USA 2006

Tampa & Naples

Driving distance: approx. 165 mi / 265 km

We set off around 9:30 a.m. and stop for a swim at Long Boat Key Beach. The drive there takes us over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge—one of Florida’s iconic elevated highways built on stilts.

We arrive in Sarasota around noon and visit the Classic Car Museum (USD 8.50).
Among other things, the original Beatles Bentley is on display there.
In an adjoining room, there are other cars with no barriers and unlocked. So we sat in the Porsches and Ferraris, but apparently that wasn’t allowed, and we were asked to stop.

Also located in Sarasota is the Ringling Estate — a residential palace, art museum, and circus museum all in one.

Only Vinzent goes to check it out, while the others drive around to see the area (elegant and very spacious homes with waterfront properties). Vinzent was completely thrilled by the museum, and in hindsight, I have to say that it might have been quite interesting for me as well.

Around 3:00 PM, we’ll head to Naples and arrive at our hotel—the DoubleTree Guest Inn Hotel Naples—around 5:15 PM.

We’ll freshen up a bit and drive into downtown Naples around 6:30 PM.

5th Avenue: First-class shopping and dining district in Naples
Sunset
Cruising through first-class residential neighborhoods

Afterward, we head out for dinner (Watermark Grill – steak, seafood, pasta).