods are served in the restaurant next door. 1833 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (jimmypscharred.com)
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Prime meats and fine seafood make for a special night out. 23151 Village Shops Way, Bonita Springs (ruthschris.com)
SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE In the winning tradition of late NFL coaching icon Don Shula, the “Shula Cut” is one of the best steaks in town. 5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (shulasnaples.com)
BLEU PROVENCE Authentic dishes from the South of France are paired with wines from the vast, awardwinning selection compiled by the restaurant’s owner, Jacques Cariot. 1234 Eighth St. S., Naples (bleuprovencenaples.com)
CÔTE D’AZUR Intimate bistro in the style of Provence serves standouts like Maine lobster roasted in a clay pot. 11224 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (cotedazur restaurant.com)
THE FRENCH BRASSERIE RUSTIQUE Rustic French cuisine and lighter fare with desserts prepared by an in-house pastry chef. 365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (thefrenchnaples.com)
LA COLMAR BAKERY & BISTRO Authentic French beignets, quiche, croque monsieur, soups, salads, croissant sandwiches, and charcuterie and cheese boards. 80 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (lacolmar.com)
TARTINE & TARTELETTE Authentic, homemade French cuisine with wine pairings as sweet as the restaurant’s name. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples (tartinetartelette.com)
ROCCO’S TACOS AND TEQUILA BAR Every day is Cinco de Mayo at this high-energy eatery. The signature tacos are a hit, along with the savory guacamole, made fresh tableside. 9123 Strada Place Ste. 7135, Naples (roccostacos.com)
TACOS & TEQUILA CANTINA The many varieties of tacos are made with fresh, local products and handmade tortillas. 4834 Davis Blvd.; 8971 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 10952 Eagle Village Drive, Fort Myers (tacosandtequilanaples.com)
TAQUERIA SAN JULIAN This neighborhood destination serves up tacos with familiar fillings, though tripe and tongue are available for the adventurous. 3575 Bayshore Drive, Naples (taqueriasanjulian. restaurantwebexpert.com)
TURCO TACO Clean eating with a Mexican twist, complete with hormone- and antibiotic-free meats, handmade and gluten-free tortillas, and numerous organic salads. 410 Ninth St. N.; 1514 Immokalee Road #116, Naples (theturcotaco.com)
BARBATELLA Pizzas and pastas are delish, but don’t overlook offerings like the grilled salmon. Save room for the signature Nutella pizza. 1290 Third St. S., Naples (barbatellanaples.com)
BAR TULIA This late-night brother of Osteria Tulia serves outstanding pizzas and a variety of irresistible small bites, among other delicacies. 462 Fifth Ave. S.; 9118 Strada Place Ste. 8150, Naples (bartulia.com)
CAMPIELLO RISTORANTE & BAR This mainstay on Third Street South is a perennial gathering place for great food and people-watching. 1177 Third St. S., Naples (campiellonaples.com)
GRAPPINO This latest venture from Ingrid and Fabrizio Aielli celebrates Fabrizio’s Venetian roots and houses one of the country’s most comprehensive grappa bars. 90 Ninth St. N., Naples (grappinonaples.com)
MINO This casual eatery specializes in pizza and trattoria dishes, including freshly made pastas and appetizers like the ever-popular arancini. 1100 Sixth Ave. S., Naples (minofl.com)
MOLTO TRATTORIA The homemade pasta, sauces, pizza Napoletana, and home-style cuisine are all topnotch. 368 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (moltonaples.com)
OSTERIA TULIA Chef Vincenzo Betulia’s authentically rustic venue and “peasant” cuisine are delizioso 466 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (osteriatulia.com)
PAZZO! CUCINA ITALIANA Made-from-scratch sauces, pastas, and desserts for more than 20 years. 853 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (pazzoitaliancafe.com)
VERGINA Italian and Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair. 700 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (verginarestaurant.com)
