Mark H. Bickel | Naples Daily News
What’s a “best beach towns” list without Naples being mentioned?
Not credible. At least that is our opinion.
So, kudos to Southern Living for getting the job done with its “The 50 best beach towns in the South 2025” list. The experts at Southern Living narrowed things down and beautiful Naples is No. 22 in the rankings.
America’s best beach towns: What they said about Naples
Dining and high-end shopping, a vibrant arts scene, spectacular shores—it’s easy to see why this area is dubbed the Paradise Coast. In a single day in Naples, you can catch a showy sunrise; play a round at an award-winning golf course; go boutique hopping on either Third Street South or Fifth Avenue South; and then walk over to Sea Salt, Del Mar, or Mediterrano for a delicious and memorable alfresco meal.
Read what else Southern Living said about Naples on naplesnews.com.
If you like what you see when visiting Naples, Florida, contact David to find a home in the area at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
Phil Fernandez | Naples Daily News
Golf is dying? Get your head out of the bunker.
Newly arriving and redeveloping golf courses and country clubs are major drivers for the Naples area’s booming construction industry fueling the local economy.
And 105 years after the first Collier County course that eventually became part of Naples Airport, there’s good reason for that: The sport is hotter than ever after last decade’s lull led to widespread predictions of pending doom.
Established in 1936, the National Golf Federation found that more rounds were played in 2023 than at any other time in its history, and it’s trending even higher this year and more than 10% ahead of where it was in leaner times prior to the pandemic, when new and younger enthusiasts discovered the hobby and others returned to it.
“COVID hit, and it was a run on golf,” said Jason Becker, who is founder of Naples-based Golf Life Navigators, which inspired by the E-Harmony concept matches prospective members with clubs, and makes appearances on Golf Radio Network podcasts geared toward private club managers. “What happened was all the golf courses became full.”
And that hasn’t subsided…Read the full article on naplesnews.com.
Phil Fernandez | Naples Daily News
Golf is dying? Get your head out of the bunker.
Newly arriving and redeveloping golf courses and country clubs are major drivers for the Naples area’s booming construction industry fueling the local economy.
And 105 years after the first Collier County course that eventually became part of Naples Airport, there’s good reason for that: The sport is hotter than ever after last decade’s lull led to widespread predictions of pending doom.
Established in 1936, the National Golf Federation found that more rounds were played in 2023 than at any other time in its history, and it’s trending even higher this year and more than 10% ahead of where it was in leaner times prior to the pandemic, when new and younger enthusiasts discovered the hobby and others returned to it.
“COVID hit, and it was a run on golf,” said Jason Becker, who is founder of Naples-based Golf Life Navigators, which inspired by the E-Harmony concept matches prospective members with clubs, and makes appearances on Golf Radio Network podcasts geared toward private club managers. “What happened was all the golf courses became full.”
And that hasn’t subsided, with projected 2024 U.S, revenues of $31.3 billion and a growing number of millennials in an industry that had struggled after “aggressive construction” in the 1990s and early this century resulted in more golf courses than golf players, according to IbisWorld, which has been doing market research since 1971.
Read the full article on naplesnews.com.
Do you want to find a home in Southwest Florida, close to many places to golf? Contact David at David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086 to find home.
Treylan McDuffie Special to the Daily News
Each week we will introduce you to one of the toughest holes golfers will face playing in Southwest Florida. Not only will we tell you which holes are most challenging but also give you how-to tips to conquer these beasts, or at least not have to color a solid square on your scorecard.
Course: Kensington Golf & Country Club
Address: 2700 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, 34109
The Hole: No. 2, 362 yards, Par-4
About the course: Kensington is known for its pristine conditions and challenging layout. It offers a walkable course, allowing golfers to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings fully. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., it features lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. The front nine and back nine each provide a distinct set of challenges, ensuring a well-rounded golfing experience.
About the hole: a dogleg left, Hole 2 would be considered fairly short for some but for others, this challenging hole requires all of your focus. It includes water hazards running down the left side and strategically placed bunkers demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot placement.
Tee Shot: Aim your drive towards the right center of the fairway. This strategy helps steer clear of the water hazard that runs along the left side and positions you well for the dogleg. Avoid missing to the right of the fairway, you will not enjoy the next shot. Depending on your driving distance and accuracy, a driver or 3-wood is advisable. Accuracy over distance is key here.
Approach Shot: The green is guarded by bunkers at the front and left. Aim for the middle of the green to avoid these bunkers and give yourself the best chance for a safe landing. Consider the elevation of the green. You might need an extra club, especially if playing into the wind. A mid-iron or long iron, depending on the distance remaining after your tee shot, should be selected to ensure you reach the green. Factoring in wind conditions and the lie of the ball is crucial.
On the Green: The green features subtle undulations, so focus on speed control and aim for the high side of the hole to account for the breaks. Taking your time to read the slopes and plan your putt is essential for success.
Read about the Key Challenges and catch up on previous holes on naplesnews.com.
Dave Osborn | Naples Daily News
Neapolitans believe Naples is an awesome place to live, and U.S. News & World Report agrees.
Naples ranks No. 1 in its annual Best Places to Live in the U.S., the only Florida city to make the top 10. The Southwest Florida city often rank high on various “best” lists by the national magazine and others, usually noted for its weather and quality of life.
“I love seeing sunshine almost every day,” said Mark Danni, founder and artistic director of TheatreZone, who’s lived in Naples for 22 years. “I love that Naples has a wide variety of live performing arts groups where Neapolitans can see so many different performing arts productions throughout the year.”
Naples in the past decade also has become more familiar as the Pickleball Capital of the World. The region in April again hosted the another U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. The very first championships were played in Naples in 2016.
What other Florida cities made the list? Read the full article on naplesnews.com.
Looking for a home in the Naples – Bonita Springs – Marco Island area? Contact David at 239-285-1086 or David@DavidFlorida.com
Mark H. Bickel | Naples Daily News
As far as feathers in the cap go for Naples hotels and resorts getting national and international recognition, it’s getting a little crowded.
Yes, it might be time for a new cap after the latest accolade.
The Naples Grande Beach Resort and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort have been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s as two of its Top-15 resorts in Florida based on results of its annual Reader’s Choice Awards. The list was revealed on Thursday (Oct. 5).
According to a press release: “More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.”
Read the full article on naplesnews.com.
Find a home in the Naples, Florida area! Contact David at David@DavidFlorida.com or 239-285-1086.
