Friends and neighbors,

I’ve got a few things I’m excited to share this week, starting with a little humble plea: support your local bakers. As a baker, there’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread in the morning. I’ve rounded up a few spots this week that are worth your time to get a loaf. 

Of course, it’s also the Stone Crab Festival weekend at Tin City! But if you’re up for a short drive, I want to highlight two amazing spots just outside of Naples for reasonably priced, fresh stone crab claws. 

On another high note, Nash to Naples’ A Night on the Naples Princess was a huge success. Incredible performances by renowned songwriters helped raise funds for our Florida veterans with Home Base Florida. Grab tickets for their exciting night this January, the Fifth Annual Songwriter Fest at Cambier Park.

And a big thank-you to Naples Florida Rentals for their continued support of this letter. We couldn’t do it without them.

Cheers,

If you have a tip or event to share, email me at [email protected] — I’d love to feature your favorite finds!

While Tin City is gearing up for the Stone Crab Festival this weekend, I want to highlight two standout establishments just outside the city that deserve our attention: Kirk Fish Company in Goodland and Grimm's Stone Crabs in Everglades City.

Just a short drive from Naples, Kirk Fish Company offers great deals on stone crab claws. This family-owned and operated business proudly offers only the freshest local seafood. With the many species they get in daily, their fresh catch changes often. Stone crabs are their primary catch; they receive them daily and always have them in their retail case. Gulf shrimp have a permanent spot in their case as well. They also offer fresh smoked fish for an appetizer and a homemade Key Lime Pie for dessert. The market is open seasonally from October 15th through May 1st, operating Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. 

Kirk Fish Company
📍 Address: 417 Papaya St, Goodland, FL 34140
📞 Phone: (239) 394-8616
Website 

A short drive south of Naples, Everglades City is home to Grimm's Stone Crabs, another family-owned seafood market that has the best bang for your buck (if you’re asking me). The facility operates under stringent food safety and quality standards, exceeding HACCP regulation guidelines. 

Grimm's sources its crabs daily from local fishermen, ensuring a fresh catch for customers. The market offers stone crab claws for sale, allowing patrons to take home this local delicacy. You can also pick up soups, conch fritters, pink shrimp and key lime pie. 

Grimm's Stone Crab
📍 Address: 919 Dupont St, Everglades City, FL 34139
📞 Phone: (239) 695-3222
Website

If you’re anything like me, a really good loaf of bread can make your day. Here are three of my favorite spots around Naples to pick up the perfect loaf (or two).

Silva’s Bakery Website
📍 10823 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34108
📞 (239) 325-9356

If you're in the mood for soft bread and a cozy spot, Silva's Bakery is the place to be. This family-owned gem offers a delightful mix of Venezuelan and Portuguese pastries, all made from scratch with love and care. The savory ham-and-cheese cachitos are a treat and so flavorful and soft. Grab a coffee too. 

Bontà Bakery Website
📍 824 5th Ave S #2, Naples, FL 34102
📞 (239) 234-6631

This Italian-style bakery is my go-to when I want something a little different. Their olive and herb loaf is amazing, and they do a focaccia that might ruin you for grocery-store bread forever. It’s also right downtown, so it’s an easy stop if you’re strolling 5th Ave.

Landert Bread Website
📍 4440 Domestic Ave Unit 2, Naples, FL 34104
📞 (239) 452-2288

If you love a flavorful loaf that really holds up to butter, cheese, or a good soup, Landert Bread is your spot. Think protein bread, multi-grain, or crusty sourdough all made with care and full of flavor. It’s a smaller, local operation, so you get that personal touch and that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma the second you walk in.

The bottom line: Naples has some seriously good bread if you know where to look, and while Publix bakery does the trick on a weekly basis, you deserve the luxury of bakery-level bread. 

Last week’s poll asked: When was the last time you went to a movie theater?

Here’s where you landed:

A solid third of you said it’s been over a year since you’ve been to the movies! I believe it! Some of you have caught premieres and are planning to go to re-releases (The Breakfast Club is being re-released, thanks for the tip W!) . While a few years ago I wasn’t a big cinema fan, I’ve found I love seeing new movies because it forces me to be fully present (and not get distracted). I also love the communal aspect. 

Why It Matters

Thanks for taking a lap with me around Naples. This week, treat yourself to a bakery stop, plan a stone crab run to Goodland or Everglades City, and keep cheering on the folks who make this place special.

See you Thursday!

Elizabeth Bellotti
Editor-In-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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