Frankly, 2020 has been … a lot. Rarely have 300+ days felt so long to so many. But the good news is that (a) this year is finally, really, truly almost over, and (b) you still have time to close the calendar with a bang. After everything we’ve endured in 2020, don’t you deserve to get yourself something a bit above and beyond? These Southwest Florida businesses would be glad to help you end the year, or start the new one, on an extra-special note.
Dazzle the Eye
Jewelry is plentiful, but pieces that are truly unique are worth celebrating. Custom design options at Mark Loren Designs, 13351 McGregor in Fort Myers, include reforging some of your existing jewelry into a specially fitted diamond cuff bracelet, and they have an impressive stock of rarities and antiquities, as well. Loren described a mineral specimen surrounding a fossilized ammonite, and amethyst geodes that look like wings, in addition to manmade specimens: bronze crosses and pieces of crosses from the Crusades and back as far as the 10th century, and even pieces that incorporate bronze Roman artifacts. There’s no gift like one that can’t be duplicated.
Ride the Waves
We have the unique advantage of having the bountiful beauty of the Gulf in our backyards, and Boater’s Landing in Fort Myers is a great way to take advantage of it. Inventory’s down somewhat—“It’s been an unusual year,” says owner George Winn dryly—but if hitting the waves is your heart’s desire this winter, “We have one outstanding boat that we do a ton of.” The 23- foot, 9-inch Key West 239 FS is “just a good fit for all-around boating: family, fishing, going to the beach, going out in the Gulf—it’s not too big and it’s not too small.” Winn keeps boats on hand for test cruises, and placing an order means you can customize the options to your liking.
Conquer the Skies
Maybe your own private Gulf- stream wasn’t in the cards this year, but you can still get a taste of the wild blue yonder by heading over to Clewiston and visiting The Florida Ridge. Their tandem hang gliders let an instructor handle the flying (and landing), so you can concentrate on the incomparable views on the long, gentle way back down to earth from 1,000, 2,000 or 3,500 feet up. No training is required, but depending on the size of your group, plan for a week or two of advance notice, then simply show up and let yourself soar.
Rule the Road
One way to have yourself an extremely merry little Christmas— and New Year’s, and beyond—is at the all-new Ferrari of Naples dealership at 11291 Tamiami Trail N. They’re taking orders for the 2021 Ferrari Roma, a two-door coupe with a ferocious V8 in an absolutely stunning package. Plus, it’s worth a visit for its own sake: “Even if you’re not in the market for a car right now, swing by the dealership and just take a walk through the facility,” recommends GM Helder Rosa. “Ferrari sells a tremendous amount of accessories, T-shirts, hats, watches, sunglasses …” and you might find something you didn’t know you need.
Savor the Excellence
This New Year’s is likely to be quieter and less social than usual, so maybe instead of toasts with Veuve or Cristal, consider sipping a really, really good wine. Bruce Nichols, owner of The Wine Store at 1200 Central in Naples, recommended a pair of exquisite reds, starting with one from the Tuscan coast. Ornellaia is a smallish producer in a tiny village, but it has a scintillating reputation for Bordeaux-style wine, and its 2017 vintage is excellent. And speaking of France, the 2014 Domaine Dugat-Py Mazoyeres-Chambertin is truly superb. Nichols says, “It’s a grand cru classification in Burgundy, which is the top quality; about 3% of all wines in France are classified grand cru. It’s absolute top shelf.”
