Page 46 - LIN JAN 2022 WEB FILES

On to 2022: 26 Ideas for Life in Naples

by Karen Coney Coplin

is for Art: So many open air festivals! And N is for Naples Pier: Head to this iconic location to catch the
so much time - 365 days stretch ahead. glorious sunset and maybe the "green flash”.
A Visit locally owned galleries. Lighten and O is for Opera: This season's schedule is at Operanaples.org and,
brighten your life and home with art. Check out don't forget to save the date for the March 10 - 13 festival "Under
UACollier.com for current local arts information the Stars" at Baker Park.
and a calendar of upcoming events. P is for Play: Feeling theatrical? The Norris Center is home to
B is for Breakfast: In bed, at home, or hit Gulfshore Playhouse productions until its state-of-the-art facility
the town. If it's your day off, maybe brunch? My opens. Gulfshoreplayhouse.org, the Sugden Community Theater
favorite breakfast: "Galley's Greatest" at the Cove Inn Coffee (Naplesplayers.org) and TheatreZone present a variety of productions
Shoppe. With a side of cinnamon toast, just like Grandma Coney and offer season tickets too.
used to make. Q is for Quick Breather: Take a break at the Garden of Hope
C is for Coffee: Not just for breakfast anymore! Pick up a bag and Courage downtown. A favorite spot for reflection and inviting
of beans at local Farmers' Markets and coffeehouses after enjoying good thoughts. Gardenofhopeandcourage.org
a hot cup or cold brew. R is for Restaurants: So many choices for every meal of the day;
D is for Dog Park: Who let the dogs out? and happy hour too. Maybe make a "restaurant
Take your pet to the dog park. One popular spot resolution" in the New Year and try a new dining
is located at 99 Riverside Circle, off Goodlette spot each month.
Road near Central Ave. S is for Splash: Get your H2O on! Slides
E is for Earth: April 22 is Earth Day. No and lazy rivers are among the water features
need to wait till then. Take inspired action found at many area hotels AND all this and
now to protect water quality and wildlife. more at the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, a Collier
Conservancy.org offers insight and ideas in County park. Napleswaterpark.com
support of the natural world around us. T is for Time: It flies. Make it a priority to
F is for Friend: If you haven't caught up with spend it with those you love and love you back.
a loved one or old friend in a while, call, talk, or U is for Understanding: Dare we dream?
text. Make someone's day with an unplanned Maybe this is a year which will offer a chance
"Hello, how have you been?" to be closer to each other. How can we as
G is for Golisano Children's Museum of individuals bridge this gap? I suggest kindness as
Naples: (Grand)kids of all ages will enjoy an From the current exhibition a starting point and if reciprocated, let the ripple
outing to this world-class facility at 15080 Livingston at the Children's Museum. effect begin!
Road. Go to CMON.org for the latest events including V is for von Liebig Art Center: See exhibits, take
the current exhibition "Hunt Slonem's Zoo," by this talented neo- (or teach) a class; learn from a lecture. NaplesArt.org
expressionist American artist. W is Wine: The Naples Winter Wine Festival begins January
H is for Happy: Take a "me" day. Maybe write down that 28th. The theme is "Rise Up: Twenty Twenty Twogether." This
which makes you happy. Then do what you can to scratch some of popular and successful charitable endeavor is back as an in-person
those items off your list. event dedicated to the support of numerous local non-profits, all
I is for Invent: Drive to Fort Myers the City of Palms providing additional resources and services to children in need.
and a visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates might be in X is for Kisses (and hugs): Don't let a day pass without
order. These two fathers of invention loved the winter sunshine bestowing some affection on your loved ones. Pets, too.
too. Y is for Young at Heart: Multiple studies have found that the
J is for JetBlue Park: Baseball anyone? Spring training coming activities and experiences which brought us happiness as children are
up! Yes, it's "Fenway South." likely to have the same effect on us, as adults. Give some thought
K is for Kids: Visit the Children's Garden at Naples Botanical recreating childhood pastimes in the present moment.
Garden. Naplesgarden.org for more info including about the Z is for ZZZ: Naptime! Whether it is the power nap on stolen
"Stickwork" exhibit though January 9th. Sidenote: If your kids are time or a cat nap induced by a great meal, consider adding some
"grown and flown," call them - just because! extra shut eye to your schedule. That, and a consistent bedtime plus
L is for Laughter: Did you know, on average, kids laugh more the same time to rise, will help you be focused, happier, and ready to
than 300 times a day ? Adults fall far short with fewer than 20 take on 2022!
daily "ha ha" moments. Plenty of room for improvement. See a
funny movie, share a joke, or find a video of animals doing silly
things. Karen Coney Coplin can be reached at Napleskcc@gmail.com to share
M is for Movement: It might be time for a power walk on the an idea for a future article or a comment. On Instagram, follow her
Greenway, or paddleboard to the open water. Or stretch the mind adventures about Life in Naples: @Naplesbythenumbers
and body with a fitness class at the River Park Community Center.
46 Life in Naples | January 2022