From the Editor

Best way to sail into the sunset: On the 80-foot schooner Lady Stirling, which cruises Naples Bay and the Gulf.

Best small-town flashback: Sanibel Island’s Dairy Queen, where everyone knows your name—and your favorite Blizzard flavor.

Best new place to take kids: Estero Community Park, with great playground equipment plus plenty of space for parties and picnics.

Best ride: Robin Cook’s vintage convertible Rolls-Royce Phantom (and if the top’s down, you might spy a few copies of his best sellers on the passenger seat).

Best restoration: The ongoing work to turn Fort Myers’ historic post office into the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (watch for an unveiling in November).

Best place to relax with friends: The wine room at Naples Tomato. What comfy couches!

Best Asian food with a kick: P.F. Chang’s. Even the salads are piquant.

Best comeback: Bob Seger of Naples, who emerged after 18 years with a new album to win over old fans and convert a new generation to that old-time rock ’n’ roll.

Best Sunday lunch/people-watching spot: An outdoor table at Handsome Harry’s on Third Street.

Best place to buy cheese: Wild Oats in Naples, with selections from 20 countries and an olive bar to go along with them.

Best scenic drive: Estero Boulevard from Lovers Key to Fort Myers Beach.

Best authentic Mexican cuisine in Naples: The Taqueria San Julian on Bayshore, where Mexicans go for homemade seafood soup and tacos.

Best new road: Treeline Avenue, giving those from points south a quicker route to Southwest Florida Airport.

Best Mercedes and BMW mechanic: Auto Europa (Naples), where the people are helpful, reasonable and not the least bit patronizing.

Best place for a quick, delicious deli sandwich: Giovanni’s Little Italian Market & Deli on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.

Best local bar, downtown Naples: Old Naples Pub. It’s like an English pub without the warm beer. Friendly, nice courtyard, good pub food.

Best view from a nightspot: Sky Bar in downtown Fort Myers, which offers an open sky above the Caloosahatchee.

Best band: Heather Brooks Band. Soulful, fun and the hottest around.

Best place to catch a sunset: Captiva Beach across from ’Tween Waters Inn.

Best Cuban food this side of Havana: 10th Street Cafeteria in Naples, which has all the charm of a Caribbean café.

Best dance class: Hip hop at NCH’s Wellness Center North. Wednesday nights with Tracy Wildenhaus will make you think you’re in an MTV music video.

Best place for a cozy meal: Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro.

Best arts event: Alliance for the Arts’ Art Royale.

Best-looking bar/lounge: Aura at Naples Grande Resort, with its modern yet cozy feel.

Best welcome at a French restaurant: Escargot 41 in Naples, where the owner comes to each table to make sure you’re having a grand time of it.