Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i Naples Illustrated

Worship with us Sundays at 10 a.m. in person or livestream on our website, YouTube channel or Facebook page Ash Wednesday Service March 5 at noon Lenten Organ Concerts Half hour concerts at noon each Wednesday during Lent March 12 through April 16 Friends Sunday Sunday, March 23 Bring a Friend to Church 10 a.m. Worship Service A Season of Music Concert Sunday, March 23 at 4 p.m. Damin Spritzer, organ There is no charge for the concert. A free-will offering will be taken. 250 Sixth Street S Naples FL 34102 239.262.1311 fpcnaples.org…

EMPOWERING YOUTH TO CARE FOR EACH OTHER WHO: Charity for Change WHAT: Planting Seeds of Humanity Gala DETAILS: The sold-out event raised $315,000 for the nonprofit’s resiliency curriculum aimed at elementary school-age children. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated CASINO ROYALE WHO: The Patriot Fund WHAT: Stars & Stripes Gala WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón DETAILS: At this fourth annual evening event, guests gathered to raise funds for charities that help support the veteran community. MEDIA SPONSOR: Naples Illustrated FILL THE BUCKET WHO: Jingled Elves WHAT: Celebrity Startender Series  WHERE: Dorona, Naples DETAILS: Celebrity bartenders and friends gathered for cocktail hour in support of Jingled Elves, a nonprofit that raises funds for organizations supporting women and children throughout Collier County. SHOTGUN SCRAMBLE WHO: Youth Haven  WHAT: Fairways for the Future 2024 WHERE: Palms Course,…

Who is your greatest muse? My grandmother was my earliest style icon and inspiration for the brand. She wore Pucci dresses, orchids in her hair, and straw handbags. When did your love of accessories begin? At a very young age. I grew up during the time of the It bag, so I was always very mindful of accessories and the ability of a bag or belt or piece of jewelry to make an outfit. One of my first corporate jobs was working for Chanel in their accessories division. For a bag girl, that was my dream job and solidified an enduring appreciation for timeless design and craftsmanship. What’s your favorite bag for spring? Our Lee bag. Inspired by Lee Radziwill, our new framed straw bag with a bamboo handle is…

THE LISTINGS The Naples area is packed with an abundance of great eateries, serving up food and drinks to satisfy every palate. Naples Illustrated has rounded up details on can’tmiss places for dining delights. AMERICAN THE 239 NAPLES Family-owned and located in Mercato, this restaurant touting Southwest Florida serves up many locally sourced provisions and offers an array of gluten-free options, such as gluten-free tacos, meatloaf, and coconut shrimp. 9108 Strada Place, Naples (the239naples.com) ALEXANDER’S GARDEN RESTAURANT The tastes of farm-to-table American and European cuisine commingle at this fine dining establishment offering a lovely dining courtyard. 4077 Tamiami Trail N., Naples (alexandersnaples.com) ALICE SWEETWATER’S BAR & GRILLE This local favorite serves a large array of lunch and dinner fare. 1996 Airport Road S., Naples (alicesweetwatersbarandgrille.com) BALEEN AT LAPLAYA BEACH & GOLF…

Over the past few decades, a bright—and long overdue—light has shone on women in the wine industry. Nowadays, there are women leading the charge from California to Austria. Here are three compelling wines from wineries owned by women who are intimately involved in the growing and making process. 1 2023 Barbara Öhlzelt Grüner Leader, Austria. Barbara Öhlzelt’s Grüner Leader is crafted from a blend of grapes sourced from all her Grüner Veltliner vineyards, with vines averaging 30 years old. Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s native white grape, offers a flavor profile somewhat similar to Sauvignon Blanc. It boasts vibrant acidity and crisp, refreshing characteristics, making it an ideal choice for unwinding after a day on the water. 2 2022 Division Winemaking Company Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, Oregon. Just like Burgundy, France, the…

