Michelle Vignari

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“Marco Island, a little bit of Heaven, in the tropical sun … ”

As I recall these words sung by Marco’s own Frankie Ray, playing over my Opa’s car stereo every time we vacationed on the Island, a smile still comes to my face.

Marco truly is a little slice of heaven, for all its inhabitants. However, boasting a median age of 60 years, it’s understandably hard for members of the “up and coming” generations to find their niche among tennis leagues and alumni clubs. Please, bear in mind; I have absolutely no objection to an island in the sun dubbed an exotic retirement locale with a plethora of tourism mixed in. After all, paradise has to be found somewhere.

This is where my quest begins. As a 21-year-old still basking in the glow of proudly whipping out my license and slapping it down on the bar when carded, I find a definite lack of nightlife on the island for my peers and me. Yes, the beach is beautiful, but beyond sunset the beach exhausts itself. Please don’t misconstrue this notion on my part as an attack on the island. I grew up here, and love it in many ways, but there is always room for improvement.

As somewhat of an example of what this island is capable of, I’d like to point out a few of the many restaurants who are changing their atmospheres and what they offer to younger crowds. The Esplanade is an amazing atmosphere to become saturated in, with The Bar’s (formally Star Bar) gorgeous shimmering water views and Guy Harvey’s floating underwater feel; if one has the budget. Marco Walk Plaza must be applauded for its positive aspects of creating Island nightlife. DaVinci’s clears its tile floors of tables and chairs to make way for a dance floor and DJ certain nights. Nacho Mama’s has plenty of outdoor tables and live music on occasion, with a great Margarita special! Captain Brien’s is also gaining popularity among my peers with their Off The Hook Comedy Club and special VIP events. Fat Pelican and Crazy Flamingo are also in the now, converting half of their restaurant space into sushi bars.

If a restaurant is not mentioned above as an example, I mean no harm! The purpose of this column is to evoke a call of action from restaurateurs around the island. Every year Marco is seeing an increase in younger members of its population. Each week I hope to highlight a restaurant or bar on the island that has made that push to draw in those who appreciate the after hours scene. I understand the economy isn’t at its most egregious point right now; this is why I am not calling for a whole new business to be established. However, I am sure with all the creative restaurants and bars already established on the island, hours could be extended if profit is proven to be worthwhile!

So, to every restaurant and/or bar out there on the Island, if you have made significant changes to attract the 21-plus crowds on the island, we want to feature you in our new After Hours column! If you wish to be featured, please e-mail your after hours details to Michelle Vignari at mavignari@marcoeagle.com!

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Michelle has been with the advertising department of the Marco Eagle and Naples Daily News since early 2006. She is currently residing on Marco Island and commuting to Florida Gulf Coast University where she is a marketing major. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis, relaxing on the beach, travelling and spending time with her family and friends.