Diana Biederman | Naples Daily News
…with idea that began on Bonita Beach
What if we just stayed on vacation forever?
It’s something that many of us fantasize about, but this meditation on life was inspired during a Bonita Springs snowbird season decades ago, leading to the birth of Tommy Bahama.
Although Tommy’s not an actual human, the behemoth Floridian lifestyle brand encompassing products ranging from fashion and home furnishings to food and tropical cocktails is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023.
The founders’ first foray was menswear, hitting store department stores in 1993.
Two years later, what was initially planned as the company’s first standalone retail store changed when a real estate opportunity in Olde Naples proved irresistible.
The brand’s CEO, Doug Wood, credits Barbara Walker of Neapolitan Enterprises for igniting an idea in 1995 when two of Tommy’s co-founders, Tony Margolis and Bob Emfield, wanted to open their first retail store.
It was Margolis, Emfield and their wives who were inspired on Bonita Beach years ago to create the brand.
The gents thought 1,000 square feet, but Walker showed them a space eight times that size.
The result? Two shops, one for menswear, a second for womenswear, both sandwiching what would become the brand’s first-ever restaurant.
From Naples to a National Presence – read the story on Naples Daily News
Contact David to find your home in the Bonita Beach area of southwest Florida. David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press
Naples is a popular travel destination. We know this. People come to Naples from all over this country and all over the world.
The city has amazing restaurants. It has outstanding golf courses. There are numerous cultural attractions from the arts to the theater and of course, the philharmonic.
So, it should not be a surprise to see Naples appear on another “destination” list.
But this one is a little different.
Naples appears on a list that ranks it as the No. 5 destination in the U.S. for first-time solo travelers.
And Naples is one of those places, coming in behind No. 1 Washington, D.C, Austin, Texas, Denver and Portland, Oregon.
Part of the research highlights a “top attraction to visit in the destination”. For Naples, using Trip Advisor and TikTok data it is the Naples Botanical Garden.
“We are excited to top this list for individual travelers, and we think it’s fitting that they favor spending time at Naples Botanical Garden,” said Andrea Nickrent, Vice President of Development & Marketing for the Naples Botanical Garden. “Solo travelers can essentially choose their own adventure on our 170-acre campus. Gardens are full of sights, sounds, and scents that can be enjoyed at your own pace. Many visitors like to explore on their own and take advantage of our self-guided audio tours, join one of our daily group tours, or just experience the respite that is Naples Botanical Garden.”
Read the complete article on Fort Myers Press
Contact David to find your home in the best place to live – Naples, Florida. David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Naples News Now | March 13, 2023
Residents of Naples, Florida have something to look forward to as Big Shots, a golf entertainment company, prepares to open its doors in the area. The company will be operating the twelve-hole Nicholas Design golf course and also building the Big Shots Golf Entertainment Facility at the Golden Gate Golf Course.
The Big Shots Golf Entertainment Facility is a state-of-the-art facility that will offer an innovative golfing experience to residents and tourists alike. The new facility will include a two-story tee-line with interactive, climate-controlled tee boxes featuring cutting-edge technology powered by TrackMan Range. These enhancements allow BigShots Golf games to be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. Avid golfers can play full rounds on virtual golf courses all over the world, this will allow golfers to play on some of the world’s most famous courses without leaving the facility. The simulators use advanced technology to create a realistic golfing experience, complete with realistic graphics, sounds, and even weather conditions.
Read the full article.
Contact David to find your home close to great restaurants in Bonita Springs and Naples, Florida. Email or call David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
by Naples News Now
Being the best place to call home in the whole country, Naples deserves the honor.
Naples, Florida, has been declared the best place to live in the United States, making a life in SW Florida a dream come true.
Collier County’s Naples is a beautiful seaside city. This place has white sand beaches, a tropical environment, and a high standard of living. This gem of the Gulf Coast has risen to the top of various “best places to live” rankings.
Mostly, Naples enjoys a warm and sunny atmosphere all year. On average, there are 264 clear days a year, making it perfect for sports like golf, fishing, and boating.
Read more about why Naples is the best place to live in the USA.
Contact David to find your home in the best place to live – Naples, Florida. David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Hurricane Ian canceled the boat show in November. The 50th Annual Fort Myers Boat Show will take place in the historic downtown Fort Myers riverfront this weekend. Ian destroyed the yacht basin where the show usually takes place.
The city of Fort Myers worked with the organizers to find a new date and location for the show.
The largest exhibition of boats, boating products, and services on the west coast of Florida with more than 500 boats. All types and sizes of boats will be on exhibit.
Contact David to find a boating dream home in Southwest Florida. Email or call David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Art Fair
Naples Art New Year’s Art Fair
January 7 & 8 | 10 am-5 pm
Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Street S, Naples
Info on Facebook Events
Comedy
Comedian Ginger Billy
January 5-7
Off The Hook Comedy Club, 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, #1100
Drew Hunter standup shows
January 8-11
Shows for both cost $35+
offthehookcomedy.com or 239-389-6901
I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
One-woman play starring Patty Caroli as Sue Mengers
January 4-22
Arts Center Theatre, Marco Town Center, 1089 N. Collier Blvd., No. 432, Marco Island
Based on the story of Sue Mengers, a Hollywood agent to stars Barbra Streisand, Burt Reynolds, Cher and more.
$40
239-394-4221 or marcoislandart.org
Music
Nash to Naples Songwriter Fest
January 7 | 6 p.m.
Cambier Park, Naples
Donations welcome
An inside look at the process behind writing favorite country songs, with Andrew Albert, Paul Sikes, Emily Falvey, Emily Landis, Johnny McGuire, Brock Berryhill, and Neon Union with Andrew Millsaps and Leo Brooks.
Bring your own seating
Naples Jazzmasters Dixieland Band
January 7 | 2-4 pm
River Park Community Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples
Upcoming concerts on February 11, March 4, April 1
Free – donations appreciated
naplesjazzsociety.com
