Page 15 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

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

Love Letter

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

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
There’s no place like Naples, and there’s truly no place like performances happen right here, steps from my office. Their
Fifth Avenue South. It’s where the rhythm of our coastal town seasonal productions sell out for a reason, and the energy on
meets elegance, charm, and everyday luxury. As someone performance nights? Electric. It’s one of the few places where
who lives and breathes these streets—literally, I’m out here
almost daily managing our digital life—I’m not just telling you Naples’ sense of community and artistic excellence come
about what’s trendy. I’m sharing the places that hold together so powerfully.
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. HIDDEN GEMS: THE SPOTS LOCALS KEEP COMING BACK
TO
STYLE STROLL: OUR BOUTIQUES HAVE PERSONALITY
One of the most delightful surprises on Fifth is Brambles English
Shopping on Fifth feels like catching up with old friends— Tea Room, tucked quietly down the Rue de Fleur passage.
each boutique has a soul. Marilyn’s, at 375 Fifth Ave S, is our
crown jewel of European fashion. Think timeless silhouettes Inside, it’s all floral china, warm scones, and proper tea—it feels
with bold confidence—Marilyn herself is a Naples icon. A few like a mini-vacation to the English countryside. If you know, you
doors down, Arabesque has long been my go-to for beautiful know.
gifts, curated stationery, and little luxuries you didn’t know
you needed. It’s the kind of shop where you always find the And while it’s not technically hidden, Cambier Park, just a block
perfect present—even if it’s for yourself.
off Fifth, is our backyard. Whether it’s an art fair, a jazz concert,
Locals love a good find, and Rouze and Ally Buckley deliver. or just an afternoon picnic under the banyan trees, it’s where
These women-owned boutiques are redefining cool-girl generations of Naples families have gathered—and it never loses
Naples fashion—chic, approachable, and effortlessly coastal. its magic.
They’re where you’ll find that flowy set you wear all season, or
the statement piece everyone asks about.
THE EVERYDAY VACATION
SAVOR THE FLAVOR: FOOD THAT FEELS LIKE HOME Some people come here for a weekend. I get to live it every day
We don’t just eat here—we linger, we celebrate, we toast to —and I don’t take that for granted. There’s nothing quite like
nothing at all. For special occasions (or let’s be honest, just a watching the streetlights glow after sunset, hearing a saxophone
great Thursday), Sails brings elegance and impeccable in the distance, or watching a family stroll out of a show, smiling
seafood flown in daily. The experience is luxurious, but never from ear to ear. Fifth Avenue South isn’t just a destination—it’s a
pretentious—just how we like it. feeling.
For something more relaxed yet equally unforgettable, The
French offers classic brasserie charm with a Floridian twist. So come see what we see. Shop like a local.
Their courtyard brunch with jazz is practically a local tradition.
And if you’ve never had the truffle pasta at Alberto’s on Fifth, Eat like you live here. Take the long way home.
you’re missing out on one of the Avenue’s best-kept secrets.
Because here on Fifth, every day feels like a
You’ll always feel like family at Vergina, where Mediterranean little bit of vacation—and trust me, it never
flavors and live music create an atmosphere that buzzes with
Naples hospitality. It’s the kind of place where the staff gets old.
remembers your name, your drink, and probably your dog’s
name too.
Life in Naples | May, June, July 2025 1515