Naples' Bayshore Arts District has always been a magical place to visit, welcoming, and accessible. It glows with an independent, creative and entrepreneurial spirit. And while each business and artist you'll meet there is unique, they are alike in their passion to be united and share their art.
The B.A.D. experience is eclectic, charming, innovative, out of the box, fun, engaging and unpretentious. You'll find risk-takers there. It's a great place to live, work, play, socialize and find optimism for our future. Here are my lucky seven, my favorite slices of B.A.D.
1 SUGDEN PARK
4284 Avalon Drive
Home to Lake Avalon, this safe and peaceful sanctuary invites you to frolic or chillax. Low on energy? Enjoy abundant shade, picnic tables, stroll the wood docks and two little beaches. Ready to rock? Walk, bike & run the trails or sail, jet ski & water ski. Climb the bleachers and mini hill, or what I'm most excited about - the resurgence of rollerskating!
2 A JARON FINE JEWELRY
3784 Bayshore Dr
Innovative, inspirational and prolific describe Amanda, the award winning artist and arts philanthropist within Bayshore's iconic turquoise mermaid-mural building. Her signature "Bling-Overs" are breathtaking, custom pieces she creates from clients' repurposed jewels. The meticulous hand-drawn sketches elicit as much awe as another object of obsession - her line and colorful array of cupcake rings.
3 BEST POPCORN CO
6023 Bayshore Dr
If you were ever captivated by Willy Wonka and The Jetsons, are motivated by eye candy (no pun), have a sweet tooth, appreciate interesting design, tranquil natural environments, off-the-beaten-path and like to support independent business ... drive your family, a date or just yourself to the end of Bayshore where quaint meets quirk surrounded by a white picket fence. You've arrived at the Best Popcorn Company.
4 BEAN2CUP
3248 Bayshore Dr
Independent, organic BoHo-style coffee house hosts a delightful juice bar, delish eats & laid-back vibe. Caffeinate, chit-chat or browse your favorite publication among the cool kids and colorful murals in the Olde Florida courtyard.
5 CELEBRATION PARK/Three60 Market
2880 Becca Ave
Eat, drink and be merry surrounded by open skies and stunning water views. Arrive by water or foot. Both establishments' tremendous selection of wine, beverage and foods to suit all moods, with great people- watching.
6 THINGS I LIKE BY CATHERINE
3954 Bayshore Dr
Merely entering this new and modern gallery infuses feelings of joy. Filled with bold, gorgeous paintings and works by local and national artists. You may connect with something that intrigues you and acquire a new favorite piece of art. Trying the Art-o-Mat machine is a must!
7 EL RANCHITO WESTERN WEAR
8795 Tamiami Trail E #203
This family-owned business offers a variety of Cowboy(girl) boots, hats and embroidered threads for the whole fam. If you're into the style, you may sense that kid-in-a-candy-store feeling. Also impressive is the extensive alterations business offered by Abuela in the front of the shop!