Summer in Naples is a not-so-secret delight. Consider:
The weather. I know, it does get a tad warm, and there is an increase in humidity, and there are almost daily afternoon showers. But those are all the things I love. The air is sensuous, and the Gulf is tropically warm and crystal clear. And those gigantic clouds that bring the afternoon showers push off into the Gulf, creating a dramatic backdrop for sunsets that will make your heart weep they are so stunning.
The beach. Everyone knows how perfect the Naples area beaches are. In the summer they are even better. And during the summer months we are expecting an influx of beach visitors: the nesting loggerhead turtle eggs will soon hatch, bringing thousands of tiny sea turtles scrambling down the beach seeking the water. Godspeed little guys!
The driving. Zipping around town is actually possible – the zipping part – the traffic is e.a.s.y., and if you’ve ever driven down US 41, a.k.a. Tamiami Trail, a.k.a. “The Trail”, in mid-March you know what I’m sayin'….
The restaurants. You can pretty much walk into any of the many fine dining establishments in Naples, on any given evening and be seated right away – without a reservation. Dining outside on a balmy summer evening is delightful, the air feels like satin.
The shopping. Whether exploring the Waterside Shops, Third Street South, or 5th Avenue South, the store owners and clerks are thrilled to see you and enjoy taking care of their summer customers. Oh, and the sales are fabulous!
The flowers. The Royal Poinciana tree’s huge red blooms remind me of 4th of July rockets exploding. Cruising around neighborhoods like Old Naples, The Moorings, Park Shore and Port Royal is a visual treat. There are flowers everywhere – the shrubs, the trees, the lawns – such a bunch of show-offs. Gauguin would be inspired.
There is not a day that passes that I don’t feel lucky to live in such an extraordinarily beautiful place.
By: Jackie Perrett
