art after dark

Here we are in beautiful Naples, Florida in the midst of the holiday season shopping for those unique gifts that we want to give to our loved ones. All year long, our small businesses are giving to charitable organizations that are helping our community in many ways. This is a great time of the year to remember them and shop for those special gifts in their establishments. Our “Mom and Pop” businesses are the “heart” of our downtown community and deserve our support.

Naples’ downtown is made up of four shopping areas including 3rd Street South, 5th Avenue South, Tin City/Bayfront and Crayton Cove. The most quaint area is Crayton Cove. It was Naples first commercial area stemming from the shipment of goods by boat coming into the city docks and continues to be a historic charming and vibrant commercial community. Located at the intersection of 8th Street South and 12th Avenue South, it offers a refreshing shopping experience for all who venture in.

Starting at the west end is Brigadoon’s, a wonderful women’s clothing store that has graced this location for many years with You’ve Got It Coming, offering catering at its best. Walking a few steps to the east, is Earth & Fire who offers the opportunity to paint your own special ceramic gift, then Vintage Charm with numerous unique items one might find in a European gallery. Stop at Chez Boët, a French Mediterranean restaurant, for a drink and a bite then next door to Random Acts of Art for a wonderful variety of hand created items of various size and price. Cross the street and get another bite and drink or a fine dining French cuisine experience that you won’t forget at Bleu Provence.

Venture into Nora Butler Design & Gallery and find numerous items designed by area artist, Nora Butler, along with about eight Naples artists and jewelers
offering their paintings and wares for sale. Continue next door to the Phil Fisher Gallery to find that special gift that is created by Phil Fisher, paintings in watercolor or oil, Natalie Guess, fine art batiks or hand built pottery, or Tianna Fisher, painting pet portraits. In the back section, discover the Guess-Fisher Gallery offering prints of area scenes and fine custom framing. Hungry again? Stop by Napoli On The Bay and get a pizza, sandwich or ice cream then step over to Naples Ships Store and get lost in shelves of fun gift possibilities.

Finish up your evening with a stop at the Dock At Crayton Cove restaurant for a meal or drink and a snack and enjoy a view of the water. Had enough, stay the night at the Cove Inn and enjoy a chance to wake up in this charming environment and start all over again. If looking for something to do on Saturday December 10 from 6 – 9 p.m. Come by Crayton Cove enjoy an evening of art and music at Art After Dark, hosted by the Galleries of Crayton Cove.