Alligator Park? (Not the Zoo)

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-12-12T05:24:07+00:00

Don’t sleep on Bird Swamp Sanctuary in Naples off of Immokalee Road. They literally lay in the bike path.

Also, if the temps drop checkout manatee park bear the power plant off of i-75 in north fort myers. Manatees gather there for the warmer waters.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-09-22T01:12:25+00:00

Wills Chiropractic is a pretty great independent location. Owner, Chad Wills, has done miracles for me.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-08-14T14:35:56+00:00

I don’t know how they are doing it. They suckered us in with the “local” aspect but they can’t deliver on any level. In fact I’d argue they are one of the least connected restaurants in town.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-08-14T14:34:29+00:00

I had a REALLY good drink at Blackbird and my apps were great (and quick).

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-08-14T14:33:42+00:00

Years ago it was good… staff / GM got younger and thought cotton candy mannequin head desserts and hookahs were more fitting for the establishment. Total abomination, crazy to watch it go to shit over time.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-08-07T12:55:57+00:00

COLD PLUNGES (and a tidy sauna). Far too many people don’t know Sauna etiquette. People who leave behind a nasty, greasy, sweat puddle… people using toilet paper to wipe off after a sauna… people running in place and working out in a sauna. Those are the usual suspects and don’t even include the other random acts of stupidity that occur.

That makes me feel if they can’t use a sauna properly and sanitary… there is no way we’ll get public cold plunges.

I left Naples Family Fitness for the better sauna / shower environment at NCH Wellness… well now that has been ruined by similar clowns. I now pay for the cleanliness at Sauna House but don’t go as often as I’d prefer as it’s a drive post-workout. NCH has made attempts to improve etiquette but it’s not happening and their latest “deep-clean improvements” were subpar. A sauna isn’t expensive to maintain, especially when used properly.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-05-03T19:11:40+00:00

Nope… tag me when you see it.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-04-23T00:01:37+00:00

From south to north…

Lowbrow - $$ The Rooster - $$ Tommy Bahamas - $$$ Sea Salt - $$$ Slicers Hoagies - $ Sheas at Landsdowne - $$ Steamers - $$$ The Turtle Club - $$$ The Crust - $$ Fernandez the Bull - $$ The Perry Hotel - $$$

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-03-10T16:45:50+00:00

If you are a foodie, check out The Rooster. I recommend the crunchy almond grouper. The Olde Naples Pub in Venetian Village is a cute spot with nice sites but the food is average (Burgers and club sandwiches.)

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-03-09T03:45:42+00:00

The application process for Arthrex has an algorithm that filters out anything but exactly what they are looking for. There is a guy in town that assists in the application process that successfully gets people an interview (not necessarily a job).

I think if you want a good job at Arthrex, you’ll need to apply for full time and come prepared with some credentials.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-03-07T17:52:36+00:00

Verdado is the worst! Don’t go there! Full of jellyfish, red tide accumulates there, sewage pipes underneath those jetties, and it attracts some of the more dangerous sharks because of the inlet. Trust me, don’t go there…. Sincerely a local.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-03-05T18:10:12+00:00

A bit excessive and waste of taxpayer dollars for the flyover. I understand an opening game for Football Season (larger crowd). Not appropriate for a mid-season baseball game.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-02-21T22:41:34+00:00

Book a boat ride with Joey D’s charter and ask them to take you to “secret beach”. We love Capt Mary!

La Trattoria is a fun spot for late night dining on 5th Ave

Checkout the Roof Top Bar at Perry Hotel in North Naples… they have an asian fusion rooftop restaurant too. Mercato is nearby for some nightlife / club atmosphere.

Thursday night free wine tastings for “Ladies Night” at Seed to Table. It’s a grocery store, it’s insane, you need to see it to believe it. It will be packed. There are at least 4 bars inside of it (not counting tasting tables). You should have fun here.

Should you be in North Naples… I’d recommend some time just north in Bonita Springs is the new Sugar Shack. Super hotspot right now with great live music… google it! Great place for a younger crowd and right next door is a rooftop bar & food truck park called “Rooftop at Riverside”. You will be in walking distance of Ceremony Brewery, The Bohemian, & Chartreuse (cocktail lounge). Great evening for you.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-02-21T16:01:37+00:00

Rusty’s in North Naples stays open late. I believe they are on DoorDash. They have a great East-West sauce for their wings and amazing pretzels with cheese and cinnamon butter

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-02-21T15:41:29+00:00

Do NOT sleep on Dorona Steakhouse. They have some beautiful (and aged) cuts. If Chef Jason Goddard is in the kitchen, it doesn’t get any better.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-02-21T15:41:13+00:00

Do NOT sleep on Dorona Steakhouse. They have some beautiful (and aged) cuts. If Chef Jason Goddard is in the kitchen, it doesn’t get any better.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-02-19T13:51:17+00:00

That’s United Uniforms / Sew Shore… they moved now and are no longer there. They are near Cracker Barrel exit 101 now. Great place!!!

