All About Naples Florida

Beachwalk, the name says it all ....  you can walk to the beach from here, Vanderbilt Beach that is!  This lovely community is located off Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples Florida.  It is minutes from the Ritz Carlton, the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and several different shopping locations.  Once at Beachwalk you can leave your car and walk, bike, rollerblade or jog to just about every spot you need to! 

Vanderbilt Beach

Minutes from Beachwalk is the Pavillion Shopping Center which offers numerous dining options, a cinema, post office, urgent care, Publix grocery store, bank, bike shop, gift store and more. Across the street is a Collier County Public Library Branch and outpost for the local Sheriff's department.  There is also access to the Pelican Bay Community Park  almost directly across the street from Beachwalk. 

The Pelican Bay Community Park serves not only the residents of Pelican Bay but the local community as well.  This 15 acre park consists of  8 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts ( with Professionals available) volleyball, basketball, and racquetball courts, a soccer field, a playground for children, and a 1 mile paved jogging/walking path alongside a lake.  The perfect place for some fitness, a picnic or a stroll....

Another exciting place that is in progress is the new Mercato. Mercato will not only offer Whole Foods, but a new theatre and a host of national and specialty retailers all in a very un-mall like setting that will give you more of a Main Street America feel.  It will be located a short distance from Beachwalk at the corner of Tamiami Trail N and Vanderbilt Beach Rd.

So besides a fabulous location what else do you get at Beachwalk? I am so glad you asked...  it is a  24 hour guard gated community , with community pools, a hot tub, 6 Har-Tru tennis courts, an exercise room, an on site Manager and Secretary, Bocce court, and a Clubhouse with a full kitchen.  There are 3 lakes and each has a lovely water display. 

Beachwalk

The residences built in 1986 and 1987 consist of 2 and 3 bedroom garden apartments, 3/2  or 2/2 Beachwalk homes with 2 car garages and 2/2 attached villas with a single car garage.  There are approx. 356 residences in total.

        Garden Style    

 Villa           

Presently there are 13 Active listings in Beachwalk 7 of which are Garden Apartments with a Penthouse unit 3/2 priced at $529k and a 2 bedroom priced at $382k for the low. There are 5 Beachwalk Homes Active and they are priced at $599k - $435k.  Some are turnkey furnished and are updated.  There is also one villa 2/2 offered at $514k .

3/2 Beachwalk Home

   So if you like fabulous weather,a fantastic location and a 1 mile walk to the Beach - Beachwalk is for YOU!  Picture yourself .... here ..... Naples Florida

    Your walk on the beach awaits you....

Another Gem has been listed in The Moorings . 451 Rudder Road is a nicely updated home with all that Naples Charm and features you would expect. 

  When you pull into the drive you immediately notice the small water feature and long front porch.  You can almost imagine yourself enjoying cool lemonade with a friend or loved one in the garden sitting area under the magnificent Banyan tree.  This tree is so gorgeous it has to be seen in person to be appreciated!

Once inside you immediately notice the brightness and spacious layout of this 3+ Bedroom home. 

There is a nice gourmet kitchen complete with pizza oven, Gaggenau Cabinetry, and Sub-Zero refrigerator,  that open up to a both a formal and informal eating area.

But by far my favorite area of this great property is located just outside the sliders by the pool!  The pool is approx. 14X 40 and is covered by a screened lanai.  There is a covered lanai area that sits next to another small water feature.  The sounds of trickling water from the waterfall into the little pond or the inviting slide make this a real outdoor persons paradise!  If you like to garden or desire a small yard this is the home for you!  The yard is completely private, fenced and tropical plants abound.  This property offers the home buyer numerous possibilites.

If you are interested in learning about more fabulous properties for sale in The Moorings then give me a call or email me sgilmore@johnrwood.com.  451 Rudder Road Naples Florida is offered for your consideration at  $986, 200. 

  More commonly known to locals as " The Phil" the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts opened in 1989.  It has a 1200+ seat main hall and another 200- seat black box theater.    This fabulous center is host to numerous events; opera, Broadway shows, and is home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. 

This season they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary and have some amazing performers and entertainment lined up from Jose Carreras, Liza Minelli, and Paul Anka  to the Opera Barber of Seville,  and Carmen, as well as great Broadway productions that cannot be missed like Mamma Mia, Legally Blonde, and Footloose. 

Feel like you'd like to make an evening out of your show then consider the Dinner at the Dome option.  Before most performances you can tempt your taste buds witha savory entree buffet and more by Shula's catering from Shula's Steak House. There is a full bar and wine, and three different reservation times all at a cost of $40 per person- unheard of ! There are sample menus and schedule at The Phil website so check it out!

