by Eric McKeever

Created on: August 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Resting on the left lower half of Florida, Naples is a lightly populated city with a rich tradition of warm winter weather (the temperature ranges between the high 70s and low 80s with minimal rainfall), a host of golf courses (there are so many holes one has to make certain grandma doesn't put her cane in one) and enough events between the months of November and January to keep the tourist entertained.

In November, the tourist will immediately want to visit the Old Florida Festival. (Of course you don't have to be old to attend, but there may be lots of "old" there.) Showing 6,000 years of South Florida history, this annual festival features a look at events that have shaped South Florida. For a small fee of $5 ($2 if you are a student and free if you are under 8) you can experience a living documentary of eras gone by.

If your taste runs a bit more on the dramatic side (and whose doesn't), then you'll want to get out your lawn chair and head to the annual Koreshan Theatre (yes with an "re" please) Festival. Enjoy a one-act skit, a picnic and some family time and you've got the perfect recipe for a yearly tradition.

For the sophisticated soul there is the luxury hotel, Bellasera's White Truffle Event. Italy's difficult to find White Truffle takes center stage as she is whipped, beaten and boiled into a host of dishes by Italian master chefs. Adding to the sensual nature of this delectable event is an American wine expert who pairs the saucy truffle dishes with complimentary wines creating a coupling to die for. Moms and dads will want to leave the kids with the grandparents as they indulge in the sexy White Truffle in the warm Naples air.

In December, Naples offers its own unique spin on the holiday experience. Mix equal parts glistening bay, over sized boats, holiday lights and a touch of tacky (or good taste depending on who you're asking) and you get the Naples Bay Christmas Boat Parade. For two hours you can watch (and judge) the bedazzled barges as they coast past showing off their holiday dressing for all to see.

If culture is your thing, then pop on over to the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts where you can take the family to the Naples Philharmonic's annual Holiday concert or if you're a fan of a certain American show that produces "idols" then you won't want to miss the concert featuring the former show contestants aching to sing for an adoring public. For the opera buff on vacation, Opera Naples presents an annual family day opera as well as

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