21 SPICES BY CHEF ASIF Chef Asif R. Syed offers classical Indian cuisine created with his special collection of spices. 4270 Tamiami Trail E. #21, Naples (21spicesdining.com)
ARAYA SUSHI ASIAN GRILL Thai dishes along with a wide choice of rolls, sushi, and sashimi. 2650 Immokalee Road, Naples (arayanaples.com)
DARUMA Visit this Southwest Florida institution for traditional service or teppanyaki-style cooking, an always exciting culinary experience. 241 Center St. N., Naples (darumarestaurant.com)
LE INDYA Having grown up on India’s southern coast, chef Suman Chaniyil creates authentic classics rich with flavor and finesse. 975 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (leindya.com)
SUSHI ONE Freshness is paramount at Sushi One and each order is painstakingly prepared by hand. 1410 Pine Ridge Road, Naples (sushionenaples.com)
SUSHI-THAI Presenting traditional dishes from Japan, as well as sushi and Thai classics. 869 103rd Ave. N.; 7935 Airport-Pulling Road N.; 898 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 25101 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs (sushithaitoo. com and sushithaidowntown.com)
BHA! BHA! PERSIAN BISTRO Michael Mir’s popular restaurant serves up savory lamb dishes and a wide choice of colorful and delicious Persian specialties. 865 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (bhabhabistro.com)
CELEBRATION PARK NAPLES This waterfront bar and food truck park has something for everyone, from Maine lobster and Greek gyros, to Asian fusion and Southern barbecue. 2880 Becca Ave., Naples (facebook.com/ celebrationparknaples)
DEL MAR Chef David Vilchez’s seafood, family-style shareables, Turkish flatbreads, and wood-fired entrées are infused with the flavors of the Mediterranean coast. 494 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (delmarnaplesrestaurant.com)
FUSE GLOBAL CUISINE Chef-owner Greg Scarlatos uses flavors and ingredients from around the world to create a diverse menu. 2500 Tamiami Trail N. #115, Naples (fuseglobalcuisine.com)
JANE’S CAFÉ ON THIRD The owners of this downtown spot offer a world of breakfast and lunch choices. 1209 Third St. S., Naples (janesgardencafe.com)
NOSH ON NAPLES BAY Small plates, or noshes, are the specialty at this fine-dining establishment, the latest venture from its award-winning chef, Todd Johnson. 1490 Fifth Ave. S. Ste. 101, Naples (noshon naplesbay.com)
VERANDA E The signature restaurant at Escalante hotel offers an eclectic fusion of Asian and French-influenced flavors in a romantic tropical setting. 290 Fifth Ave. S., Naples (hotelescalante.com)
Everything blossoms in May, thanks to those unsung garden heroes: the pollinators. These birds, insects, and reptiles flutter, buzz, and linger from bloom to bloom, feasting on nutritious nectar and taking with them the pollen that fertilizes our favorite plants. In honor of May flowers and more, savor the Fructus et Flores cocktail. With fresh plums, peaches, apricots, and loads of citrus, this easily batched sipper makes for a delicious crowd-pleaser. As an added ode to pollinators, this inviting punch boasts a base of Flora Adora, the newest of the Hendrick’s limited-release gins that master distiller Lesly Gracie created by watching nectarloving pollinators at play and identifying the botanicals they gravitated toward most.
Fructus et Flores
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
1/2 cup Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. pressed lemon juice
1/2 cup apricot nectar
1 cup sparkling wine
1-2 peaches, sliced
1-2 plums, sliced
1-2 apricots, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 grapefruit, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1-2 limes, sliced
1/4 cup edible flowers (optional)
Add gin, honey, lemon juice, apricot nectar, and sparkling wine to a pitcher or punch bowl with ice. Top with sliced fruit and flowers. Stir and serve, preferably in the garden.
In-home Dinner Parties, Both Small & Large • Weddings • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties Special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, & more.
