You have, perhaps, heard the caveat more than once: do not vacation in Florida during the summer – it is scorching hot and draining humid. Well, let us tell you: disregard it. Yes, Florida is quite balmy from May to September. But it is also a state replete with opportunities to cool down your work-home-work routine.
Among Florida’s premier beach destinations is Naples, a city full of various summer activities to keep the whole family happy and engaged. Haute Residence partner, Dante DiSabato, realtor with William Raveis Real Estate, let us in on Naples’ summer calendar. Did you pack already?
What is your favorite summer activity in Naples?
My favorite summer activity in Naples would be golfing. You can get an early tee time that beats the heat and the rain when you play fast. The nice thing about summer is reciprocals. I belong to Grey Oaks Country Club and their list of reciprocals (an arrangement where local country clubs open their courses to members of other clubs) gives me the ability to try a lot of different courses and enjoy other course and clubs around Naples. After all, Naples is the golf capital of the world with more holes per capita than anywhere else!
What is the best summer activity the whole family can enjoy in Naples?
Summer gets a bad reputation in South Florida. But the truth is everything you could do in Naples in-season is still available to you in the off-season. There are farmers markets, beach activities, concerts in the parks, fireworks at the pier for 4th of July, swimming, boating, fishing, the Naples Zoo, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, boat tours, museums … the list goes on and on. But the best part is what is missing: the crowds. You can get a great parking space while shopping at 5th Avenue South or Third Street South or Waterside Shops. You’ll get a great table in even the best restaurant. And traffic is a breeze.
With temperatures sizzling in the summer, the beach seems the place to be. What beach entertainment does Naples offer?
All the beaches in Naples are public so it is nice that everyone can enjoy them. There is the beach downtown by the pier where they offer beach volleyball, lots of fishing, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, etc. There is also Vanderbilt Beach where right off the beach there is the Beach Box Café with a couple of bars with music and food.
Third Thursdays on Third music events happen every third Thursday of each month along Third Street South. What can visitors expect?
Thursdays on Third is a standard here in Naples and on that one night I do enjoying going down to Third Street South. They have live music with street performers up and down the street. All of the restaurants are packed and streets are buzzing. It is a great time to be down on Third. I would recommend a reservation on this night even in the summer!
What activities can art lovers delve into in Naples this summer?
There seems to be a gallery for every type of art here in Naples. There are galleries always lining up and down 5th and Third, which are usually open late for viewing. There are usually events at these galleries or cocktail parties with the artists there. It’s very good networking and the ability to view some great pieces of art.
What about gourmands? What does Naples’ summer cuisine feature?
As Naples continues to be recognized both nationally and internationally as a food destination, you can be sure to find a wonderful mix of culinary delights. And in the summer you can get a table without much concern!
What advice do you have for Naples’ visitors who fall in love with the city’s real estate and seek to purchase a home this season?
I would tell the to contact me! I live the Naples lifestyle and have extensive market knowledge in order to get them the property that fits their criteria. The market is doing extremely well with limited solid inventory. If it is a good deal it flies off the market. Naples is unique and very different than other markets and not surprisingly it seems to attract everyone who visits.
Dante DiSabato is the exclusive agent representing the Naples, Florida real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of his listing here.
