Shula's Happenings & Tequila Tasting! Video

Every person who works at a job/profession/career that they love knows that there is a lot of hard work mixed in with those things that are just the cherry on top of your sundae.  Tonight, Shula's Steak House Naples hosted a Tequila Tasting! which is part of their Monthly Tasting! events  they hold every 4th Wednesday of each month (I love the signature exclamation point at the end of the events' name).  There were so many awesome details that really set the bar high as far as events go. 

This is where the fun comes in for me.  I went over to the lobby of the Hilton Naples to take a few pictures, hopefully get a few video clips & maybe network a bit.  I wound up reconnecting with friends that I've lost touch with, join in on a special celebration and meet a new great talent in town, PJ Fuerstman-Meyer with Pzazz Event Planning.  In general, I was able to witness a fantastic event unfold!  I could not wait to get home to put together a clip of video/photos that would do some justice to the event.

I'm not sure if I succeeded however, I do know that the Monthly Tasting! events are Must-Dos in Naples Florida.  Congratulations to Maurica Hurley who is a  fellow Naples Best Blogger, Co-worker/Co-Brainstormer & Marketing Maven, on creating events that our entire Naples Community can enjoy!

Join Maurica & Shula's Steak House on April 27th for their next Monthly Tasting! event, Champagne & Chocolate Tasting! beginning at 5:30pm.

Shula's Naples Tequila Tasting 3/30/11!

Shula's Naples TEQUILA TASTING! Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:30-7:30PM. Sample 5 tequilas, appetizers, live music! Receive a complimentary margarita at the door (as your chaser). Chicken quesadillas, mini burgers with chipotle mayo and jack cheese, and chips, salsa, quacamole, and cheese sauce. $25 advance/ $35 door


Shula's Monthly Tasting Events! Last Wednesday of every month 5:30-7:30P. Premier food, wine, liquor tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations, and more!

04/27/11 - Champagne & Chocolates Tasting!
05/25/11 - Seafood Tasting!
06/29/11 - Wine Tasting! (Summer Wine Series)
07/27/11 - Wine Tasting! (Summer Wine Series)
08/31/11 - Wine Tasting! (Summer Wine Series)
09/28/11 - Vodka Tasting!
10/26/11 - Beer & Burger Tasting! (Oktoberfest)
11/30/11 - Rum Tasting!
12/28/11 - Bourbon Tasting!

Text SHULAS EVENTS to 97063 for event updates, exclusive offers, a FREE APPETIZER, and more!

So Many Reasons to Visit in April

"Isn't it appropriate that the month of the tax begins with April Fool's Day and ends with cries of "May Day!"

This year, with Easter Sunday being later than normal, April is a great month to visit Naples Florida.  There are so many events and festivals, celebrations, nature walks, and cruieses going on.  There are wonderful places & happenings to celebrate Passover, Good Friday, Earth Day & Easter. 

In April there are so many reasons to visit the Hilton Naples Florida Hotel ! 

First and foremost, we have this fantastic Super Spring Savings Rate! Stay at the Hilton Naples Hotel between the dates of April 10-April 24, 2011 & you will receive the $129.  Email nhaschak@cooperhotels.com or call me (Niccole) at 239-659-3132 to make your reservations because this Spring Savings is based on availability & the rooms are going quick (have you seen our TripAdvisor reviews lately - they are off the hook awesome accounts of previous guests' experiences)!!!



Jimmy Keys returns to the Hilton Naples Hotel on Saturday, April 23rd.  If you haven't had a chance to see Jimmy perform, this is your last chance of the season.  He sold out the hotel in February and then again in March.  I have NO DOUBT it will be standing room early, and in all honesty, you really want to sit down & enjoy the great food & show!!

Make sure your staying over that night after Jimmy Keys so you can join us at Shula's Steak House for our Easter Brunch & Dinner!  Details will be available on our website's Shula's Happenings page later this week!


Also at Shula's Steak House Naples, we are featuring our sell-out signature event, Champagne & Chocolate Tasting on Wednesday, April 27th.  Visit the event's details & make your reservations as this event will sell out quickly!