Can accommodate private residences, vacation rentals, and various wedding/event venues throughout SWFL. Wine pairings & bartending services also available. www.ChefDavidRashty.com
YOUR BEST SELF: FITNESS, NUTRITION, MINDFULNESS, WELL-BEING
Can’t sleep? Nature sounds might help. According to Dr. Christopher Mendello, a sleep and pulmonary specialist in Naples, socalled “green noise” represents sounds like rain and waves that lie on the lower end of the sound spectrum, making it more soothing than higher-pitched white noise. He says the relaxing background noise may help you rest by distracting your mind or helping block out external sounds. While there’s currently not much research to support the idea of green noise for sleep, Mendello says that from his experience working with patients, it may help people with insomnia. He notes that you can buy noise-generating machines or simply go online on your phone and find a video with several hours of continuous background noise with no pitch changes. Then, assess if it works for you. “There is zero potential harm,” adds Mendello, who suggests talking to a sleep specialist if you’re not getting enough rest. “Anything that isn’t going to hurt and has the potential to help is certainly worth trying.” (nppms.com) –Erika Klein
A recent University of Michigan poll found that one in eight adults older than age 50 showed signs of addiction to highly processed foods, including intense cravings and a lack of control around eating. Those in the study with worse mental health or increased feelings of isolation were more likely to have a food addiction.
“Food is an easy answer if a person is lonely, sad, unhappy, or looking for some immediate gratification from an unwanted emotion,” notes Becky Sharon, a health and wellness coach at TriCore Wellness in Naples. She explains that food addiction generally refers to having an unhealthy emotional connection with some foods and adds that she wasn’t surprised by the study’s results. “I think the mental health connection is the most critical aspect of the study,” she says. “There is a connection between a person’s feelings about their health and happiness and how they eat.”
Sharon says she’s worked with many people who eat when they feel frustrated, lonely, or bored. If you also struggle with eating certain foods to cope with your feelings, she first recommends avoiding buying
We all know smoking is bad for your health, but Florida residents may have a particularly challenging road when it comes to quitting. The State of Tobacco Control 2023 report from the American Lung Association listed Florida among the worst states for policies to reduce tobacco use, with low scores for restrictions around flavored tobacco products and funding for quitting tobacco.
“Tobacco use is the leading
that food or buying it only in small quantities. But then what happens when you have the food and want to eat it? Sharon has a few tips:
Stop for a moment.
Decide to wait 30 minutes before eating the food, and set a timer.
Once time is up, decide if you still want to eat the food and enjoy every bite, or decide to wait 30 more minutes and set the timer again.
Repeat until you decide you don’t want the food or until you eat it.
“When we take some time to decide if we want the food, we find that sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t,” notes Sharon. She adds that making the decision—whether you choose to eat the food or not—is empowering.
“A decision is a great tool to eliminate the negative emotions that happen if you eat from a reaction or with a lack of control,” she explains. Finally, she notes that while food addictions are not eating disorders, they can lead to an eating disorder. “If you have an eating disorder,” she says, “see a mental health counselor immediately.” (tricorewellness.com) –E.K.
cause of preventable death and disease in Florida,” says Dr. Javier Ley, director of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Naples. “There are many opportunities for improvement that can translate into saved lives and better health.”
The foundation, which provides addiction and mental health care, offers smoking cessation options that fit each individual. To quit smoking, Ley also recommends speaking with your primary care
provider about medication or counseling or accessing a free coach or nicotine replacement therapy through the Tobacco Free Florida program.
“We know that quitting or reducing tobacco use could be a difficult journey to navigate,” says Ley. “Many individuals need multiple attempts at cessation or reducing use, but there is help and support out there,” he adds. (hazelden.org) —E.K.
Magnolia Breast Center welcomes fellowship-trained Dr. Tam Mai to our team of Board Certified Breast Surgeons.
Specialties include comprehensive evaluations in benign and malignant breast diseases with expertise in oncoplastic surgery, skin and nipple sparing mastectomy and management of high-risk patients.
The meditation you practice in yoga class may do more than calm your mind. Besides helping reduce anxiety and depression, the practice may work to reduce pain and improve sleep quality. Recent research among Buddhist monks even found that long-term meditation may alter the gut microbiome, reducing depression and potentially improving immune function. You don’t need to become a monk to reap the benefi ts, either.
“The most important thing is to meditate consistently,” says Laurie Lyons, director of Zen & the Arts in Naples. She recommends starting with 5 to 10 minutes per day and says you should start to feel more grounded right away. After that, she says, “the benefits will accumulate the longer you stay at it.”
At the same time, though, Lyons cautions not to have too many expectations when you’re just starting out. “It’s less about becoming an improved version of yourself and more about learning to appreciate, understand, and love the person you already are,” she explains. But she emphasizes that nearly anyone can meditate.
