Downtown New Year's Art Fair

To contact us Click HERE


Start the New Year off in style along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples at this well-established art festival hosted adjacent to the Von Liebig Art Center on January 5-6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ranked #63 in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this fine arts fair features about 230 professional artists from around the country. Shoppers will have the opportunity to mingle with artists and learn about their inspiration and craft. From home décor to jewelry, collectors and festival-goers will discover thousands of items that they simply cannot find elsewhere. This annual event attracts more than 30,000 patrons to 5th Avenue South and surrounding streets and serves as a fundraiser for the Naples Art Association. Browse works from multiple artists who have come to display their beautiful pieces. For more information, contact the Von Liebig Art Center at (239) 262-6517.

Florida's 500 Year Anniversary at Collier County Museums

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In 2013, Florida commemorates the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s journey of discovery and the first recorded landing of European explorers on the North American mainland. Although Florida’s cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years, to the Native American groups that were its first discoverers, Spain’s claim to La Florida in 1513 was a milestone that began a new chapter in our state’s unique history. Explore and experience the rich heritage and cultures of Southwest Florida through a year-long offering of special exhibitions, programs, demonstrations and events at each of the Collier County Museums, including:

• January 8  

Collier County Commissioner'sBoardroom
VIVA Florida 500 Opening Ceremony
Proclamations and a special flag presentation to the Collier County Board of County Commissionersby representatives of the General Consuls of Spain,France and Great Britain, the three European powers thatonce claimed and governed Florida.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 9 

Collier County Museum
Program: Ancient Lives: Native American and Spanish ContactPeriod
Over 13,000 years ago, Floridawas twice the size it is today. Hermann Trappman and Elizabeth Neily will takeyou on a miraculous journey through time to visit those ancient NativeAmericans and discuss what happened to them as they faced their European Conquerors.The presentation will begin at 2 pm in the lecture hall of the Collier County Museum.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 16 

Collier County Museum
Paradise for Sale: Florida’s Booms and Busts by Dr. NickWynne
Once marketed as the happiest place on earth, Florida experienced a brief anddizzying economic boom in the mid-1920s as promoters, real estate developersand con artists became overnight millionaires by creating luxury seasideresorts, elegant country clubs, and imaginary communities in mosquito-riddenswamps. Dr. Nick Wynne, the former executive director of the Florida HistoricalSociety, will explain how bank failures, new federal income tax laws, and aseries of destructive hurricanes turned Florida’sgreat boom into a bust that lasted until World War II. Free admission. For moreinformation, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 19 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Presidents in Florida: How the Presidents Have Shaped Florida and How FloridaHas Influenced the Presidents
U.S. Presidents have played a major role in shaping Florida, whether wagingwars, protecting the environment, seeking votes, or just drawing media attentionto the state's attractions. UCF Professor of History, Dr. James Clark, examinesthe role of the President in shaping the development of Florida,and how Floridahas become a critical state in the election of our Presidents. Presentationwill begin at 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239)642-1440. 

• January 23 

Collier County Museum
Program: The Birth of Fashion by Guest Lecturer Carlos Bico
From the Silk Road to the kings and queens of centuries ago, all the way to themodern day runway, find out about how and why clothing developed into fashionand the history behind some of these unique trends. Explore the forms andevolution of clothing as it developed into the styles that we wear today. Someexamples of clothing will be displayed during program. The program will beginat 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476. 

• January 26 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Pirate Day on Marco!
Marauding pirates were a constant headache for Spanish sea captains during the1600s, and tall tales of swashbucklers and buried treasure abound in Southwest Florida to this day. Join us for a fun-filledafternoon on the high seas if ye dare. Pirate-themed arts and crafts, facepainting, pirate songs, a treasure hunt, and real pirate stories, as told bylocal authors Jim and Sarah Kaserman, will make this a friendly adventure into Florida’s past for thewhole family. Come dressed as your favorite pirate, and win prizes from the“booty” station. We start at noon matey, and batten down the hatches at 4:00p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 642-1440. 