Ringing in your ears can be annoying, but it’s relatively common. In fact, around 10 percent of U.S. adults in 2016 experienced the condition, known as tinnitus, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Sarah Sesslar, an audiologist at Decibels Audiology & Hearing Aid Center in Naples, explains that exposure to loud noises, like a concert or guns, can lead to tinnitus and reduced hearing ability over time. While most cases are mild, she notes, severe and constant tinnitus can cause stress, anxiety, or depression, impacting people’s quality of life. “Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for tinnitus,” she says—but you may still be able to manage the condition. She points out that white noise machines, hearing aids, and certain types of therapy can help, as can avoiding stress,…

Style is what we wear, of course, but it contains an added dimension, something even more subtle: scent. Choosing a signature perfume is one thing, but there are many ways to deepen how we wear a fragrance, to include con-necting to the natural world by harmonizing with the season. At this time of year, Southwest Florida is blooming with fragrant style cues—from honeysuckle to gardenia, lavender to jasmine. Spring’s blossoms are particularly elegant. They are light, ultra-feminine, and full of color. And while fashion celebrates this moment in time with floral prints and frills, we can trace those trends back to their roots—the plants themselves. In both ancient and modern ways, spring invites a fresh consideration of natural beauty through fragrance. Naturally made fragrances, including those crafted with essential oils…

MARCH GOINGS ON & PERFORMANCES 1 Country Jam Naples, live concert featuring Justin Moore and Walker Montgomery, Paradise Sports Complex, Naples, tickets start at $75. (countryjamnaples.com) Forest Bathing, guided sensory experience in nature, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples, ages 18 and up, $50. (rookerybay.org) Fostering Success, gala in support of foster children, The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, $550. (fosteringsuccess.net) Wishmaker’s Party, evening of fun in support of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, exclusive private club, Naples, $500. (wish.org/sfla) 3 Once Upon a Dream, gala in support of The Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples, Tiburón, $750. (gulfshoreplay house.org) 4 Birding in the Garden, take a morning walk through the 90-acre preserve and discover the avian species that call the garden home, Naples Botanical Garden, also March 11, 18, and 25, included with garden admission. (naplesgarden.org)…

SHELLY STAYER CHAIRWOMAN, Naples Illustrated Advisory Board Johnsonville Foods, president/co-owner ASHLEY GERRY NCEF, trustee; CMON, board member VICKI BAKER UBS Private Wealth Management, executive team assistant CHAD JENSEN Method & Concept, creative director, managing partner SHAWN MCCONNELL NCH Healthcare, marketing and communications director BRENDA MELTON Celebrity Martini Glass Auction, founder ASHLEY SMITH Aurora Investment Managers LLC, partner and portfolio manager CLAUDINE LEGER-WETZEL Stock Development, vice president, sales and marketing DONNA MCGINNIS Naples Botanical Garden, president and CEO MICHAEL WYNN Sunshine Ace Hardware, president…

CREATIVE PROCESS Available for purchase April 9, The Inner Life of the Artist: Conversations from the Atelier (Phaidon, $30) seeks to spur the creative process via inspiring artworks, short essays, poignant quotes, and practical exercises. Herself a painter and educator, author Juliette Aristides illuminates the principles of classical instruction, with the goal of helping readers awaken their artistic minds and hone their technical skills. (phaidon.com) LAND BEFORE TIME Immerse yourself in dreamlike landscapes in Damien Hirst: The Civilisation Paintings (Heni Publishing, $50). For those who couldn’t attend the 2024 exhibition of the same name at Phillips, London, this catalog-style tome includes 54 reproductions from Hirst’s series of oil paintings that capture the intersection of nature and human development. The book also features a foreword by art historian Norman Rosenthal and an…

POP CULTURE Belle Époque Blanc de Blancs 2006 ($375), Perrier-Jouët, perrier-jouet.com Maison Perrier-Jouët serves up the ultimate in sparkling celebrations with its exceptional Belle Époque Blanc de Blancs cuvée. The coveted bottle, which showcases a spray of Japanese white anemones designed by Art Nouveau artist Émile Gallé, is responsible for uncorking countless memories created over a raised Champagne glass. —Allison Wolfe Reckson, managing editor PETAL PUSHER I Like Flowers 70 scarf ($440), Hermès, hermes.com Designed by British watercolorist Leigh Cooke, this sweet silk scarf celebrates flowers and friendship in chic, springtime style. —Kristen Desmond LeFevre, contributing editor LITTLE LOVELIES Ruffle bud vase ($145), Terra Glassworks, Summerfields, Naples, summerfieldsnaples.com When you have a single bud or a small bouquet to display, pop it into a handcrafted blown-glass vase with a ruffle collar…

