Cathy Chestnut has been a professional writer and editor for 25 years. She enjoys exploring the people and places that make Southwest Florida uniquely sublime. She lives in her hometown of Fort Myers with her husband and their two sons, taking every opportunity to explore the region’s environment, garden, and play with their dog, Spot.
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Cathy Chestnut
Stephen Hayford
Hit refresh on your home
Local design professionals offer simple ways to give your home new lift. Read more
Logan Newell
Guiding students to the future
Amanda Sterk helps parents, counselors and high school seniors unravel the academic maze to career and college readiness. Read more
Brian Tietz
An artful perch
Step inside the home of John Stefani and Sharon McAllister, executive director of ArtFest Fort Myers, curated with art from here and around world. Read more
2018 Grandeur Gift Guide
If you are still pondering that just-right surprise on your holiday shopping list, we have some suggestions for that special someone, from over-the-top to sweetly simple. It’s never too late to turn a holiday wish list into a “bliss list.” Read more
Nuturing hope: James Wineinger helps Hope Clubhouse grow
As the executive director of Hope Clubhouse, but James' has launched new, innovative programs and raise the profile of the nonprofit. Read more
Chris Tilley
Naples home is exquisite inside and out
Wilbert and Peggy Hamstra place as much attention to the outdoor details of their Vista Point Estate as the beautiful interior Read more
Amanda Inscore/The News-Press
A labor of yum: Duo finds success thanks to farm-fresh produce
Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura have created a community while feeding the local economy through popular farmers markets. Read more
Srijita Chattopadhyay
Naples couple starts over one last time in pursuit of dream home
Quail West residents David and Connie Derry create their ultimate retirement home. Read more
Dorothy Edwards/Naples Daily New
Novelist empowers teens to find their inner uniqueness
Marco Island novelist empowers teens to find their inner uniqueness. Read more
Amanda Inscore Amanda Inscore/The News-Press
Brian Lee: The invisible man
Behind the silver screen, Brian Lee is content being a household voice. Read more
Dorothy Edwards/Naples Daily New
Carolann Sanita: In the midst of Broadway
Carolann Sanita shares her international stage experience with local audiences, performing arts groups and budding Southwest Florida talent. Read more
Mary Elizabeth Bowden: Musical powerhouse
Trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden raises up female brass players. Read more
Amanda Inscore Amanda Inscore/The News-Press
Bill Taylor: Theater magic
Bill Taylor reflects on 25 years of expanding cultural boundaries for regional audiences. Read more
Madeline Sugerman: A waxing medium
Naples Art Association teacher Madeline Sugerman launched a Southwest Florida chapter of International Encaustic Artists to promote this timeless art form. Read more
Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/USA Today
Jade Dellinger: Collaborating through time and space
Jade Dellinger is bringing a renewed relevancy and retrospective understanding of Rauschenberg’s place in the local and global community. Read more
Dorothy Edwards
A space in time
Paul and Eileen Arsenault’s century-old oasis in the heart of Old Naples has served as a comfortable, artistic retreat Read more
Olivia Vanni
Kiki's in harmony with owner Tim Kling
The 5-year-old terrier mix dons fanciful outfits and collars, topped with a wiry curl of locks on the top of her black-and-white head. Read more
Taking back Southwest Florida
‘Tis the season for exploring Southwest Florida gems — on our time Read more
Luke Franke/Naples Daily News
Naples couple takes business from seed to boutique
Henk and Jackie Morelisse focus on rainforest sustainability, eco-adventures and custom teak furnishings. Read more
Katie Klann
Dogs Love Kale owners' dogs get all the treats
Four years ago, Paula Savarese and Dawn Ward created Dogs Love Kale company with help of their three dogs. Read more