1.) Marco Island and the Everglades are amazing kayaking spots. There are complex and simple waterways that are perfect for beginners and experts alike. By kayaking you can be closer to nature as the waterways are thick with vegetation, and there’s, of course, the manatees.
2.) Crocodiles and Alligators are ferocious creatures both in appearance and in physical strength. But did you know that there’s no place else in the world except in West Everglades where you can see both Crocodile and Alligator share the same living home?
3.) The Ghost Orchid can be found in Fakahatchee Strand. This is a very rare herb that can fetch you a good price if sold. It’s so rare and so valuable that many collectors would spend a fortune just to get it. And so, the local government of the Everglades takes extra measures to make sure this valuable plant is secured. Now, you know where this story goes right? And right you are. In the 1990’s someone made a run for it and while he was ultimately captured, his interesting tale on how he made came up with the heist captured the imagination of journalists and movie makers alike.
4.) There are over 100 art galleries in Naples, Florida and they are growing in number by the year. The local people’s love for the arts cannot be overstated. There are museums and performance theatres as well as painting galleries that feature artists in and outside the country. They all converge in Naples to celebrate their love for art.
5.) Marco Island is the number one island in the US and 4th in the world according to Trip Advisor. There is so much in store for the visitor in Marco Island while at the same time, it maintains its quiet charm.
6.) The Big Cypress National Preserve was the first National Preserve established by the National Park Service (NPS).
7.) Southwest Florida is home to Everglades National, Park Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand State Forest and NGALA Wildlife Preserve.
8.) In 1918, a man named Ed Frank had a crazy idea, to have his Model T Ford chopped up and built back together in a more powerful machine for him to navigate through the swamps in Southwest Florida. Today it is one of the region’s wildest and most popular motor sport, dragging the roaring machines across swamps and shallow waters is amazing over here.
9.) The Museum of Everglades is a small yet quaint location that tells much of the region’s history. The museum itself is already a historical display since it’s a former laundry house back in the 1930’s. Today, it’s restored to look almost exactly the way it was when clothes and sheets were hung around it for drying.
10.) The Tamiami Trail (US-41) is a very important highway that opened in 1928. It has a lot of history behind its construction as it took almost 13 years to complete. It is the product of the blood and sweat of the people of Southwest Florida and it served to elevate the region’s economy and still is maintaining to do so almost a hundred years after its construction.
11.) A secret waterway lies Everglades City and Flamingo. It’s a kayaking trail that’s 99 miles long. This will be the ultimate test for hardened kayakers as the entire course would take seven to nine days to complete.
12.) In the olden days, during the settlement period of the late 1800’s and even earlier than that, people, outlaws and pirates hunted pink flamingoes for their eggs and feathers almost to a point of extinction. Today, flamingoes are still present although rarely spotted.
13.) From October 15 to May 15 is a very delicious harvest around the Everglades area. This is the window period where Stone Crabs are harvested. They are a true delight on the plate, especially their big and juicy pincers. These pincers are removed and the crabs are thrown back to the water since they regenerate new ones eventually.
14.) If you’re visit the region as a bird enthusiast, an ornithologist or a nature videographer/photographer, then you’re in luck since one of the top bird watching sites in the US is here and it’s in the Corkscrew Sanctuary. The dense woods in the area make a great home for different species of birds, both endemic and migratory.
15.) With more golf holes per capita than anywhere in the world; Naples, Florida has earned for itself the title of The Golf Capital of the World. You can witness world-class championship golf matches conducted in the most sophisticated and impressive looking golf courses in the world.
16.) The Naples Winter Wine Festival is a celebration of the city’s love for excellent wines. Connoisseurs from near and far converge in this elegant night of appreciation for one of mankind’s most impeccable beverage. This event also doubles as a fund-raiser for children in need of scholarships.
17.) Much of Southwest Florida is under the Collier County. The County Seat of Collier County was in the Everglades until 1962, after the devastation of the Hurricane Donna presented challenges to the region which it eventually overcame. Today, the County Seat belongs to Naples.
18.) The Annual Everglades Seafood Festival promises the freshest and most delectable seafood from the fisherman’s net straight onto the tables of all who attend this mouth-watering celebration. This is also where you can get to taste the famous Stone Crab which is perfect served raw with ice and lemon, but of course you can have it cooked too.
19.) Naples Zoo is a very large area for the entire family. It home to several endangered animals such as the Florida Panther and the Madagascar Fossa. You are always close to the animals and you can hand-feed the giraffes there too. But one of the major highlights would have to be riding a boat across the river of a mangrove forest where you can spot monkeys all around.
20.) The Florida Panther is a majestic creature and has a cultural significance on the native tribes of the region. With less than 200 adults remaining in the wild, they are considered a critically endangered species and thus The Florida Panther Wildlife Preserve seeks to protect and increase their dwindling numbers
