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Heart to Heart

The Heart of Naples, Old Naples

by Karen Coney Coplin
he shortest month of the year will be one
a Streets run north to south. If it's a road or way, or circle, it's
day longer since it's a leap year. This month
not likely that it's a linear or straight roadway. Palm Circle East &
TI decided to shine a spotlight on a favorite
West, and Bougainvillea Road, where I lived for 8 years, come to mind.
neighborhood, Old Naples. If you've been a resident
s Another clue for getting around downtown - anything north
for some time, you'll know about many of these tips,
of Central Avenue bears an "N" in its address, and anything with an
or most of these. If you're a newcomer, welcome!
"S" is south.
If you have anything to add, I'd love to hear. th
d So, 5 Ave. S. is five blocks south of Central Ave.
In keeping with the 20 something calendar, here rd
f And historic 3 Street South is three blocks to the beach. Gulf
are 20 ways to celebrate life in the heart of historic Naples. If readers
Shore Boulevard would be the equivalent of 1st St., since it's one block
have other favorites, please send along your suggestions so I can round
from the beach and US 41 is also known as 9th St., which is 9 blocks
out this list, making a perfect 29 to match the leap year!
from the beach.
q Walk the paths at the Garden of Hope and Courage which is g In season, the Third Street South Association's Farmers'
nd
th
located on the northwest corner of 2 Avenue South and 8 Street
Market is held directly on Third Street on Saturdays from
South. There are also places for sound healing and a beautiful lake
7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
to contemplate peacefully. It's a resource putting you in touch with
A side note: the chicken salad offered here, also is available in a
nature. This was originally contemplated for cancer patients to enjoy
dozen appealing varieties.
with a sense of calm.
h Crayton Cove is next to the City Docks. This area features a
w Venture a little bit east afterwards and enjoy some of the great number of restaurants and places to stroll and people watch and shop.
offerings at the Wynn's market deli. I can't stop raving about the th
There is a traffic circle on 8 Street South and the cross avenue is
spinach mushroom lasagna discovered during the pandemic. And they th
12 Ave. S.
have every variety of chicken salad, all of which are delicious.
j The Landings is a nearby public park and boat launch, located
e Head south to Cambier Park. Take in an art show or music at 1109 9 St. S. Terrific views of Naples Bay are a plus.
th
from the bandshell or people watch and take your kids or grandkids to
k A shout out to the Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe is at the very end
the park. th
of 9 St. S. or US 41. Breakfast is served daily from 7:00 a.m. to
r The Arthur Allen Tennis Center is nearby, too. The city 1:30 p.m. It's a local favorite with a variety of traditions including
doesn't have pickleball courts... yet. The pickleball center on
New Year's brunch with complimentary screwdrivers or Bloody Marys
Thomasson is in the county rather than the city proper. Definitely
- only on the first day of the year though. If there is a wait, you can sit
something to watch for, though, for the city.
out on the deck and watch the seagulls and boats. Ask for a coffee to
th
t Heading down 8 Street S. a bit further, City Hall will be to take and enjoy at the same time.
the east and the Norris Center will be to the west. Take a moment
(Cash only.)
to make a wish and toss a coin in the fountain or conduct any of your
l The public library on Central used to be the main branch (this
affairs related to the city, including beach permits. The County has
honor has been bestowed on Orange Blossom). It nonetheless is an
a tax collector's office there, too, for different options including car
excellent resource and conveniently located for City residents.
registration, etc.
; You can support local art and art galleries which are dotted
y Just across the street, Gulfshore Playhouse currently makes throughout all of downtown. If you have a favorite, I'd love to hear.
the Norris Center their home while the new state-of-the-art Baker
The Artsperts, Juliana and Kristine Meek, are fellow columnists for
st
Theater and Education Center is built on Goodlette Road & 1 Ave. S.
this magazine and run the acclaimed Harmon-Meek Gallery which
The Norris Center offers a variety of other educational opportunities
has been a Naples staple since 1964. Be sure to take a peek when you
for City residents and visitors. th
are on 12 Ave S.
u At the end of 8th Ave. S., the famed "Wedding Beach" awaits, Before Hurricane Ian, every beach access point at the end of all
with a pretty expansive lawn, pavers, a nearby private lighthouse, and
of the avenues featured benches with different moving (and sometimes
the gentle rolling surf.
humorous) tributes to loved ones who passed. I don't think I'm alone
th
i A few blocks south on 12 Avenue South, The iconic Naples in wishing that this tradition might return.
Pier will be rebuilt to reclaim its spot as the best place to see the sunset.
And maybe you were one of the sponsors of a bench plaque in the
In the meantime, the vantage point from any other avenue will do.
past. If so, I'd love to see your photographs and memories.
o For all of those new to Naples, the avenues run east to west
with every avenue in Old Naples ending at the beach.
Email Karen with your article ideas concerning Life in Naples (especially as to local charities and their activities): Napleskcc@gmail.com.
Follow her on Instagram for more vignettes about Life in Naples: @naplesbythenumbers
46 Life in Naples | February 2024