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26 NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE EVERGLADES PARADISECOAST.COM 1-800-2-ESCAPE ead inland to enjoy a plethora of choices for fun and enlightening entertainment along Florida's Paradise Coast. Catch a Show From dramas to comedies and musicals, come and applaud the award-winning talent of Naples' Gulfshore Playhouse. The thespians at the Naples Players put together over 200 incredible performances each year at the Sugden Community Theatre's Blackburn Hall. Whether you prefer grand opera or intimate chamber melodies, celebrate your love of music at Opera Naples and Artis—Naples, home to the Naples Philharmonic. Spark the Imagination Fascinating, hands-on exhibits and inspiring activities designed for the young (as well as the young at heart) are waiting to be explored at the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center. For more nature- inspired amusements, visit the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens or the Naples Botanical Garden. Appreciate Art Located on the Artis— Naples cultural campus is the Baker Museum, with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art in its 15 galleries and glass-domed conservatory. Marvel at the stark and sprawling, black-and-white images by famed photographer Clyde Butcher on display at the Big Cypress Gallery in the Everglades. Swing into the United Arts Council Arts- Mart to view local art for sale and gather information about upcoming events. Celebrate History Florida offers ample opportunities to learn and experience its heritage. Through the use of lifelike exhibits and an astounding display of rare artifacts, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum highlights the Seminole culture. Sprinkled along Florida's Paradise Coast are the Collier County Museum, Naples Depot Museum, Marco Island Historical Museum, Museum of the Everglades and the Immokalee Pioneer Museum, all with educational treasures just waiting to be discovered. Explore Nature For an up-close encounter, board the Shark Valley Tram, where a National Park-trained naturalist will lead the way to adventure through Everglades National Park. At charming Pepper Ranch Preserve in Immokalee, horseback riding trails and tent camping sites are accessible at certain times throughout the year. From the starting point of the Ave Maria Town Center, you can head out on an exhilarating safari with Orange Jeep Tours in search of American alligators, white-tailed deer and Florida redbelly turtles. Enjoy Vantastic Tours' narration of all the wonders of the Everglades in air-conditioned comfort or roam through forests of bald cypress with the experts at Everglades Area Tours. Cool Off Collier County Parks & Recreation has the perfect solution for landlubbers in search of a refreshing escape. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon will delight the entire family with its coves, falls, fountains, slides and Sunny's River. Or take the plunge in local activity pools for children at the Golden Gate Aquatic Center in Naples and the Immokalee Sports Complex. Little ones can chill out at the Naples splash facilities in Eagle Lakes Community Park or Vineyards Community Park. ON LAND H

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