Naples' Civil War Days

To contact us Click HERE



Come Live Civil War Era Naples, Florida with Civil War Days Re-enactments! Union and Confederate Camps will open to the public at 9 a.mon the campus of the Collier County South Library on January 12 -13, 2013 and close at 4:30 p.m. Musket firing will be heldhourly, cannon firing every two hours. Demonstrations of musket, pistol andcannon drills will be interspersed with demonstrations of period medicine andsurgery, cooking, campfire music, home-making skills and other aspects of Florida life during the War between the States, when Florida cattle were theprimary source of food for the beleaguered Confederate Army. Sutlers storefeatures period toys and books for purchase. A pre-battle narrative will beprovided. On Saturday, the Battle of Gopher Ridge will be reenacted and onSunday, the Battle of Ft. Myers, coupled with descriptions of the skirmish atBowlegs Creek, will take place in the afternoons. Come out and bring the wholefamily and enjoy a faithful accounting of Civil War History in Collier and Lee Counties,including presentations by the descendants of those who lived through theevents. The event is free. For more information, contact the Naples,Marco Island, and Everglades Convention andVisitors Bureau at (800) 237-2273.

Naples' Jazz Orchestra Ellington Concert

To contact us Click HERE



The Naples' Jazz Orchestraand the Naples' Youth Jazz Orchestra will performa concert in Cambier Park from 7 - 9 p.m. onJanuary 14, 2013. The show will feature many of the most famous arrangementsfrom American composer, pianist, and big-band leader "Duke"Ellington. A $5 donation is requested for this event. Bring a chair orblanket and let yourself drift into the evening as you listen to Big Band sounds!

Taste of Brazil Celebration at Naples Botanical Garden

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Enjoy a carnival-style evening celebrating all things South American. Thisfundraising event will benefit The Guadalupe Center. The Guadalupe Center wasstarted to address the immediate needs of feeding and clothing the hungrychildren of Immokalee has evolved into a group of programs and services thatare specifically designed to break the cycle of poverty for the children andfamilies. The Guadalupe Center is now the largestsingle-site provider of Early Childhood Educational services; serves over 650children in its after-school and summer programs; employs 62 high schoolstudents in the Tutor Corps and has over 80 children currently incollege. 
The event will host silent and live auctions in thebeautiful surroundings of Naples Botanical Garden. Danceto live entertainment and enjoy a great evening that benefits underprivileged children in the community. Cocktails start at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Call(239) 643-7275 for ticket information.

Downtown New Year's Art Fair

To contact us Click HERE


Start the New Year off in style along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples at this well-established art festival hosted adjacent to the Von Liebig Art Center on January 5-6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ranked #63 in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this fine arts fair features about 230 professional artists from around the country. Shoppers will have the opportunity to mingle with artists and learn about their inspiration and craft. From home décor to jewelry, collectors and festival-goers will discover thousands of items that they simply cannot find elsewhere. This annual event attracts more than 30,000 patrons to 5th Avenue South and surrounding streets and serves as a fundraiser for the Naples Art Association. Browse works from multiple artists who have come to display their beautiful pieces. For more information, contact the Von Liebig Art Center at (239) 262-6517.

Florida's 500 Year Anniversary at Collier County Museums

To contact us Click HERE

In 2013, Florida commemorates the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s journey of discovery and the first recorded landing of European explorers on the North American mainland. Although Florida’s cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years, to the Native American groups that were its first discoverers, Spain’s claim to La Florida in 1513 was a milestone that began a new chapter in our state’s unique history. Explore and experience the rich heritage and cultures of Southwest Florida through a year-long offering of special exhibitions, programs, demonstrations and events at each of the Collier County Museums, including:

• January 8  

Collier County Commissioner'sBoardroom
VIVA Florida 500 Opening Ceremony
Proclamations and a special flag presentation to the Collier County Board of County Commissionersby representatives of the General Consuls of Spain,France and Great Britain, the three European powers thatonce claimed and governed Florida.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 9 

