Hey Friends

Everyone calls me Cabana Dan, but that’s become much more than a name. It is a lifestyle and an attitude I love to share with friends near and far! I never turn down a road trip, a cookout, or time with family and friends. From the Gulf Coast of Florida to a quaint bar tucked away in the Southern out islands of the Bahamas — sharing cocktails or enjoying a bowl of conch chowder (the red kind). Remember, slow down, take it all in, kick back when you can and get back to nature...its calling.

(W.W.C.D.D.) WHAT WOULD CABANA DAN DO?

Not familiar with the area? Want advice from an insider? Here’s where I drop some local knowledge on my favorite places to go and out of the ordinary things to do. Have a favorite that’s not on the list... I’d love to hear about it! Email me at WWCDD@cabanadans.com

Collapsible content

PLACES TO EAT OR GRAB A DRINK

Buzz’s Lighthouse - within walking distance of Cabana Dan’s, Buzz’s is a casual spot to grab a to go lunch during your beach day or sit waterfront on the bay for lunch or dinner. Order Cabana Dan’s favorite, the blackened Mahi Ruben.  www.buzzslighthouse.com

North Naples Country Club - This is the place where everyone knows Cabana Dan’s name…Naples best local bar to drink your favorite cocktail, catch a game or chow down on some grub.  www.nncountryclub.com 

The Pub - Transports you 'across the pond' to that cool, amber-wood pub feel, waitstaff dressed in kilts, with a huge array of draft beers and straight out of England style foods. Depending on the night, they feature live music, a DJ for late night party people, and trivia nights. www.experiencethepub.com

Fish House - Whether driving by car or by boat don’t miss this unique casual gem on Little Hickory Bay in Bonita. Cabana Dan’s fave here starts off with the fish dip appetizer, and Blackened Mahi-Mahi over Caesar Salad.  www.thefishhouserestaurants.com 

The 239 Naples - located in Mercato, has a tropical island vibe and tout their farm to table ingredients. Whether dressed up, or casual Cabana Dan prefers to belly up to the bar for cocktails and a burger. www.the239Naples.com

Pizza

The Crust - Mid-West style pizza with a crisp crusty bottom and refreshing salads. When Cabana Dan’s kids are in the mood for a quick bite they pop in to the Crust, order a choice pizza and enjoy a cold wedge or greek salad.  www.thecrustpizza.net 

New York Pizza & Pasta - Will deliver and is delicious. Our kids love the Chicken Buffalo pizza, Cabana Dan is partial to the Fresh Mozzarella pizza and his wife Gretchen's fave is the NYPP White. www.nypp.com 

Whole Foods - order your choice of pizza via phone, pick it up and enjoy at home or for sunset on the beach. www.wholefoods.com  

Coffee Shop

Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery - located across the street from Saks Fifth Avenue in Waterside Shops, Kunjani has a chill vibe inside and out. They work with local artists to support their works hosting small intimate events in addition to providing flavorful coffee concoctions and tasty bakery goods. www.kunjaninaples.com  ,

THINGS TO DO, EVEN ON A RAINY DAY

Artis Naples - The Baker Museum & Hays Hall Galleries - Ever changing exhibitions, with ongoing installations such as Magritte, Chihuly Collection and more. www.artisnaples.org 

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary - Meander the 2.25 mile boardwalk into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem, a nature-lovers wonderland.  www.corkscrew.audubon.org 

Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery - Large selection of Clyde Butcher’s photographs as well as his wife Niki’s and other offerings. A beautiful space inside and out. www.clydebutcher.com 

Collier Museum - Step back in time to view ancient Calusa Indian artifacts, the journey of the Seminole people, and the pioneer life from early settlers of Collier County. www.colliermuseums.com 

Conservancy of Southwest Florida - Visit the Nature Center with indoor, and outdoor exhibits and ride the electric boat tour along the Gordon River.  www.conservancy.org 

CREW Bird Rookery Swamp - Become one with nature offering 12 miles of hiking and biking trails also home to alligators, otters, Florida panthers, bobcats, white-tailed deer, birds, owls and more. www.crewtrust.org 

Everglades National Park - With a multitude of entrances and offerings the closest to Naples will be entering at the Gulf Coast Visitors Center in Everglades City. Other entrances include Shark Valley, Royal Palm and Flamingo.  www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm 

Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples - Outstanding interactive museum for children. www.cmon.org 

Gordon River Greenway - Walk, hike, bike, skate or jog this greenway paved path from Golden Gate Parkway south to Central Avenue at Baker Park. www.gordonrivergreenway.org 

Historic Palm Cottage - Visit the oldest home in Naples, learn how it was built, view a video of Naples past and view the Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage.  www.napleshistoricalsociety.org 

Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch - Exhibits, programs, and 15 original buildings from the longest running cattle ranch in South Florida immerses you into the early pioneers living off the land in the vast wilderness of Immokalee.  www.colliermuseums.com 