The Phil is also home to The Naples Museum of Art.  A spectacular area displaying many mediums and fantastic artwork. The museum also offers lectures and education.  The Persian Ceiling by glass artist Dale Chihuly is not to be missed!  Seasonal tickets and admittance are at the main entrance customer service. 

There is so much more to The Phil that you just have to visit when you are in Naples.  There are volunteer opportunitites, education, lectures, gala events, the list goes on and on.... 

Please when you are in Naples support the arts by visiting the Museum of Arts or schedule an evening of entertainment at The Phil.  You won't be sorry! 

On a side note buy your tickets from The Phil that way you won't be overcharged.  They have a fabulous website or can be reached at ( 239) 597-1900 and are located on 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard.  Another plus is they have an e-member club that emails you updates! 

This is just another reason why Naples is one of the top places to visit or live full- time.  If you love the Arts, and love Naples then consider Pelican Bay for your next home it's just a few steps away! 

 I recently had the distinct pleasure of showing a John R. Wood listing in Pelican Bay.  The unit located a short drive off of Pelican Bay Boulvevard is the lowest priced unit 2 bedroom unit in  the gated community, Avalon ,and it has a great lake view! 

Ok are you ready for this the list price is $399,000k.  There are presently 11 total units for sale ranging from $650k to $399k.  Now of course there are some difference in these units square footage wise and of course updgrades and interior features, but really folks $399,000 for Pelican Bay with a lake view  is really a great price. 

Avalon, as I mentioned is gated and allows for one rental per year with a minimum of 30 days.  This particular unit has a 1 car garage out front and like the other units for sale was built in 1993.  Nearby is the beach tram that takes you to the private beaches.  Also nearby is the community center which has a fitness area.  Close by is world class shopping (Waterside, and the new Mercato), entertainment with the Philharmonic and so much more.  

If you love Naples, tropical surroundings, beach access, and can appreciation a community with distinction then call or email me  for more information. I am happy to keep you up to date on what is happening in Pelican Bay, or elsewhere in the Naples Market. Don't wait too long I have a buyer looking in Avalon tomorrow!

The Glades Golf & Country Club  presents

781 Teryl Rd. #2  $179,000. 

 If Bundled Golf is your thing and you like to get on the course then perhaps The Glades is for you....   This terrific 2/2 2^nd Story End unit comes completely furnished ( Turnkey) just pack your bags no need to bring anything else but your clubs!  

Built in 1981 this unit offers a view of the 17^th Fairway and is within walking distance to the little Glades library.  The pool is a short distance away and  The Glades  also offers social activities, a clubhouse with dining room, putting green, tennis courts, 2 golf courses, and Pro- shop. 

Minutes from this lovely unit is the Naples Downtown District where you can enjoy world class shopping on Fifth Avenue and Third St.  Also in close proximity are the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.   Starbucks, Publix, and many other stores are nearby as well. 

781 Teryl has a past rental history.  If you would like more information  call or email me today!

 Park Shore

Well the latest news is out and although the weather has been rainy the forecast looks bright. The latest report from NABOR ( Naples Area Board of Realtors)  is out  and it shows that inventory is down and sales are on the increase.  The report in it's entirety is available here.  If you are interested in previous reports they are also available along with market stats.

I was on 5th Avenue the other day and had to walk around several groups of tourists taking pictures... summer is quiet here but it seems busier... the beaches are busy too.   Southern Living recently did an article in their June addition Travel section " Around Your Region"  titled  Steal Away to Naples by Kim Cross that details some great off season deals as well as her experiences at the Inn on Fifth  which just happens to be across the street from my office.  Maybe now is the time to check out what is going on at Naples let me know when you are coming!

As a member of the Professional Development committee I wanted to promote an educational opportunity here in Naples , Florida at our board NABOR.  The course being offered is the ABR course.  What better way to improve yourself this summer then to gain this terrific designation.  The course will held on Thursday August 14th from 8 - 5 pm and on Friday August 15th from 8 - 4 pm ( exam time around 3 p.m.) .  There is an early bird special of $250 for registration prior to July 21st.  If you need the registration forms to fax in - sorry no phone calls then just email me and I'll send them along.  Find out the benefits of having your ABR.

I just received a flyer in my mailbox at work and wanted to share and upcoming event.  Saturday July 26th from 10 a.m - 2 p.m. at the Humane Society in Naples Fl on 370 Airport Pulling Rd. there will be a  FREE child ID process for kids provided by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children .

Also for those who also have pets (or their pets are their kids) there will be $15 Discounted Microchipping for Pets.  Donations to the Humane Society of Naples , supplies or monetary are welcomed too! They do not accept food but need other items that can be found by calling or going to the provided website and looking under donations. 

