North Naples - Naples, FL

The Naples area developed in the 1880s when a former Confederate general and congressman (John Stuart Williams) and his partner founded the city. Subsequently, press releases touting the warm climate and fresh fish drew interest to the region. During World War II, the U.S. Air Force built an airfield to train its pilots, and the population boom began soon after the cessation of the war. That small airport evolved into Naples Municipal Airport and acts as the city's main tourist-transportation hub.

The economy of Naples was historically based on agriculture and then shifted to real estate, and now it subsists on tourism. Within the confines of the city's boundaries lie major natural sanctuaries and reserves. Naples hosts annual tennis championships, a half-marathon and tri-annual swamp-buggy races. The Baker Museum, the Equity Regional Theatre's TheatreZone and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra also call this culturally rich beach-town home.

Food lovers, pub fanatics, and shopaholics rejoice. Drive five minutes in any direction in North Naples and you'll encounter numerous restaurants, bistros, and bars. You can find small clusters of restaurants in the beach district, but some of the best eateries in Naples are a five- to 10-minute drive from the residential districts.

Those who appreciate a five-star menu, awesome food, and a posh ambiance can check out the Wine Loft of Naples, located at 9118 Strada Place. The elegant setting, moderately priced food, and drink specials will make a repeat customer out of you in no time. On Sundays, imbibe in unlimited Bloody Marys or mimosas for $19. If the mimosas don't suit you, take a peek at the extensive wine list. You can follow up a drink (or two) with an order of tuxedo-rusted blue fin tuna or the yummy lobster ravioli. Save room for the bourbon chocolate cake.

If you enjoy down-home American food, then put the Bay House on 799 Walkerbilt Road at the top of your list. It serves some of the best stone crab claws in southwest Florida in a polished and elegant, yet rustic, atmosphere. Order the Charleston Carpet-Bagger steak, or try the roast duck with cornbread. The restaurant takes reservations, which may be necessary during the busy tourist season, and also provides in-house catering for private events.

Pick up the pace post-dinner at the Blue Monkey Bar and Grille, located on 7550 Mission Hills Drive. All day every day is happy hour at the Blue Monkey. Pay $2.25 for domestic draft beers and $2.50 for imports. Wednesday nights the bar hauls out the karaoke machine and packs in the locals, and on Sundays it hosts an NFL get-together that includes half-price burgers and $10 import pitchers with the purchase of a game ticket. So stop by on Sunday to watch NFL action on one of the 14 50-inch HDTVs.

Old Naples Pub on 255 13th Avenue is a few minutes' walk from the beach and historic fishing pier in the original, pre-tourist Naples neighborhood. This is a great place to put your feet up after a night out or an afternoon on the beach. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, Old Naples Pub features a key-tickling pianist who charms the masses with classical tunes and raspy jazz. Wednesday and Sunday nights, the pub entertains locals and tourists alike with a humorist/harp guitarist.

The majority of residents of North Naples use private vehicles for transportation. If you need to use public transportation, Collier Area Transit provides bus service throughout Naples seven days per week, and trolley service runs along limited routes within the city. In the beach area, taxis can be found on occasion, but you might want to consider Uber if situated in an outlying part of the city.

Expect to pay $1.50 per hour at a public parking meter and more if you wish to park in any of the covered garages found at various locations within the city. You won't encounter any designated bicycling lanes within North Naples; however, pedestrians, joggers and cyclists usually don't have any safety issues while transiting the speed-regulated beach roads.

While there are more than a dozen parks within a 10-mile radius, North Naples residents often use the amenities at Pelican Bay Community Park. This fitness-oriented facility has something for everyone in the family: tennis courts, racquetball courts, bocce ball courts, a basketball court, softball field, soccer field, walking trails, picnic pavilions, a lake, and a fully lit playground for the kids. The whole family has the opportunity to take tennis lessons ($65/hour) year-round, weather permitting. Locals can purchase yearly passes to access park amenities, or they may want to consider a pay-as-you-go plan.

If you have a furry friend in your family, consider taking pets to Rover Run at Veterans Community Park. The park has size-designated areas to prevent conflicts between your miniature horse and the ferocious, 5-pound yapsters.

The cost of living in North Naples, when compared to the rest of the city, is reasonable considering that the average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence lists at $1028. To get to downtown Naples via bus, expect to shell out $1.50, or you can opt to pay $4.00 for a day pass. If you want to hoist back a brew at your favorite pub, plan on dropping $5 or $6, and if you need to fuel up your car at the local gas station, count on spending 10 percent above the national average.

Naples Historic District and the Village at Venetian Bay house many fine, high-end shops and boutiques, but you can find shopping hot spots in other areas of the city as well.

Marissa Collections on 1167 Third Street South carries clothing, accessories, shoes, and jewelry by Oscar de la Renta, Brunello Cucinelli, Fendi, and Dolce and Gabbana, to name just a few. Men can browse through Marissa's well-stocked men's section.

If you want to purchase a gift for that special person in your life, stop in to take a peek at what Bigham Jewelers at 2425 Tamiami Trail North has on display. The shop has a full line of Rolex and Victronox watches, diamond wedding bands, and colored-stone rings. Classic jewelry lovers may want to see what it has in its entrancing estate jewelry section of the store.

Many North Naples residents use the conveniently-located Publix Supermarket at Riverchase Shopping Center on 11200 Tamiami Trail North for their weekly grocery needs. If you prefer organic produce and homemade goodies, try the Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market at the Marquesa Plaza every Sunday.