Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Naples Illustrated

Following its 70-year anniversary in 2024, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary launched a $20-million capital campaign to transform its campus, enhance the visitor experience, and provide resources to conduct the science and collaboration needed to preserve its acreage well into the future. Already, 75 percent of the $20-million goal has been raised. The campus reimagination includes removing outdated facilities and building only within previously disturbed areas. All-new interpretive displays along the boardwalk and within the Blair Visitor Center have been added. The redesigned Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center exhibit hall now features displays that can be seen, heard, and touched. New spaces, such as the John “Jack” Hayworth Western Everglades Research Center, the Brian and Heidi Miller Land Stewardship Operations Center, and the Paul Pacter Outdoor Classroom, will soon be opened. Last…

As visitors approach the Chronos portal—the gateway to Universal Epic Universe—they’re greeted with these words: “Beyond this gate find gardens green and epic worlds to fill your dreams.” It’s a big promise, but one that Epic Universe more than fulfills across dozens of attractions designed to inspire guests of all ages to write their own heroic tale. Epic Universe opened May 22 and is Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth official theme park, joining the ranks of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. At its center is Celestial Park, a cosmos-inspired realm that possesses both the romantic aura of New York’s Central Park and a new-age charm drawn from various astronomical, astrological, and mythological references. Its primary attraction is Stardust Racers, a thrilling dual-launch racing coaster that reaches speeds of…

Shot on location at Quail West Golf & Country Club, Naples Romantic movies often include a scene in which two characters who eventually become a couple first encounter one another in a quirky or memorable way. Daria Abbaei and Peter Sakaris tell a meet-cute tale to rival any fictitious love story. “We were invited to the wedding of mutual friends with the suggestion we attend as each other’s plus-one,” Peter recounts. For months, these soon-to-be-wed friends insisted the two would be perfect together, even going so far as to jokingly revoke their plus-one privileges. There was one significant obstacle to the plan, however; Peter lived in Canada. Daria, a Naples resident, told their well-meaning friends, “I can’t rationalize dating a guy who lives in another country.” Still, they followed each…

Plenty of Neapolitans reported sightings of Food Network star Guy Fieri’s signature 1968 red Camaro convertible last November when he visited five local restaurants for his show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Fieri and the Triple D team ate their way through some of Naples’ best independent dining venues. Airtimes and links to watch the episodes featuring the Naples spots (here listed) can be found on the Food Network’s website under the Shows tab. Cracklin’ Jack’s (season 41, episode 2): This Old Florida–style spot, owned by Martie Morgan and Leonard Szwajkowski, serves up Southern-style food and hospitality in equally large portions. On the menu are gator bites, grouper or catfish nuggets, sausage gumbo, fried green tomatoes, pulled smoked pork shoulder, beef brisket, liver and onions, and andouille sausage. (cracklinjacks.com) Mykonos Kuzina…

Food trucks abound in Naples, but one delivers more than sustenance. The Blue CanTEEN, operated by The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, serves up the chance for local teens to learn valuable life, work, and leadership skills. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the 15-to 18-year-old workers create dishes from scratch, serving meals at schools and farmers markets. The CanTEEN truck, part of the club’s Junior Culinary Arts Program, also offers catering services for social gatherings and will work with clients to design the menu. Jaimil Rivera, director of the organization’s culinary operations, has a bachelor’s degree in culinary management, experience at luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis, and a passion for baking. She also has a desire to guide teens through experiences that prepare them for…

If your curly hair is dull or frizzy, you may not be caring for it properly. Curly hair has a different texture and generally requires more hydration than straight hair, according to Melanie Nickels, owner and founder of Naples-based Raw Hair Organic Salon and owner of Raw Curls hair products. Problems, notes Nickels, often result from using the wrong hair products. “Stay away from silicone because it can … build up on the hair and not let the water and the hydration in to penetrate,” she says. Instead, Nickels suggests applying products with organic, water-soluble ingredients while avoiding harsher detergents, such as sulfates. Another common issue is washing frequency. “I always tell people to wash as needed,” she notes. Per Nickels, that’s every three to four days, on average, or…

