COLLIER CITIZEN

#LiveSWFL - By car, foot and trolley: How to spend the perfect day in Naples

Ashley Collins feeds Bruehler the giraffe on Thursday, January 4, 2017 at the Naples Zoo.

As a reporter and local, I've gotten to know Naples pretty well in the nearly two years I've lived here. 

In that time, I've learned where to go — where not to go — and the best time to go.

If you're a new resident, visiting for a day or a few weeks, or simply haven't had time to discover the treasures beyond your own backyard, I've done all the heavy lifting (with shopping bags, that is) so you don't have to.

On a recent Wednesday, I began my journey by car, trolley and foot to help you make the most of my adopted city.

Of course there are so many places to see and visit in the area, so these are just a few of my favorites. 

Interactive map:Follow Ashley Collins' journey through Naples

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9 a.m. — Wake up and smell the coffee at Kunjani

If I don't start my day with some type of caffeine, I just know I'll go crazy.

Most mornings, I make a quick drive-through stop at some chain establishment. But when I want to retreat from the world (at least for 30 minutes) and truly enjoy my cup of Joe, I visit Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery

9 a.m. Ashley Collins begins her day at Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery on Seagate Drive in Naples on Jan. 4, 2018.

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But I'm not the only one who feels that way.

The coffee shop is very busy most mornings, especially during season, which makes it difficult to find a parking spot in the small lot.

I had to circle around the block twice that Wednesday until I found one. If you want to beat the morning rush, arrive to Kunjani as soon as it opens or maybe for an afternoon pick-me-up. 

Menu:View Kunjani's menu

Owned by a mother and daughter from Zimbabwe, Stephanie and Nicola Bunnett, the shop sells coffee, tea, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.

You can choose between a bar stool or comfy chair in the inviting space filled with a sweet aroma and beautiful African paintings, crafts and jewelry available for purchase.

9 a.m. Ashley Collins begins her day with a pumpkin spice latte and broccoli cheddar quiche at Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery on Seagate Drive in Naples on Jan. 4, 2018.

Every year, the shop holds fundraising events and also works with Donation Yoga Naples' Lauren Fox to host yoga classes that benefit local nonprofits.

If you're not a breakfast person, definitely check out the yoga class, which takes place every month after hours.

Once I got my pumpkin spice latte and broccoli cheddar quiche, which can be ordered to-go, I sat in the outdoor patio to enjoy the cool weather. 

Address: 780 Seagate Dr.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Info: Visit kunjaninaples.com/welcome or call 239-300-0196

10 a.m. — Shop 'til you drop in Mercato

Once I got my morning fuel, I headed north on U.S. 41 for some shopping at Mercato.

The outdoor plaza has dozens of restaurants, shops and a movie theater, Silverspot Cinema, which has a food and beverage service, as well as reserve-in-advance comfy seats.

10 a.m. Ashley Collins arrives at Mercato off U.S. 41 as soon as it opens to get a great parking spot and shop on Jan. 4, 2018.

Parking can be quite challenging later in the day, even with the numerous lots and garages available. But if you get to Mercato in the morning hours, that shouldn't be a problem.

Living on a reporter's salary, I try my hardest to avoid shopping malls. I don't have much self-restraint when it comes to cute shoes and colorful handbags.

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This time, however, I was armed with gift cards I received for Christmas (thank you, Mom and Dad!)

I left the plaza with plenty of makeup and jewelry. 

Tip:At night, the Mediterranean-inspired outdoor shopping area turns into a hot spot for night owls hitting up the bars and nightclubs. 

Address: 9132 Strada Place 

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Info: Visit www.mercatoshops.com/

11:30 a.m. — Get wild at the Naples Zoo

I knew I had to steer clear of shopping plazas and I didn't want to go anywhere indoors on a beautiful day, so that led me to Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. 

After a seated safari show, I got a chance to meet an eastern screech-owl named Aristotle and then walked over to the giraffe exhibit where I fed lettuce to sweet Bruehler. 

11:30 a.m. Bailey Blanchette, show keeper, holds an Eastern Screech Owl, named Aristotle, as reporter Ashley Collins reacts on Thursday, January 4, 2017 at the Naples Zoo.

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Between wildlife and botanical exhibits, a boat ride and shows, there's so much to do here to keep you busy until the park closes. However, if you follow this guide, you don't really have all day.

Make sure to stop at the Penguins in Paradise, a seasonal traveling exhibit of African penguins. The exhibit ends on April 18. And don't miss the chance to see the zoo's newest panther, Athena.

Tip: Collier County residents get in for free the first Saturday of every month upon proof of residency.

Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road 

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday

Info: Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org/

1:30 p.m. — Eat lunch by the water

I had definitely worked up an appetite at the zoo, so by the time I made it to downtown Naples, I was starved.

Tin City Waterfront Shops is definitely worth a stop for lunch, dinner or souvenir shopping. While I live in Naples, I do have some T-shirts and bags with the city's name in large print. What can I say? I love souvenirs.

