Martini Tasting at Shula's Steak House Big Hit!

Kudos to the entire Shula's staff on last night's WILDLY successful Martini Tasting. They had a fantastic show of people from all ages come out in droves to cast their vote for the next Shula's signature Martini recipe.

The presentation of the first blue martini was awesome, complete with smoke from dry ice rising out of the glasses.

Hotel guests of the Hilton Naples mingled with locals to make Shula's Steak House the place to see & be seen! There was a lot more people than originally forecasted which led to even more excitement about the event. Great comments & exclamations such as the "This is a blast!" & "Who doesn't love martini's?" and "Wow! This is the best idea - wine tasting isn't this much fun" were commonly heard throughout the crowded room.

Rumor has it that there will be an encore to this event...however this time Shula's knows they will be rocking the house and will bring in the reinforcements!

The Winningest Coach in NFL History on His USO Tour

This summer Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL History, joined the USO Tour at the age of 79 to visit troops in both Iraq & Afghanistan.

The purpose of the USO Tour was to boost the morale and bring a touch of home to the American Armed Forces fighting for our country.

"I've had a lot of memorable experiences in my life," Shula said. "This ranks right up there because of the gravity of what our young people are asked to do, putting their lives on the line for our country."

Coach Shula joined by his wife Mary Anne and other notables, were all led by Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the different locations where soldiers are stationed. Hundred of soldiers lined up and were delighted that the stars could break away from their busy schedules to visit them. Shula shared his most memorable moments with the troops as they were eager for a glimpse of his Super Bowl ring & to get his autograph.

Love to Shop in Naples?

Visit The Village on Venetian Bay's Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale Sept. 3-5. The first day of the sale coincides with a Village Nights Celebration featuring live entertainment. Perry Foto's 10-piece Big Band will play from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the north side of The Village on Venetian Bay, and Symon will perform rock, pop and alternative hits on the south side from 6-9 p.m. The Village on Venetian Bay, 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples which is less than 2 miles from the Hilton Naples. Guests of the Hilton Naples can take one of our complimentary bicycles and enjoy a scenic bike ride to get to Venetian Village.

Everblades Backyard BBQ

Hey all you Hockey Fans ... Hang out with current and former Everblades players during the Blades' Backyard BBQ at Germain Arena in Estero from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy live music from the James Willhite Band, TJ Kelly Band, Hothouse and The New Architects. Sample pulled pork, burgers and dogs right off the grill, paired with domestic and import beers in the Beer Garden. Send the little ones to the Kids' Zone for games, face painting and mascots. The Arena is a quick 20 minute drive from the Hilton Naples

In Naples this Weekend? Summer Jazz on the Gulf Concert

Keep the beat with the Women's Blues Revue at Summer Jazz on the Gulf, from 7-10pm this Saturday, August 22nd. Bring your own chairs & relax to the sounds of the Women's Blues Revue. Contact Hope Haworth, Concierge at the Hilton Naples, 239-430-4900 or hhaworth@cooperhotels.com for more information about the Summer Jazz on the Gulf.

Love Martini's?

Vote for your favorite martini at Shula's Steak House Martini Tasting & Contest. Join us at Shula's Steak House located off the lobby of the Hilton Naples on Thursday, August 27th at 6:00pm to vote for your favorite martini. The winning recipe has a chance to become the Signature Martini at all Shula's locations. All of the recipes have been perfectly created by the team members of Shula's Steak House Naples. $10 per person to taste perfection. Stay & dine with us & receive 2 for 1 martinis and 20% off your dinner check. In addition, you'll receive a complimentary martini of your choice

Dog Days of Summer

For all you pet lovers! The Hilton Naples is a pet-friendly hotel. If your pet is a domesticated dog or cat that weighs no more than 75 lbs than Fido or Fifi are more than welcome to rest their heads in a specially appointed pet friendly guest room at the Hilton Naples. There is a $75.00 non refundable service fee and additional fees may apply in the event your pet causes any damage.

While you are here, you may also want to view a new exhibit celebrating pets and people, opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Sweet Art Gallery in Naples. The "Dog Day Afternoon" is an exhibit features all sorts of art depicting canine creatures in their quintessential dogginess. There will be canine treats from Woof Gang Bakery and adoptable dogs from the Animal Oasis will be available.

A pet communicator will be available to tune owners in on what their pets are thinking.
Donations to benefit a local charity will be accepted. The gallery is at 2054 Trade Center Way, Naples. The exhibit continues through Thursday, Aug. 20. Call 597-2110 for more information or visit http://www.thesweetartgallery.com/.

Kick off Your Weekend With Live Music, Shopping & Dining

The Mercato Summer Concert Series will take place on Friday, August 7th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Located just a few miles from the Hilton Naples, The Mercato will be featuring two live music acts: Soul Machine, a 7 piece dance band playing 100% certified soul music as well; Symon will be playing rock pop & alternative hits. If you haven't been to Blue Martini, it opened last week. I went last Wednesday & was so impressed by it all...if you've heard there are no "young" people in Naples, this is the new hotspot that will contradict the myth. The signature drink, Blue Martini (very original!) was delicious. Here is a picture from the VIP night - I was not prepared for the line to get in however it was well worth the wait. Naples has been ready for this type of restaurant for a long time & Blue Martini exceeded expectations!

Other venues located at The Mercato offering specials at this time:

The Capital Grille - complimentary passed appetizers from 4:30-6:30 and you get a chance to win a $100 dining experience

McCormick & Schmick's has Happy Hour specials starting at $1.95 from 3:30-6:30

Piola - complimentary bar snacks, fresh sangia & other drink specials from 4:00pm - 7:00pm

AZN Azian Cuizine is having a BBQ with burgers, pulled pork & drink specials.

Live Music, Waterfront Dining & Shopping

If you are in Naples this week and looking for something to do, stop by The Village on Venetian Bay on Thursday, August 6th from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The are holding their Village Nights on the first Thursday of every month. This week they will have Classic & Modern Rockers Kenny Grubbs and the guy with the Tropical sound, James Michael Evans. The Naples Players Kidzact will alos present "The Empress's New Clothes" at 6:00pm and then again at 6:30pm. There will also be a cookout by Villaggio Cafe & Artichoke & Company. If you will be staying at the Hilton Naples, it is less than 2 miles so take one of our complimentary bicycles and enjoy the evening!