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Naples, Florida: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

Naples is located off the Gulf of Mexico along the southern tip of Florida just below Fort Myers. It has a savanna type climate with average summer temperatures ranging in the seventies to the nineties. The months of June, July, August, and September experience the most precipitation. Winter temperatures remain mild with the average consisting of approximately seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.  The city’s economy is directly fed from tourism, but was originally generated through agriculture and real estate. Its close location to the Everglades among other land attributes made these two economical areas extremely prosperous. The city holds numerous small businesses; however, it is also home to larger names in the health, technology, and medical equipment industries. It is a cultural location with performing arts opportunities such as the opera, jazz orchestra, and theatrical venues.

Nature Activities and Shopping

The area contains several land reserves where visitors can explore the great outdoors. Available reserve parks include:

  • Everglades National Park
  • Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
  • Big Cypress National Preserve
  • Picayune Strand State Forest

The Naples Zoo, built in 1919, is located in the Caribbean Gardens and offers visitors a chance to spend the day with unique animal species. This region supplies countless nature adventure opportunities, but also has a modern appeal for travelers who want to kick back on the sand or experience local culture. A trip to the downtown region of the city supplies tourist with a chance to do a little antique shopping or visit one of many art galleries. Visitors desiring to shop can make their way to The Village on Venetian Bay where the Waterside Shops center is located or peruse around the shopping districts of Tin City and Big Cypress Market Place. This stunning metropolitan region also hosts the Oliver Group Champions Cup and the swamp buggy races every year.

A Surplus of Recreational Choices

Individuals desiring more time on the beach or in the water have a variety of options to choose from. The cities shoreline spans over ten miles along the Gulf of Mexico and was noted as one of the best to visit by the Travel Channel. Beaches in the area include:

  • Clam Pass Beach Park
  • Vanderbilt Beach
  • North Gulfshore Boulevard Beach
  • Naples Pier

Travelers can relax on the shoreline, swim, play in the sand, or reserve a private boat for a day of fun. The area supplies various types of excursion activities in the gulf waters for the more adventurous visitors. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and camping are additional choices for spending some time outdoors with the family. King Richards Fun Park is another option for families or individuals seeking a break from coastal atmosphere. The park has batting cages, mini golf, a water park, go-karts, and amusement rides. Of course, a day on the beach is always welcomed by travelers desiring to have a relaxing getaway. Naples is a beautiful Oceanside city with plenty of fun and relaxing activities for families or individuals. It is a tourist hot spot where every person will find something they enjoy. This city provides a one of a kind scenic environment where travelers can rejuvenate from everyday life.

West Palm Beach, Florida: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

West Palm Beach sits in the southeast part of Florida along the Atlantic Coast and was first settled in the late 1800’s. Interestingly enough, the original name for the town consisted of no spaces, but fear of a bad omen with a thirteen letter count caused it to be separated shortly after the settlement was founded. It is the oldest incorporated city in the southern portion of Florida. West Palm Beach experienced a large growth spurt in the 1920’s as the Florida land boom took place. A large number of the currently preserved neighborhoods and landmarks were constructed during this time. A hurricane in the late twenties caused the region to enter a depression period; however, a recovery period took place as World War II began. Another population boom occurred in the fifties as veterans returned from their service during the war. The introduction of air conditioning at this time caused additional people to move to the warmer climate location.

West Palm Beach Historical Districts

The Bel Air Historic District was originally a neighborhood designed for individuals who assisted with the development of the county. A portion of the land began as a pineapple plantation of Richard Hone who built a home at the location in 1895. The plantation passed through several hands after Hones death; however, the house remains standing in its original location. El Cid contains a combination of Mediterranean revival and mission-style structures. As the pineapple crops became dismal in the late 1900’s, this land was subdivided and sold off. Today the neighborhood resides on the National Register of Historic Places and is a marvelous site for anyone traveling in the region. Flamingo Park is a coastal neighborhood consisting of structures developed throughout the twenties. Numerous homes of varying architecture styles have been renovated in the neighborhood and are quite a sight for individuals touring the area. West Palm Beach’s history can be seen throughout each district due to renovations that started in the nineties.

Area Attractions

West Palm Beach is a vacation destination where every visitor can let their imagination take over. Travelers wanting to take a step back in time can board the Black Sparrow pirate ship and make their own adventurous fun or climb to the top of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse for a great view of the area. Greyhound racing, croquet, polo, and equestrian events are a few of the great sporting activities in the area. Water taxis supply the chance to learn more about the cities transition into what it is today. The drive through safari offer travelers the opportunity to be close to animals in the wild. Individuals visiting this wildlife attraction can shop, dine, enjoy amusement park rides, and see live demonstrations. The city offers plenty of cultural activities with options such as live performances and art museums. Visitors should also take some time to explore Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens or the Mounts Botanical Garden for one of a kind, breathtaking views. West Palm Beach is a versatile vacation destination that has retained its historical attributes while managing to supply a fun-filled experience to every visitor.

Miami, Florida: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

Miami, Florida is a city known for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping opportunities; however, the location offers much more than these enticing activities. It is a region with a tropical climate consisting of hot, short summers and warmer winter temperatures. Miami’s positioning at the top of the Tropic of Cancer contributes to its welcoming climate. The city has a temperature average of sixty-seven degrees in January making the winter months a great time to visit. Located right off the Atlantic Coast in the Southeast portion of Florida, Miami resides as one of the most populated metropolis regions in the South. The city is a large contributor in the areas of finance, entertainment, culture, commerce, and international trade. It has also been noted as one of the cleanest cities in North America by Forbes magazine. Miami’s distinct historical neighborhoods and surplus of attractions supplies a unique experience around every corner.

Local Neighborhoods Offer a Culturally Diverse Atmosphere

Coral Way is an old neighborhood containing twentieth century architecture with a mixture of the Mission Revival style and Bungalow homes. Art Deco designs building in the 1930’s can be found amidst the various sub-neighborhoods of this distinct location. Coral Way, completed in 1922, is a residential area lined with many historical buildings and resides as a connection point for other portions of the city. Coconut Grove, established in 1825, is best known for its array of nightclubs, restaurants, and unique shops. It is a popular area for local college students and travelers seeking a little excitement. Travelers will find narrow, curved streets with an abundance of tree coverage over historical structures. The region contains several parks including Barnacle Historical State Park. Little Havana is a cultural neighborhood where individuals of Cuban decent have resided for years. It is a unique location that received its name from one of the largest Cuban cities. Today, the neighborhood is a cultural center of Miami offering colorful festivals, famous landmarks, and a one of a kind street life.

Must See Attractions in Miami

South Beach is a top destination point where travelers can shop, party, or spend the day basking in the sun. The local zoo has been ranked highly in the United States since the surrounding climate makes an ideal location for housing a large variety of animal species. Visitors can view local water inhabitants at the Seaquarium or have a more personal, up close experience at Dolphin Harbor. Everglades National Park offers a mixture of swamp, grass-prairie, and jungle atmospheres. It has been said to be one of the most exclusive parks found in the nation. The park houses fourteen species of animals that are either rare or endangered. Travelers are able to walk around the park, camp, or take a canoe trip for the day. Kennedy Space Center puts visitors right in the middle of the action with the Shuttle Launch Experience. Area theme parks provide the opportunity to walk amidst tropical wildlife. A large array of museums allows for an educational day of fun. Miami brings out the explorer in every visitor and is a great place to have a relaxing or adventurous getaway.