Even though it has been a mild Chicago winter, I still loved every minute of my recent nine days in Florida. I spent time with my family, enjoyed temperatures in the upper 70s and had a lot of great seafood.
My dining romp through the seafood options started with crab cakes at Joey D’s in Naples. Many places may claim ownership of crab cakes, but I have never had any better than what Joey D’s served. We later returned to Joey D’s and had the best pizza in the area. MiraMare Ristorante in Naples offered scenic waterside seating while also preparing wonderfully tender tilapia. They also had great bread with a crispy crust; soft inside; and an interesting, subtle flavor. We shared awesome appetizers at Pinchers in Fort Myers, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River. The grouper bites were light and fresh. The clam chowder soup was five-star. They also had great frozen margaritas. The grouper sandwich at the Pierside Grill in Fort Myers Beach came highly recommended, and it surpassed expectations. It is lightly breaded with cornflakes and it overflows a hearty bun.
We did take an occasional break from the fantastic food and poolside lounging to visit some area attractions, starting with some dog racing action at Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Racing. We had a blast trash-talking each other as we wagered on our favorites. I even came out a crispy 90 cents ahead. Other destinations were as much about nature as the actual attraction. The Naples Zoo has some of the most interesting trees, along with closeup looks at exotic animals. The Edison and Ford Winter Homes were also a chance to be ensconced in nature. Of course, the tours were educational, but just meandering around the spacious grounds was enjoyment for me. The same thing could be said for Manatee Park, where we saw many huge and playful manatees. This was my ideal vacation. I did just enough sightseeing to qualify as a tourist, but I spent enough time enjoying the food options and relaxing poolside with my family to satisfy my quest to do nothing.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedFebruary 2024
Mar 1, 2024Down to Earth: Find Your Element for the Ultimate Customized Spa Experience at Chuan Spa
After a stressful pre-holiday season and a busy work schedule, there was no better time for a relaxing spa experience than during my recent trip to Pasadena with the FXExpress Publications, Inc. team. We headed to The Langham Huntington, Pasadena for the 20th anniversary of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards, which meant a jam-packed trip, but I managed to carve a little time out of our busy schedule to visit Chuan Spa at the hotel.
Sponsored Content
Experience Luxury and Tranquility at Hamad International Airport’s Hotel
Known as one of the best airports in the world and voted Best Airport in the Middle East by Global Traveler readers, Hamad International Airport aims to set new standards for the airport industry that exceed the expectations of travelers through its facility.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Fukui: A Culture Hub in Rural Japan Worth the Detour
In many cases, less can be more in terms of what smaller cities and small-scale museums have to offer. This is true for Fukui Prefecture, located on the west coast of the main island and best known for its coastline, terrain and quiet towns. While major cities are awash with large-scale museums, bucolic Fukui Prefecture is worth a visit for its assemblage of institutions offering a deeper dive into Japanese life, history and culture.
Daily
Feb 26, 2024Ennismore Unveils Flagship Hotel and Restaurant Openings in 2024
This year marks an exciting time for Ennismore, the world’s fastest growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company. With plans to open new properties and restaurants across the world, Ennismore shows no signs of stopping any time soon.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
February 2024
Feb 26, 2024Unearth the Enduring Heritage and History of the Island Nation
Valletta, capital of Malta, was built to keep us out. The old city is protected by formidable limestone walls and crammed onto a peninsula flanked by two natural harbors.
Hôtel Norman Opens Near the Top of Champs Elysées
Daily
Feb 23, 2024Take a Peek Inside Regent “Seven Seas Grandeur”
Daily
Feb 22, 2024Daily
Feb 22, 2024Europe by Rail Never Felt So Luxe
Two of 2024’s top travel trends are sustainable travel and slow travel. Rocco Forte Hotel combined both with the Rocco Forte by Rail offer, allowing customers to fully immerse themselves in multiple destinations while traveling scenic routes.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Come Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas on a Trek in Uganda
Not a word was spoken as I settled into a cozy spot on the outdoor terrace just outside the main lodge at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in Uganda. The air was so still the ice in my single malt seemed to echo off the forest in the distance as it clanked against the glass. I sat among a handful of fellow adventurers, each sitting silently beneath the night sky for one collective goal. Moments earlier, we learned a troop of mountain gorillas had made their way down the mountain near our lodge, and we left our meals to instead sit in eager anticipation of hearing the guttural grunts of the primates below. The chills on my arms never left me that night, even as I made my way up a stone pathway to my personal banda (guestroom). Thankfully, sleep came quickly for me that night as I drifted into dreams of what my next day would bring.
ShareThis