With Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts on every corner, finding a great craft coffee shop can feel like a treasure hunt. Here are some of the local faves:

Dare I say, Downtown Coffee & Wine Bar helped put the historic Downtown Bonita Springs back on the map, and has become a staple in the community. They serve up craft coffee and tea beverages along with scrumptious small plates. My faves are their Matcha Latte, Hummus Plate, and Smoked Salmon Bagel. They also have a rotating wine selection.

Dubbed “The Organic General Store”, Food & Thought is a one-of-a-kind grocer offering organic produce & food products, herbal supplements and a juice bar. The original location sits on Tamiami Trail N alongside their sustainable clothing store. And their newest location, Food & Thoughts 2, on Airport Pulling, comes along with their full-service restaurant.

What started as a passion project for owner, Danielle, has blossomed into a unique business in Bonita Springs. Hidden Gem Boutique offers a carefully curated collection of vintage and bohemian furniture and decor. And most items are sourced locally, in and around south Florida! The store has limited hours, but you can also shop online.

Smiling Dog Bakery is an all-natural pet store on Tamiami Trail in Naples. They offer a selection of top-quality dog food brands, as well as their own, homemade dog treats. I can attest that the pups absolutely love them! And if you really want to spoil your furry friend, Smiling Dog Bakery also does doggie birthday cakes and cookies!

Pepper Street Studio is a Naples-based organic handmade candle and scent shop. Owner, Brandi Wellington, offers a variety of products, including diffusers and sprays, and also hosts Make-Your-Own-Candle classes in her studio in North Naples.

A tasty new business has sprouted in Naples. Stropharia Mushroom Farm grows a variety of organic gourmet mushrooms, and also sells medicinal mushroom extracts. You can find their high quality products at the Pine Ridge farmers market, or at their storefront on Jaeger Rd.

As weather cools down, farmer’s markets in the Naples area are heating up. Here are some to check out.

If you are a plant parent like me, then it’s hard to pass by any nursery without stopping in for “just a look around”... and then leave with more plant babies to add to your family. Here are a few of my fave local plant nurseries.