Naples, Florida is consistently rated as one of America’s Best Vacation Spots, Best Places to Retire, and Best Place to Raise Your Kids, and if you think one place can’t have all this, you’ve probably never been to Naples. This is one place in the US that’s almost as much fun to visit as it is to live here! As a longtime local to Naples Florida (home of the 2019 PDS User Group Conference) I want to give you a preview of what you will find when you join us in May 2019.

Located on southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast at the edge of the Everglades, Naples has palm tree-lined avenues and a glitzy reputation. But the city also has a small-town feel and wears its affluent and easy island style in equal measure, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a romantic or luxury getaway, family vacay, Everglades adventure, or chill beach vibe. Sure, the 280 average days of sunshine is great for year-round golf, but there are so many other things to do in Naples as well, making it a favorite destination for couples and families. Shopping in Naples Florida is truly an Olympic sport, and yes, the beaches are really all that. It’s a restaurant powerhouse, and home to the arts and endless outdoor activities, including some of the best fishing in Florida.

I have put together a short list of seven magnificent things about Naples Florida:

  1. Sun and Sunsets – Naples has beautiful Sunny days on average 280 days per year. The average high temperature in May is 89°. Whether it’s your first time or your twenty third time, watching the sunset is always an awe-inspiring sight. It never gets old! There are days where the sky is crisp and clear, and you see the beautiful oranges, reds, and yellows of the sun. Other days, it is cloudy or a storm rolls through and changes the setting sun’s colors. One of my favorite places to watch the sunset is The Pier.
  2. Beaches – What makes the Naples Florida beaches so great? First and foremost, the soft, white sand. It’s comfy to walk on with little to no debris, rocks, or seaweed. From early spring to late summer, the water is especially calm and generally clear enough to see your feet. Naples’ location right on the Gulf of Mexico gives it those direct warm sea breezes.
  3. Outdoor Activities – There are a plethora of ways to spend your time outdoors in Naples. Just to highlight a few: Golf, Fishing, Boating, Eco Tours and Water Sports Galore.
  4. Restaurants – From the freshest seafood to the finest farm-to-table dining, Naples, Florida, promises delicious experiences for culinary-minded travelers. Ambiance is essential to the experience, whether you’re dining waterfront or popping into a restaurant or outdoor cafe along 5th Avenue or 3rd Street in Naples’ historic downtown.
  5. Shopping – The Naples shopping scene can keep you busy for days and seriously impact your wallet. Whether it’s a perfect tropical outfit you’re searching for, a touch of the beach for your home, priceless antiques, or a steal of a thrift store find, there are enough unique places to shop in Naples to keep you busy your entire stay! 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South are two areas in Old Naples with unique upscale boutiques carrying designer brands for your wardrobe and home. If you’re budget-minded or a consignment and thrift store junkie, you’ll be in heaven along 10th Street, known to locals as the Trail of Treasures. Park your car and walk the several blocks between Fifth Avenue North and Second Avenue South for dozens of thrift stores, consignment shops, and antique stores offering great deals on pre-owned treasures.
  6. The Arts – The arts are truly alive in Naples with world-class cultural attractions, two performing arts theaters and countless galleries. Artis-Naples is the premier venue in town for fine arts exhibitions, live performances, and community arts education. You may hear it referred to as The Phil, a testament to the community’s active and ongoing support for the arts which began with the Naples Philharmonic.
  7. 2019 UGA conference @ Naples Grande Beach Resort – Last, but of course not least, is the 2019 PDS User Group Conference highlighting a full schedule of magnificent sessions to help you get the most out of Vista 7. The conference will be held May 8-11, 2019 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. After the conference kicks off with a PDS company and Vista product roadmap, attendees will break up into teams to “brainstorm” on ideas for product improvements. This event is always a highlight of the conference and allows product users to collaborate and provide PDS with valuable input. Later in the conference event, brainstorming teams meet once again to finalize their top priorities for development consideration.

So, with all this magnificence I hope to see you all in Naples Florida in May of 2019.

David Shapiro
IT Director
Barron Collier Companies
dshapiro@barroncollier.com