Things to do in Naples, Florida
If you are looking for a place to travel to for your next vacation and love abundant sunshine, warm weather, beaches and historical attractions, Naples, Florida might be the place for you. Through the ages, Naples has been affectionately called “summerland in wintertime.” The town, originally regarded as a “sportsman’s paradise” that attracted multitudes of fishermen and hunters, quickly gained a reputation as a premier resort town, attracting many important visitors over the years. Here are just of few of the interesting and beautiful historical sites you can visit in downtown Naples thanks to the preservation efforts of the Naples Historical Society.
Palm Cottage
Palm Cottage was built in 1895 and is the oldest house in Naples today. Located on the corner of 12th Avenue and Gulfshore Boulevard, the Palm Cottage house museum is an extremely well preserved example of Tabbie Mortar Construction. The handmade concrete consisting of sand, shells and water is something very seldom seen today.
Norris Gardens
While you are touring Palm Cottage, be sure to take a look at the magnificent garden. Norris Gardens allows visitors to take a walk through Naples’s landscape history, featuring exhibits like The Garden of the Sense, The Palm Collector’s Garden, The Edible Garden, The Pioneer Garden, and The Shade Garden. Each walk appeals to different interests. Whether you are looing for exotic plants, fragrant plants of just a shady place to sit and enjoy nature’s beauty, Norris Garden’s has a path for you.
Naples’s Historic District
A walking tour of Naples’s Historic District is a dream come true for any and all history aficionados. The tour allows patrons to take a step back in time and imagine what the original Naples on the Gulf was like at the end of the ninetieth century. The tour includes a walk along Third Street South, where visitors can envision the original movie theatre, general store and gas station abuzz with customers. The tour also takes visitors past the location where the Naples Hotel, which hosted many notable guests, once stood. Visitors also get the opportunity to walk through the neighborhoods of Old Naples where the city’s founders and other notable families once lived.
For more information about the various attractions in Naples, Florida, please visit http://www.naplesdowntown.com/naples-activities.htm.