Hidden Gems Archive

Remembering Dennis Docherty: A Naples Life Well Lived (1943-2025) Naples, Florida, lost a beloved member of its community on September 2nd, 2025, with the passing of Dennis Docherty. While an obituary notice can briefly outline the dates of a life, it rarely captures the essence of the individual, the impact they had on those around them, and the unique tapestry of experiences that shaped their journey. This blog post aims to delve deeper, celebrating the life of Dennis Docherty and his connection to our beautiful Naples community. Early Life and Arrival in Paradise While details about Denn…

Two Million Books and Counting: Celebrating 20 Years of Literary Love in Naples, Florida Naples, Florida isn’t just known for its pristine beaches, championship golf courses, and luxurious lifestyle. Nestled within this sun-kissed paradise is a vibrant literary scene, and at its heart lies a remarkable story of community, generosity, and a shared love for the written word. For two decades, a dedicated group of volunteers has been tirelessly working to collect, sort, and sell used books, raising an astonishing two million dollars for local literacy programs. That’s right, two *million*! An…

Remembering Joan Walley: A Life Well-Lived in Naples, Florida The passing of Joan Walley marks the end of an era for many in our beautiful Naples community. While obituaries often offer a glimpse into a person’s life, they rarely capture the full essence of their spirit and impact. This blog post aims to paint a richer portrait of Joan, celebrating her life, her connections to Naples, and the legacy she leaves behind. Though I didn’t have the personal privilege of knowing Joan, I’ve reached out to community members and drawn upon local resources to piece together a tribute that reflects the…

Beyond the Boardwalk: Discovering Naples’ Untamed Beauty Naples, Florida. We know it for its pristine beaches, upscale shopping on Fifth Avenue South, and stunning sunsets over the Gulf. But beyond the manicured lawns and shimmering high-rises lies a world of untamed beauty, a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. This isn’t just about hitting the well-trodden boardwalk at Clam Pass. This is about immersing yourself in the raw, vibrant heart of Southwest Florida’s ecosystem, discovering hidden gems, and connecting with nature in a way that truly rejuvenates the soul. So, ditch the des…

Remembering Bill Avramis: A Naples Legend Lost Naples, Florida, a city known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm, welcoming community, recently mourned the loss of one of its own: Vasili “Bill” Avramis. While the official obituary provides the basic facts, it doesn’t capture the full essence of the man who touched so many lives in our beautiful corner of Southwest Florida. This post aims to paint a richer portrait of Bill, celebrating his life, legacy, and the indelible mark he left on Naples. From Humble Beginnings to Naples Icon Bill’s story, like so many others in Nap…

Remembering Maurice Burke: A Naples Life Well-Lived Naples, Florida, a city known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm, welcoming community, recently mourned the loss of one of its own: Maurice Burke. While obituaries often offer a brief glimpse into a person’s life, they rarely capture the full tapestry of experiences, connections, and contributions that truly define an individual. This blog post aims to celebrate Maurice’s life, weaving together the threads of his story within the rich fabric of Naples, a place he undoubtedly called home. Naples: A Backdrop to a Life St…

Remembering John Bostock: A Naples Gem Lost But Not Forgotten Naples, Florida, has always been a city known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant arts scene, and warm, welcoming community. It’s a place where people come to live their dreams, build lasting connections, and leave a mark on the world. One such individual was John Bostock (1938-2025), a cherished member of our Naples community, whose recent passing has left a void in the hearts of many. While obituaries often provide a snapshot of a life, this blog post aims to paint a richer picture of John’s life, his contributions to Naples, a…

Remembering John Bostock: A Naples Legend Lost (1938-2025) Naples, Florida, lost a beloved member of its community with the passing of John Bostock. While the San Francisco Chronicle recently published his obituary, we here in Naples want to delve deeper into the life and legacy of a man who truly embodied the spirit of our coastal paradise. John’s story isn’t just a collection of dates and achievements; it’s a testament to the rich tapestry of life woven within our vibrant town. He wasn’t just *from* Naples; he *was* Naples, in many ways. From Humble Beginnings to Naples Icon John Bostock’…