“ The biggest threat to [bears’] survival is loss of land. They need room to thrive; males need 50 to 120 square miles for a home range, while females need between 11 and 25 square miles.”—Casey Darling Kniffin With its thick, dark pelage, it is hard to imagine the cumbrous and burly bear would find a swampy peninsula within a subtropical climate an acceptable place to settle. Before Florida was inhabited by humans, it was home to a subspecies of the American black bear. North America’s smallest bear species, the Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), found both food and shelter in the state’s dense habitats of hardwood and palm forests, flatwoods, bogs, and scrub oak ridges. Although not territorial, bears require space to survive. Florida’s largest terrestrial mammal will…

A new Swedish restaurant with roots in Florida has found its way to Naples. Waxin’s Restaurant & Bar recently debuted in Mercato, featuring a sleek tropical-tinged Scandinavian design and a culinary program that spotlights the best of Sweden past and present. The brainchild of restaurateur and native Swede Patrik Waxin, the eponymous eatery opened in Palm Beach Gardens in 2020. At the time, the menu was dotted with approachable Swedish fare and Swedish-inspired takes on American and global delicacies. In October, Waxin brought on Melvin Glimstal—a young Swedish chef who most recently worked as sous chef at Michelinstarred Operakällaren in Stockholm—to revamp the restaurant’s offerings. Glimstal wasted no time working with the established team to develop new dishes and refine existing ones. Certain Swedish standards remain, such as the divine…

JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM FOR SIP WITH NI EVERY OTHER THURSDAY AT 4 P.M. (@NAPLESILLUSTRATEDMAG) Observed March 24, National Cocktail Day honors the vibrant world of cocktails and their ability to blend flavors, cultures, and culinary ingenuity in a single glass. As a day dedicated to mixology, it encourages enthusiasts to explore classic recipes, experiment with ingredients, and enjoy the artistry that goes into crafting cocktails. With International Whiskey Day also taking place this month (March 27), we’re toasting with an award-winning cocktail by mixologist Danilo Božovic, owner of Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery in Miami and its newest outpost in Fort Lauderdale. With notes of light smoke, nutmeg, and citrus, this medium-bodied cocktail balances a dry and complex finish. It’s a brilliant nod to the creativity within the world…

There are many reasons to eat a plant-based diet, but sometimes you might miss the meat. However, many vegetarian alternatives exist. “If you are seeking to switch to a plant-based diet, I would always recommend choosing whole foods with as few ingredients as possible,” notes Elizabeth Gorman, a holistic nutritionist and personal trainer based in Naples. Specifically, she suggests these three meat substitutes. Jackfruit: This tropical fruit has stringy flesh that, Gorman explains, can emulate pulled pork or chicken. It’s high in fiber and nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium. Tempeh: This soy-based product is firmer and chewier than tofu and offers a nutty flavor. It’s a good source of protein and nutrients, including iron and magnesium. “It is easy to season tempeh with spices, as it takes on the flavor…

As with many sports, success in pickleball is about finding one’s center, according to Will Blanchette, managing professional at USOP National Pickleball Center (NPC), who emphasizes the importance of centering the ball. “Use your feet to put your hands where they need to be—and your hands need to be in front of you,” says Blanchette. “The more you move your paddle to the side or behind you, the less control you’ll have on your shots.” With 65 dedicated courts and a commitment to help enthusiasts learn, play, and enjoy the sport, NPC is touted as the pickleball capital of the world. Located at East Naples Community Park, NPC offers an extensive catalogue of clinics, private and group lessons, and community demonstrations. It hosts regional and national tournaments, including the 2025…