Two of Naples waterfront restaurants are here — Pinchers and Riverwalk Restaurant.

1: 30 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys lunch at Tin City Waterfront Shops & Dining on Jan. 4, 2018.

I opted for the latter, though I love both seafood eateries. I enjoyed fish tacos with black beans and rice.

Then, I headed indoors to enjoy the destination's numerous souvenir and specialty shops. 

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Tip: If you're heading north toward downtown Naples avoid using U.S. 41 and take Goodlette-Frank Road instead.

Another tip:Don't leave Tin City before trying Mon"Key"Buntz - The Original Monkey Bread Factory. The dessert shop offers delicious melt-in-your-mouth treats, including monkey bread, which is a mix between a cinnamon roll and a sticky bun.

Address: 1200 Fifth Avenue South

Hours: Shops (10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday). Restaurants (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday)

Info: Visit www.tin-city.com/

1:30 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys the view off Tin City Waterfront Shops & Dining on Jan. 4, 2018.

3 p.m. — Jump on a trolley to explore Naples

After miles and miles of driving, I needed a break from the crazy traffic and often problematic parking.

That's when I arrived at the Experience Naples Visitors Center to hop on Naples Trolley Tours

On a daily basis, two trolleys make 17 stops from Tin City to Mercato and back around. The tour is 2 hours long and each ticket allows all-day boarding privileges. 

That means you can hop off at any of the stops and board again when you're ready to move on. 

I joined about seven other people for the tour at the first stop, the visitors center, which also offers Segway tours. 

The trolley was old fashioned with a wooden exterior and Christmas lights still wrapped around the railings. 

3 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys the Naples Trolley on Thursday, January 4, 2017 in Naples.

The driver was funny, well-informed and spoke of the history and geography of places like the Bayfront Inn, Port of Naples Marina and Naples Depot Museum. 

Tip: If you do plan to get off the trolley at any time, make sure to let the driver know either before or during the tour.

Taking the trolley sure makes traveling around town during rush hour less stressful. 

Address: 1010 Sixth Avenue South

Hours: Tours run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Info: To purchase tickets call 239-262-7300 or visit www.naplestrolleytours.com. Tickets purchased aboard the trolley are cash only.

4 p.m. — Grab a treat on Fifth Avenue South

Not even a cooler than usual day in Naples could stop me from eating ice cream, especially from Regina’s Ice Cream Pavilion.

A trip to the local shop is like stepping back in time and winding up in a 1950s diner. 

Red-and-white checkerboard floors. Check. A jukebox. Check. Memorabilia on the walls, including posters of Elvis Presley and Lucille Ball from "I Love Lucy." Check.

4 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys a cone of birthday cake ice cream outside of Regina's on 5th Avenue on Thursday, January 4, 2017 in Naples.

With 50 ice cream flavors to choose from, along with sundaes, shakes, frozen yogurt and sorbet, it's hard to choose what you want.

So I asked myself, "What would Lucy do?" 

After carefully considering all my options, I opted for birthday cake ice cream in a sugar cone (because that's what Lucy totally would've picked) and Katie Klann, my colleague and photographer, chose the chocolate peanut butter flavor.

Address: 824 Fifth Avenue South

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Info: Call 239-434-8181

5:30 p.m. — Catch the sunset

Whew! Finally made it to the beach in time for the sunset.

Now if you're a local, you know there's a chance you may not see the sun bubble over the Gulf before drowning in hues of orange, red and purple. 

I've seen some of the best sunsets here, but sometimes clouds get in the way.

5:30 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys a sunset on a cloudy day near the Naples Pier on Thursday, January 4, 2017 in Naples

Even so, there's something magical and quite relaxing about sitting on the beach at the end of the day, along with other beachgoers, waiting for the grand finale (whether it comes or not). 

My favorite spot on the beach is anywhere you can see the Naples Pier. While fishing is suspended until August for repairs, visitors can still walk along parts of the pier. 

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Parking may be a bit problematic the closer you get to the local attraction so I suggest parking in any of the beach access points along Gulf Shore Boulevard.

Tip:Collier County residents and property owners are able to obtain a free beach parking sticker for their vehicles. You can pick up a permit at community park offices, county government centers, libraries in downtown Naples and Marco Island, and Golden Gate Community Center. Nonresidents will have to feed parking meters near the beaches or take advantage of alternative transportation.

5:30 p.m. Ashley Collins enjoys a sunset on a cloudy day near the Naples Pier on Thursday, January 4, 2017 in Naples

That includes hopping on Collier County's new (and free) beach shuttle service, which runs through April 30 and operates four days a week circulating between two North Naples beaches — Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Vanderbilt Beach.

Other stops include Conner Park at 111th Avenue North and Mercato in North Naples.

Buses run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., then again for sunset from 4:30 to 7:10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

If you want a ride, you have to flag down the bus like you would a taxi.

Whichever way you arrive at the beach, bring plenty of sunblock and a towel or beach chair to sit on.

And, most importantly, enjoy the show!

Address: Naples Pier, west end of 12th Avenue South