Take to the waters surrounding Marco Island aboard the Dolphin Explorer, where sightseeing becomes part of an ongoing study of Southwest Florida’s wild bottlenose dolphins. Michelle Valentine joins the research team to observe dolphins in their natural habitat, learning how individual animals are identified by their dorsal fins and how researchers track their behaviors, relationships and movements through the Ten Thousand Islands.

Dolphin Explorer
951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, Florida 34145
(239) 642-6899

Discover the working waterfront of Goodland at Kirk Fish Company, a family-run fish house with roots in Southwest Florida’s commercial fishing community dating back generations. Michelle Valentine gets an up-close look at the region’s stone crab tradition, learning how this prized local catch makes its journey from the waters of the Gulf to tables throughout Florida’s Paradise Coast.

Kirk Fish Company
417 Papaya Street, Goodland, Florida 34140
(239) 394-8616

Experience classic beachfront dining at The Turtle Club, where coastal cuisine and Gulf views capture the relaxed elegance of Naples. Michelle Valentine dives into one of Southwest Florida’s signature seafood traditions with a hands-on stone crab experience, celebrating the fresh flavors and playful spirit of dining along Florida’s Paradise Coast.

The Turtle Club
9225 Gulf Shore Drive North, Naples, Florida 34108
(239) 592-6557

Stroll through the charming streets of historic Old Naples and discover the stories behind one of Southwest Florida’s most distinctive communities. Michelle Valentine explores historic cottages, landmarks and neighborhoods while learning about the pioneers, entrepreneurs and visionaries who helped transform Naples from a small Gulf Coast settlement into the destination visitors know today.

Old Naples Walking Tours
Meeting location: Rodgers Park Gazebo, 1106 Third Street South, Naples, Florida 34102
(239) 777-4357

Journey through thousands of years of Marco Island history at the Marco Island Historical Museum, where exhibits bring the region’s remarkable past to life. Michelle Valentine explores stories of the ancient Calusa, early pioneers and the development of modern Marco Island while discovering the people and cultures that shaped this unique Gulf Coast community.

Marco Island Historical Museum
180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, Florida 34145
(239) 389-6447

Step into the wild beauty of Southwest Florida at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, home to the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Michelle Valentine ventures beyond the boardwalk for an unforgettable journey into the wetlands, discovering the plants, wildlife and delicate ecosystem that make this protected landscape such an extraordinary part of Florida’s Paradise Coast.

Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Road, Naples, Florida 34120
(239) 348-9151