Ahead of the Curve
Shellie Benson
Let's face it: emergencies happen. You break a heel, a nail or a seam a few hours before a gala, and you’re out of luck. What do you do when all the doctors are on the golf course when you need some antibiotics, and all the chefs have hung up their toques when your cravings come up with the moon? We set out to find the services you might need in your most critical hour. Here are the ones that will bail you out.

1. Beauty crisis
Need a mani, pedi or highlights stat? If you call the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, early enough on Sunday morning, chances are you can be seen the same day—and as late as 8 p.m. (239-598-3300). Mahalo Salon and Spa in Bonita Springs is also open seven days a week and will accommodate off-hours requests (239-947-5900), as will Essence of Nails in north Naples’ Vanderbilt Galleria (239-596-9198).

2. A time to chill
The workday may end at 5 p.m., but stress knows no schedule. When that tension headache grows into a tension all-over ache, walk-in appointments are available at Massage Envy in Naples (239-325-3689) until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and weekend hours are available. A second location is planned for Estero.

3. Late-night nibbles
Maybe you had a late lunch, or maybe you worked up an appetite on the dance floor; whatever the case, you need some sustenance. When many restaurants claim, "the kitchen’s closed," some eateries cater to the later-night crowd. Handsome Harry’s on Naples’ Third Street South keeps things cooking until 11 p.m. (239-434-6400). In downtown Fort Myers, small plates are served until midnight at H2 (239-226-1687).

4. Doctors on call
What you might pay for in upfront fees ($3,000–$5,000 annually) you can save in piece of mind. By signing up for concierge services, you are assured direct access to a physician, longer office visits and house calls when appropriate, says Kathleen Carlton, practice manager for Dr. John Pierre van Dongen (239-643-7888). For drop-in care, Advanced Medical Center in Naples (239-566-7676), with its in-house pharmacy, is open daily—including weekday evenings.

5. Pets in peril
Were you awakened by Fido’s pained howling in the night? Luckily for your furry dependents, two clinics are open overnight and on weekends and holidays. The Emergency Veterinary Clinic covers Fort Myers (239-939-5542) with an intensive care unit, surgery wing, lab and pharmacy; and Emergency Pet Hospital in Naples (239-263-8010) keeps Collier pets healthy.

6. Steppin’ out
Are you heartbroken about that busted heel on your favorite pair of pumps you were going to wear on that first date? We know how you feel. Pick up the pieces and take them to E & J Shoe Repair in Naples (239-732-5602) to get them to good-as-new condition by tomorrow. And Morreale Shoe Repair in Fort Myers (239-939-7991) offers same-day, while-you-wait service.

7. Get fitted
You really shouldn’t have waited until the last minute to find that outfit—you know, the one that almost fits perfectly. If you need it tonight, slip into Fashions & Alterations by Charles in Naples (239-261-3690), which is open daily and will rush alterations for an extra fee: $20 same day, $10 next day, $5 for less than five days. And you can get walk-in service at Express Alterations in Fort Myers (239-275-4440); off-hours appointments are available, too (tip: Call before you go).