Visit our Event Calendar for other wonderful things to do in Naples during this glorious month of April.  And for all of you local Neapolitans, don't forget to vote in our Hilton Naples Top 5 Tuesday Poll for your favorite events happening in Naples this April.  There are so many reasons to visit the Hilton Naples Florida Hotel !

Family Outdoor Movie Night in Downtown Naples Florida

Looking for a family and kid friendly things to do in Naples Florida this weekend?  Head on down to Cambier Park to watch the Family Outdoor Movie Night, featuring Megamind on Saturday night.  The movie will be played on a two story inflatable screen.  Make it a complete night out and have dinner at one of the many restauarants lining the fabulous Fifth Avenue South shopping area located in downtown naples florida after perusing the great sales during the Spring Sidewalk Sales on 5th Ave or enjoying the 23rd Annual Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts.  Guests of the Hilton Naples Hotel can borrow a couple beach chairs from the front desk before heading down to watch the movie.

Calling All Dog Lovers ~ Bark in the Park in Naples Florida

Your canine companions are welcome to join you for a barking good time during Bark in the Park in Naples Florida.  The tail-waggin' celebration of pets and pet ownership is being held at Mercato shopping district.

Vendors will be on hand to show off their pet specialty products and services. Dog training demonstrations by SW Florida Professional Dog Trainers Alliance will be presented every hour and pets from Paw for Love assistance and therapy dogs will be there, too. Refreshments and raffles provide an extra bonus.

There will also be pet contests this year with categories such as Best Costume, Best Voice, Best Pet and Owner Look-Alike, Smallest/Largest and Best Trick/Talent. Contests begin at noon. There’s a small entrance fee of $5 to participate in each contest category, and all proceeds will benefit The Humane Society Naples no-kill shelter and adoption center.

Shutterbugs will have many super opportunities to photograph pets and people, so bring those cameras!   Mercato is located just a few miles north of the Hilton Naples Florida Hotel

Third in Bloom kicks off on Third Street South in Naples Florida



The patio at Ridgway Bar & Grille

Third Street South is on my mind today as I have dinner reservations at Ridgway Bar & Grille which has always been one of my favorite restaurants.  I love dining on their Sauteed Snapper Picatta while sitting out in the courtyard enjoying the beautiful weather in Naples Florida!  Spring is definitely in the air even in Naples as we enjoy longer days and more vibrant sunsets. 

Tomorrow Third in Bloom kicks off on Third Street South when the street features garden vignettes created by the area's top garden designers.  The finishing touches of the Garden Showcase are being completd today and the opening of the Garden Showcase is at 10am on March 17th.  The Garden Showcase runs through Saturday, March 26th.  In addition to the beautiful, artfully desigened vignettes, workshops, horticultural walking tours and art demonstrations will take place each day.  Don't forget to stop by the Concierge Kiosk and cast your vote for The People's Choice awards.  And please vote for your favorite Third Street South Restaurant in the Hilton Naples Top 5 Tuesday Poll.

The Third Street South shopping district is located 6 miles south of the Hilton Naples Florida Hotel

Hilton Naples Hotel Introducing Summer Rates in Naples Florida

Can't believe we are already in the midst of March!  Time certainly goes by fast when you are having fun!  Speaking of fun, is it time to start planning your summer vacation in Naples Florida?  To help ease the purse strings, the Hilton Naples Hotel just introduced their summer rates of $89 when you reserve your room directly through Hilton Hotels!

Let's get out my crystal ball:  I see a few beach chairs reserved just for you this summer!

Talk about a great deal! $89 room rates and you get your HHonors reward points when you you book directly with Hilton Hotels in Naples Florida. This is a limited offer so you may want to plan that vacation sooner rather than later!

National Artists Showcased at Mercato Fine Arts Festivals in Naples This Weekend

Festivals in Naples Florida are plentiful during the beautiful weather of the winter months.  This weekend is no exception as the 2nd Annual Mercato Fine Arts Festival  will showcase more than 100 artists on Saturday and Sunday.  Works on display include leather work, sculptural and functional ceramics, cutting-edge digital art, one-of-a-kind jewelry, large scale photography, and a wide range of traditional and contemporary paintings.