Koreshan State Park - Located in Estero, this park offers options to camp, boat, fish, and hike as well as to visit the site of the Koreshan Unity Settlement.  www.floridastateparks.org  

Manatee Sightings and Wildlife Adventures - Offering manatee, dolphin, sunset, fishing and eco-tours in the 10,000 Islands from Port of the Islands.  www.see.manatees.com  

Marco Island Historical Museum - Home to the world famous Key Marco Cat, a pristine Pre-Columbian Native American artifact discovered on Marco Island as well as other exhibitions.  www.colliermuseums.com 

Museum of Everglades - Everglades City was where the Collier County’s Government center began. The Museum shares the rich, 2, 000 year history of the area.  www.colliermuseums.com 

The Naples Museum of Military History - Located in the Naples Airport, this museum is free and displays historical artifacts and memorabilia from all branches of the U.S. military.  www.naplesmuseummilitaryhistory.org 

Naples Airport Observation Deck - This unique flight viewing area is comprised of an observation deck and small park geared for children, soon to be updated. Great fun for plane enthusiast or kids who love transportation. www.flynaples.com 

Naples Botanical Gardens - Award winning, exquisitely themed gardens on 170 acres. Well worth the visit. www.naplesgarden.org 

Naples Depot - Step back in time to the roaring twenties where the Seaboard Air Line Railway would drop off travelers at the Naples Pier and more fascinating facts. www.colliermuseums.com 

Naples Trolly Tours - Hop on or off a vintage trolly while enjoying a 1 hr. 45 min. guided tour of the City of Naples. www.naplestrollytours.com 

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens - It is suggested to purchase tickets online to skip the line. See primates and more while on the expedition cruise, alligators, bears, lions, giraffes and more.  www.napleszoo.org 

Pure Florida - Offering boat tours, cruises, rentals, fishing charters, and eco tours.  www.pureflorida.com 

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center - Come to the nature center to explore hands on activities, exhibits, eco-tours and more. www.rookerybay.org 

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon - Naples largest waterpark. Check the website for operational hours etc. www.napleswaterpark.com 

Sweet Liberty - Sail to Keewaydin Island to shell, walk, or swim the beach or enjoy a tour of Naples Bay and a sunset cruise.  www.sweetliberty.com 

Tin City Waterfront Shops - Meander around the unique boutique, whimsical shops in Tin City with several eateries as well. www.tincityofnaples.com

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Clam Pass Boardwalk - Walk or ride the tram to Clam Pass. A beautiful boardwalk with lots of flora and fauna. www.collierparks.com

Everglades City - Travel South on 41 into a small town fishing village with unique eateries, tours and more. We suggest the following: 

A meal at Camellia Street Grill on the Barron River…did someone say Shrimp Po’Boy.

An absolute must, reserve a ride on an airboat tour www.evergladescity-airboattours.com 

Pop in for cocktails and a bite on the porch at the Rod and Gun club

Don’t miss an opportunity to learn more about town by visiting the Everglades City Museum. 

Try food with a Cuban flair at HavAnna Cafe on Chokoloskee Island.

Smallwood Museum is a must. Learn more about Ed Watson being murdered on the docks and the history of trading with Seminoles.

Hike the Fakahatchee Strand, you’ll want an SUV to drive to where the road closes.

Ochopee Post Office - Smallest post office in the continental US

Just up the road from the smallest post office, the USA Today named Skunk Ape Headquarters 2nd place winner for the best roadside attraction.  www.skunkape.info 

Goodland- Visit the quaint, fishing village where you can cocktail at Stan’s Idle Hour a hot spot on the weekends. Kirk Fish Company is the place to take home some amazing, local, fresh seafood...don’t forget the fish dip. Rent a boat or kayak to explore the 10,000 Islands.

Naples Lionel Train Museum - Open Mid-October thru April, view a scenic, multi-level model train display with interactive push buttons and ride the outdoor train! Lot’s for fun for the littles or train enthusiasts. www.naplestrainmuseum.org

Car Enthusiasts

Rev’s Institute - An impressive collection of Miles Collier with over one hundred significant automobiles manufactured between 1896 - 1995. An auto enthusiasts dream.  www.museum.revsinstitute.org 

Cars & Coffee 239 - Free car show located every 3rd Sunday at The Mercato. Cars on display in a closed off area but don’t miss the locals and their rides on the north-side parking area.  www.carsandcoffee239.com 

Supercars & Espresso - A monthly event at Lamborghini Naples, not just for Lamborghini lovers. www.lamborghininaples.com

Saturday Night Cruise In - A casual cruise in for all vehicles and car clubs at Off the Bone BBQ & Rib House, Saturday’s 5 pm - 9:30 pm

Naples Cars & Coffee - BMW Naples South, Second Sunday of the Month.