Collier County Museum
Program: Ancient Lives: Native American and Spanish ContactPeriod
Over 13,000 years ago, Floridawas twice the size it is today. Hermann Trappman and Elizabeth Neily will takeyou on a miraculous journey through time to visit those ancient NativeAmericans and discuss what happened to them as they faced their European Conquerors.The presentation will begin at 2 pm in the lecture hall of the Collier County Museum.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 16 

Collier County Museum
Paradise for Sale: Florida’s Booms and Busts by Dr. NickWynne
Once marketed as the happiest place on earth, Florida experienced a brief anddizzying economic boom in the mid-1920s as promoters, real estate developersand con artists became overnight millionaires by creating luxury seasideresorts, elegant country clubs, and imaginary communities in mosquito-riddenswamps. Dr. Nick Wynne, the former executive director of the Florida HistoricalSociety, will explain how bank failures, new federal income tax laws, and aseries of destructive hurricanes turned Florida’sgreat boom into a bust that lasted until World War II. Free admission. For moreinformation, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 19 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Presidents in Florida: How the Presidents Have Shaped Florida and How FloridaHas Influenced the Presidents
U.S. Presidents have played a major role in shaping Florida, whether wagingwars, protecting the environment, seeking votes, or just drawing media attentionto the state's attractions. UCF Professor of History, Dr. James Clark, examinesthe role of the President in shaping the development of Florida,and how Floridahas become a critical state in the election of our Presidents. Presentationwill begin at 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239)642-1440. 

• January 23 

Collier County Museum
Program: The Birth of Fashion by Guest Lecturer Carlos Bico
From the Silk Road to the kings and queens of centuries ago, all the way to themodern day runway, find out about how and why clothing developed into fashionand the history behind some of these unique trends. Explore the forms andevolution of clothing as it developed into the styles that we wear today. Someexamples of clothing will be displayed during program. The program will beginat 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476. 

• January 26 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Pirate Day on Marco!
Marauding pirates were a constant headache for Spanish sea captains during the1600s, and tall tales of swashbucklers and buried treasure abound in Southwest Florida to this day. Join us for a fun-filledafternoon on the high seas if ye dare. Pirate-themed arts and crafts, facepainting, pirate songs, a treasure hunt, and real pirate stories, as told bylocal authors Jim and Sarah Kaserman, will make this a friendly adventure into Florida’s past for thewhole family. Come dressed as your favorite pirate, and win prizes from the“booty” station. We start at noon matey, and batten down the hatches at 4:00p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 642-1440. 

Naples' Civil War Days

To contact us Click HERE



Come Live Civil War Era Naples, Florida with Civil War Days Re-enactments! Union and Confederate Camps will open to the public at 9 a.mon the campus of the Collier County South Library on January 12 -13, 2013 and close at 4:30 p.m. Musket firing will be heldhourly, cannon firing every two hours. Demonstrations of musket, pistol andcannon drills will be interspersed with demonstrations of period medicine andsurgery, cooking, campfire music, home-making skills and other aspects of Florida life during the War between the States, when Florida cattle were theprimary source of food for the beleaguered Confederate Army. Sutlers storefeatures period toys and books for purchase. A pre-battle narrative will beprovided. On Saturday, the Battle of Gopher Ridge will be reenacted and onSunday, the Battle of Ft. Myers, coupled with descriptions of the skirmish atBowlegs Creek, will take place in the afternoons. Come out and bring the wholefamily and enjoy a faithful accounting of Civil War History in Collier and Lee Counties,including presentations by the descendants of those who lived through theevents. The event is free. For more information, contact the Naples,Marco Island, and Everglades Convention andVisitors Bureau at (800) 237-2273.

Naples' Jazz Orchestra Ellington Concert

To contact us Click HERE



The Naples' Jazz Orchestraand the Naples' Youth Jazz Orchestra will performa concert in Cambier Park from 7 - 9 p.m. onJanuary 14, 2013. The show will feature many of the most famous arrangementsfrom American composer, pianist, and big-band leader "Duke"Ellington. A $5 donation is requested for this event. Bring a chair orblanket and let yourself drift into the evening as you listen to Big Band sounds!