JOIN ALEXANDER SHELLEY AS HE CONDUCTS THE NAPLES PHILHARMONIC AND NAPLES PHILHARMONIC CHORUS IN A PERFORMANCE OF BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 9, FEATURING THE ICONIC ODE TO JOY, AT ARTIS—NAPLES’ HAYES HALL MARCH 13, 14, AND 15. TICKETS START AT $15. (ARTISNAPLES.ORG) TRIUMPH OF RESILIENCE 2025 IS THE ANNUAL EVENING FUNDRAISING EVENT BENEFITING THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & COHEN EDUCATION CENTER. THE DINNER AND SPECIAL PROGRAM WILL BE HELD AT ARTHREX ONE IN NAPLES, MARCH 4. TICKETS ARE $400. (HMCEC.ORG)…

PAGE 132 Tweeded tulle dress ($9,800), muslin layering dress ($2,400), muslin cape ($3,200), Mary Janes ($1,800), earrings ($900), bracelet ($1,775), Hobo handbag ($6,000), Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, chanel.com PAGE 133 Bodysuit (price upon request), Get Dior high-top sneakers (price upon request), Dior, dior.com PAGE 134 Drill trench coat with belted waist ($3,745), satin bra ($925), Sicily box bag ($2,495), Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com PAGE 135 Bomber jacket ($3,980), shorts ($1,500), high-heel wedge mules ($1,590), gloves ($950), sunglasses ($625), bamboo bag ($5,200), Gucci, Waterside Shops, Naples, gucci.com PAGE 136 Jumpsuit ($2,700), pumps ($950), Ferragamo, Waterside Shops, Naples, ferragamo.com; Avenue Quad XS latte leather shoulder bag with pearl strap ($1,595), Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com. PAGE 137 Dress (price upon request), D-Journey bag ($4,500), Dior, dior.com PAGE 138 Scarf dress ($5,100),…

March is here and—along with it—one of my favorite editions. The moniker for this month’s Naples Illustrated is The 239 Issue, and it’s meant to highlight and celebrate the people, places, and happenings that make our piece of paradise so extraordinary. Part of what sets Naples apart is its generosity. Overall, we are blessed as a community, but our area does have needs, as well as vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. It’s refreshing and inspiring to witness—time and again—the myriad ways Neapolitans provide and support, especially this time of year when charitable events are in full swing. We must also remember the leaders of our nonprofit organizations who have answered the call to serve others, and this includes the three women gracing this issue’s cover: Jaclynn Faffer from Baker Senior Center…

STYLE NOTES DEMURE 101: Smart tailoring, slingback shoes, and top-handle handbags are key. CHIC CHAPEAU: Upgrade with an oversize hat that looks couture. ARM PARTY: Elevate your day outfits with short driving gloves.…

Sit back, relax, and allow these luxurious, nutrient-packed face masks to work their magic on skin hydration, tone, texture, and more in minutes: Eve Lom Moisture Mask, infused with hyaluronic acid, Irish sea moss, black oat, and lecithin ($98, evelom.com); Borghese Deluxe Mask Applicator ($12) and Radiante Revitalize and Firm Mask, with sodium hyaluronate, marine exopolysaccharide, and green algae extract to target dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone and texture ($55, borghese.com); Chanel Le Lift Pro Masque Uniformité ($220, Chanel counters); Augustinus Bader The Hydrogel Face Mask, packed with the brand’s TFC8 Trigger Factor Complex, copper peptide, acetylated hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and niacinamide ($32, augustinusbader.com); Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque with Amazonian White Clay ($47, Ulta Beauty locations); Dr. Jart+ Brightamin Brightening + Plumping Face Mask…

Shot on location at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples LINDA GOLDFIELD CEO, Youth Haven “I’m just an average girl doing good work,” Linda Goldfield says. Contrary to that understatement, this dynamic leader is steadfastly committed to helping children and teens who have been displaced because of abuse, neglect, and homelessness. Case in point: along with many of the organization’s management staff, Goldfield chooses to be on-site on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays. “These kids are our family, so for those who have been continually disappointed by adults to see adults show up for them really makes a difference,” she says. “I’m privileged to be someone in their lives who’s here to listen and support them and not be a part of the trauma that brought them to our campus.” Initially conceived as…

