What is there to do in Naples, Florida? That all depends on if you can get tired of golfing at one of Naples 35 courses, nature tours, bird watching, hanging in the Everglades, sailing, island hopping, and days at the beach. If all of that isn't enough to satiate your tropical hunger, then consider some of the mainstream festivals that go on throughout the year in "The Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida".

Naples offers a wide range of festivities spanning the entire year. Whether you're old school, new school, or middle school you can certainly find something to celebrate while on the Paradise Coast.

First things first. Every New Year's weekend Naples' Fifth Avenue is host to the New Year's Art Festival. This artsy shindig commissions top artists from every corner of the country. One can hire an artist for private contract, or purchase one of the numerous pieces that these professionals bring to sell. The main event of the weekend is the art show, which is presided over and judged by jury. The artists themselves are also present to answer questions concerning their work. For a fan of the finer things in life, there's only one place to be to welcome in the New Year with peerless specimens of blown glass, statue, jewelry, paintings, and nearly every medium one can fathom.

If you like something a little less refined, but in no way less of a good time, then stay in town until the end of January for the Mullet Festival. You need not visit the salon before heading to this romp. The Mullet Festival (despite sounding like a hockey player's haircut heaven) is actually a dance contest and all-around good time. Held annually at Stan's Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant, the festival includes more seafood than you can shake a stick at, the esteemed Buzzard Lope dance competition, which culminate at the end of three days with the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen.

The prestigious title of Buzzard Lope Queen is an elite position only the most fit, courageous and daring individuals can even dream of ascertaining one day. Owner/host Stan Gober acts as the gentile Buzzard King while several hopefuls contend for the coveted Queen spot. For the younger crowd, a Buzzard Lope Princess is crowned for the ages of 6-16.

For clarification, the Buzzard Lope dance is a creation of Gober's that accompanies a song he wrote, succinctly titled "The Buzzard Lope Song". Inspiration struck Stan sometime in the 80s and a proud Queen has been crowned each year since 1985.

Now skip to December as you fast-forward through the rest of the year, you're missing canoe races, food festivals, and a swamp walk but here we are finally in the holiday month of December. Be delighted and amazed because the Naples Bay Boat Parade is right around the corner. Brought to you by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, this is definitely the most spectacular of the Naples' area events. Boats are decorated with lights and then cruise the bay in a display rivaled only perhaps by the Disney Parade. Contend for a spot on the dock and settle down to an evening seemingly magical.
So whether your fancy is folkish dance, fine cuisine, or finer art be sure to keep Naples for your consideration year round as the perfect getaway.

Learn more about this author, Justin Griess.
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