A lot of people think of Naples, Florida as a place for retiring or golf. Well both those things happen a lot in Naples-there’s no denying that. However, it is also a thriving city with a lot to do for the younger generations including world-class restaurants, a great stretch of beach and excellent hotels. I could live in Naples, Florida.

Naples is located in Southwestern Florida just south of Fort Myers. It should not be confused with Naples, Italy aka Napoli but I am telling you I ate at an Italian restaurant in Naples, Florida that would rival any in Napoli. That restaurant was Campiello.

I am not one to gush too much on anything really, but especially not on restaurants. I am extremely picky with food and even more so when it comes to heaping praise on a place. Campiello is worthy and this is coming from a New York Italian who has had the best Italian all over the world. It was that good.

The calamari ends all discussions on who has the best calamari-it’s Campiello. Let’s put it this way, I don’t usually like calamari at all and ordered it reluctantly on a recommendation and it was one of the best moves I’ve made in recent weeks!

The calamari plus the excellent thin crust pizza and meatballs and assorted pasta dishes were all fabulous. The wine was also great and the service was as good as anywhere. Did I mention that all that food and wine for two people was only $100 with tip…that’s the best part about Campiello-amazing food at affordable prices.

There are plenty of other great places to eat and have dessert at 5th Avenue in downtown Naples, Florida. It is a strip of bars, restaurants and nice shops and stores. It was also decorated for Christmas. A perfect place for a stroll after dinner or pre-bar.

Another great thing to do in Naples is simply drive around and look at the houses. Naples has some of the largest houses in all of Florida. Many pro athletes and celebrities have places in Naples, Florida and it is fun to check them out-especially along the beautiful beaches with the perfect weather.

Naples also has some great hotels from some of the big, fancy chains. I have stayed in a few in multiple times in Naples but this time I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Naples for the first time. I have to say it was excellent with great big rooms and a cool bar-not to mention an awesome pool with a waterslide.

I didn’t get a chance to play any golf in the two quick days I was in Naples, Florida this time but I have to say I played Tiburon on my last trip and it was awesome. It actually hosts a PGA Tour event so that should validate my claim on its own.

I also didn’t get a chance to get back to the Everglades this trip but it is only an hour or so away from Naples so it’s really easy to get to. Naples is also only two hours or so from Miami so it’s well located to a lot of great things in South Florida. However, Naples has an identity of its own and should not be missed. It’s a great place to take a nice weekend and I am telling you, I may live there one day!

Sharing is caring!