Take a Hike, A Prime Rib To Remember 🥩, Last Chance: Vote for Naples' Best Steak & Discover Top Holiday Events!

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Friends and Neighbors,

This is a lengthy issue, so I’ll keep my opening remarks brief. It’s the holiday season here in Naples and all the wonderful events that come along with it can be overwhelming to pick through. We’ll do our best through the end of the year to highlight the week’s Top Holiday Events to make it a little bit easier. Peruse this week’s guide below. 

In the midst of all the holiday feasting, don’t forget to get outside and take a hike in nature. We’ve included three must-try nature walks in this issue to help you burn off the pie and explore Naples beyond the beach. All three are appropriate for a wide range of ages and abilities, so be sure to check them out below. 

My search for prime rib at a great price has finally yielded a hit. The Lake Park Diner has added a new prime rib entrée with two sides for $28.95. Hurry over before whoever sets the prices returns to consciousness. Much more on this below. 

Also, I want to know what your favorite steak in Naples is. This newsletter may be just 6 months old, but I have some of the most thoughtful and interesting local subscribers around. I can’t wait to see what the verdict is. Weigh in through our poll below, and I’ll publish the results along with select reader reviews next week. 

Thank you as always for sending your comments and ideas to me by replying to this email or emailing [email protected]. Some of our best content is thanks to you. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Table of Contents

• Take a Hike: 3 Must-See Nature Walks in and Around …

• A Prime Rib to Remember

• Best Steak in Naples

• Best Holiday Events this Week

Take a Hike: 3 Must-See Nature Walks in and Around Naples, Florida

1. Boardwalk at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Address: 375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples, FL 34120
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM (boardwalk closes at 1:30 PM for last entry)

The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is first on this list because it is truly a must-visit destination for any nature lover visiting Naples. The sanctuary is an easy 40 minute drive from downtown Naples, and you’ll get to see parts of Naples that aren’t along the usual tourist paths as you venture into more rural territory. After stepping through their welcome center, make sure to check the chalkboard up front to see the types of wildlife other visitors have spotted that day before embarking on the 2.25-mile boardwalk. The well-maintained, easy-to-navigate boardwalk winds through a pristine environment of wet prairies, pine flatwoods, and the world’s largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest. 

Along the way, you'll encounter diverse wildlife, from egrets, herons and otters and perhaps even an alligator basking in the sun. The flora is honestly as impressive as the fauna, and you feel like you are getting a little glimpse into what Florida looked like before the shopping centers and strip malls. 

This boardwalk is a local treasure, and it is a favorite of many, many locals and families. The first time I visited with my children, my youngest had just learned how to walk and I had a stroller with me. I was very comforted by the well-kept railings along the trail, and the boardwalk was easy to traverse even with a stroller. So, bring the whole family and take the drive out to the Audobon Corkscrew Sanctuary this season. 

Tips: I’d recommend applying bug spray before you venture onto the trail and bringing plenty of water to hydrate along the way. Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and increased wildlife activity, especially during the summer months.

2. Gordon River Greenway

Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset

The Gordon River Greenway is hidden in plain sight in downtown Naples. Just minutes from 5^th Avenue South, this paved trail system meanders along the Gordon River and spans approximately 2 miles. It’s ideal for walking, jogging and rollerblading, and is a great place to bring along your leashed pets.

Locals love this trail for its central location, peaceful atmosphere (especially in the morning) and shaded paths, making it a comfortable choice even on warmer days. The Greenway is dotted with benches and observation decks, perfect for resting and admiring the view. Kids will enjoy spotting turtles, fish, and birds along the way. 

Tips: The Greenway has multiple access points, including parking areas at Baker Park and the Naples Zoo. Have kids joining you? I’d suggest entering through Baker Park and exploring the playground along the way (parents be warned – there is a splash pad so be prepared). There is also a dog park adjacent to Baker Park that is perfect if you’re bringing your four-legged family along. 

While the trail has many shaded areas, earlier is always better and remember water and sunscreen. A friend of mine had a child wander off the path and into fire ants, so make sure to keep an eye out! 

3. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Address: 300 Tower Road, Naples, FL 34113
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Sundays)

Rookery Bay Reserve is an easy twenty minute drive southeast of 5^th Avenue South that will bring you close to Marco Island and out of the hustle and bustle of downtown. The learning center itself is clean, interactive and very informative. There is a variety of fun activities for kids and lots of information about local wildlife. They also have a very friendly staff and volunteers. 

You can exit from the welcome center to enjoy the family-friendly nature trails that are and easy walk across the Henderson Creek walking bridge. I took my kids along the Snail Trail and through the two “primitive trails” – Catbird and Slash Pine. Maps for the trails are available in the welcome center. 

Also within the reserve are two other trails that are accessible from Shell Island road. The Briggs Boardwalk trail includes a half-mile boardwalk and passes through five different habitats from scrub to brackish pond. The Monument Point Trail is accessible through the Shell Island Road boat ramp and the trail ends at Henderson Creek near the Children’s Monument. 

I would recommend making a whole day out of your trip to the Rookery Bay Reserve by visiting Marco Island during your trip for lunch at the Snook Inn after an easy morning of hiking. Adventure around Marco during the afternoon, catch an unbelievable sunset at Tigertail Beach, and wind your way back to Naples. 

Tips: Be sure to check the Learning Center for scheduled family-friendly programs and guided tours. Remember to bring sunscreen, water and bug spray.  

