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
Andrea Melendez
Labor of love
Bob and Cindy Koenig crafted their own slice of oak-shaded, river-view paradise along the Caloosahatchee. Read more
Andrea Melendez Andrea Melendez/The News-Press/U
Reinventing women
As executive director of Dress for Success SW Florida, Nickole Hendra helps vulnerable women start over and build financial independence. Read more
Srijita Chattopadhyay
A home to love
Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest’s Brooke and Patrick Denson designed their home to be a place they love to live in and love to entertain in. 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
Stephen Hayford
Hit refresh on your home
Local design professionals offer simple ways to give your home new lift. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mary Elizabeth Bowden: Musical powerhouse
Trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden raises up female brass players. 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