While many of our beloved holiday and winter events have been canceled or moved to virtual this year, it hasn’t stopped our seasonal residents from returning to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. This season may look different than years past, but there’s still plenty to do when your favorite events have been canceled. 

Here are our top picks. 

Quiet Beach Days

There are many public beaches throughout Southwest Florida, but if you want some privacy and seclusion, you have to get off the beaten path a bit. In Naples, head south of the pier and keep your eye peeled for side streets that dead-end at the beach with just a few coveted parking spots. If you want a little adventure, head down to Marco Island, hike up your shorts, and wade through a shallow marsh to reach the uber-secluded and gorgeous Tigertail Beach. For the ultimate beach and boat day, rent a boat out of Naples Bay and cruise over to Keewaydin Island to find a bit of paradise all to yourself. 

Nature & Wildlife Viewing

Between the Everglades National Park and neighboring Big Cypress Preserve, there are more than 2 million square miles of preserved and protected wilderness to explore. There are many boardwalk trails that allow you to safely stroll the ancient cypress forests, marshes, and wetland prairies, as well as plenty of opportunities for kayaking and boat tours. From the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, visitors can access part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and meander along a 2.25 mile boardwalk trail and through many habitats of native animals. From the Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center, you can stroll the boardwalk trail or drive Loop Road for wildlife sightings right from the comfort of your home. 

Kayak, Paddle & Boat Tours

Leave the land behind and head out on a kayak or paddle tour through mangroves and manatee tunnels, or experience the remote wilderness along the Fakahatchee River with Naples’ Adventure Paddle Tours. Not up to the workout? The company also offers Naples Florida Boat Tours, which allows you to view manatees, dolphins, and alligators during a 3-hour tour through the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge. For a romantic night out, charter a private sailboat out of Crayton Cove from Sweet Liberty and enjoy a sunset cruise on the Gulf. 

Naples Winter Wine Festival

While many events have been canceled this year, many others have gone virtual. This is a great way for residents and visitors to still enjoy some of their beloved events, and also gives out-of-town folks a way to experience something new. One of our biggest annual fundraiser events benefiting the Naples Children and Education Foundation, the Naples Winter Wine Festival, is back in 2021 with a virtual platform. This year’s theme is ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.’ The auction, which in the past has featured luxury trips, specialty cars, and exotic wine, will begin online on January 22nd and run through February 2nd. The event will also include a televised fundraising event and virtual auction on January 30th. 

Ready To Buy Or Sell Your Southwest Florida Home?

The Link Team is here to help! Winter is a great time to buy or sell, and this year is no different. If you’re looking to make the move to Southwest Florida or sell your current home, we bring more than 20 years’ experience to the table to help you find your dream home and get the best deal possible. Contact us today to see what we can do for you!