Buy Local, Eat Better 🍊 | 9 Must-Do Naples Events 🎟 | Chain Restaurants Got Roasted 🔥 | Private Dining Clubs: Too Much? 🥂

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Friends and Neighbors,

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know we love highlighting where to eat around town—but this week, we’re focusing on something even closer to home: the incredible food that’s grown, raised, caught, and brewed right here in Southwest Florida.

It’s easy to overlook the farms and fishermen when you’re sitting down to a great meal, but the truth is, some of the best things you can eat don’t come with a menu—they come from a pickup truck, a pop-up tent at a farmers market, or a family-owned grove just a few miles inland.

Our lead story this week is a guide to buying local in the most direct way possible. We’re talking stone crab straight off the boat, citrus that was on the tree yesterday, greens grown by someone whose phone number you actually have. And yes, we’ve included links, names, numbers, and some of our favorite small businesses to support along the way.

You can explore past issues of The Naples Florida Review anytime right here: https://naplesfloridareview.beehiiv.com/

And as always—I want to hear from you. If you’ve got a hidden gem, a local grower, or a food story worth telling, send it to me at [email protected] or drop it in the comments.

See you out there,

The Naples Florida Review

Let’s stop pretending that the most exciting food in Naples is being flown in from somewhere else. Everyone talks about the best “New England Style Seafood” or “Philly-Style Cheesesteak,” but something crucial is lost in the process: local produce and goods. 

We have the freshest, best-tasting ingredients in the country growing, swimming, and thriving right here in Southwest Florida. It’s time to eat what’s here. 

And you know what’s better than good food? Good food that supports the people in your community.

This is not a call to abandon fine dining. Anyone who has followed this newsletter the past year as it has gained steam will know that I love a great night out. It has its place. But there’s something that’s even better—more grounded, more delicious, and more connected to place and people. This article is a field guide to eating what's grown, raised, and brewed right here. Everything listed is in season, available now, or run by someone you can shake hands with.

Let’s get into it.

🐟 The Freshest Local Fish You Can Get (Period)

We are in stone crab season through May 1st. If you haven’t had stone crab caught and cooked the same day, stop what you’re doing and fix that. If you subscribe to this newsletter (sorry, subtle plug) you know that I like local fishermen and any local seafood you can buy on a dock, ramp or from someone’s momma. Get what’s in season and enjoy it! 

🔹 Jimmy Lee Perry — The Real Deal

Jimmy is a local fisherman and football coach who’s deeply embedded in this community. He’s been catching stone crab and blue crab — alongside locally caught tilapia, mullet and channel catfish (and all the others in season) -  for years, and he recently started growing produce too. He sells fresh seafood and produce straight to the people.

Want to order from Jimmy?
📞 Call or text him directly: 239-776-2770

He posts weekly specials on his Facebook page, from oysters to shrimp to collard greens. Check out our past features on Jimmy here and here.

🔹 Dilly’s Fish Co. at Mike’s Bait House

Every Friday from 12–5, Dilly’s rolls in with fresh, local catch. This is not Publix. This is coolers-on-the-back-of-a-truck, ask-what’s-fresh, locals-only vibes. It’s fun, it’s casual, and the quality is unbeatable. Want to see where the locals gather and buy seafood? Here’s your chance!
📷 Dilly's on Instagram

🔹 Kirk Fish Company in Goodland

Down in Goodland, this third-generation family-run shop is an institution. If you want variety, history, and seriously fresh seafood, it’s worth the drive. Not to mention – once you’re there you can swing by Stan’s for a great beer with a view!

🔹 Swan River Seafood Market

Prefer something polished with set hours and a storefront? Swan River delivers consistent, high-quality Gulf seafood and great customer service. Walk in, walk out, eat like a king.

🥬 Local Produce That Actually Tastes Like Something

Let’s talk real vegetables. Not the waxy, tired stuff that’s been trucked across the country. We’re in the middle of peak Florida produce season—greens, citrus, tomatoes, herbs, and more.

🔹 Immokalee State Farmers Market

I’ve been there with the whole family. It’s colorful, vibrant, and truly local—run by and for the people who actually grow the food that ends up on your plate. Go early, bring cash, and talk to people. They’ll tell you what’s good this week and what’s coming next.

🔹 Jimmy’s Collard Greens

Right now, Jimmy (yes, same Jimmy from the seafood) is harvesting collard greens that will be gone by Easter. He’s already prepping to grow over 12 varieties of vegetables next season. Whether you’re a home cook or a restaurant owner, it’s worth getting on his list.
🛒 Order via his Facebook page or call/text 239-776-2770

🔹 Farmer Mike’s U-Pick

This is your hands-on, dirt-under-the-fingernails produce experience. Check their site to see what’s in season. It changes weekly, and there’s something super satisfying about pulling your own strawberries or greens right out of the ground.

