A world apart in demeanor but only a few miles from its northern neighbors is southwest Florida's most sophisticated city. Wealthy residents in Naples demand the best and the city's boutiques, galleries and cultural arts calendar oblige. A huge number of golf courses have earned Naples the nickname "Golf Capital of America."

Just to the south, the tiny four-mile stretch of Marco Island is another scenic escape with sun-washed beaches and waterfront resorts that line up along the Gulf of Mexico. Nearby, the remote Ten Thousand Islands, Everglades National Park and many nature preserves allow visitors to explore natural Florida.

With a long history as a winter retreat for the rich and famous, Naples offers unparalleled elegance and uncompromising natural beauty. Discovered soon after the Civil War by Confederate General John S. Williams and Walter N. Haldeman, publisher of the Louisville Journal, its stellar reputation as a seaside retreat has steadily grown over the years.

Just a stone's throw away from the elegant city of Naples, Marco Island offers serene, tropical pleasures. Shadows of bald eagles and ospreys glide over sugary white beaches as these stunning creatures search for unsuspecting fish. These and scores of other bird species are protected on Marco Island as well. Relax on the sun-kissed shores and you'll surely glimpse the sleek antics of dolphins in the sparkling Gulf. Colorful seashells are plentiful along the water's edge, offering irresistible souvenirs free for the taking.