The summer months have arrived. Parents are trying to fill their kids’ days with fun and educational activities. Budding chefs can make such gastronomic delights as basil pesto sauce, steamed dumplings, and banana-stuffed lumpia at a 2025 Sur La Table Kids & Teens Summer Series class. Kids, ages 7 to 11, and teens, ages 12 to 17, are invited to take part in small, hands-on cooking and baking classes taught by professional chefs and talented teachers at the kitchen retailer located at Mercato, Naples, from June 2 through August 29. Future foodies will become more confident and creative in the kitchen while learning essential culinary techniques, basic food prep skills, and best practices for kitchen safety. Costs, which may vary by location, for the weekly two-hour classes range from…

FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE WHO: Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee WHAT: Star Light, Star Bright: Pathways to a Brighter Future gala WHERE: Exclusive private club, Naples DETAILS: This magical evening supported early education for children in need. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated NONSTOP GIVING WHO: Path2Freedom WHAT: Red Gala WHERE: Northern Jet Hangar, Naples DETAILS: This year’s gala was an elegant evening of fundraising and a celebration raising funds for survivors of human trafficking. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated WALKING ON SUNSHINE WHO: Baker Senior Center Naples WHAT: An Evening for Better Tomorrows WHERE: Exclusive private club, Naples DETAILS: The center celebrated its thirteenth annual evening gala in a private club awash in bright orange. More than $2.15 million was raised to support critical social services and programs benefiting older adults in Collier…

The Naples Players (TNP) recognized local philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker with an inaugural Heart of the Arts Award at the 2025 Front & Center Gala, the annual major fundraising event hosted by the theater company. The Bakers were selected as the first recipients of the award due to their long-standing generosity and unwavering support for the arts. “They embody the spirit of artistic commitment and community leadership, making them the perfect first honorees for this prestigious award,” says Bryce Alexander, CEO and executive artistic director at TNP. This new accolade will be presented annually to recognize a community leader, business, or organization that goes above and beyond when it comes to contributing time, talent, or treasure to the performing arts. The honor serves as a reminder of the significant…

One might surmise The Old Collier Golf Club is aged more than 24 years. Located west of US 41 on 267 acres beside the Coco-hatchee River, the club’s 18 manicured holes were carved out of swampland in what has become prime commercial real estate. A white wooden gate welcomes visitors to a golf club set among mature pines and stately oaks, with not a single home lining the perimeter. The clubhouse itself is filled with antiques, draperies, classic millwork, and landscape artwork framed in ornate gold—all characteristic of items found in an English manor steeped in tradition. The club’s history includes the Collier family, who first visited the area in the early 1900s. A faction of the county’s namesake family, owners of Collier Enterprises, did not build the golf club…

Talk about a cool party trick guaranteed to gain you celebrity status at the next Cars and Coffee gathering. Mercedes-Benz’s brand-new, all-electric G 580 with EQ Technology has, among its considerable technical repertoire, the ability to do a “G Turn.” G what? Courtesy of its four potent electric motors (one for each wheel), the 580 can rotate in its own length just like a tank—or like Mark Wahlberg in his Marky Mark days doing a breakdancing shoulder spin. You must master some technique before you can try it for yourself. Start by pressing the “G Turn” button, then pull back and hold either steering wheel paddle shifter—left for a left spin, right for a right. Hold tight and keep the steering wheel centered. Now mash the throttle and experience the…

Coconut Point in Estero now features Fresh Catch Inland (freshcatchbistro.com), a sibling to Fresh Catch Bistro on Fort Myers Beach, and North Naples will soon have its own Two Meatballs in the Kitchen (2meatballs.com), a popular Italian restaurant with locations in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Restaurateur Franco Russo is behind both projects. His Montoro Holdings properties also include Stones Throw in Cape Coral and Junkanoo Below Deck on Fort Myers Beach. A second-generation restaurateur, he is the son of the late Alfredo Russo, who owned gone-but-not-forgotten The Ship Restaurant on U.S. 41 in Bonita Springs. His father also co-owned Anthony’s on the Gulf until his death in 2016. Franco then took over Anthony’s and Junkanoo. The Coconut Point Fresh Catch location offers much of the seafood lineup found at the Fort…

