Tis the Season for Naples, FLA
If trips to the local "Pottery Barn" have become humdrum, or "Pier One Imports" just doesn't do it for you, why not head to the source of the beach bum life style with Naples, Florida. With a nearly non stop pottery and craft party from November to January you are sure to return home with the sad clown figurine or "Footprints" inspirational mantra on a conk shell of your choice.
Naples is the small town America on the shore, with temperatures during the holiday season that range from a high in the eighties and a low in the mid fifties and the tropical waters stay in the low sixties during the winter. With a holiday season average of only an inch and a half of rain (over three months) the holiday traveler is sure to find an abundance of mild, sunny days to cruise the shops, and sales along the beach.
During the month of November, Naples hosts events from Cops on Course (charity police golf event), a truffle festival, to an American Indian festival, along with other events that are sure to fill your day with a relaxed, browsing feel, unless of course you have warrants for your arrest in South Florida or are a French pig. Then it might be a little tense.
There is no stopping in December with a holiday pottery sale, the New Year's Eve art show downtown and of course the rocking, small south Florida town New Year's Eve midnight champagne reception at the Naples Philharmonic Center.
January boasts three art shows, "New Year's Weekend Art fair" where artist are invited from around the country to come and show selected pieces, answer visitors questions and make reservations for commissioned works; the "Winter Art and Craft Show" since 1979 has brought a wide variety of art works available to the public and the "Florida Wildlife and Wild lands Art Show" where artists display their works depicting the beauty of Florida's natural inhabitants. And there are still swamp buggy races to look forward to enjoying.
For a bite to eat there is the Old Naples Irish Pub, with everything from fish and chips to Caesar salad; Stoney's Steakhouse has its outdoor dining area and live music, and the Turtle Club, for dining on the beach, maybe with the turtles, you should ask.
All in all Naples, Florida is a great place for a holiday get away for the arts and crafts lover in you, or if you just want a beach that doesn't have a beer can, or passed out college kid every couple of feet. For more information try www.naples-florida.com and before you know it you'll be soaking up the local flavor, getting some color from the sun, and don't be shocked if you hear a lot of, "Excuse me, where did you get that lovely braided doily?"