Before the Ritz: The Historic Naples

Naples wasn't always mansions and Maseratis. It started as a mosquito-infested swamp that only the toughest pioneers could tame. This 1-day itinerary takes you back in time.

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Morning: Old Naples Historic District

Palm Cottage

Start at the Naples Historical Society’s Historic Palm Cottage (12th Ave S). Built in 1895, it is the oldest house in Naples.

• Do: Take the guided tour. It’s fascinating to see how they lived without A/C (hint: taboddy concrete walls).

Walking Tour

The Historical Society offers a walking tour of the surrounding district. You’ll see the original cottages that have survived hurricanes and development.

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Lunch: Campiello

Why here? Because it’s located in the historic Naples Mercantile Building. You are eating in a piece of history.

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Afternoon: Trains & Planes

Naples Depot Museum

Located on 5th Ave S. This restored Seaboard Air Line Railway station shows how the railroad finally connected Naples to the world in the 1920s.

• See: The vintage train cars outside and the dugout canoes inside.

Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

A somber but incredibly important stop. It houses over 1,000 artifacts and often has survivors or their descendants volunteering.