🔹 Southern Fresh Farms (Fort Myers)

Also great for U-pick, and a hit with families. Feed the rescue animals, grab a local brew from Crazy Dingo Brewing, and take home something fresh. It’s one of those only-in-Florida experiences.

🌿 HERBS — KITCHEN GARDENS & FRESH FLAVOR

🔹 Kitchen Gardens

If you want local herbs that go beyond the shrink-wrapped supermarket plastic, this is your move. Kitchen Gardens is owned by the Maxwell family, a generational Naples family with deep roots. They’ve been growing and supplying herbs to homes and restaurants for decades.

“It started with just a few herbs in our backyard. Today, we grow over 30 varieties and supply some of the top restaurants and home cooks in Southwest Florida.”
— Read their full story here

They sell to Publix, but you can buy from them directly. Support the source. Basil, mint, thyme, lemongrass—whatever you’re looking for, they’re probably growing it right now.

🍊 Where to Get Real Florida Citrus (Fresh and In Season)

You haven’t tasted citrus until you’ve had it picked within 24 hours. Florida’s citrus is famous for a reason, and right now is prime time.

🔹 South Naples Citrus Grove

This is your citrus headquarters. They’re harvesting Honeybells now through mid-April—these ultra-juicy, sweet-tart gems only come once a year, and they sell out fast. South Naples Citrus also offers Ruby Red Grapefruit, Navel Oranges, and Temples, depending on the week. You can walk in or order straight from their website, and they ship anywhere if you want to send a little Florida sunshine up north.

🔹 Immokalee State Farmers Market

Want citrus straight from the source? Immokalee’s market is the place. Talk to the growers, get the freshest fruit possible, and fill your backseat with whatever’s in season. It’s a family-friendly, colorful experience, and you’ll almost always walk away with more than you planned to buy.

🔹 Ongoing Naples Farmers Markets

Citrus is a mainstay at most of our weekly markets, and it’s worth checking them regularly for fresh picks:

You’ll often find local citrus stands alongside other growers and makers. The selection changes weekly, but the freshness doesn’t.

🥩 LOCALLY RAISED MEAT YOU CAN TRUST

You don’t have to wonder where your beef came from. You just have to know who to call.

Buying half a cow isn’t for everyone, but I encourage you to consider the idea. If you get together with a group of friends or neighbors, it’s one of the best ways to stock up. 

🍺 LOCAL BEER TO WASH IT ALL DOWN

We grow it, we catch it, we brew it. Southwest Florida’s craft beer scene is absolutely worth your time—and your tastebuds.

✅ FINAL THOUGHT

You can talk all day about farm-to-table, but what really matters is knowing who’s behind your food, and choosing to support people over packaging.

Local isn’t just fresher—it’s better. Better tasting, better for the community, and better for Florida.

And the best part? It’s all available right now.

1. Pretty Woman: The Musical – Broadway Tour
📅 Wednesday, April 9 – Sunday, April 13
📍 Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples
💃 Believe it or not, with the snowbirds flocking north, it’s still possible to snap up some last minute tickets for a performance at Artis! There aren’t that many left (afternoon performances will be easier to score), so head on over to the Artis website if you are interested! 
Showtimes:
• April 9 – 7:30 PM
• April 10 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• April 11 – 7:30 PM
• April 12 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• April 13 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
👉 More info & tickets

2. Naples Design District Block Bash (Final of the Season!)
📅 Wednesday, April 9 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Naples Design District
🍹 Here is one event I’m planning on taking my entire family to! Explore five vibrant blocks filled with art galleries, boutiques, studios, and restaurants. Highlights include:

• Build-your-own bouquets at Kurtz Homes Naples
• Frozen tequila snow cones + walking tacos at Limón Rooftop Bar
• Spiked whiskey cocktails at Sun Mountain Doors
• ½-price rush tickets + open lobby bar at Gulfshore Playhouse
• Live artist demos and a farewell event at Method & Concept (before their move to Naples Art District)
• Light bites at Unique Wood Floor Co.

