Step out and into Southwest Florida’s Festivities

Say goodbye to Summer…. SEASON has arrived

Now… is the time to support what’s going on in Southwest Florida

As the steady steam of our friends from the north begin to arrive, just watch the weather reports to our north as it gets colder nearly everywhere north of Orlando and fluffy white flakes ride the jet stream and fill the northern air, we’ll soon notice the increase in our traffic and streets filling up. It takes longer to get around, traffic lights have a longer delay, slow cars in Fast Lanes and on and on..

No complaining here; it’s just a matter of fact.

Year round Florida residents like myself welcome all back home.

Perhaps the petite little “older gal” has a driver this year (at least I hope so… for all our safety)!!

Anyway, it’s all our own piece of paradise….right???

We all look forward to this time of year. Our local area businesses, social outlets and networking spots are in full gear and the “Let the Festivities Begin-welcome mats” are in place.

Whether it’s our famous dining spots, night club scenes, theatre, shopping, art events or renowned charity events, our area is ready to put aside the doom and gloom of these trying, economic times and enjoy the beautiful place we call home.

Hopefully, my blog and more times than not, ramblings will put another twist on a wide variety of venues, Social Events, Art Shows, Theatre Performance, what’s the hottest ticket at the “Phil”, Barbara B. Mann Performance Art Center, best eats for cheap or going overboard. Shopping for that perfect pair of shoes or hopping from one party to the next. But the fun of a full social calender is worth it! And of course, you must eat and enjoy libations along the way.

My first highlighted event to kick-off the 09’ season is to join other colleagues and you should too….at the NORTH NAPLES ARTS ALLIANCE’S:

“Underground Art Wednesday”… scheduled for this Wednesday, October 7th from 6:00-9:00 P.M.

(This is the last scheduled event on their Summer Events Calendar)

NOVEMBER 4th, 2009 will be the Alliance’s “Fall Kick-Off Event! Most of the 15-20 group members are in their studios for this event. I’ll write more on this later. Please use the attachment here to go to any of these websites and see their work!

Richard Rosen

Patty Kane

This Fine group of artisans is located in and around the Trade Center Way area located near Pine Ridge and Airport Pulling Roads in North Naples.

The group hosts an open house event the first Wednesday of every month.

We’ve got our own, Miami style art district right here in Naples. Diverse in what they offer; these artisans have a true passion for sharing their work and have a great sense of community. Just envision owning a piece of their artwork, watching some of these artists “live” at the event creating spectacular artwork and perhaps for you. Events like these give us all an opportunity to appreciate the talented artists in our own backyard.

Perhaps you could stop by the Shops at Mercato for a nice dinner at The Capital Grille, cocktails at Blue Martini or The Pub while you’re there, why not visit the condominium residences developed by the Lutgert Companies?  Collins & DuPont’s designers completed two award winning models at the Strada-Residences 5407 and 7304.

Make it an evening out on the Town-Underground Arts Wednesdays and the Mercato!

As we begin to mark our calendars, I have highlighted just one of our areas ongoing and upcoming events that you should start thinking about.

Art League of Bonita Springs

Watch for upcoming highlights on everything that Southwest Florida has to offer (and my ongoing tidbits of “this and that” as season continues)!