A Prime Rib to Remember

I’ve been looking for a reasonably-priced, delicious prime rib ever since Jimmy P’s Charred cruelly shelved their Monday special. In a flash of foolish hope while writing this (I haven’t seen the Monday special there in a long time), I still actually called Charred to see if somehow it became available. For now, it’s not, but they assured me they were considering putting is back on the menu during “high season.” If and when this happens, you’ll hear it here first.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a great prime rib for an incredible price, head on over to the Lake Park location of the Lake Park Diner. For the ultra-low cost of $28.95 (who was asleep at the wheel when they picked that price in Naples?!?), you’ll get their brand-new menu addition: a 12 oz prime rib with two large sides. Trust me when I say that these aren’t skimpy cold-cup-of rice or mixed vegetable sides. Sides include three different types of fries, four-cheese mac and cheese, roasted brussels, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted cauliflower, black beans and rice, mixed green salad, Caesar salad or chips and salsa.

For comparison, head north to the Pewter Mug for their 10z Prime Rib Happy Hour Special – available until 6 – and you’ll be shelling out $35. The 12oz prime rib at Spanky’s is $32.95. The slightly larger 16oz prime rib special at Charred was $32…in 2020.  

My husband and I both had the prime rib and I had the mac and cheese as a side along with the Caesar salad. The prime rib looked larger than the stated 12oz and it was a perfectly-cooked medium rare. The outside had a nice crust, and it was served along with a “gravy” as well as an au jus. Prime rib tends to be on the saltier side, but I thought that mine had a nice balance. The Caesar salad was surprisingly large but definitely overdressed. My fault for not asking for it on the side, but consider this a fair warning. I didn’t get to try the mac and cheese because the kids found it before I could properly defend it. They gave it two thumbs up. 

The bottom line? I was very satisfied with the meal both that night and the next day for lunch. The meal is a great value: a very good prime rib and a variety of large sides for a very reasonable price. Another pro tip – the rotisserie chicken dish on the kids menu is great. You get plenty of sliced white meat chicken plus a cup of grapes and one full-sized side for $7.95. A six piece chicken nugget Happy Meal at McDonalds is going to run you $7.99…and trust me, this is better. 

You’ve probably noticed I’ve specifically referred to the original location of the Lake Park Diner throughout this review. Lake Park Diner was conceived by Adam Smith, Lake Park resident, and founder of Smith Organics, which started as a food truck. The focus has always been on quality, sustainable, organic products. The original location opened four blocks from our first home in Lake Park in October of 2019 when I was pregnant with our second boy. It was an easy place to take our then 14 month old oldest, and I loved how they had turned an abandoned car wash into a cozy outdoor neighborhood diner. The diner felt like a welcome new neighbor, and the vast majority of the Lake Park neighborhood was in favor when they wanted to add live music on weekends. I thought it was a wonderful and sentimental touch when they added the phone booth from Saint George & The Dragon – a long-gone local favorite with an amazing prime rib that I enjoyed as a kid. 

Since then, local restaurateur Paul Fleming partnered with Smith Organics and the diner is now part of the Paul Fleming Restaurant Group which also includes the excellent Paulitas (see our review here) and PJK Neighborhood Chinese. A second location of the Lake Park Diner opened this year on May 1^st in Founders Square. I have not visited that location yet, so I wanted to specify the location where we enjoyed our meal. 

Check out the new prime rib entrée at the Lake Park Diner (available every day at either location) and let me know what you think by emailing [email protected] (or by replying to this email)! 

Best Steak in Naples

It’s not always easy writing a weekly newsletter, so I’ve always got a few longer pieces as drafts that I pick at over time and use when the timing is right. One of those is currently “The Most Expensive Steak in Naples.” Before I finish that one up, I want to know what your favorite steak in Naples is, so that I can end the article with our readers’ choice. Maybe it will be the same restaurant? Who knows! 

My polling software doesn’t allow for more than 10 options, so if I’ve left your favorite off the list, please either: reply to this email, email [email protected] or add it in the comments section. I will include some reader reviews in the next issue (I’ll use initials only) if you have a chance to chime in! 

Best Holiday Events this Week

1. Check out the “snow” on Third Street this Thursday, Friday or Saturday between 6:30 and 7pm! The Annual Tree Lighting on Third Street happened yesterday, but the street will be a winter wonderland throughout the holiday season. Head on over to see the sights and sounds of Third Street (the décor is really beautiful at night). The “snow” is actually a type of soap, but it is a pretty special experience at night under the streetlights. 

2. A Christmas Story: The Musical is now running at the Naples Players’ newly reopened Kizzie Theatre on 5^th Avenue South. The family-favorite movie has been adapted into a theatre production and you can grab a seat for around $50. I haven’t been yet, so let me know what you think! 

3. Santa arrives on Marco Island on Friday, November 29^th from 5pm to 7pm. Santa’s arrival on Marco Island at the Marco Island Academy the day after Thanksgiving has been a tradition for decades. Check out the Facebook page here for more details about the event. 

4. Edison Ford Winter Estates 49th Holiday Nights Opening and Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29^th from 5:30pm-9pm. Have you ever visited the Edison Ford Winter Estates? The quick drive to Fort Myers is certainly worth it! This long-running holiday tradition is a must-see for holiday light seekers, so head on over! 

5. Magic of Lights at the Paradise Sports Complex has opened, and will be running from now until January 4^th. This is one event I meant to check out last year but didn’t have the chance. You drive your car through a wonderland of Christmas lights and enjoy the view! Looking to really get into the spirit? Check out more event details here. 

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Why It Matters

It’s not just about what you do—it’s about the memories you create. Exploring Naples’ trails can transport you to another world, sharing a great meal can bring people closer, and the magic of the holidays reminds us to pause and enjoy life’s small wonders.

This week, take the opportunity to slow down, try something new, and soak in the beauty and flavor all around you. And don’t forget—we want to hear your votes for the best steak in Naples and your favorite holiday moments. Your stories make this newsletter even better.

Until next time, here’s to adventure, great meals, and unforgettable moments! ✨

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

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