Dave & Ann's Top 10

We are proud to present our top 10 list. Whether you are new to town or just looking for a fresh perspective, feel free to use our experiences as a point of reference.  If you find that one of our "top 10" members is not worthy of the title, please pass along your experience.  Thank you for your confidence in our recommendations!  Click on each title to go to each website. These change periodically, so visit this link often!

Winter Outdoor Excursions

Shark Valley Tram Tours

This is a two-hour, open air tour that loops around for fifteen miles through a section of the Everglades National Park.  Park-trained guides describe the Everglades ecosystems, always on the lookout for wildlife in the sawgrass prairies.  A 45-foot high tower with observation deck offers a beautiful view for 20 miles. 

A National Audubon Society sanctuary provides a 2.25 mile boardwalk meandering through pinelands, cypress swamps, and wet prairies and hardwood hammocks.  It is a breeding area for endangered Wood Storks and throughout the year almost 200 birds permanently or temporarily reside in the sanctuary.      

J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Located on the island of Sanibel, the refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems in the U.S.

It has a large diversity of species:  60 species of reptiles and amphibians, 33 species of mammals and 102 species of fish.  It provides feeding, nesting and roosting areas for spectacular migratory bird populations.  Several endangered species of alligators, storks, manatees, and turtles benefit from its habitats. 

Corey Bille's Airboat Rides

A true native Seminole, Billie understands and is committed to preserving the Everglades. The 45-minute airboat ride glides through the natural, scenic beauty of a 200-acre preserve in the Everglades.

Rookery Bay

The Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of interactive exhibits addressing research ongoing within the Reserve as well as a 2,300-gallon aquarium, a nature store and a picnic area.  Outdoor activities include walking trails, canoeing/kayaking trails, birdwatching on a half-mile boardwalk, and fishing. 

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

The Naples Zoo's one-mile natural pathway winds through lush habitats around the 52-acre area.  Huge ficus trees provide a shade canopy over the paths.  At times the animals are just steps away in the main exhibits:  Alligator Bay, African Oasis, Leopard Rock, Lake Victoria, Lion's Lair, Panther Glade, Black Bear Hammock, Tiger Forest and Backyard Habitat. 

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden offers six cultivated gardens featuring the plants and cultures of Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida, a hands-on interactive Children's Garden and a Butterfly Garden.  There are 2.5 miles of walking trails and 90-acres of beautifully restored native preserve.  This 170-acre world-class garden paradise offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. 

The Dolphin Explorer

Professionally crewed by a USCG Master Captain and Mate, who is a master naturalist and wildlife photographer, the 36-foot powered catamaran navigates the Gulf and the backwater estuaries.  It is perfect for getting very close to observe and photograph marine life. The Explorer visits remote barrier island beaches where the naturalist explains the different sea shells.  Guests have the opportunity of participating in The Dolphin Project, by sighting, counting and confirming individual dolphins.  www.dolphin-explorer.com

Old Naples Cycling Tour

Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through Historic Old Naples and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Visit the Naples City Dock to view the bay and the Naples Pier to see the fishermen catching dinner!  Another tour, led by a Certified Naturalist guide, takes riders through a portion of the Everglades that offers excellent viewing of wildlife, birds, butterflies and plants. 

Naples Kayak Company

Guided tours are available by reservation from this kayak outfitter which won multiple awards from major paddle sports magazines.  They offer rentals and guided tours to five great water locations, as well as private and group lessons.  www.napleskayakcompany.com

Summer Dining Options:

1)  Naples Boathouse  Feel like you are dining al fresco in this fabulous waterfront setting, but enjoy the comfort of air conditioned dining.  Prices are reasonable, lots of choice, and food is great.  Old Florida charm abounds in this olde Naples favorite.

2) Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Dine watching another fantastic Naples sunset at this beachfront gem.  Inside or out, you'll catch the famous Gulf Coast breezes and enjoy a super menu of goodies from the sea.

3) AZN at Mercato From the energy of Mercato to the fabulous, high quality Asian treats, you will not be disappointed.  For a night on the town or just a Sushi appetizer, this spot is a treat.

4) M Waterfront Grille This lively environment offers state of the art preparation and uniqe presentation.  The large, lively bar provides a great gathering place for large groups and the food is great.  Situated in Venetian Village it can be a great end to a day of shopping.

5) Brio at Waterside Dine outside in the air conditioning (yes, really) in a cozy booth behind the covered outdoor bar.  The food is reasonably priced and predicatbly quality and delicious.  Another super dining and shopping combination.

6) Naples Tomato Certainly not the least expensive of the Italian Restaurants in town, but excellent food, uniquely or traditionally prepared and just as good of an option for lunch OR dinner.  Almost in Bonita Springs, this place is understatedly located in a plaza off Route 41.

7) Big Al's Catch your favorite summer ball game on one of the hundreds of TVs hanging from the wall (well, maybe 50!)...Food is reasonable and basic, but good.  A real sports bar, but it doesn't feel like a chain, located across from Pelican Bay.

8) Campiello Inside or out, summer or winter, this place never changes.  The menu, the ambiance, the quality of food, and the terrific 3rd street location are all winners in our book.

9) Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Carillion Shopping Center on Airport Rd.... OK, it might not be the most glamorous place in Naples, but the King Caesar Chicken Wrap is to die for!  The quality of the food, friendliness of the staff, cleanliness,  and the price are all winners!  And you will love the entrepreneurial spirit of the owner...and the prime employee in our book, our son Scotty Renner!