“This is something simple to try that costs nothing,” Lyons says. “You have nothing to lose.”
(zenartsflorida.com) –E.K.
Imagine sitting in a hospital room and exploring a shipwreck while a shark swims around you. Kids receiving chemotherapy at Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples can experience exactly that in a new immersive virtual reality treatment room. Since kids may be receiving treatment for hours, the room “keeps them entertained and distracted, so the time does not feel like it’s going on forever,” says Dr. Emad Salman, regional medical officer for Golisano Children’s Services and Lee Physician Group Pediatric Division and a practicing pediatric oncologist.
Salman has tried everything from pet therapy to movies to divert kids’ attention from the painful treatment and says the idea for the immersion room has been in the making for 20 years. Patients and their parents can lose themselves in beach, ocean, or outer space scenes, which Salman says gives kids some control of their care, helping empower them.
“When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you lose control of a lot of things, from medications that you get to your whole life being restructured around your treatment,” he explains. He says kids sometimes don’t want to leave, and many arrange their appointment times around the room’s availability. The hospital plans to add more scenes and to bring the room to other facilities to benefit more cancer patients. “In spite of whatever else they’re dealing with, we want to make them feel healthy and get them to a better state of well-being,” Salman says. “And we will do anything we can in their journey to assist them to get there.” (leehealth.org) —E.K.
The honeybees that populate the three thriving hives in my home garden are nature’s true teachers. Sitting in the soothing hum of their busyness is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever known—just basking in that energy is like sound therapy.
I welcomed the second hive by chance, after a swarm took up residence in the break room at my eponymous spa. They needed to be relocated, but to where? I was reminded of all the blessings that bees bring and asked the beekeeper to move them to my place.
After all, honey is a wonderful natural remedy that is so versatile in treating the skin, whether helping to calm and clear active breakouts or restore moisture. A tiny scoop of honey and a spritz of rose water make a beautifully fragrant facial cleanser, or you
can blend some into your favorite effects. I also enjoy eating a spoonful of honey each morning to reap its health
can blend some into your favorite facial mask to boost its hydrating effects. I also enjoy eating a spoonful of honey each morning to reap its health benefits; recent studies have shown that honey may help to regulate emotions and prevent memory disorders.
Furthermore, living with bees has deepened my respect for them and changed my experience in the garden. I had thought I was an astute gardener, but the bees have brought nuance to my awareness. They’ve shown me what’s in bloom, what’s thriving, and how our plants are faring. We grow more than 35 types of fruit trees, along with a butterfly garden, a medicinal herb garden, and hearty vegetable
beds. I’ve learned to distinguish honey harvested after the bees have visited the eucalyptus plants from that which they’ve made after the orange blossoms have bloomed.
The bees have also taught me about reciprocity. Every taste of honey offers an opportunity to muse on the way that the plants absorb the sunlight and eventually convert that energy into pollen. The bees flit through their days collecting pollen a grain at a time as well as the nectar that they will turn into precious honey. I’m often awestruck to participate in the magical beauty of that cyclical exchange, and I’m humbled by the natural generosity found in both the plant and animal kingdoms. «
MORE THAN JUST POWERFUL POLLINATORS, BEES ILLUSTRATE THE NATURAL RECIPROCITY THAT SURROUNDS US
4255GulfShoreBlvdN#606:$2.100M(LastListed)
475188SilverOaksCir#4101:$419,000(LastListed)
15620450BowLineBend:$5.500M(LastListed)
BonitaBayBlvd#703:$995,000(LastListed)
5994SunnyslopeDr:$3.850M(LastListed)
VilloresiWay:$2.250M(LastListed)
LEFTTORIGHT
ADDRESS
740 Coral Drive, Naples DEVELOPMENT
Coquina Sands
YEAR BUILT
2006 PRICE
$6,950,000
SIZE
6,676 square feet
BEDROOMS/BATHS
Four bedrooms plus a den, six baths, two half baths
SPECIAL FEATURES
Situated on an oversize and immaculate lot in the heart of Coquina Sands, this extremely private home is near all the best in Naples: beaches, The Village Shops at Venetian Bay, Waterside Shops, and the upcoming Four Seasons resort. London Bay Homes remastered this property in 2020 to exacting standards. With nearly 6,700 square feet of living space, the residence includes a great room layout with wide-plank walnut wood flooring, four bedrooms, eight total baths, a gourmet and service kitchen, a den, a second study or flex room, a separate living room, a large laundry room, a mud room, a generous
first-floor guest retreat with a private courtyard, a lavishly appointed spa-like master bedroom, and a three-bay, air-conditioned garage. Outside, there is a generously covered living space with a kitchen, a heated pool and spa with sun shelf, a pool bath, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, and automatic roll down screens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Rex Miller
