Dave Osborn | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News
It’s been a hidden respite in Southwest Florida for years.
Naples Botanical Garden sits on 170 acres and is made up of smaller, separate gardens that represent various natural habitats and ecosystems.
And Naples Botanical Garden ― about three miles from downtown Naples ― features exhibits throughout the year. Here’s what to know about the Garden, as it’s known.
Garden becomes magical during holidays
It’s an end-of-the-year treat many await. The Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden creates a colorful world at night, where visitors can walk through the meticulously created wonderland.
Night Lights runs Nov. 28-Jan. 4, and is closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Dec. 31.
Ticket prices vary and gradually increase as the holidays approach.
Read the full article with photos on naplesnews.com.
There’s so much to enjoy in the Naples, Florida area. Be close to the fun with a home in the area. Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News
It’s always a good time to hunt for shells in Southwest Florida. But with snowbird and tourist season just underway, we thought it would be a good idea to inspire shelling enthusiasts with a list of rare shells you can find here and around Florida.Every collection needs a “gotta have it” bucket list. Stamps. Coins. Baseball cards. Comic books. Movie posters. Yes, even seashells.
And with seashells, what’s nice is, you already have a bucket so it is just a matter of checking off the shells you really want for your collection and those shells on your bucket list.
Dr. Jose H. Leal. He is the Science Director and Curator for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. Leal’s love for shells and sea life goes back to his childhood years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
What are some of the rare seashells you can find on Florida beaches?
Here is a list compiled by Leal that he put together using his knowledge and expertise of shells that can be found on beaches in Florida:
1-Atlantic Morum (Morum oniscus)
2-Fine-cut Nutmeg (Ventrilia tenera)
3-Arrow Dwarf Triton (Tritonoharpa lanceolata)
4-Beau Vitrinella (Cyclostremiscus beauii)
5-Stimpson Chimney Clam (Rocellaria stimponii)
6-Atlantic Paper Mussel (Arcuatula papyria)
7-Scotch Bonnet (Semicassis granulata)
Get the full list of rare shells and see the photos on naplesnews.com.
Looking for a home in Southwest Florida? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
☀️ August Highlights
1. Cirque du Soleil: Ovo
Join the internationally acclaimed Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo” at Hertz Arena from July 31 through August 3, 2025. Expect acrobatics, insects and wonder for all ages. (Lindy Petrina, NaplesLive239)
2. Third Street South Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday morning at 7:30 AM, explore fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local food vendors in Old Naples. A perfect early‑start for food lovers. (NaplesLive239, Naples, FL)
3. FC Naples Soccer Matches
Catch FC Naples home games—e.g. August 6 & 9, 5 PM at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Great for family fun and local sports spirit. (NaplesLive239)
4. Beach Yoga & Island Yoga Cruise
Morning beach yoga on Vanderbilt Beach every Wednesday and Sunday, plus a unique Island Yoga Cruise (August 2) on Keewaydin Island hosted by Pure Florida. (Visit Naples)
5. Art & Culture at Artis—Naples / Baker Museum
Visit The Baker Museum within Artis—Naples. Enjoy contemporary exhibits, lectures, workshops, and Art After Hours (free last‑Wednesday events in the evenings). (Wikipedia)
There’s lots more on naplesnewsnow.com.
Are you looking for a home in the Naples, Florida area? Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
