PCCA Journal|4
th
Quarter 2012
43
Henry Watkins’ grandsons, Michael and Henry III, have
built upon the family passion, committing more than $50
million to bring their historic past into the new millennium.
They have constructed a spectacular clubhouse and spa and
a new beachfront Pool Complex, while renovating all guest
rooms and suites, common areas, and the award-winning golf
course.
Around Town in Naples
Perched on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Naples
is well known for its high-end shopping, world-class culture,
and sophisticated dining as well as for being an ideal destina-
tion for nature lovers and beach aficionados.
With nearly 90 courses in Collier County, Naples is known
as the “Golf Capital of the World,” with the most golf holes
per capita in the U.S. Numerous public and semiprivate clubs
offer challenging courses that make the most of lush, tropi-
cal surroundings. Keep an eye out for osprey, herons, bald
eagles, and wood storks.
There are also more than 100 art
galleries in Naples, prompting John
Villani, the author of “The 100 Best
Art Towns in America,” to name
Naples the #1 small arts town in
America.
Fifth Avenue South and Third
Street South are the focal point for
Naples shopping in the historic
downtown area, with numerous art
galleries, chic clothing boutiques,
and home decor shops. At Waterside
Shops, find Hermes, Louis Vuitton,
Tiffany & Co., Burberry, and other
specialty stores. Savvy shoppers take
advantage of savings at Naples Outlet
Center’s name-brand discount stores.
The iconic Naples Pier draws plen-
ty of folks more interested in the views than catching dinner,
but if you want to wet a line, it’s free, since the city provides
a blanket fishing license for all anglers. At Vanderbilt Beach,
take off your sandals and splash in the gentle waves. Visitors
and residents flock to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park’s mile-
long stretch of sugar-white sand. Picnic tables, a playground,
and restrooms make Lowdermilk Park popular with families.
Naples beaches were just named among the nation’s best in
TripAdvisor’s 2011 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Beyond the beaches, families will find more than enough
fun to fill their days. The new Golisano Children’s Museum
of Naples is a must-see, as is the Naples Zoo at Caribbean
Gardens, with its popular giraffes, black bears, and boat rides
to view primates living cage-free on islands in the zoo’s Lake
Victoria. Cool off at Sun-n-Fun Lagoon waterpark with five
waterslides, water fountains, and a lazy river.
Collier County is the largest county in Florida, with 80
percent of the land set aside as preserve land. The Everglades
Waterway stretches 99 miles and would take 7 to 9 days
to travel by canoe or kayak. The whole family will enjoy
exploring remote islands and winding waterways on a rented
powerboat or Waverunner. Nature tours deliver sightings of
playful dolphins and manatees. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up
paddleboards (the latest craze) are perfect for meandering
along the Paradise Coast Blueway, a network of paddling
trails that uses GPS waypoints.
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