A Local Love Letter By Samantha Bloom,

A Day on Fifth Avenue South from Someone Who Lives It Every Day

Samantha Bloom, Social Media Manager &
Lifelong Fifth Avenue South Enthusiast

There’s no place like Naples, and there’s truly no place like Fifth Avenue South. It’s where the rhythm of our coastal town meets elegance, charm, and everyday luxury. As someone who lives and breathes these streets—literally, I’m out here almost daily managing our digital life—I’m not just telling you about what’s trendy. I’m sharing the places that hold memories, stories, and a whole lot of heart. Whether you’re visiting or lucky enough to live here, let me take you on a walk through the best of the best on Fifth Avenue South.

STYLE STROLL: OUR BOUTIQUES HAVE PERSONALITY
Shopping on Fifth feels like catching up with old friends— each boutique has a soul. Marilyn’s, at 375 Fifth Ave S, is our crown jewel of European fashion. Think timeless silhouettes with bold confidence—Marilyn herself is a Naples icon. A few doors down, Arabesque has long been my go-to for beautiful gifts, curated stationery, and little luxuries you didn’t know you needed. It’s the kind of shop where you always find the perfect present—even if it’s for yourself. Locals love a good find, and Rouze and Ally Buckley deliver. These women-owned boutiques are redefining cool-girl Naples fashion—chic, approachable, and effortlessly coastal. They’re where you’ll find that flowy set you wear all season, or the statement piece everyone asks about.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR: FOOD THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
We don’t just eat here—we linger, we celebrate, we toast to nothing at all. For special occasions (or let’s be honest, just a great Thursday), Sails brings elegance and impeccable seafood flown in daily. The experience is luxurious, but never pretentious—just how we like it. For something more relaxed yet equally unforgettable, The French offers classic brasserie charm with a Floridian twist. Their courtyard brunch with jazz is practically a local tradition. And if you’ve never had the truffle pasta at Alberto’s on Fifth, you’re missing out on one of the Avenue’s best-kept secrets. You’ll always feel like family at Vergina, where Mediterranean flavors and live music create an atmosphere that buzzes with Naples hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers your name, your drink, and probably your dog’s name too.

CREATIVE SOUL: ART & THEATER THAT WOWS
Art lives and breathes on Fifth. One of my favorite quiet spots is The Englishman Fine Art—a gallery that feels like a journey through history and imagination, with British and European fine art that manages to feel both classic and fresh. But if we’re talking show-stopping talent, you can’t miss The Naples Players at Sugden Theatre. This isn’t just community theater—it’s a phenomenon. I’ve seen Broadway-quality performances happen right here, steps from my office. Their seasonal productions sell out for a reason, and the energy on performance nights? Electric. It’s one of the few places where Naples’ sense of community and artistic excellence come together so powerfully.

HIDDEN GEMS: THE SPOTS LOCALS KEEP COMING BACK TO
One of the most delightful surprises on Fifth is Brambles English Tea Room, tucked quietly down the Rue de Fleur passage. Inside, it’s all floral china, warm scones, and proper tea—it feels like a mini-vacation to the English countryside. If you know, you know. And while it’s not technically hidden, Cambier Park, just a block off Fifth, is our backyard. Whether it’s an art fair, a jazz concert, or just an afternoon picnic under the banyan trees, it’s where generations of Naples families have gathered—and it never loses its magic.

THE EVERYDAY VACATION
Some people come here for a weekend. I get to live it every day —and I don’t take that for granted. There’s nothing quite like watching the streetlights glow after sunset, hearing a saxophone in the distance, or watching a family stroll out of a show, smiling from ear to ear. Fifth Avenue South isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling.

So come see what we see. Shop like a local. Eat like you live here. Take the long way home. Because here on Fifth, every day feels like a little bit of vacation—and trust me, it never gets old.