Hidden Gems Archive

## Beyond the Beaches: Unearthing the Hidden Gems of Florida’s Gulf Coast, with a Naples Twist So, you’re thinking about a Gulf Coast getaway, huh? Maybe you’ve heard whispers of sugar-white sand, emerald waters, and charming coastal towns. Well, the whispers are true, my friend. And while the usual suspects like Destin and Panama City Beach might be shouting for attention, let’s dial things back and explore some truly breathtaking, slightly under-the-radar towns that offer a different flavor of Gulf Coast magic. Even better, let’s anchor this exploration right here in Naples, Florida, an…

## Remembering Shirley M. Zawistowski: A Life Lived to the Fullest in Sunny Naples Naples, Florida, isn’t just a place known for its pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and vibrant arts scene. It’s a community, woven together by the lives and stories of the people who call it home. One such life, recently concluded, belongs to Shirley M. Zawistowski. While obituaries often present a snapshot of a person’s timeline, they rarely capture the essence, the spirit, the ripple effect of a life fully lived. This blog post aims to do just that – to paint a more vibrant portrait of Shirley a…

## Beyond the Beach: Unearthing Hidden Gems Along Florida’s Gulf Coast (with a Naples Twist) Hey there, fellow Naples explorers! Ever feel that itch to escape the familiar, even when paradise is literally your backyard? We get it. The allure of turquoise waters and sugar-sand beaches can become, dare we say it, routine. That’s why we’re diving deep – beyond the familiar Naples pier and sunset cruises – to explore the captivating charm of other Gulf Coast towns. Think of it as a road trip curated for the Naples local, highlighting those unique experiences you might not find in our travel…

## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida – We lost a true gem of our community on July 3rd, 2024. Donald Buske, a familiar face to many and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully at the age of 93. While an obituary notice might suffice for some, Don’s life deserves more than a few lines in print. He was a man whose story intertwined with the very fabric of Naples, a story rich with experiences, connections, and a spirit that touched countless lives. This is our attempt to capture a glimpse of the man we knew and loved, a tribute to Don Buske, a true…

## Remembering Paul Francis McLaughlin: A Naples Life Well Lived Naples, Florida, has always been a place where stories intertwine, where lives lived richly leave an indelible mark on the fabric of our community. Today, we remember one such life, that of Paul Francis McLaughlin, who recently passed away. While an obituary provides the basic facts, it rarely captures the full essence of a person, the ripple effect they had on those around them, the unique contributions they made to our vibrant Naples tapestry. This blog post aims to do just that – to paint a fuller picture of Paul, a fellow…

## Beyond the Beach: Unearthing the Hidden Gems of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast (with a Naples Focus!) So, you’re thinking about a Gulf Coast getaway? Maybe you’ve already got Naples, Florida, pinned on your map, dreaming of those sugar-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Well, hold onto your sunhats, because while Naples is undeniably gorgeous (and we’ll talk plenty about it!), the surrounding Gulf Coast region is a treasure trove of charming towns just waiting to be explored. This isn’t your typical tourist trap itinerary. We’re going deep, uncovering the local flavor, the hidden gems…

## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Life Well-Lived (1931-2024) Naples, Florida, lost one of its own on July 3rd, 2024, with the passing of Donald Buske. While an obituary notice might briefly sum up a life, it rarely captures the essence of a person, the impact they had on their community, and the stories that truly define them. This post is our attempt to paint a richer picture of Don’s life, weaving together the threads of his story with the vibrant tapestry of Naples itself. Don, born on May 13th, 1931, lived through a period of remarkable change, both globally and locally. Imagine Nap…

## Beyond the Beach: Unearthing the Hidden Gems of Florida’s Gulf Coast (with a Naples Twist) So, you’re thinking about a Gulf Coast getaway, huh? Maybe you’re already a Naples local, basking in the sun-kissed glory of our pristine beaches and vibrant downtown. But have you ever ventured beyond the familiar comforts of Fifth Avenue South and explored the other breathtaking towns dotting this stunning coastline? Trust me, there’s a whole world of Gulf Coast charm waiting to be discovered, and it’s closer than you think! While that article you saw about the seven breathtaking Gulf Coast tow…