Palm Beach Florida Weekly

DOWNTOWN GETAWAYS


Fifth Avenue South, downtown Naples

Fifth Avenue South, downtown Naples

Does your fantasy stay-trip itinerary center around upscale shopping, topshelf dining and the arts? Take your pick of three hotels, three downtowns, three quasi-cosmo experiences.

Southernmost, downtown Naples makes a sophisticated landing point for a few days of gallery-hopping, boutique shopping, theater, critically acclaimed dining and happening nightlife. Station your stay at the juncture of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, Old Naples’ most exclusive addresses. The Escalante assembles a luxurious, historic enclave with a Euro feel at the intersection of the two streets.

Sequestered by lush vegetation and an Old World courtyard, its 10 rooms and suites cluster around the swimming pool and romantic, open-air Veranda E restaurant. Mahogany plantation-style furnishings and quality bed linens add to the luxury.

Stroll the two streets for unique boutique buys and restaurant flavors from around the world. A favorite on Fifth Avenue South and only steps away from The Escalante, fashionable Sails Restaurant feels like a culinary journey to coastal Europe. For drinks, late bites, music and dancing, head down Third to The Continental.

Luminary Hotel & Co., downtown Fort Myers SCOTT SLEEPER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Luminary Hotel & Co., downtown Fort Myers SCOTT SLEEPER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Downtown Fort Myers’ historic river district exudes a youthful vibe in restaurants and bars such as Downtown Social House, The Standard, The Lodge, and the Sky Bar. Make Luminary Hotel & Co. your headquarters for easy access to the nightlife scene. Right on campus and overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, Beacon Social Drinkery spreads rooftop at Luminary, which also holds a variety of other dining options as well, including the sophisticated Silver King Ocean Brasserie and soul-food Ella Mae’s Diner.

Nearby, find live stage fare by the Florida Repertory Theatre at the Arcade. Shopping might not measure up to downtown Naples (look for fun buys at the Franklin Shops), but three neighborhood historic sites are worth your visit: the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, IMAG History & Science Center, and the Burroughs Home & Gardens.

 

 

Art lovers should check out the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for exhibitions and musical performances. It also claims a new rooftop bar complete with a sculpture garden. Two nights each month, culture takes to downtown streets during Art Walk and Music Walk.

Friendly Punta Gorda packs a lot into its riverfront commercial district. Stay at the Wyvern Hotel, whose Perch 360 rooftop bar gives you the best view of the Peace River in town. And the best tapas.

Steps away from main drag Marion Avenue, the Wyvern is easily accessible to Punta Gorda’s surprisingly sophisticated dining scene. The Perfect Caper has long wowed connoisseurs with its intimate feel and creatively crafted fare. Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar, on the other hand, has become the vanguard for up-style Dixie cuisine.

DowntownEdison &PuntaFord GordaWinter Estates, Fort Myers

DowntownEdison &PuntaFord GordaWinter Estates, Fort Myers

By bicycle is a great way to explore the town further, and Punta Gorda runs a convenient bike loaner program. Follow the town’s mural trail, with more than 30 sites, many of them downtown. Cycle along the river and stop for waterfront cocktails or locally brewed Fat Point craft beer at TT’s Tiki Bar. ¦

Wyvern Hotel, Punta Gorda

Wyvern Hotel, Punta Gorda

Downtown Punta Gorda

Downtown Punta Gorda

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