Sunday, July 31, 2016

NAPLES, FL ....... A COOL JULY DESTINATION

OLD US enjoyed our week in Naples, FL,  and the surrounding areas of Collier County.  Our convenient base was Naples, and neither RV or myself had ever been to Naples, so now we understand why so many people love this area and why it is home to a large population of second home owners.

Naples was founded in 1866 when a group of speculators bought 8700 acres of oceanfront land, subdivided it into building lots and built a pier and a hotel.   Naples, considered a popular and charming beach on the Gulf of Mexico, is more than 10 miles long and noted for its cleanliness and pristine white sand.
Naples Beach

Naples Beach
Naples is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States with the highest proportion of millionaires per capita.   Guess those land speculators had a good return on their investment based on all we saw.

Naples Beach Home
Naples Beach Home
Naples Beach Home
The local economy is based somewhat on tourism; however there are many employers in the area.  The Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South Streets are the focal points for Naples high end shopping in the historic downtown area, along with over 100 art galleries and sophisticated restaurants.  When it's time to snack or eat you can choose between a swank beachside resort or a funky beachside bar.  
Naples Florida - Historic District
Naples Florida - Historic District
Naples Florida - Historic Shopping District
Naples Florida - Historic Shopping District
Naples Florida - Historic Shopping District
Naples' Fishing Pier is one of the area's better known landmarks, not only during the day but definitely at sunset.  Hundreds of people show up every evening to celebrate the end of another beautiful day.
Naples Pier
Naples Pier
Waiting on Sunset  - Naples Pier
One of the reasons this pier is such a draw....

Everyone is welcome to fish on the Pier
in Naples, FL
The birds are fishing as well! - Naples Pier
No license required
The end of another beautiful day in
Naples Florida
We are leaving the coastal beauty of Naples and heading toward rural Old Florida.  We've enjoyed becoming familiar with our native state, and now we're driving to another destination -  the Everglades, cowboys, citrus, sugar cane and sod agricultural areas,  and through the scenic route of the area around Lake Okeechobee.   Florida has so much more to offer than just beautiful beaches!

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