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Likely once home to the tribes’ village, the shell mound created a tropical hardwood hammock over time, and due to rapid development in the area, Otter Mound is one of the few remaining tropical hammocks in all of South Florida.

Feel the history of the site as you wind through the nature preserve’s tropical trails, look up at the beautiful canopy trees, and soak up the surroundings. Plenty of benches line the path, so you can stop to take it all in and go at your own pace. However you appreciate nature, you’ll be sure to enjoy the unique beauty of Otter Mound.

Every year it seems like the Collier County Fair gets better and better. When 7 of the 30 rides are classified as “Super Rides” that are designed to make your regret that world-famous corndog, you know you’re in for a good time. Whether you want to ride the traditional Ferris Wheel or try your luck at something more daring, the Collier County Fair is ready to satisfy your adrenaline-fueled needs.

Of course, there’s so much more to the fair than rides. You’ll get to see dazzling live shows that feature everything from daring humans to performing tigers. Try your luck at winning some carnival games and get that oversized tiger that looks just like the one in the show. At the very least, you’ll get to walk away with delicious fair food and a good story.

The Naples Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade began over 40 years ago when a group of friends decided to really step up the celebrating of their Irish culture. Excitement for the event grew each year until it became the monstrous parade we see today.

The parade will travel down 3rd Street South to 5th Avenue South, then will turn and head down 8th Street South until it ends at Crayton Cove. Dozens of unique, handcrafted floats, as well as countless live performers, will take part in the festivities.

A ceremonial flag-raising will kick off the show at 9:30 and the official parade moves out at 11:00. Come entertain the whole family and support a good cause. Through sponsorship, this parade has raised over $200,000 for local high school bands and scholarships in the last half-decade alone.

In addition to being a showcase, Art in the Park is also a competition. Local artists want to impress and become well-known, so they submit their favorite artwork to be inspected by a panel of judges. See who makes the cut and walk away with a new favorite. Who knows? You may even want to register your own artwork for viewing!

The next event will be February 1st, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and a new time will be selected every month. Art in the Park is a completely free event, and of course, the works themselves are usually for sale. Come with an open mind and leave with that perfect painting for the living room.

This free event takes place on Tuesday, December 31 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. A special blend of fireworks will light up the sky with mesmerizing patterns of spirals, exploding flowers, and other multi-layered wonders. The best seats in the house will definitely fill up early, so make sure to arrive before 7:00 if you want front-row seats to the show! Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets because this fireworks show will be a whopping 30 minutes long. Bring the whole family (but not the pooch this time) and have a great time as you prepare to usher in the new year and say hello to 2020!

The carnival will feature all of the adrenaline-inducing rides you’re used to, as well as the more relaxing ones like the Ferris Wheel. Show your love for getting upside down and being spun around really fast. The Carnival will also feature games and overstuffed prizes that you can barely carry around. Of course, there is also the main reason why people go to Carnivals: food! Put your calorie counting away for the day because funnel cake, corn dogs, and everything between are here to remind you what a Carnival is all about. The Carnival will be around for four days and will be open from 6 to 10 pm on Thursday and Friday, from 3 to 10 pm on Saturday, and from 2 to 10 pm on Sunday.

Halloween on 5th is a giant yearly Halloween event ready to take over Naples’ 5th Avenue South. The entire street will be closed off for the festivities, and you'll see why! Live music will be heard throughout and will set the tone for some world-class trick-or-treating. Costume contents will try to find the best of the best so bring your a-game. The streets will be flowing with ghouls and witches as well as professional street dancers and all the games your family can handle. This year, step out of the neighborhood and experience an energetic Halloween extravaganza with Halloween on 5th.

The Village Shops may normally be known for world-class shopping opportunities and the finest gourmet dining around, but this September, the center stage will be occupied by Wine Around The Water. On September 28 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, The Village Shops invites you to sample wine from more than 20 shops and restaurants with the most beautiful view around.

