September is typically one of the quietest months here in Naples. Most part-time residents are still up north enjoying the early fall, but for those of us who live here full-time, it provides a nice little slowdown before “season” begins in another month or so. Restaurants are a little easier to get into, traffic is lighter, and it is a great time to enjoy some of the things that make Naples such an amazing place to live.
September was also a special month for Nicola and me. On September 6th, we celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary! We decided to celebrate with a little staycation at the brand-new Olde Naples hotel, and we were really impressed. The rooms were incredible, the service was excellent, and the rooftop pool was a great place to spend the afternoon. One of the great things about living in paradise is that you don’t have to get on an airplane to make it feel like you are on vacation!
We also got to know Annie’s Bistro very well during our stay. We had lunch by the pool, our anniversary dinner in the dining room, and then went back for breakfast the next morning. Three meals in less than 24 hours probably qualifies us to write a restaurant review! Even with all of the great Sizzle Dining restaurants we visited this month, Annie’s earned the spotlight for our September restaurant review.
Speaking of Sizzle Dining, September is Sizzle month throughout Southwest Florida. Over the last four years, Sizzle Dining has helped provide children in Lee and Collier counties with more than 25,000 hunger-free weekends, representing over 100,000 meals. It is a great program that allows local restaurants and diners to come together and support a fantastic cause.
For diners, it is also a pretty good deal! You can choose from a long list of participating restaurants and enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu at a great price, all while helping the local community. Nicola and I certainly did our part this year and enjoyed quite a few Sizzle dinners. The list was long, but some of our favorites included NOSH, Bicyclette Cookshop, Estia and Violi. There are so many great restaurants participating that Sizzle has become one of our favorite things about September in Southwest Florida.
We also managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Tampa. As an anniversary present, Nicola gave me two tickets to see the Zac Brown Band, so it was a great excuse to burn a few Marriott points and stay right next to the arena. WOW—we love Tampa! Our hotel was on Harbour Island, and we really enjoyed walking around and exploring the area. The weather was beautiful, and the concert was amazing.
If you ever get the chance to see the Zac Brown Band, do it! They are exceptionally talented musicians and just a lot of fun to watch. I did have one realization while we were there, though. After living in Naples, I sometimes feel like I am part of the young crowd. Then we go to Tampa, and I suddenly look and feel OLD!