Vicki Thaler, Amazon

 “2010 was our inaugural year at Mercato,” said Marianne Megela, Festivals Director for the Naples National Art Association. “We earned the ranking of 75th best art festival in the country. This is unheard of for an art fair in its early years.”



Jeff Coe, Egret Gathering

Festival goers will be in awe at the beauty of Southwest Florida wild life that Geoff Coe captures with his lens. A resident of Fort Myers, Coe takes pride in photographing local birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
The Mercato in Naples shopping area is located in just north of the Hilton Naples Hotel at the corner of US 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road. Check out the blog post on March 3 to see all the latest special deals local merchants are offering. This festival serves as a fund raiser for the Naples Art Association, a 501c3 non-profit organization. A suggested donation of $5 will benefit local art education and programming with the Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center. Check back for the latest festivals and events happening in Naples Florida

Mercato in Naples Florida Are Offering Special Deals

Check out the latest deals for Shopping in Naples !  All month long several of the shops and restaurants at Mercato in Naples Florida are offering special deals!

Blue Martini: Enjoy 50% OFF beverages 7 days a week from 4 to 8pm.
Bobby Chan: Shop Bobby Chan's Sale. All items are $50.
Bravo! Cucina Italiana: Half price appetizers and drink specials offered during Happy Hours in the bar & patio weekdays from 3pm to 6pm and 9pm to close. Children's Menu Available.

Burn: Happy Hour Mon through Fri, 2pm to 7pm. 50% off domestic beers, wells and house wines. 20% off cigars, excluding boxes. Every Monday is Singles Mingle. Ladies' Night every Thursday 10pm to 2 am.


Piola: Late Night Happy Hour 9pm - close every day. $3 Beer, $4 Caipiroskas, $5 house wine - Piola Rossa & Piola Bianco.

PURE Urban Oasis: Happy Hour from 4 to 7pm daily featuring live entertainment. Click here for special happy hour menu as well as half price on all small plates from 4 to 6pm. Drink specials: $3 off martinis, $2 off cocktails and wine, $1 off beer.


Signatures: We offer complimentary alterations on most purchases, special orders, free parking and personal Shopping services.

Silverspot Cinema: Dinner & A movie - Appetizer, Entrée, Wine, and a Movie, all for $38.00. Sunday-Thursday 5:00pm to 8:30pm.

Sportalm Fashion: We added two new designer lines, a great selection of polos and sweaters for men and tunics, tops and dresses for women. 75% OFF all merchandise from designer line by Phipllip PLEIN. 20 to 70% OFF on selected items on Sportalm Kitzbuehel.

Sur La Table: Receive our celebrated book Eating Local with any Le Creuset Purchase of $200 or more.


Swim'n Sport: March Gift Card Giveaway. Register in Swim'n Sport during the month of March for a $100 giveaway to be held on April 1st.

Mercato is located just a few miles north of the Hilton Naples Florida Hotel!

Shula's Naples Silver Oak Wine Dinner 3/4/11!

Shula's Naples Presents an Evening With Tim Duncan Owner of Silver Oak Winery! Friday, 3/4/11, 6PM. 4 courses, 5 wines!


Silver Oak Wine Dinner
First Course
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Remoulade Sauce
Twomey, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Second Course
Chopped Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
Twomey, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Third Course
Steak Mary Anne with Creamed Spinach Stuffed Tomato
Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
Twomey, Merlot, Napa Valley
Fourth Course
Mini Chocolate Lava Cake
Silver Oak Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
$95 advance / $115 door
Online Tix: www.ShulasNaplesEvents.EventBrite.com

Family Friendly Things to Do in Naples Florida

Family Friendly Things to Do in Naples Florida
Originally uploaded by Hilton Naples

With Spring Break coming up, the Hilton Naples Top 5 Tuesday Poll wants to hear what our guests & local residents think the Top 5 Favorite Family Friendly Thing to Do in Naples Florida ? Your opinion matters so please vote in our poll found on our Naples Best Blog !

Looking for ideas for Spring Break in Naples Florida?  Check the poll results on Friday for people who have "been there, done that".  Then make your hotel reservation at the Hilton Naples Hotel for a family friendly vacations!