For a $20 donation, you will receive a custom wine glass, a discount pass for six restaurants, and your passport to drink around the world (well at least around the shops)! All proceeds from this event will go to SNIP Collier, a charity organization dedicated to spaying and neutering services that protect our furry friends. Speaking of which, you will also have the chance to play with adoptable dogs from the Gulf Coast Humane Society of Fort Myers. Who knows, maybe you will even find a partner in crime. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Marco Island is a paradise retreat just a short ferry ride away from the Naples coast. Here you will find luxurious dining and shopping as well as some of the most pristine beaches Florida has to offer. Guests who want to explore these beaches can do so casually or through the many excursions offered by locals.

A short trip around the island will bring visitors to the Collier Seminole State Park where primitive camping, canoeing, boating, picnics, and fishing are all a part of the journey. Those who venture out into the ocean will find the legendary dome homes floating off the coast as well as the option to learn about their history. If time permits during your stay in Naples, a day trip to Marco Island is an absolute must to get the full experience!

You’re not the only one who loves the summertime sunshine (well sometimes). You’re also not the only one who has mastered the art of cooling off. Come see how endangered clouded leopard kittens Janet and Jean beat off the summer heat. You could also see an up-close Florida panther in case you’ve never been fortunate enough to find one in the wild.

This zoo is sure to be fun for the whole family. Show the kids how long a giraffe’s tongue can get as they hand-feed these long-necked giants. With discounted group rates and membership discounts, there’s no better time than today to get your wild on.

The trolley begins its run at the Experience Naples Welcome Center and proceeds to venture out through Naples with 21 stops along the way. The experience is Hop On, Hop Off so feel free to stay for the entire ride or hop off at any location and explore before hopping back on when another trolley arrives. Your tour comes with an enriching narrative of the city and its history with just enough light humor to keep you engaged. Not including any time you take off the bus, the tours run about 2 hours so grab your ticket and see Naples in style!

At the Naples Botanical Gardens, displays are grouped in ways that allow visitors to experience a specific type of immersion. The Chabraja Visitor Center welcomes guests with three unique gardens dedicated to showcasing tropical landscapes, charismatic plants with intriguing flowers, and a world-class orchid garden. Next, guests can venture out into the world and find themselves lost in the Kapnick Brazilian Garden. The South American, rainforest-inspired landscapes then fade into the Lea Asian Garden. Here, exotic plants and garden architecture will allow you to get you’re still in Florida. The world tour re-enters the world of familiarity a trip through the Caribbean Garden and eventually back home to see rare native plants at the Scott Florida Garden.

Outside of the main gardens, there is also a featured 90-acre sanctuary called The Preserve where visitors can observe rare Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. Families must be sure to stop by the Children’s Garden for a unique fun, educational experience and maybe even some hands-on gardening! The Naples Botanical Garden is open daily from early morning to 5:00 pm so make sure to add a stop at this local gem to your Naples visit!

You’re sure to be entertained whether you just want to take a leisurely stroll or relax for several hours. Those patient enough might catch a dolphin sighting as they are very frequent and with the pier open 24/7, you have many opportunities to check and see. The surrounding area includes concessions and beach supplies; now beer and wine are conveniently served directly outside the pier. This Naples staple is located just two miles away from the Naples Bay Resort and is located at the west end of 12th Avenue South.

The Revs Institute brings you world-famous cars dating back to the 19th century! Come see the Mercedes that was nominated for Car of the Century and was the last one designed by Ferdinand Porsche before he started his own company. Stroll at your own leisurely pace or join a very recommended tour and experience a truly unique collection. The Revs Institute is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and requires tickets be purchased in advance so make sure to plan accordingly!

One such exhibit is Isabelle de Borchgrave’s Fashioning Art from Paper, an exploration of historic costumes through modern paper sculpture. From exquisite replicas of Renaissance Italian gowns to fanciful recreations of costumes from the Ballet Russes, de Borchgrave’s one-of-a-kind, lifesize pieces are acclaimed across the globe.

Designed to present her work to a broader audience, this immersive, breathtaking exhibit features examples from all of de Borchgrave’s major series. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Fashioning Art from Paper, open at The Baker Museum from February to May of 2019.