As the saying goes, “everybody’s working toward the weekend.”

So, now it’s a Saturday morning, at the end of another long week, and what do you do? For most people, the average weekend consists of catching up on chores, paying bills, and relaxing. But in Naples – the opportunities are endless. Between the fabulous beaches, unbeatable night life, and countless restaurants and activities, Naples is the Southwest Florida hub for all things fun for the weekend. Here are some of the city’s most desirable and exciting hotspots:

The Inn on Fifth

This gorgeous, Mediterranean-style inn tucked cozily in the heart of downtown Naples is the perfect place for a romantic getaway that is still only minutes from your home. The fabulous location also puts it

Water – the most abundant resource on the planet. We take it for granted. It keeps us healthy, cleans our food, clothes, and our bodies.

In Africa it is said, "Water is life". However, in Africa many people have little access to clean water. They have to walk miles to a community well. Often, the water is tainted and unclean. And unclean water can lead to sickness, infections, blindness and even death. In Africa alone, 345 million people lack access to safe water (http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/). That represents the entire population of the US. Imagine not being able to provide clean water for your family.

At Equity Realty, we have partnered with World Vision to combat the inequity in Africa. The irony is there is plenty of

Water – the most abundant resource on the planet. We take it for granted. It keeps us healthy, cleans our food, clothes, and our bodies.

In Africa it is said, "Water is life". However, in Africa many people have little access to clean water. They have to walk miles to a community well. Often, the water is tainted and unclean. And unclean water can lead to sickness, infections, blindness and even death. In Africa alone, 345 million people lack access to safe water (http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/). That represents the entire population of the US. Imagine not being able to provide clean water for your family.

At Equity Realty, we have partnered with World Vision to combat the inequity in Africa. The irony is there is plenty of

Mark your calendars - the beautiful community of Maple Ridge at Ave Maria in Naples is adding a new series of model homes to its ranks in a special event this weekend, November 23-24. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the debut of the 8 new homes will be evenly split between each day. 

The models are all part of the stunning Captiva Garden Collection, a series of five floor plans – including the Almanor, Bristol, Caples, and Danby. The interiors of these homes were carefully crafted and designed by Kelly Young Designs, and include sports courts as well as rock-wall swimming pools.

The Almanor, a 2,569 square foot residence, comes with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a gorgeous eat-in kitchen, and a spacious great room that is perfect for

With our northern neighbors currently braving severe snow storms and below-freezing temperatures, Naples residents have been warned that the area is at risk of a “sun-in.”

The local forecast calls for days upon days of bright sun, tropical temperatures, and gentle breezes – in other words, the usual. As opposed to a “snow-in,” where residents are urged to stay indoors and away from the cold, Southwest Florida citizens have been asked to prepare for the “sun-in” by stocking up on hot dogs, barbecue equipment, bathing suits, mojitos, sunscreen, and watermelon.

Experts agree that the best course of action for the sun-in is to quickly and efficiently evacuate to Naples’ famous beaches. In order to get the most out of this dangerously relaxing and

Paseo, the 8-time consecutive winner of the Community of the Year award, has begun to construct a new building of townhomes that will be the 9th in the community. A 10th is slated to be built starting at the end of 2013. 

This new building will house six luxury units that each boast breathtaking lakefront views, and are priced starting at the low $200s. The units are offered on multiple floor plans, each coming with front porches or balconies that are perfect for enjoying the warm Southwest Florida climate, and the design places the garages in the rear so residents have immediate access to their front doors from the sidewalks.

Next to one of Paseo’s lakefront parks are is the new townhome building, giving residents fantastic views of the water, as

They’re like furry extensions of family, and we treat them as such – between taking professional photos, going on grooming weekends, and feeding delectable foods, our pets are certainly a part of our lives. 

You put a lot of work into keeping your home safe for your family, and doing the same for your pets is important too. But there are many more considerations to take care of when you’re pet-proofing your home. Besides making sure your smoke detectors are working, your locks are functional, and no chemicals are leaking into your home, you now need to look at the process from a four-legged perspective. Here are some tips for keeping your little loved ones as safe and happy as possible:

• Choking hazards aren’t just for kids

All

In sunny Naples, there isn’t too much of a winter season – but that doesn’t mean you can let your home’s curb appeal slack off when the days get shorter. 

It can be easy to put off doing exterior maintenance once the cold weather kicks in, but it’s still something that needs to be done. There are countless ways to keep your home in tip-top shape during the chillier months, and still give it a winter flair that fits the holiday season. Here’s what you can do:

• Fresh coats of paint

The leaves on the trees are starting to thin out as the temperature goes down, and that means any imperfections of your home’s exterior are going to be magnified. Chips and cracks in the paint will stand out, so take an afternoon to do some touch-ups and your