GAEA Guided Kayak Nature Tours on the Cocohatchee River/Wiggins Pass Estuary

To contact us Click HERE

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., travel with a professionalnaturalist to places rarely seen on the Cocohatchee River/Wiggins Pass Estuaryin North Naples. Tours will be held several dates throughoutthe month, including January 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th. See themagnificence of Nature in Southwest Florida,in her true form, in quiet, easy to handle kayaks and learn about thisbeautiful estuary area, with many birds (herons, egrets, osprey, pelicans),dolphins, manatees and other critters. $40 per person includes equipment;reservations are required. For more information, contact GAEA Tour Guides at(239) 694-5513.

Downtown New Year's Art Fair

To contact us Click HERE


Start the New Year off in style along 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples at this well-established art festival hosted adjacent to the Von Liebig Art Center on January 5-6, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ranked #63 in the U.S. by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this fine arts fair features about 230 professional artists from around the country. Shoppers will have the opportunity to mingle with artists and learn about their inspiration and craft. From home décor to jewelry, collectors and festival-goers will discover thousands of items that they simply cannot find elsewhere. This annual event attracts more than 30,000 patrons to 5th Avenue South and surrounding streets and serves as a fundraiser for the Naples Art Association. Browse works from multiple artists who have come to display their beautiful pieces. For more information, contact the Von Liebig Art Center at (239) 262-6517.

Florida's 500 Year Anniversary at Collier County Museums

To contact us Click HERE

In 2013, Florida commemorates the 500-year anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s journey of discovery and the first recorded landing of European explorers on the North American mainland. Although Florida’s cultural history dates back more than 12,000 years, to the Native American groups that were its first discoverers, Spain’s claim to La Florida in 1513 was a milestone that began a new chapter in our state’s unique history. Explore and experience the rich heritage and cultures of Southwest Florida through a year-long offering of special exhibitions, programs, demonstrations and events at each of the Collier County Museums, including:

• January 8  

Collier County Commissioner'sBoardroom
VIVA Florida 500 Opening Ceremony
Proclamations and a special flag presentation to the Collier County Board of County Commissionersby representatives of the General Consuls of Spain,France and Great Britain, the three European powers thatonce claimed and governed Florida.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 9 

Collier County Museum
Program: Ancient Lives: Native American and Spanish ContactPeriod
Over 13,000 years ago, Floridawas twice the size it is today. Hermann Trappman and Elizabeth Neily will takeyou on a miraculous journey through time to visit those ancient NativeAmericans and discuss what happened to them as they faced their European Conquerors.The presentation will begin at 2 pm in the lecture hall of the Collier County Museum.For more information, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 16 

Collier County Museum
Paradise for Sale: Florida’s Booms and Busts by Dr. NickWynne
Once marketed as the happiest place on earth, Florida experienced a brief anddizzying economic boom in the mid-1920s as promoters, real estate developersand con artists became overnight millionaires by creating luxury seasideresorts, elegant country clubs, and imaginary communities in mosquito-riddenswamps. Dr. Nick Wynne, the former executive director of the Florida HistoricalSociety, will explain how bank failures, new federal income tax laws, and aseries of destructive hurricanes turned Florida’sgreat boom into a bust that lasted until World War II. Free admission. For moreinformation, please call (239) 252-8476.

• January 19 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Presidents in Florida: How the Presidents Have Shaped Florida and How FloridaHas Influenced the Presidents
U.S. Presidents have played a major role in shaping Florida, whether wagingwars, protecting the environment, seeking votes, or just drawing media attentionto the state's attractions. UCF Professor of History, Dr. James Clark, examinesthe role of the President in shaping the development of Florida,and how Floridahas become a critical state in the election of our Presidents. Presentationwill begin at 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239)642-1440. 

• January 23 

Collier County Museum
Program: The Birth of Fashion by Guest Lecturer Carlos Bico
From the Silk Road to the kings and queens of centuries ago, all the way to themodern day runway, find out about how and why clothing developed into fashionand the history behind some of these unique trends. Explore the forms andevolution of clothing as it developed into the styles that we wear today. Someexamples of clothing will be displayed during program. The program will beginat 2 p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 252-8476. 

