Naples Illustrated January 2022

The precocious Harper Lee once said she detested introductions because, among other things, they “inhibit pleasure” and “frustrate curiosity.” No offense to Lee, but I beg to differ—and in a big way. I’ll always consider introductions essential starting points—whether they’re taking place in writing or in person. With that said, I’m honored to be the new editor in chief here at Naples Illustrated and look forward to providing you with many a good introduction, including (hopefully) this one of me. I hail from Illinois and have called 12 different cities in eight sundry states home. Naples is stop No. 12 for me, and I’m proud that this little piece of paradise has been my final destination for almost two years now. From wonderful weather to blissful beaches, it’s no wonder people gravitate…

THE BAKER MUSEUM WHAT: The Baker Museum Fall Exhibition Celebration WHERE: The Baker Museum at Artis—Naples DETAILS: An exclusive celebration of the opening of The Baker Museum’s fall exhibitions: “Baseball Heroes: Works from the Jay H. Baker Collection,” “Love in All Forms: Selections from the Art Collection of Patty and Jay Baker,” “Helen Levitt: In the Street,” and “Florida Contemporary 2021-22” with Naples residents, philanthropists, and arts patrons Jay and Patty Baker YOUTH HAVEN WHAT: Healing Youth WHERE: Sea Salt DETAILS: Luncheon to raise funds for and awareness about Youth Haven’s residential campus and programs for abused and neglected teens in Southwest Florida with keynote speaker Josh Shipp, a former at-risk foster child and youth advocate, hosted by chef Fabrizio and Ingrid Aielli CANCER ALLIANCE OF NAPLES WHAT: Celebrity Startender Event WHERE: Dorona DETAILS: Aielli…

Want to take a private jet tour through the Mediterranean, sail around Croatia on a mega-yacht, or assemble a collection of world-class wines from the planet’s best vintners—all while helping Collier County’s underserved children? More than 40 spectacular lifestyle lots will be auctioned at the 2022 Naples Winter Wine Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort during the January 28-30 weekend. After reducing in scope and moving to a virtual platform in 2021 due to the pandemic, the world’s premier wine charity event is back in top form. “We are extremely excited to once again host our signature event in person for what we anticipate will be one of the boldest Naples Winter Wine Festivals yet,” says Naples Children & Education Foundation Chief Executive Officer Maria Jimenez-Lara. “Our Auction Lot Committee did a…

Construction is expected to begin this year on the 125-acre site of the venerable Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. The property was acquired by the Athens Group and MSD Partners, L.P. in October. The site will be redeveloped into the Naples Beach Club, which will include a 216-room hotel managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, up to 185 luxury residences, and a world-class club curated by developer and operator Discovery Land Company. It will offer wellness amenities, golf and tennis, an indoor/outdoor fitness center, and spa.…

Joey and Maria are getting married! Again! Screenwriter and actress Darlyne Franklin has returned with her interactive play, Joey & Maria’s Comedy Italian Wedding, in which an over-served nonna (grandmother) makes a scene and audience members participate in the tarantella (traditional wedding dance). Franklin, a longtime local resident, brought the act back to Naples in November following a five-year hiatus. Now, it’s moving to the Bonita Springs-Estero Elks Lodge on January 6, where it will run through April. À la a real-life reception, the production includes a three-course meal catered by Artichoke & Company and full cash bar, and many attendees dress like they’re going to the real deal, though it’s not required. Franklin studied and trained in theater, sketch writing, and improvisation at Emerson College, Upright Citizens Brigade, Lee Strasberg Theatre…

Following two decades of living throughout the country in pursuit of her professional career, Jackie Nelson returned to her hometown to raise her children closer to family in an environment that’s ideal for young families. In 2020, she was named regional marketing director for Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Naples, after returning to the area in 2015 and working with an interior design firm The Barron Collier High School alumna graduated from the University of Florida and followed her marketing and business development career to Chicago, Seattle, Anchorage, and Orlando. Nelson says what ultimately drew her back to Naples was family. Her grandparents started vacationing on Marco Island in the 1980s, then her family decided to move down. They were followed by aunts and uncles— becoming a “family affair.” She and her husband,…