Season Preview
Season returns with a full slate of shows, openings and events for 2021-2022—and the creative energy is clear across every sphere: Theater makes a triumphant comeback with a robust lineup of musicals and original plays; craft cocktail culture finds its footing in Southwest Florida; and independent boutiques make stylish debuts. Looking ahead, buzzy restaurants are on the horizon and green spaces keep gaining ground. This isn’t a return to normal—it’s better.
Taste of the Town
Eat and drink well at cocktail lounges, hidden gems and long-awaited openings.
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(Photo by Anna Nguyen)Coming Soon: The Big 5
While the pandemic made the past year quiet for restaurant news, restaurateurs come out swinging with bold new concepts this season.
ANNA NGUYEN (ZEE ANNA PHOTOGRAPHY)
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(Photo by Anna Nguyen)
(Photo by Anna Nguyen)
The Bar Boom
A bumper crop of new cocktail lounges comes along with rooftop views, boutique spirits and a dose of tiki fun.
The Bay House naples
Phelan Family Brands purchased Naples’ The Bay House in 2021. (Photo by Nick Shirghio)
(Photo by Nick Shirghio)
Feast of Flavors
New restaurants offer a much-needed infusion of international cuisine.
ART FIX
Theater shines and shows diversify in this season’s cultural lineup. Here are the events and names you’ll want to know.
Paul Kodama, photograph (© Patrick Dougherty, all rights reserved)
Na Hale 'O Waiawi
Strawberry guava and rose apple saplings
Courtesy Patrick Dougherty/Paul Kodama [“Na Hale ’Eo Waiawi” by Patrick Dougherty (2003)]
Nature as Art
Naturalist sculptor Patrick Dougherty bring his enchanting creations to Naples Botanical Garden.
Three in the Know patrons
(Illustrations by Joe McKendry)
(Illustrations by Joe McKendry)
Power Plays
With an abundance of theatrical productions to choose from this season, we tapped three in-the-know patrons to share their must-see shows.
Maniscalco
Celebrity comedian Sebastian Maniscalco returns for more laughs at Fort Myers’ Barbara B. Mann this November. (Courtesy Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)
(Courtesy Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)
Hot Tickets: Performing Arts
Celebrate a return to the stage with international orchestras, riotous stand-up and substantive stories.
Naples artist Holly Manneck
Fifty artists, including Naples’ Holly Manneck, participate in Art Aid’s annual Quick Draw on Nov. 27. (Photo by Scott McIntyre)
(Photo by Scott McIntyre)
Hot Tickets: Festivals
Gather with kindred spirits, discover new artists and paint the town at these leading events.
Retail therapy
With major upgrades at Waterside Shops and Provident Jewelry and new independent boutiques, there are plenty of reasons to get out and shop.
Provident Jeweler and champagne bar
Provident Jewelry debuts an expanded 6,000-square-foot boutique, complete with a Champagne bar. (Courtesy Provident Jewelry)
(Courtesy Provident Jewelry)
Provident Expands
Ladies of Naples, frost yourselves.
Amber Frederiksen (©2012 Amber Frederiksen Photography)
Marissa Collections expands
Local brands Clive Daniel Home, Marissa Collections and Norman Love expand to Palm Beach and Sarasota. (Courtesy Marissa Collections)
(Courtesy Marissa Collections)
Keep It Local
Sophisticated swimwear, timeless threads and modern furnishings provide plenty of new reasons to shop now.
CONSERVATION MATTERS
Groups step up to protect wild spaces while ensuring locals have enhanced access to the thing that drew us here in the first place: the natural setting.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida sunsetsunset
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida debuts a $4.5 million visitors’ center expansion, one of many projects enhancing the landscape. (Courtesy Conservancy of Southwest Florida)
(Courtesy Conservancy of Southwest Florida)
Greener Pastures
State and local efforts support preservation as the population balloons.
Playtime
Resort life gets an upgrade with elevated digs for staycations and more options for jet-setting, outdoor events and multigenerational family fun.
Ría Bar Dinning View rendering.
Splashy poolside bar Ría debuted in December with a pan-Latin menu, part of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples’ recent refresh. (Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples)
(Courtesy The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples)
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Redesigns and new amenities give locals new reasons to visit.
Weekend Plan
Break out the golf clubs, catch the latest flick in style or spend some time with the Wonder Gardens’ adorable new denizens.