William Raveis
Phone: 239-821-1433
Email: rex@raveis.com
A REMASTERED HOME IN THE HEART OF NAPLES THAT LIVES LIKE NEW
This incredible residence offers stunning, unobstructed views of the beautiful Naples coastline. The attention to detail in this truly unique penthouse is a rare find. The range of materials and luxury finishes throughout are vast. To say that there is an abundance of glass in this phenomenal residence would be an understatement. The natural light in every room is intoxicating. The views cannot be overstated, possibly the best on the Paradise Coast. No expense was spared in bringing the finest in finishes to this residence, with many unique one-of-a-kind features not to be found elsewhere. The secluded rooftop outdoor living area is simply unparalleled. Completely private, the 3,568 square foot rooftop paradise comprised of pool, sundeck, and outdoor entertainment areas are accessed by a private interior stairwell and offer vistas literally as far as the eye can see. This residence provides the ultimate in quality finishes, incredible Gulf of Mexico vistas, complete privacy and is without equal in the Naples marketplace today, a truly a bespoke residence for the most discerning of clientele. This is a very special opportunity. Why wait? Price up request.
BEDS
Greystone Manor is an iconic Waterfront Estate encompassing 4 lots on 2.77 acres, with unobstructed wide and long water views from a protected deep-water cove on sparkling Robert’s Bay at the highest 24 ft. elevation on Marco Island. Suitable for yachts with 191’ deep water frontage, 100’+ dock and water direct access to the Gulf of Mexico just minutes away. Opulent architectural details from the grey hewn stone exterior with copper roof, circular drive with Porte Cochere entry, to the regal 52’ square, 2700SF grand salon.
A gracious estate for entertaining on a grand scale, the grounds feature a screened pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, tennis court with gazebo, formal landscaping, fountains and statuary, multiple gardens with walking paths, and separate motor court entry for overflow parking. An additional parcel of land is suitable for construction. Offered for $16,000,000 This extraordinary residence is one you must experience with all of your senses. www.1690COPELAND.com
Usually only displayed in private homes or settings, a selection of locally owned artwork is being showcased for public viewing in “Naples Collects 202223” at The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples. Naples is home to many knowledgeable and enthusiastic collectors of art in a wide breadth of media. “We are grateful for their openness and willingness to share their art with our community and the public,” says Courtney McNeil, director and chief curator at The Baker Museum. The strongest works for this year’s exhibition come from the modern and contemporary timeframe—the mid- to late-twentieth century. Works on display include a painting by Ida O’Keeffe, sister to more well-known Georgia and an important and accomplished artist in her own right; stained glass by Philadelphia-based artist Judith Schaechter; work by young contemporary artist and sculptor Nari Ward; and memory boxes by Joseph Cornell. “Naples Collects” occupies the full second floor of The Baker Museum and is on display through October 15. (artisnaples.org) –Gaylene Salomons
2 Morning After Grace, a heartwarming comedy, Norris Community Center, Naples, through May 14, tickets start at $45. (gulfshoreplayhouse.org)
3 Art Alive!, open studios and live demonstrations, Naples Art District, also May 4, free. (naplesartdistrict.com)
Sunset Wednesdays, enjoy extended hours to savor the magic of a Naples sunset with specialty programs, Naples Botanical Garden, also May 10, 17, 24, and 31, tickets start at $20. (naplesgarden.org)
4 Rock of Ages, ’80s classic rock musical, TheatreZone, G&L Theatre at Community School of Naples, also May 5, 6, and 7, tickets start at $50. (theatre.zone)
Spring Sidewalk Sale, semiannual weekend sale, Third Street South, Naples, through May 7, free. (thirdstreetsouth.com)
5 Guided Forest Bathing Meditation, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, free. (corkscrew.audubon. org)
Naples Philharmonic Masterworks: Romeo and Juliet, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, also May 6, tickets start at $29. (artisnaples.org)
6 Cinco De Mayo!, learn about the history of this holiday and celebrate with activities and cultural food, Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, free. (colliermuseums.com)
Kentucky Derby Party, don your best derby hat and bid on the horses to raise money for new therapy horses, Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, $250. (naplestherapeuticriding center.org)
7 Rookery Bay Farmers Market, browse the bounty from more than three dozen vendors, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, also May 14, 21, and 28, free. (rookerybay.org)
THE GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE EDUCATION DIVISION INVITES STUDENTS AGED 13 TO 18 TO PARTICIPATE IN PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING IN MUSIC, MOVEMENT, AND ACTING WHILE REHEARSING AND PERFORMING THE HILARIOUS TONY-WINNING MUSICAL, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE TUITION IS $500 AND STUDENTS WILL PERFORM THE PLAY AT THE NORRIS CENTER AT 7:30 P.M. FROM MAY 20-25; TICKETS ARE $20.
