The Best of The Gulfshore 2008

Best Festival
Naples Winter Wine Festival
Finalists: Edison Festival of Lights (Fort Myers), Taste of Collier (Naples)
At $7,500 a couple, the price of admission makes the Naples Winter Wine Festival quite an exclusive event, yet it draws attendees from around the world who, year after year, contribute millions of dollars for Collier County’s youth in need. 2008 marked the 70th annual Edison Festival of Lights celebration in honor of inventor and one-time Fort Myers resident, Thomas Edison. The three-week event culminates with the highly anticipated grand parade. The first Sunday in May signals the end of season and honors year-round residents who keep local businesses buzzing at the annual Taste of Collier.

Best Place to Be Seen
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Finalists: Fifth Avenue South (Naples), Philharmonic Center for the Arts (Naples)
A hot spot for the beautiful people is The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, beach hotel, whether dining at its many restaurants, rejuvenating at The Spa, enjoying a cocktail in the Lobby Lounge or a snack by the pool. Fifth Avenue South is the place for an eclectic mix of locals and visitors to see and be seen strolling past its quaint shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Those who enjoy the arts will always find an interesting mix at the Phil. Whether visiting for the symphony, an art exhibit or a touring Broadway show, the crowd is always overflowing with culture.

Best Singles Scene
Fifth Avenue South (Naples)
Finalists: The River District (Downtown Fort Myers), Gulf Coast Town Center (Fort Myers)
Whether you’re looking for a swanky spot to enjoy a martini, an Irish pub with rowdy live music or a nightclub where you can get your groove on, you’ll find all these options and more along Fifth Avenue South. A younger crowd descends on Hendry and Bay streets and the venues along Patio de Leon to mix and mingle in downtown Fort Myers. And no weekend is complete for local singles without a trip to the Ale House, Blu Sushi and Bar Louie at Gulf Coast Town Center.

Best Country Club
Bay Colony Beach Club (Naples)
Finalists: The Port Royal Club (Naples), Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club (Fort Myers)
If you’re lucky enough to call Bay Colony home, you can enjoy the Beach Club’s private beach access, sundeck, chickee bar and air-conditioned lounge. The Port Royal Club also provides residents with beach access, nine tennis courts, fitness facility, personal training and massage therapy. If you don’t live in Gulf Harbour, you may still be in luck. The 30,000-square-foot Yacht & Country Club along the Caloosahatchee River has a few coveted non-resident memberships. Those who get in can enjoy the 8,000-square-foot spa and fitness club plus eight tennis courts, 18-hole championship golf course and a private island beach.

Best Local Power Couple
Jay and Patty Baker (Naples)
Finalists: Joe & JoAnn Catti (Fort Myers), Steve and Lou Pontius (Fort Myers)
In an interview with Gulfshore Life, Jay Baker said, "When you’ve been lucky, you give back to what you believe in." He and wife Patty must believe in this community, as they have generously supported organizations such as the Naples Museum of Art, the Sudgen Community Theatre, the Naples Players and much more. Joe Catti, the president and CEO of FineMark National Bank, spends much of his time serving on boards such as the FGCU Foundation and Lee County Public Schools, while wife JoAnn supports her share of charitable endeavors. Steve and Lou Pontius are also well respected for the good they’ve done for various Lee County organizations, including the American Heart Association, United Way and Boy Scouts.