To celebrate my 40th,
I decided it was time for a Family Getaway.
For a few logistical reasons, we all agreed to meet in Naples, FL for
the weekend to spend a few days enjoying everyone’s company and welcoming the
inevitable….my birthday.
I remembered a great little
boutique hotel on Naples’ Fifth Avenue South that I never got the chance
to
visit during my crazy travel days, but I had always wanted to. The Inn on Fifth offers a prime
location nestled on both side of Fifth Avenue South with the actual Inn (119
guest rooms) on one side and the Club Level (32 luxury suites) across the
street on the other side.
Since we all wanted to be
together, we booked on the Inn side; however, upon arrival we got upgraded to
the Club Level side and we were ecstatic.
Guests in this intimate enclave also enjoy a range of pampering services
and exclusivity including a private rooftop sundeck and whirlpool spa, daily
deluxe Continental breakfast, afternoon snacks and evening cocktails with
appetizers; complimentary transportation to and from the Naples Airport and
around downtown in a Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Our first night was just my parents, husband and I and (after drinks on the
rooftop sun deck), we wondered across the street (back to the Inn) for dinner
at acclaimed Avenue 5. The $3 million
restaurant opens its doors onto prestigious 5th Avenue South and offers vintage
glam ambiance. Guests experience the extravagant island bar, an incredible wine
list featuring 400 varieties, two private dining areas and sweeping views of
the Fifth Avenue streetscape.
On Saturday, we woke up and ate breakfast at the Club Level. Then we did a little shopping (well, enough
to work up an appetite) in the boutiques around our hotel and
then walked about
10 minutes to Tin City to the annual
Stonecrab Festival.
This event is a weekend of food and fun
starring of course, the stone crab, as well as a chance to explore the
beautiful Naples waterfront with activities on land and by water in and around
Bayfront, Port of Naples Marina, Tin City and Naples Transportation and Tours
General Store/Heritage Museum.
We ate lunch (Stone Crabs, obviously) at the very busy Pinchers in Tin
City. It had a good atmosphere for
watching the boats go by, and the service was great. The beers and stone crabs claws went down way
too easy, so the walk back to the hotel seemed longer than it was to get
there. Once we returned to the hotel, I
found my room decorated with over the hill caution tape courtesy of Merideth
Wohl. That’s what younger sister in laws
are for!! J We were
joined by the rest of our group and took the party to the pool.
Lined with towering palms and colorful flowers, the beautifully
landscaped 3,600-square foot pool deck is dotted with chaise lounges and
umbrellas. The setting was enhanced by
the refreshing beverages and casual fare from Avenue5 that was delivered straight to us
poolside. We got to visit with everyone
and enjoy some rest and relaxation away from our hectic lives.
After a few hours poolside, it was time to get ready for dinner at
Truluck’s. Specializing
in succulent
steaks and the freshest seafood, the signature dish at
Truluck’sSeafood Steak and Crabhouse is fresh Florida stone crab.
As we arrived, I realized that the Decoration
Bandit had struck again.
This time Merideth
made sure our table was decorated and I had a bag full of “old lady” supplies
ready for my (now 40) every need. From hair rollers to adult diapers, she made
sure my new decade started off well prepared.
We enjoyed amazing meals, great
wine and fine drinks all conveniently just steps away from our hotel.
This was very convenient for my mom who had
to be escorted home early due to being ‘over-served.’
After dessert,
we concluded the evening with more social time in the Club
Level common area.
We
all woke up hungry and the fabulous concierge at the hotel recommended
breakfast at The Café, which specializes in homemade, high-quality breakfast,
lunch and baked goods. The menu combines the best of the European and American
cooking and baking traditions. With roots in the relaxed Scandinavian lifestyle
and influenced by the European café life, this is a place where everybody can
enjoy really good food in an inviting and friendly atmosphere featuring an
excellent patio area for outdoor seating and interior seating with large window
areas towards the street.
Many
thanks to the Inn on Fifth for a fabulous weekend. Do not hesitate to call them to plan your
next special vacation. It was a getaway
with some of my favorite people (I only say ‘some’ since our kids were not
there). I welcomed 40 with the people who have made me the person I am today
and who have loved me during my ups and down.
Thank you all for your wisdom, support and love. I cannot thank you all enough.
XXXOOO,
Casey
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