Dos moi pa sto, kai tan gan kinaso

With so many events going on in Naples, FL this weekend don't miss the Greek Festival at St. Katherine's in North Naples this weekend, January 29-31, 2010.  I've gone quite a few years and it is always so entertaining and the Greek food, wine & pastries are all out of this world!

Costumed Greek dancers  beautiful items unique to Greek culture will be for sale.  All are invited to attend any of several Greek Orthodox services that will be conducted at the church.

Plenty of free parking! Call 239-591-3430 for more information.  Don't have hotel room reservations for this weekend?  Come stay at the Hilton Naples...you do not want to miss this fun filled weekend in Paradise!

Dos moi pa sto, kai tan gan kinaso

Bright & Sunny 71 degrees in Naples

The weather today is a bright & sunny 71 degrees in Naples...perfect weather! I took my lunch to Clam Pass Park today which is a beach about 1/2 mile from the Hilton Naples Hotel. Once there  you can opt to walk the Clam Pass Boardwalk (6/10 of a mile long) or take one of its tram cars.  I opted for the tram ride and was really glad since I met the tram driver, Ron, who it turns out has lived in Naples for over 25 years and has a twin brother, Don, who also drives the trams.  The ride itself offers a quick indulgence to some beautiful scenery including the mangroves and a few water views.

The water temp of the Gulf of Mexico was a mere 70 degrees so the only swimmers were a few seagulls.  There were quite a few beach goers and a few boats out on the horizon.  Guests of the Hilton Naples can take advantage of the complimentary beach shuttle that takes you from the hotel to Clam's Pass Park along with the complimentary Naples Beach Package consisting of beach chairs, towels and a cooler with ice & bottled water.  If you drive yourself and do not have a beach parking sticker, the parking fee is $8 per day.

Today was one of those days that I urge those of you living in the gray winter cold to book a quick trip to Naples.  I was only at Clam Pass Park for 40 minutes and feel completely renewed.  Just imagine what 3 days in the sunshine with your feet buried in the sand could do for you.  What are you waiting for?  If you get the next flight out, you could be here for our 6:06pm Sunset tonight!

View More Pictures at Clam's Pass Beach in Naples, FL

Naples Boat Show and Seafood Festival

The 43rd Annual Naples Boat Show and Seafood Festival is going on today at the corner of Goodlette Road South & Tamiami Trail (about 5 miles south of the Hilton Naples).  The Festival in Naples will be through Sunday, January 24th.  Come see the many vendors including nautical photographers, boat dealers and yacht clubs. Local entertainers, The Dazzling Delrays & Live Bait will be performing.  Kids will love the Kids' Corner with a trout fishing pond & face painting.

Admission is $10 per adult and includes $80 in gift certificates to Pincher's Crab Shack, Sea Tow Naples, Cruise Naples & Cedar Bay Yacht Club.

Come Prowl For Panthers in Naples, FL

The first time I participated in a Poker Run was when I moved to Naples, FL 13 years ago.  The poker runs I've been involved with over the years have been organized to raise money for a charity and involved the participants to visit 5-7 pre-determined places or checkpoints, drawing a poker card at each place.  The person or team with the best poker hand at the last place, wins.  There are usually prizes involved for the best Poker hands.but mostly it is just fun for the participants socialize.

Next weekend is the Panther Prowl Poker Run being held on Sunday, January 31, 2010 to benefit the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.  It is a great reason to get your motorcycle on the road and come visit Naples.  Not only would you enjoy a weekend of beautiful weather in Naples, you would be raising money for a great cause.  Come Prowl for Panthers in Naples, FL.  The final destination of the 135 mile long Fun Run will be at teh Hooter's of Naples which is just a few miles away from the Hilton Naples!  Contact Lisa at 239-642-5472 for more information and other 2010 Panther Poker Runs!

Hilton is the Official Hotel Sponsor of the Annual GRAMMY® Awards

As The Recording Academy® prepares to honor the best musicians of the year, Hilton is celebrating its 22nd year as a Recording Academy partner and the official hotel sponsor of the annual GRAMMY® Awards



"For 22 years Hilton has played an integral role in supporting The Recording Academy and celebrating one of the greatest nights in popular entertainment," said Dave Horton, Global Head, Hilton Hotels Brand. "As a global brand, we recognize the many ways that music can impact the lives of people around the world and we are excited to offer our most loyal guests and Hilton Team Members a chance to experience music's biggest night."

The 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on "GRAMMY Sunday," Jan. 31, 2010, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8-11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Bold Dreams, Bold Victories

Bold Dreams, Bold Victories ~ Do those words inspire you?  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr stood for so many Ideas, Deams and Victories.  Join the Hilton Naples team and the members of the Collier County Branch of the NAACP while attending the 13th Annual Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration. This year's theme is, Bold Dreams, Big Victories. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 18th, 2010 at the corner of Broad Street and Third Avenue which is approximately 5 miles from the Hilton Naples. The parade will end at Cambier Park and the celebration which begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. and include food vendors, kids activities, live entertainment, and much more.

Two Nights in Paradise - Day Two

Good morning sunshine! After splurging on steak and eggs in Shula’s (go ahead, you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the beach), consider the complimentary shuttle to Clam Pass Beach. The Hilton Valets will provide you with their complimentary beach package of chairs, towels and water. Don’t want to take the shuttle? See the concierge in the lobby for directions to one of the many beaches in Naples, the valet will still provide you the complimentary beach package for you! The nice thing about Naples is that there is a beach to fit every personality - Pristine, private and natural, the nature preserve Barefoot Beach is worth the few extra minutes it takes to get there; lush and natural, Delnor-Wiggins State Park and nature preserve; Vanderbilt Beach, a good place to people watch; Lowdermilk Park, a great family beach; and Naples City Beach with the historic fishing pier that stretches out about 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico; a favorite for fishing, dolphin watching or just sitting on one of the benches and watching the action. Want to burn off that steak...borrow one of the complimentary bicycles and explore Naples at your leisure. Afterwards, try Village on Venetian Bay for some great shopping and outdoor dining. Feeling on the wildside? Visit the Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and take a boat ride on the lake - this very natural zoo and botanical garden is lush and a must do while in town. A little braver? Have the concierge point you towards the Everglades for an excursion, hike or airboat ride to see (and perhaps Eat) the alligators. Wow! By now you should be ready to relax poolside at the Hilton Naples with a Pina Colada in hand while you consider whether you'd prefer dining on the beach at sunset or returning to the trendy downtown shopping areas where a few restaurants offer dancing.