(GULFSHOREPLAY HOUSE.ORG)
More than three dozen vendors offer a plethora of items—from fruit and vegetables to local seafood and honey, baked goods, clothing, jewelry, art, organic skin care, and more at the Rookery Bay Farmers Market held every Sunday in May from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center parking lot in Naples (rookerybay.org) —G.S.
THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED SEMIANNUAL SPRING SIDEWALK SALE
TAKES PLACE ON THIRD STREET SOUTH MAY 4-7. STROLL THE DOG-FRIENDLY STREETS, PERUSE DEALS OFFERED BY CHIC BOUTIQUES, BROWSE GALLERIES FOR UNIQUE ART, AND DINE AT ONE OF MANY AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANTS.
(THIRDSTREET SOUTH.COM) G.S.
11 Evening on Fifth, live musical performances along Fifth Avenue South, Naples, free. (fifthavenuesouth.com)
Watercolors & Wildlife: Manatees, paint with local artist Jan Deswik, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, $85. (rookerybay.org)
17 All That Jazz, Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra features the music of Henry Mancini, Daniels Pavilion, Artis—Naples, $64. (artisnaples.org)
Kidzact Godspell Jr., The Naples Players, McSpadden Hall, Naples United Church of Christ, to May 21, $20. (naplesplay ers.org)
Artis—Naples will host Spring Community Day—an afternoon of art, music, and fun May 20.
Artis—Naples welcomes the entire community to the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus for an afternoon of art, music, and fun. Spring Community Day, May 20, is a free event that includes hands-on activities in The Baker Museum, musical performances, and special activities throughout the day. Enjoy youth symphony and chorus concerts at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., as well as up-close instrument demonstrations by the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra percussionists at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. (artisnaples.org) –G.S.
18 The Artsy Evening: Parent’s Night Out by Naples Art Institute, parents enjoy an evening on the town while their children engage in an art lesson, ages 5 to 12, $35. (naplesart.org)
19 Comedian K-Von Live, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, to May 21, tickets start at $25. (offthe hookcomedy.com)
20 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a Gulfshore Playhouse education production, Norris Center, Naples, to May 25, $20. (gulfshoreplay house.org)
All That Jazz Family Day, explore what life was like in the 1920s, Collier Museum at Government Center, Naples, free. (colliermuseums.com)
Spring Community Day, Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus, Artis—Naples, free. (artisnaples.org)
21 Summer Spectacular, the Naples Philharmonic and the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra perform together, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, $15. (artisnaples.org)
23 Early Birding Walk, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, ages 16 and up, $30. (corkscrew.audubon.org)
25 Patriotic Pops, a special performance by the Naples Philharmonic, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, also
May 26, tickets start at $29. (artisnaples.org)
31 Art After Hours, a fun evening of art and entertainment for audiences of all ages, The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples, free. (artisnaples.org)
Comedian Lynne Koplitz Live, Off the Hook Comedy Club, Naples, tickets start at $25. (offthehook comedy.com)
The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples. “Love Stories” from the National Portrait Gallery, London, to May 7; “Naples Collects 2022-23” to October 15. (artisnaples.org)
East West Fine Art, Naples. “Color Me Happy,” May 2-16; and “Paint the Town with Joy!,” May 17 to June 17. (eastwestfineart.com)
Emillions Art, Naples. “Art in Motion,” exhibition of works by Hugo Diaz, to May 6. (emillionsart.com)
