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Good morning, friends and neighbors!

The days are getting longer, traffic has cleared up, you can get a reservation almost anywhere and, importantly, midday temperatures have not yet reached the surface of the sun. Spring is a great time to be in Naples, Florida!

Welcome to the first bi-weekly issue of The Naples Review, where we aim to keep you up to date on the latest happenings in Naples, Florida and beyond. You can look forward to restaurant reviews, Top 5 Lists and local insights in the weeks ahead. We love our city and want to showcase what it has to offer. 

In this issue we’ll explore some major restaurant upheaval with the reopening of the Turtle Club and the shuttering of the Olde Naples Pub. We’ll also take a first look inside the newly opened Alamo Drafthouse Naples Theatre in Mercato. In each issue we’ll also connect you with other useful local and national resources and stories. 

So, let’s dive in and explore the latest and greatest that Naples has to offer.

📰 Upcoming in this issue

• The Turtle Club Reopens 🐢

• The Olde Naples Pub Readies to Close 🙁

• Newcomer Alamo Drafthouse Opens its Doors for the First Time 🍻

• 5 Reasons to Visit Naples, Florida in June 🌞

• Naples, Florida: America's #1 Living Destination 🏆

The Turtle Club Reopens 🐢, The Olde Naples Pub Readies to Close 🙁, and Newcomer Alamo Drafthouse Opens its Doors for the First Time 🍻

When guests from out of town visit you in Naples and excitedly ask you to take them to a “hidden gem” or “somewhere the locals like to eat,” there’s generally two categories of restaurants that come to mind. The first is a short list of locally-loved dives, and the second is a list of restaurants that have sentimental value and have – somehow - survived the transformation of Naples over the last 20 years. The Turtle Club and The Olde Naples Pub undoubtedly belong to the second list, and this spring we welcome one back and wish one farewell. 

The Turtle Club Reopens

The Turtle Club reopened its doors on May 6^th to a very excited public after extensive repairs following Hurricane Ian. For locals, this beachside feet-in-the-sand and cocktail-in-hand favorite became a signpost for how much our community had recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022. As other local favorites reopened (Island Gypsy) or closed permanently (Amore), everyone was left to wonder, “what’s happening with The Turtle Club?”

We got our first real indication (after months of speculation) in a Facebook video posted by the restaurant in mid-April which made the date seem imminent. We really got excited when they posted a contest for the first reservations (spoiler alert: your author did not score the winning reservation). Finally, we were so happy to see the first reviews of the reopening and then slightly depressed that you can’t get a reservation for two in the next 3 months. In Naples, Florida. In the scorching heat. I tried. 

I have seen photos of the menu shared online, however, and am happy to report that the new menu is much the same as the old, featuring the classic Naples Turtlefeller and the Shrimp and Crab Napoleon. There’s also a seafood salad croissant that’s surprisingly good (don’t knock it ‘till you try it). 

The views are just incredible. You are looking at the Gulf of Mexico as the sun sets and your food arrives. You can slip off your sandals and put your feet in the sand. There are very few places left in Naples like the Turtle Club – worth a visit. 

The Olde Naples Pub Readies to Close

As excited as locals were about the Turtle Club reopening, we were equally depressed to see the upcoming shuttering of local landmark The Olde Naples Pub. Official word is that this local favorite will be shuttering its doors on May 31^st after 28 years in operation. The plaza where the restaurant is situated – rumor has it – is not renewing the lease. 

What a location! Nestled in the middle of Third Street, the Olde Naples Pub was the perfect place to grab a quick bite and do some people watching in season. The food was always consistent and the atmosphere lively. With so much change on the restaurant scene here in town it is sad to bid farewell to another local favorite. If you have a chance in the next week, stop in for one last meal. 

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (and bar…and mini golf?!?) Opens its Doors

It was hot in Naples last weekend. With two kids who were sick of the pool, we ventured to Mercato to check out the new Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which is located in the space previously occupied by Silverspot Cinema, for a midday showing of “If.” 

A warning to parents of small children – when you arrive on the cinema level, there’s a giant T-Rex straight out of Jurassic Park and a wide-mouthed shark. You can calm them down by letting them know it’s part of the cinema’s 9 hole mini golf course. Now you’re committed to the extra $$ for the mini golf. 

The classic film décor laden mini golf course was a fun way to enter the new movie theatre. Alamo has changed Silverspot’s seating format to be more spacious and more focused on their food offerings (larger trays). All of the seats recline and you have plenty of room to move around. 

