Every March we take a trip to the Naples, FL area to visit family and attend a couple Cardinals spring training baseball games. It lets us escape a bit of the winter weather (because March is still winter in the Midwest) and soak up those sun rays. Well that March trip was cancelled due to Covid. It was right when things started getting weird here in the US and we just didn’t have the best feeling about going. So we postponed it for November with high hopes of some relief. Well, times are still weird and Covid hasn’t gotten any better, but we went. Flying during a pandemic felt weird. But it also felt oddly normal. (Nothing is normal in 2020, btw). Flying with two kids went fine. Almost had a couple meltdowns and got a little stir crazy on the flight, but nothing a few snacks and a tablet can’t fix.
We stayed with my BIL and his place has a pool, which certainly helped everything feel more “safe” for this trip. Not having to use a hotel or a shared community pool is always a plus no matter the circumstances, but a major plus in this case! Just about anytime we were at the house – someone was in the pool. I certainly enjoyed a glass of wine and read a book during the kids’ nap time.
Of course we couldn’t go to Florida without going to the beach. There are no shortage of beaches in the Naples area, and I haven’t been disappointed with one yet. We visited a few different beaches this trip, either for daytime fun or for evening sunsets – Vanderbilt Beach, Bluebill Beach and Park Shore Beach. We didn’t go this time, but heading south to Marco Island is always a fun time.
We also paid a visit to the Naples Zoo and to the Everglades Wonder Gardens. We’ve been to the zoo before – it’s small but cute. We went the last hour and a half it was open, which was perfect. Only a few other guests were there, and honestly that’s about the max amount of time the kids stay interested. Two highlights of the zoo are that you can pay to hand-feed giraffes (closed this visit) and this great boat ride to see the monkey islands in a lagoon. If you’re a member to the STL zoo, you get a discount on admission here! Be sure to bring your STL zoo membership card.
The Wonder Gardens is even smaller, and the property could definitely use some TLC, but it was still neat to visit. (Some areas were closed and being renovated when we visited.) There were some beautiful, ornate buildings to walk through and some great gardens areas. Guests have the option of purchasing food to feed birds, turtles and alligators. Being able to feed flamingos made the visit worth it.
The Mr. and I were able to sneak away one evening for dinner on Vergina‘s patio in downtown Naples. After dinner we walked down the street and grabbed dessert from Gelato & Co. I recommend the tiramisu gelato.
We had a great six days in Florida and already have our spring trip booked. I’m hoping we make it down to Marco Island. And of course, hopefully a Cardinals baseball game.
—m.