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Hidden Gems Archive



Jun 27, 2025
## 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…

Jun 27, 2025
## 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…

Jun 27, 2025
## 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…

Jun 27, 2025
## 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…

Jun 27, 2025
## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, lost one of its own on July 3rd, 2024. Donald Buske, a familiar face to many in our community, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and a deep love for Southwest Florida. While an obituary notice may simply state the dates of his life, May 13, 1931, to July 3, 2024, it doesn’t begin to capture the rich tapestry of his 93 years, a significant portion of which were woven into the fabric of our Naples community. This blog post aims to do just that – to celebrate the life of Don Buske, not just as a nam…

Jun 27, 2025
## Beyond the Beach: Unveiling 7 Gulf Coast Gems (with a Naples Twist!) So, you’re dreaming of that perfect Gulf Coast getaway? White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and that laid-back coastal vibe. Sounds idyllic, right? But hold on, before you book that same old condo in that same old spot, let’s talk about exploring some hidden gems. I recently stumbled upon an article listing seven breathtaking Gulf Coast towns, and it got me thinking: How can we tailor this list for the Naples local, or the Naples-curious traveler, looking for something a little different? Let’s dive in and explore t…

Jun 27, 2025
## Remembering Don Buske: A Naples Treasure Lost, a Legacy Found Naples, Florida, lost one of its own on July 3rd, 2024. Donald Buske, a man whose life was as vibrantly colored as a Gulf Coast sunset, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, generosity, and a deep love for his adopted home. While an obituary might offer a glimpse into his life, it can’t fully capture the impact Don had on those around him, or the unique way he embodied the spirit of Naples. This post aims to paint a more complete picture of the man, his connections to our community, and the void his absence leaves beh…

Jun 27, 2025
## Remembering Paul Francis McLaughlin: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, has always been a place where stories intertwine, where lives lived color the very fabric of our community. Today, we share the story of one such life, a life that touched countless others in our sun-kissed corner of Southwest Florida – the life of Paul Francis McLaughlin. While obituaries often mark the end, we choose to celebrate the beginning, the middle, and the enduring legacy of a man who called Naples home. (Please note: Since the provided link leads to a hypothetical obituary from the future (2025)…