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, C’MON. “Namaste India at C’MON,” to May 14, included in museum admission. (cmon.org)
Hayes Hall Galleries at Artis—Naples. “Florida Contemporary 2022-23,” annual exhibition presents notable visual artists practicing in Florida, to July 16. (artisnaples.org)
Museum of the Everglades. “Collier’s Cavalry: The Story of the Southwest Mounted Patrol,” to May 13. (colliermuseums.com)
Naples Art. “Miradas de Mujeres: Isabelle de Borchgrave and the World of Frida Kahlo,” to June 11. (naplesart.org)
Naples Botanical Garden. “Frida and Her Garden,” explore a re-creation of La Casa Azul, the artist’s iconic blue home in Coyoacán, Mexico City, and encounter monumental animal sculptures adorned with folk art representing important influences on Kahlo’s life and work, to September 10; included in garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)
1736. Volume 26, No. 5, May 2023.
PAGE 74
Slip dress ($975), trench jacket ($3,300), shoes ($975), Moon padded handbag ($2,950), Prada, prada.com
PAGE 75
PVC calf-length dress (price upon request), Dolce & Gabbana, dolce gabbana.com; gold liquid metal leather flat lace-up sandals ($895), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com.
PAGE 76
Floral lace dress ($8,800), floral lace shorts ($1,350), socks ($460), Aime Dior boots ($2,090), Grand Bal necklace ($3,300), Dior Book tote ($3,200), Dior, dior.com
PAGE 77
Feather blazer ($5,600), Valentino, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, valentino.com
PAGE 78
Long lace dress ($22,000), socks ($460), Aime Dior pumps ($1,350), La Parisienne necklace ($1,650), Dior, dior.com
PAGE 79
Slip dress ($975), Prada, prada.com
PAGE 80
Short-sleeve mock-neck top (similar styles available), Chantilly lace bra ($158), layered mirrorwork skirt ($2,798), Tory Burch, Waterside Shops, Naples, toryburch.com; La Parisienne necklace ($1,650), Dior, dior.com.
PAGE 81 AND COVER
Ecru Balladist chiffon maxi dress ($2,350), ecru Dancing Darling earrings ($395), antique ecru Las Calles de Sevilla Mochila handbag ($1,650), Johanna Ortiz, johannaortiz.com; tan suede lace-up sandals ($825), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com; Geranium sun hat with vintage ribbon ($200), Sarah Bray Bermuda, sarahbraybermuda.com
PAGE 82
3D pocket utility dress ($9,000), LV Zoom platform ankle boots ($2,380), Louis Vuitton, Waterside Shops, Naples, us.louisvuitton.com
PAGE 83
Trench coat ($4,300), floral bra (price upon request), shorts (price upon request), socks ($460), Dioranger boots ($1,990), Grand Bal necklace ($3,300), Dior, dior.com
PAGE 84
Glittered jacket ($9,950), metal and strass belt ($1,500), mesh, suede, and patent boots ($1,725), metal and strass earrings ($1,400), aged calfskin and metal flap bag ($4,600), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com
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Brushstroke floral silk chiffon caftan gown ($5,490), crocodile embossed leather sandals ($550), silver cuff ($350), Michael Kors Collection, Marissa Collections, Third Street South, Naples, michaelkors.com
African lions typically give birth by age 4, but Shani, a 17-year-old lioness at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, became a first-time mom at the relatively late age of 13. She was deemed a perfect genetic match for her mane man, Masumba, so zoo officials were elated to discover she was finally expecting. Soon after, a trio of males joined the pride, becoming the first lion cubs to be born at the zoo in more than 30 years. “Shani proved to be a wonderful mother and was fiercely protective of her cubs from day one,” says keeper Mary-Kathryn Mitchell. The boys now live at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, as part of a species-survival breeding program.
–Patricia Janeway