The ordering system was a little confusing at first, but we got the hang of it. We ordered popcorn and snacks for the kids and the popcorn arrived in a large metal bowl. Like the ones you mixed brownies in as a kid. Very cool vibe and the staff was attentive. When you stop by Mercato, be sure to visit. 

5 Reasons to Visit Naples, Florida in June 🌞 [read the full 1,002-word article here]

Article published: May 17, 2024

Naples, Florida, shines brightly in June, offering a unique blend of attractions and experiences that make it an ideal time to visit.

From uncrowded beaches to delightful dining specials, this Gulf Coast gem promises an unforgettable summer getaway.

Here’s why you should pack your bags and head to Naples this June:

Explore Summer Dining Specials

Naples is a paradise for food lovers, and June brings enticing dining deals at top restaurants.

Campiello offers a two-course dinner for just $39, showcasing its authentic Italian cuisine.

PJK Neighborhood Chinese Cuisine tempts with Wine and Wok Wednesdays, featuring a family-style dinner and a bottle of wine for $74.

Relax on Less Crowded Beaches

June is perfect for beach lovers seeking tranquility.

Clam Pass Park's scenic boardwalk and mangrove forest, Vanderbilt Beach's spacious sands, and Lowdermilk Park's family-friendly amenities provide serene beach experiences.

Enjoy Music in the Garden at Naples Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Music in the Garden event at Naples Botanical Garden.

Enjoy live performances amidst lush tropical flora, offering a perfect blend of music and nature.

Go Fishing

June is prime time for fishing in Naples, with excellent opportunities to catch snook.

Charter a boat or fish from the pier for a thrilling experience in Southwest Florida's top fishing spots.

Experience Evening on Fifth

Downtown Naples' Fifth Avenue South transforms during Evening on Fifth events, featuring live music, entertainment, and delicious food.

It's a lively celebration of Naples' vibrant culture and community spirit.

Key Takeaways:

• 🍽️ Summer Dining Specials: Campiello and PJK offer great deals on exquisite dining, making it a foodie’s paradise.

• 🏖️ Less Crowded Beaches: Enjoy serene spots like Clam Pass Park, Vanderbilt Beach, and Lowdermilk Park without the usual crowds.

• 🎵 Music in the Garden: Delight in live performances at Naples Botanical Garden, blending music with nature’s beauty.

• 🎣 Prime Fishing Time: June is perfect for fishing, with opportunities to catch snook and other species in top spots.

Naples in June offers a fascinating mix of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences, making it the perfect summer destination.

Naples, Florida: America's #1 Living Destination 🌴 [read the full 749-word article here]

Article published: May 21, 2024

Naples, Florida, has just been crowned the best place to live in the U.S., according to the latest report by U.S. News & World Report.

This sunny city on the Gulf of Mexico has leaped from sixth place to first, thanks to its robust job market and exceptional quality of life.

The report, which evaluated 150 cities, now uses city-based data rather than metropolitan area-based data, giving more weight to value and job market metrics.

Boise, Idaho, Colorado Springs, Greenville, and Charlotte also made it into the top five.

What surprised me the most is how the rankings highlight growing concerns over affordability and job opportunities.

Americans are increasingly prioritizing these factors over traditional quality-of-life metrics.

Here’s a deeper dive into the fascinating details of this ranking:

Key Takeaways:

• 🌟 Naples tops the list: Naples excels in job market and quality of life, beating 149 cities to become the best U.S. living spot.

• 📉 Affordability Matters: Rising costs and housing affordability have reshuffled the rankings, with Huntsville as the second most affordable.

• 📊 New Methodology: U.S. News now uses city-specific data, emphasizing value and job markets, shaking up the traditional rankings.

Naples’ ascendancy reflects a shift in what Americans value most when choosing a place to live, with affordability and job prospects becoming crucial in these uncertain economic times.

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Why It Matters

Naples opens a door to a world of vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a night on the town, or planning a vacation, or simply curious about this paradise, our newsletter brings you the latest and greatest insights straight from the heart of Naples.

As a bonus, check out this great deals page by The Scout Guide, with all of the best local summer dining deals and details.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. If you liked this edition and have a friend who may like it too, please feel free to forward it to them.

We hope our stories inspire you to experience the magic of Naples for yourself. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and start planning your next adventure today!

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

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