The formula for success at the thriving D’Amico’s The Continental is its Parisian-inspired ambience, extensive steak program, and ability to keep the dining experience fresh. That combination has made it a favorite for a decade and counting. “Sometimes it’s frightening how busy it is,” says Richard D’Amico, CEO of D’Amico & Partners, though he’s only half kidding, aware there are far worse problems to have. D’Amico believes The Continental’s steak lineup helps set it apart. “It’s ranch-based,” he says. “We are always searching the world for new high-quality products.” Diners can select from a variety of steaks, such as premium American Black Angus, Italian Piedmontese, and wagyu. A clear sign that beef is serious business at this restaurant: an entire menu page is devoted to steak selections. A second page…

Call it “Car Lovers Getting Coffee,” a Neapolitan spin on Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Unlike the TV show, which features the comedian and a guest bantering while on a meandering drive, Cars and Coffee 239 has a more targeted purpose: it’s a monthly gathering of all things automotive and those who love them. From 9 to 11 a.m. on the third Sunday of the month, car enthusiasts gather at Mercato, with the next meetings scheduled for March 16, April 20, and May 18. Attendees enjoy coffee from Narrative Coffee Roasters while ogling a wide variety of stellar autos. In March, Porsche takes center stage. Live music and fundraising for local charities are part of the get-together as well. VIP parking on the display lawn is available for…

WEEKENDS CAN BE BUSY, MAKING IT HARD TO FIT IN FITNESS AND FOOD WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. AN EVENT THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES IS THE NINETEENTH ANNUAL NAPLES BIKE BRUNCH. THE MARCH 2 EVENT OFFERS A CHANCE TO RIDE THEN GATHER WITH LIKE-MINDED SOULS FOR AN AFTER-PARTY FEATURING NOSHES, BEER, MUSIC, AND A CHARITY RAFFLE. GEAR UP WITH A LIGHT BREAKFAST, THEN CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE—A 5-, 10-, 20-, 30-, OR 62-MILE RIDE. A 3-MILE WALKING ROUTE IS ALSO OFFERED. AFTERWARD, ENJOY LUNCH, DRINKS, AND CAMARADE-RIE. NONRIDERS CAN JOIN THE FESTIVI-TIES FOR $15. RIDERS AND WALKERS PAY $15-$35, DEPENDING ON ROUTE LENGTH. (BIKESIGNUP.COM/RACE/FL/NAPLES/NAPLESBIKEBRUNCH)…

If you’re looking for extra fitness motivation or a healthier way to socialize than a night on the town, consider joining a running club. “There’s so much camaraderie, encouragement, and inspiration when you’re running with other people,” notes Mitch Norgart, president of the Naples-based nonprofit organization Gulf Coast Runners. “There’s a sense of commitment people have about showing up, because you’re having fun and you’re making friends, and that becomes part of your social calendar.” Gulf Coast Runners offers weekly runs and regular events in addition to organizing races. Besides the standard physical advantages of running, such as improved heart health and weight management, Norgart explains that participants—who don’t need to be members to attend the weekly runs—gain a sense of fellowship. As an added benefit, he notes that member dues…

Explore Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in a fresh way. Hop on a bike and traverse some of the different habitats found in the 13,000-acre preserve on the BYO Bicycle Backcountry Bike Tour on March 22. Designed for participants ages 15 and over, the ride takes place over three hours and across eight miles. Off-road or mountain bikes are best-suited as the uneven terrain includes sand, grass, tree roots, and mud. Guests meet at Corkscrew’s Blair Visitor Center prior to the tour. Cost is $55; $30 for ages 15-18. (corkscrew.audubon.org)…

St. Barth, located in the French West Indies, is a chic isle known for its beautiful beaches and extravagant resorts. Discerning travelers flock here for the blend of laid-back charm and high-end elegance, along with crystal-clear waters, gourmet dining, and upscale shopping. Read on for a few spots to find both relaxation and indulgence at this haven for the rich and famous. 1 FRENCH HOSPITALITY Celebrating more than a decade, Cheval Blanc St-Barth holds court at one of the most distinguished addresses on the island nestled near Flamands Beach, considered one of the longest—and most glamorous—stretches of sand. The property—owned by luxury megabrand LVMH—is the island’s only hotel that has earned “palace distinction,” a prestigious label awarded by France’s ministry of tourism. In addition to impressive amenities, grand grounds, and…