FESTIVITIES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2015

Ceremony

With their toes in the sand The happy couple will say "I Do"
at a private residence on Naples beach. 

4:00 p.m.
1144 Gulfshore Boulevard South
Naples, Florida 34102

Street parking is available on both Broad Avenue and 12th Avenue South.
A public parking lot is located at 12th Avenue and Gordon Drive.

Reception

Immediately following the ceremony the Reception begins so
head straight there and let's get the party started!

6:00-10:00 p.m.
The Club at the Strand
5840 Strand Boulevard
Naples, Florida 34110

Dress is cocktail attire. 

Airport Code: RSW

Let's be honest...

Florida + December = Beach!

And we certainly have some amazing ones for you to visit. From Sanibel and Captiva to Marco Island and everywhere in between,
throw on your bathing suits, lather on some sun screen and prepare for a relaxing afternoon gazing out on the beautiful Gulf waters.
You'll probably catch a dolphin or two and shelling on our beaches is a must!

But if you don't want to spend all your free time at the beach, take advantage of the many activities that Naples has to offer!
Below are some ideas we've pulled together to make your time in Naples memorable!

To Do:

Airboats and Alligators
We cannot recommend taking an airboat ride in the Everglades enough. And this tour is the absolute BEST! You are pretty much guaranteed to see alligators but you'll also be able to see many of the birds native to the wetlands. The boats are extremely safe and, as the motors are above the water, you will not experience the feeling of seasickness that some do on a regular boat. 
Take this airboat ride and you will drive through Immokalee, the same town Lane and Megan work in!
(Approximately 50 minute drive from Naples)

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations. Tour the refuge or rent kayaks or a pontoon boat and enjoy the beauty that is Sanibel Island,
just be on the lookout for Florida's sea cow, the Manatee! 
(Approximately 75 minute drive from Naples)

Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Visitors to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy 20 acres of historical buildings, historic gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford Museum. The newly restored buildings include the Edison Main House, Guest House, and Caretaker’s House and the Ford House.  The 1929 historic landscape is throughout the property including the award winning Moonlight Garden. The Edison Ford Museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.
This is a great attraction for people of any age and is a must-see if you are in the area!
(Approximately 50 minute drive from Naples)

Golf
Golf is an important part of Naples and its History. There's a story that goes something like this… Shortly after the Naples Beach Hotel Course was built, a small single engine airplane would often land on one of the fairways. The pilot would disembark and play a round (9 holes then), climb in his plane and depart. This was fine until a new Course Superintendent came on board. When he saw this, he immediately chased the flyer away (off HIS fairways). Mr. Lindbergh never landed on the course again!!! Golfers have been coming ever since by boat, car, train, and once again by air.

Naples has hosted major state, national, and professional tournaments for several decades and continues to expand its role in competition play. The LG Championship (Seniors Tour) has been played at the Classics at Lely Resort, the Vineyards, and Pelican Bay in past years. The Ace Group Classic is held each year at The Twin Eagles Club. The Franklin Templeton Shootout holds its annual event at the Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort. These events draw golf enthusiasts every year to Southwest Florida.

Whether you enjoy the challenge of bunker play, navigating water hazards, the company of local wildlife (watch out for those gators!), fast or undulating greens, or just a friendly wide open course, you can find them all in Naples.

Click on the link to see a list of the public and private golf courses in Naples. We are working on arranging the ability to play at our reception location, The Club at The Strand, so let us know if this is something you are interested in!

Boat Cruises
Whether sightseeing, spotting dolphins or watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico, catching big fish offshore, riding the waves on jet skis, or experiencing the excitement of a jet boat, Pure Naples is pure family fun and thrills!
We have included a link for Pure Naples below because it is a one stop shop for all the things mentioned above (plus they seem to always have a Groupon available!). If you are interested in a half-day fishing trip there are other other options that leave from Fort Myers Beach so make sure to check around to ensure you get the experience you are looking for!

To Eat:

Mi Ranchito
If you take our advice (and you should!) and go on an airboat ride on Lake Trafford, a stop at a local Mexican Restaurant is a must. Mi Ranchito has a lengthy menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. After lunch head to the ice cream side of the building and pick up a piece of homemade flan. It will seriously be the best you have ever had and the perfect end to a delicious lunch!
Another bonus...Mi Ranchito is owned by a family who has a son in Megan's College Preparatory Program!

Mr. Taco
Also in Immokalee, if Mexican street food is more your thing, Mr. Taco is the place for you. Order the tacos al pastor or chorizo or be more adventurous and try tacos de lengua (beef tongue) or tacos de mejilla (beef cheek). Make sure you pair your meal with the aqua fresca of the day for a quick and filling meal!

Mucky Duck
If you've travelled to Sanibel/Captiva Islands and spent time kayaking around the mangrove trees, you've probably worked up quite an appetite! Lucky for you the islands are home to some of the best restaurants in the area. The Mucky Duck is located right on the Gulf so you can enjoy a great meal while also enjoying the ocean breeze. Who can beat that?!

Bubble Room Restaurant
If you are on Captiva Island you MUST stop at the Bubble Room Restaurant! Touting that "it's always Christmas at the Bubble Room", this multi-leveled, MAJORLY decorated restaurant is fun for all ages. The food is good but trust us, you're there for the cake. And if you struggle to make a decision on which one to try, go for the award winning Orange Crunch Cake. One piece is more than enough for two people. 

Naples Restaurants
Restaurants are a dime a dozen in Naples. You name a type of food and you'll be able to find a restaurant that has it. December is peak season for the area so you will want to make reservations whenever possible. Most restaurants use Opentable or you can simply call ahead. Below is a list of some of our favorites so use our recommendations or try you own...we'd love to hear recommendations from places you might try when you are down here!

La Cuisine
Probably our favorite, don't be fooled by the small strip mall it is located in. This is Peruvian food at its finest. Our favorites are the fish tacos, arroz con pollo, and the lomo tradicional. Try the causa de camarones as an appetizer, it sounds a bit odd but is super yummy!

Brooks Gourmet Burgers and Dogs
A small restaurant with delicious burgers, some say the best in the state, there is usually a line to get a seat but it is definitely worth it! If anyone tries the doughnut burger send us a pic! I'm still trying to convince Lane to order one!

The Pewter Mug
A North Naples Tradition since 1970, this landmark is known for its "Almost World Famous Prime Rib", fresh local seafood, and legendary all you can eat soup and salad bar complimentary with every entree. Prepare for a lot of food, but it's all very fresh and very good!

Chrissy's Tavern & Bistro
Go for breakfast, lunch, or dinner-it's all great! Homemade and fresh, you have to try their Immokalee Fried Green Tomatoes. Pittsburgh people, Chrissy grew up in Ambridge and her dad still lives in Moon! And if you get Mary as a waitress tell her Megan and Lane said hello. She is from Pittsburgh too!