It’s a relaxed, walkable evening of creativity, cocktails, and community.
👉 RSVP & Details

3. Florida Everblades vs. Atlanta Gladiators – 3-Game Home Series
📅 Wednesday, April 9 – Saturday, April 12
📍 Hertz Arena, Estero
🏒 Where else can you get a great night of family fun for as little as $19 a ticket? The Everblades take on the Atlanta Gladiators in a three-game home series. Always a fun, high-energy night for families and hockey fans.
Game Times:
• April 9 – 7:30 PM
• April 11 – 7:30 PM
• April 12 – 7:00 PM
👉 Get Tickets

4. Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park Family Easter Egg Hunt
📅 Friday, April 11 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 810 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL
🥚 Crafts, food, music, games, and a twilight egg hunt starting at 7:00 PM. Just $5 per family of five!
👉 Register Online

5. Naples Balloon Festival 2025
📅 Friday–Sunday, April 11–13
📍 Collier County Fairgrounds, Naples
🎈 This is the perfect venue for this event and I’m sure it’s going to be a blast. Hot air balloons, tethered rides, live music, food trucks, carnival rides, and a balloon glow at dusk.
👉 More info

6. Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show
📅 Saturday, April 12 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Cambier Park, Downtown Naples
🎨 This is a fun, family-friendly event to stop by (and let the kids run around the playground afterwards). Over 80 local artists showcasing jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, and more—right in the heart of Naples.

7. C’mon Spring Fling
📅 Saturday, April 12 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
🐣 Celebrate spring with outdoor games, hands-on activities, crafts, and egg hunts. Free for members (if you’re a local parent, I highly recommend membership) or included with admission.
👉 More info

8. Naples Players’ “Something Rotten!”
📅 Now through April 20
📍 Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave S
🎭 A hilarious, fast-paced musical comedy that blends Shakespeare with musical theater mayhem. A crowd favorite this season. After the show, take a stroll up and down 5^th Ave.
👉 Buy Tickets

9. Bonita Springs International Film Festival – Shorts Weekend
📅 Friday–Sunday, April 11–13
📍 Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs
🎬 A weekend dedicated to short films of every genre. Intimate screenings, Q&As, and new voices in filmmaking.
👉 Event Details

It’s one thing to talk about your favorite local restaurant—but we decided to flip the script and ask: where won’t you eat?

The runaway “winner”?
Chain Restaurants. (Not even close.)

But this sparked a bigger question: What even counts as a “chain” these days?
There’s a lot of confusion around what’s a national chain versus a restaurant group versus a family-owned collection of local spots. Even I’m not always sure who falls into which category. Maybe we need to dig into this further in a future edition.

In the meantime, here’s what some of you had to say:

💬 Stephanie M. 

“I won't eat at Swan Seafood anymore. I do not know what the hype is about. I'll buy their fish from the market and make it at home, but I won't order off their menu. It's not that their fish isn't fresh, it's just bland. The only sauce they serve with their (non-fried) fish is tartar sauce (which I don't like). Most of their signature dishes don't feature local fish. And I'm not crazy about any of their sides (I've tried them all). ”

💬 John G. 

“5th Avenue and Third Street? Expensive and VERY average at best food. Boring, never-changing menus.”

💬 Robin W. 

“I know we have a LOT of New Englanders in the area, but we have so much local seafood to share—I don’t see the point of the New England-style joints.”

💬 J.V. 

“Lavender on 9th street and 3rd is a fantastic find. The prices “off Fifth” are more than reasonable and the food is exceptional. A combination of Turkish, Greek and overall Mediterranean cuisine adorns this menu. The chef /Owner Hakan provided excellent service. A new very local favorite and wonderful outdoor seating as well.”

Naples has always had a taste for luxury, but lately, we’re seeing a new wave of members-only dining clubs popping up across town. Between Butcher Private, Maddox, the soon-to-open Prime Social on 5th Avenue, and the ultra-high-end Sterling Club (yes, with its own champagne lounge)—I’m starting to wonder what you all think.

Do you belong to one? Want to? Think they’re absolutely nuts?

👉 Cast your vote below and drop me a comment or email at [email protected] if you have an experience or opinion to share. I’d love to hear your take—whether you’re a member, a curious guest, or a very skeptical onlooker.

👆Click to vote, and I’ll share your thoughts and results next week!

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Why It Matters

In a time when everything is shipped, packaged, and polished for convenience, eating local is a quiet rebellion.

It’s not just tastier—it’s more rooted. It means knowing your shrimp didn’t cross an ocean to meet your cocktail sauce. It means your dollar stays here, with the growers, brewers, and makers who actually live where you live.

The truth? Supporting local isn’t trendy. It’s timeless.

And right now, it’s more important than ever.

So the next time you eat, ask yourself—do you know where it came from?

Because when you do, everything just tastes better.

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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