• January 26 

Marco Island Historical Museum
Pirate Day on Marco!
Marauding pirates were a constant headache for Spanish sea captains during the1600s, and tall tales of swashbucklers and buried treasure abound in Southwest Florida to this day. Join us for a fun-filledafternoon on the high seas if ye dare. Pirate-themed arts and crafts, facepainting, pirate songs, a treasure hunt, and real pirate stories, as told bylocal authors Jim and Sarah Kaserman, will make this a friendly adventure into Florida’s past for thewhole family. Come dressed as your favorite pirate, and win prizes from the“booty” station. We start at noon matey, and batten down the hatches at 4:00p.m. Free admission. For more information, please call (239) 642-1440. 

Naples' Civil War Days

To contact us Click HERE



Come Live Civil War Era Naples, Florida with Civil War Days Re-enactments! Union and Confederate Camps will open to the public at 9 a.mon the campus of the Collier County South Library on January 12 -13, 2013 and close at 4:30 p.m. Musket firing will be heldhourly, cannon firing every two hours. Demonstrations of musket, pistol andcannon drills will be interspersed with demonstrations of period medicine andsurgery, cooking, campfire music, home-making skills and other aspects of Florida life during the War between the States, when Florida cattle were theprimary source of food for the beleaguered Confederate Army. Sutlers storefeatures period toys and books for purchase. A pre-battle narrative will beprovided. On Saturday, the Battle of Gopher Ridge will be reenacted and onSunday, the Battle of Ft. Myers, coupled with descriptions of the skirmish atBowlegs Creek, will take place in the afternoons. Come out and bring the wholefamily and enjoy a faithful accounting of Civil War History in Collier and Lee Counties,including presentations by the descendants of those who lived through theevents. The event is free. For more information, contact the Naples,Marco Island, and Everglades Convention andVisitors Bureau at (800) 237-2273.

Naples' Jazz Orchestra Ellington Concert

To contact us Click HERE



The Naples' Jazz Orchestraand the Naples' Youth Jazz Orchestra will performa concert in Cambier Park from 7 - 9 p.m. onJanuary 14, 2013. The show will feature many of the most famous arrangementsfrom American composer, pianist, and big-band leader "Duke"Ellington. A $5 donation is requested for this event. Bring a chair orblanket and let yourself drift into the evening as you listen to Big Band sounds!

Florida Travel Tips for the New Year

To contact us Click HERE
Wishing You A Very Prosperous and Happy New Year from the Hilton Naples!
If you are planning on visiting Florida in 2013, keep a few of these traveltips from USA Today in mind:
Floridais one of the most visited states in the country, attracting millions ofvisitors each year. Top destinations in Floridainclude Orlando, Miami,Tampa, Naples andSt. Petersburg and each city is brimming with a wealth of activities, attractions and sites.Whether you are visiting Floridafor a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, spend a little time planningyour itinerary can make the most of your experience.

• Learn About Local Events: Live entertainment, communityevents, carnivals and fairs are just some of the local events taking placethroughout Floridaeach month. Visit the city's Chamber of Commerce web page to learn aboutupcoming events that you can add to your itinerary.
• Consider the Weather: South Florida's most comfortabletravel season is between October and February, while the northern regions of Florida are best visitedduring the summer. Central Florida staysrelatively hot year-round, but temperatures can dip to the lower 50s duringNovember and December. Monitor the weather in your selected destination so thatyou can make the most of the sunshine and avoid the rainy and humid seasons.
• Protect Yourself From the Sun: You will see sun in theforecast more often than not throughout the Sunshine State.Make sure that you wear sunscreen every day and apply it at least once everytwo hours if you are going to the beach. Loose, lightweight and light-coloredclothing will reduce your risk of heat stroke, and a wide-brimmed hat or visorwill offer some extra sun protection.
• Book in Advance: If your heart is set on an event, book yourreservations at least 60 to 90 days in advance. Events fill up fast, especiallyduring peak season, so plan ahead by making reservations as soon as you bookyour trip.