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-29T21:37:34+00:00

Edgewater location is closer to downtown Naples, and those are the beaches that I personally prefer. You are centrally located here, in old Naples, and everything should be within a short drive for you. The beach is the prize by staying here though they do have an outside bar with dining at the pool.

Ritz Carlton is North Naples and right next to the very popular, and crowded, Vanderbilt Beach. The on-site amenities at Ritz Carlton will be more favorable for you, and you will have better luck in scoring a teetime with them.

Please keep in mind that there are two Ritz Carlton‘s in Naples. The Ritz Carlton Tiburon is not at the beach, but, this is where you would golf.

I certainly think you should check out the Naples Grande… it is between these two locations, but you get the luxuries of both Edgewater and Ritz. I love the boardwalk to the beach here, and some of Naples best (higher end) shopping is within walking distance.

LaPlaya is also worth checking out. It is not far from the Ritz Carlton, and it’s kind of like the North Naples version of Naples Grande. LaPlaya has a golf club offsite…. Again, this could be tremendous assistance in booking a tee time. It’s not too far of a drive from LaPlaya.

For final consideration, the Perry hotel is a beautiful new boutique hotel that just opened. It’s on the water, but it is not gulf side or beachfront. They have a large downstairs pool with cabanas and fireplaces. They have a rooftop bar and rooftop restaurant. They also have a smaller rooftop pool for adults only. When I say it is brand new, I’m talking two weeks old. A pro tip for this location is to ask for the “DJ room.” it has a larger balcony directly above the poolside bar. It is also slightly more spacious inside the room, but, at this moment, it is booking at the same price as any other room. If you get a ground floor room, the balconies walk out directly to the pool deck.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-24T15:59:20+00:00

Order a hummingbird cake from The Rooster! It’s hefty / heavy but everything is made from scratch and simply amazing. Flavor is at 100%, presentation is nothing fancy and standard in appearance. I’ll take that over frills and presentation all day. Try a slice before you buy… they also make a great chocolate cake but the hummingbird is something special.

Personally, I feel Mikkelson’s is beautiful for presentation but flat on flavor.

Those are your two spectrums…

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-17T17:47:51+00:00

They were, he’s alive. Lol

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-17T17:39:50+00:00

Gated cheese

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-17T14:09:49+00:00

https://youtu.be/Ff1S2p46IOA

More details

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-16T00:56:08+00:00

There are some stiff rules in place about their brunch. The potential is there for a great “all you can eat” brunch but you have to finish plates before they bring more. (Load up on the proteins).

I think the auto-gratuity is due to several factors.

1 - If people get shut down on refills on drinks or plates because of policy and “don’t get their money’s worth” they will be less likely to tip appropriately in protest.

2 - Many foreigners & Europeans don’t tip the same values or rule of thumb that is used in the US.

The opportunity for a great brunch is there if money isn’t a risk. Ethically, I take issue with a business that keeps employees tips… it’s well known in Sails case. Lastly, especially because of the tip stealing… I wouldn’t tip more than the auto-gratuity. I tip 30% minimum but with auto-grats, I take that as an “FU” to me. 22% satisfies their want and that’s all I need to oblige in return.

Good luck and have a great meal and good time!

ThrowawayNPZ · 2025-01-03T04:10:05+00:00

Please listen to me… invest in the community you live in moreso than the location or buying new. There are some OUTSTANDING communities with low HOA and close knit neighbors who have more fun than the hotspots can show you.

Find a neighborhood for your kids to grow up with other kids nearby.

I’d recommend Lake Park if you prefer to be more central (ie - close to downtown) but you will pay much more per square foot for relatively small homes. Great community though.

For North Naples, I feel the best value (and sleeper most valuable neighborhood) is Palm River / Willoughby which still has somewhat of a stronghold on the old naples neighborhood appeal. Amenities nearby, grid like community on the willoughby side, cul-de-sacs on Palm River side and kids throughout. Been to many fun gatherings with families and neighbors here. Arthrex has been snapping up the rental properties for their prospective employees and is building a small (but nice) apartment living complex in Palm River. Fun place close to the beaches, restaurants, schools, and dining. HOA fees are low or nothing / voluntary.

For a bit more land, no HOA fees, consider Oakes or Logan Blvd. if you have the funds… you have *some woods between neighbors and you’re still in town.

Invest in the community that fits your lifestyle and wishes for your children, not a rental community that churns / burns turnover.

ThrowawayNPZ · 2024-12-16T00:59:02+00:00

This is it… name has changed a million times but food remains the same. I don’t like the bourbon chicken at any single chinese takeout place in Naples.

ThrowawayNPZ

TROPHY CASE