What’s Next? Estia, Oysters & Fireworks on the Beach 🦪🔥🌊

Hey There,

Hey there,

What do you do when your vacation ends, your inbox explodes, and you’ve been dreaming about grilled octopus for a week straight?

You start planning your next meals. Obviously.

As we wrap up our family trip to Puerto Rico (sun-soaked and mildly chaotic, thanks to my adorable travel companions), I’ve been sketching out my “where to eat next” list for when I get back to SWFL. Here's what’s topping the list so far:

1. Estia – finally

2. Blackbird (yes, again)

3. NNCC for my usual

4. Tableside – I’ve heard things

5. Anywhere that doesn’t close before I get there

But I want to know where you think I should go. I’m an adventurous eater and I’m up for most challenges! Vote in the poll below and help me crowdsource the next review.

This issue has it all: a brand new review of Seventh South Waterfront (Korean chicken sandwich? Yes.), the 4th of July event guide, a sea turtle + beer win-win, and a hot dog eating contest you truly need to read to believe.

Let’s get into it👇

– Carolyn

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REVIEW: SEVENTH SOUTH WATERFRONT

Seventh South has swapped its original downtown address for a waterfront perch on Bayshore Drive — in the former home of Three60 Market. I’ll always love what Three60 was (easy boat-up lunches and so close to where Manny proposed 😌), but what’s moved in feels like a thoughtful evolution.

The new space is clean, simple, and unpretentious — no shelves of wine or café chaos. Just a fresh, no-fuss room with a minimal, confident menu to match. Yes, the roasted oysters made the cut. No, there’s no fluff.

I went with two of my favorite mom friends — the kind you can laugh with about everything and nothing — and we showed up in full athleisure with zero regrets. The vibe is relaxed but polished, and our leggings-and-sneakers energy fit right in at lunchtime.

We sat in the central indoor area, which now feels noticeably more open than it did under Three60. And it still offers that same trio of great seating options: inside, the front porch, and the shaded patio out back.

We ordered a little of everything. Jacqueline’s poke bowl was the clear winner — bright, spicy, super fresh. I went for the Korean chicken sandwich, which was excellent but definitely on the heavier side for lunch. Still, no regrets. Service was prompt and genuinely friendly, and all three of us left happy.

The menu is short — for now — but that doesn’t scare me. I’d rather see a tight list that delivers than a bloated one full of filler. My guess? It’ll expand. But what’s already there works.

I’m sentimental about the location — it’s a meaningful spot for me — but the new Seventh South doesn’t rely on nostalgia. It’s doing its own thing. And it’s doing it well.

The Essentials: 🌊 The Weekend Wave

From parades to pyrotechnics—this year’s 4th of July schedule is officially 🔥

1. 🐢 Adopt a Sea Turtle Nest + Get 20% Off at Ankrolab
Dates: July 1–31, 2025
Location: Ankrolab Brewing Co. + Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Details: Adopt a sea turtle nest through Rookery Bay—either in person at the Learning Center or online at rookerybay.org/make-a-difference—and you’ll receive a one-time 20% discount at Ankrolab Brewing Company.
Why I’d go: Because it’s two of my favorite things rolled into one: supporting a local brewery I love and conservation work that matters. Sea turtles win. You win. Your beer tastes better.

2. 🌭 Buffalo Chips 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Buffalo Chips Restaurant, Bonita Springs
Details: This one’s a local legend. $5 gets you a seat in the competition (and all the hot dogs you can stomach). It’s messy, rowdy, and extremely entertaining.
Why I’d go: Because where else are you going to see a group of people in red, white, and blue bandanas chase eternal glory through sheer sodium intake?

3. 🎆 Naples 4th of July Fireworks at the Pier
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Naples Pier
Details: One of the biggest shows in Southwest Florida—watch the fireworks light up the Gulf with your toes in the sand. Get there early, parking fills up fast.
Why I’d go: Because beach fireworks never get old, and our City Counsel is still recovering from the “Grinch Award.” Bring snacks, friends, and a little patience.

4. 📚 Collier Headquarters Library 4th of July Celebration
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Collier Headquarters Library
Details: A family-friendly celebration with crafts, games, and patriotic fun for all ages.
Why I’d go: Because it’s a great way to kick off the holiday weekend with the kids—and you’ll leave with glitter somewhere on your body.

5. 🏃 Naples Firecracker 5K by Gulf Coast Runners
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Location: Fleischmann Park, Naples
Details: Celebrate the Fourth by running through downtown in your most patriotic gear. Walkers welcome.
Why I’d go: Because nothing says “freedom” like sweating through an American flag tank top (or…watching others do so with a coffee in hand) before breakfast.

For more 4th of July fireworks ideas, check out the last issue and subscribe!

Reader Challenge: Your Results, Your Feedback…

First of all….this is one of the most successful newsletters to ever launch!!!!!

The open rate is insane. Participation is incredible. Thank you for letting me know that you still know who the “real voice” is!

My opinion? I’m an old-school, Bayside girl. But, I’m excited for anything new in Naples!

YOUR RESULTS:

🤝 I have the best readers (Obviously.)

I may be new to the scene—but I’m not shy. We have had a phenomenal response and I’m excited for everything to come!

If you’re a local business, event organizer, chef, artist, or just someone doing something cool in Naples, I’d love to hear from you.

Interested in partnering, collaborating, or getting featured? (Have an event coming up?)
Shoot me a note: [email protected]

Let’s make something great together.