Congratulations, you have worked hard and reached your goal! But, now what? Are you confused about what’s next? Or, do you perhaps even feel a lack of purpose? This is common after achieving a goal, according to Christina Shaw, a life coach and owner of Aligned + Kind in Naples. “The intense focus that was directed toward achieving the goal no longer has a target, which can create feelings of loss, confusion, or even a sense of being stuck,” she explains. Shaw offers these tips for finding joy during and after pursuing your goals. (alignedandkind.com) 1 Acknowledge and accept your feelings. Many people feel discouraged after achieving a goal. Shaw suggests recognizing your feelings and practicing self-acceptance by reframing your internal dialogue. She explains it may be helpful to say…

JUNE GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES 1 Pro-Am, Naples Philharmonic musicians collaborate with local amateurs in a live performance, Hayes Hall, Artis—Naples, free. (artisnaples.org) 2 2025 Sur La Table Kids & Teens Summer Series, five-day culinary adventures for young chefs begins, Sur La Table, Mercato, Naples, classes start at $299 per week. (surlatable.com) 3 Birding in the Garden, take a morning walk through the 90-acre preserve and discover the avian species that call the garden home, Naples Botanical Garden, also June 10, 17, and 24, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org) 4 Dustin Sims, Off the Hook Comedy Club, also June 5, tickets start at $25. (offthehookcomedy.com) Sunset Stroll, naturalist-guided tour on the boardwalk, Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, $40, ages 12 to 16, $20. (corkscrew.audubon.org) 5 Ghost: The Musical, a TheatreZone…

The first-ever Naples International Dance Festival, which took place earlier this year, was an historic moment for the community. The three-day dance and wellness event, featuring more than 40 artists, was a celebration of the power and beauty of the arts. “We could not have asked for a more spectacular celebration of dance for our community’s first international dance festival,” says Elysia Dawn, CEO for United Arts Collier (UAC), who directed the event. “The energy and excitement were palpable, and the talent shared … was nothing short of amazing.” An initiative of UAC, the festival honors the art of dance through world-class performances, educational workshops, and community engagement. Bringing together renowned dance companies, educators, and artists from across the globe, it provided an enriching experience for both performers and audiences…

Driving through an allée of deep-rooted trees into Meado-wood, the sprawling 250-acre wine country estate in St. Helena, California, you get a snapshot of everything that makes Napa Valley so iconic: nature at its lushest, rustic charm, the pace of country life, and—not insignificantly—the promise of exquisite wine and food. Meadowood has been a bastion in this part of the valley since 1961 (and under the ownership of visionary vintner and former real estate developer Bill Harlan since 1979), and in its 64-year history it has evolved into an ultra-private retreat in the woods, where guests and members can partake in sporting and wellness activities, hikes through the heart of wine country, wine tastings and education, and innovative American cuisine. Quiet and bucolic, it’s a detox from city life, a…

There are 168 hours and 10,080 minutes in a week. Now add into the equation the figure 260,000. That’s the basic cost in dollars of chartering the newly built 133-foot Italian dream machine Contigo for seven days. If my math serves me right, that works out to about $37,142 a day, or $1,547 an hour. I spent 24 hours, or 1,440 minutes, aboard Contigo, enjoying a fleeting glimpse at what it’s like to live the life of one of her lucky charter guests. My singular aim? To make every one of those minutes count. Delivered just last summer, Contigo is hull No. 16 in Italian shipyard Benetti’s successful Oasis 40M superyacht series. Much of that success comes down to the yacht’s headlining feature: its resort-like beach club at the stern. Here,…

Iceland’s south captivates with its otherworldly landscapes, including lava fields, geysers, glaciers, and black-sand beaches. Nature lovers flock to this country for a plethora of breathtaking sights, but plenty of indulgent experiences are available, too. Read on for more about this unique Nordic nation of fire and ice. 1 REST, RELAX, REVITALIZE The Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Grindavík (within the Reykjanes Peninsula) blends Iceland’s wild, natural beauty with luxurious, sleek design. Adjacent to the famous Blue Lagoon—a world-renowned geothermal spa known for its mineral-rich waters and volcanic landscapes—this 60-suite resort is both a peaceful haven and an adventure hub. Rooms are minimalist yet remarkably stylish, and a stay here affords guests unlimited access to The Retreat Spa, featuring unique offerings, such as float therapy and in-water massage within naturally…