This event looks like it will be upbeat  with face painting, snacks, DJ, and more.   The information number is 239- 643- 1880.   Not something we like to think about but certainly can help when something goes wrong! 

If you are thinking of Naples Florida as your next stop why not consider a beachfront highrise condominium in the Park Shore area?  Le Parc might be just what your looking for....

 Le Parc is located steps away from the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico on 4951 Gulf Shore Boulevard North at the very end. If water is what you like to view then Le Parc is right for you!  To the west you have views of the gorgeous Gulf , sunsets and even Clam's Pass. To the East you have views of Venetian Bay and the lights of Naples at night. 

Le Parc is currently renovating it's lobby and other ammenities.  The building itself has 78 residential units with  4 units per floor and 2 per penthouse level.  These luxury units range from just over 2000 sq feet to almost 6000 sq feet of living area.  Some units offer features such as fireplaces and glassed or screened lanais. 

For those of you who can't be here all year long it's comforting to know there is a manager on the premises and that there is 24 hour security and a gated entrance.

Le Parc offers all the ammenities you would expect to find in a luxury highrise condo ( fitness, tennis, Gulfside pool and more)  with one exception unique to Park Shore highrises,  the private 1 1/4 mile Park Shore Promenade ( pictured below) .  If you like to walk whether night or day you will enjoy your elevated stroll along the walkway just above the beach where sea turtles nest.    As you walk and greet your neighbors you might notice a manatee or two or watch a storm pass by. Feel like a swim or fishing take one of the boardwalks down to the beach ... and enjoy!

Another unique feature about this area is The Village on Venetian Bay (Pictured below). There are shops, restaurants, art, boat rentals and more at this charming enclave.   Everything from Ben & Jerry's, seafood, Chico's, shoes, jewelry, it's fantastic!  The greatest part is you can walk, roller blade, bike ( or drive) there from Le Parc... You will see many residents enjoying a stroll down the sidewalks that line Venetian Bay on their way to shop or attend a monthly night of music and fun at Venetian Village.  What more could you ask for?

Okay so you are convinced and ready to buy!  Presently there are 7 active units and one unit pending.  The prices range from $1,595,000 for a 2+ bedroom to a high of $3,295,000 for a 3+ Bedroom with fireplace and 2 glassed in lanais. Let's get going!

I took this picture on Sunday after a morning of fishing. I caught Whiting, a Jack, Snook, and saw 2 manatees go by! Imagine this view from your new Le Parc residence ...

If you are looking for a way to enjoy the beach in Naples this summer,( spring, winter, or fall; remember we can go to the beach year round!)  you might want to check out Lowdermilk Park.  With over 1000 feet of white sandy beachfront these days it's a little less crowded but still just as fun!

This Concession stand may not be visually appealing however it has all the key essentials for a good day at the beach... bathrooms, outdoor showers, food, picnic tables, and especially important in Florida, shade! 

Another plus for those who love the beach but not the sun are the beach tiki's pictured below. Be sure to hit the beach early if you expect to grab one of these, they go fast!

Lowdermilk has a large parking lot but be sure to heed this warning -If you don't have a sticker then use the METERED Spaces.  Tickets are given out and this time of year is no different.  Visitors who are staying in Naples for an extended period might want to consider picking up a Visitor/Non Resident Sticker. Otherwise bring your quarters. Of course if you buy some Real Estate here in Naples and are either a part or full time resident you qualify for your FREE beach sticker!  

Lowdermilk is definitely family friendly and offers not only covered picnic areas but a playground and volleyball court.   If you have teens and want to just hang around and keep an eye on things bring a book and enjoy the shady gazebo or sit by the pond, under an amazing Banyan Tree, watch the ducks and just RELAX...

 Did I just say Ducks? Yep!  If you look carefully up in the  Banyan tree (right) you will see something perched... Yes there are a few year round residents at Lowdermilk Park and they are Muscovie Ducks.  They should not be fed.  Remember they have to eat even when you are not there and do just fine when we observe them.

Lowdermilk is located of Rt.  41 or Tamiami Trail between Pine Ridge Rd and 5th Avenue.  Take Banyan Blvd. off Tamiami Trail and at the end of Banyan you'll see Gulf Shore Blvd. N - you cannot miss the park with the lake out front.  Lowdermilk opens at 8 a.m. closes after sunset and is wheelchair accessible. 

Lowdermilk Park is a terrific choice for adults and children alike!  For many of us it brings back memories of what going to the beach was like years ago; rinsing off the salt and sand under a cool outside shower, trudging chairs and towels down a boardwalk then kicking off your flip flops and sinking your toes in,  the smell of Coppertone and salty sea air - ahhh Summer!

Be sure at the end of the day you head on back for the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Spectacular! 

When is the last time you had a day at the beach? Naples is calling.....