18 Oct, 2009
Romantic Naples California, Perfect with a Glass of Wine
Posted by: Beach Reporter In: beaches| california| dining| events
Naples, California–Located along the man-made bays and canals of Long Beach is a romantic place where gondoliers daily stop under bridges and linger, allowing their passengers to kiss, hear a song sometimes, and even sip a glass of wine. Naples is one of California’s most romantic places, and though it is primarily a residential community in the city of Long Beach, it’s scenic bays & bridges, streets and canals remind you of some far away Italian vacation. Names such Corso di Napoli, Neopolitan Way, The Collonade Canal, Via di Roma Walk, The Sicilian Walk and The Toledo, are small roads, often passing over bridges, down one way streets, or circling the lush green park that surrounds the centerpiece Italian fountain at Naples Plaza.
Start your stroll by parking your car and taking your lover to the fountain for a moment of reflection. After you’ve shared a hug and bright, splashing noise of the water, you can stroll along the sidewalks that line the canals. Stop to pick up a bottle of premier wine at Morrey’s of Naples on 2nd Street, then head in your car for the other side of the bay where your gondola awaits for a romantic ride. Sunset is a perfect time to take a ride, but anytime is great. For romance, evenings always offer more discretion.
We asked our favorite gondoliers what type of things they seen during their careers in Naples and the answer was…”you just never know.”
After you finish your romantic cruise, there are many great Italian restaurants along 2nd Street in Naples and Belmont Shore. Domenico’s, Bono’s, Buona Gente, Caffe Gazelle, La Strada and Papaluccis, all offer Italian cuisine. Many areas of Long Beach serve outrageously delicious Italian faire, and one of our favorite’s is Nino’s family-style Italian dining in Bixby Knolls.
Naples was first built as an attraction to capture the hearts of those with money to invest in this new California that blossomed during the early 20th century. A huge hotel and the train ride directly to Naples that once existed are gone. How different the place would be if tourist accommodations and transportation had been retained! It’s charms have not completely been lost, and for a date, it is one of those captivating corners of Los Angeles that you could share with a special date.
For early holiday planning, the Naples Boat Parade will be held this year on Saturday, December 19, 2009. The gondoliers don’t offer rides on that night, however.
