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Driving to Naples, Florida

Posted on 3/21/26 at 8:24 am
Posted by ItsBernie
Louisiana
Member since May 2019
398 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 8:24 am
I have a work trip and have to drive from Meridian, Ms to Naples, Fl. Are there any places that are must stops? Or restaurants that you just can't pass up?
Posted by BlackenedOut
The Big Sleazy
Member since Feb 2011
6046 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 12:44 pm to
I usually try to make that drive in a hurry however.

In St. Pete’s there is a great Italian grocery/deli/wine shop, called Mazzaros. Ditto in fr Myers but it’s called Mario’s. Both worth a visit. Naples has excellent food options.
Posted by ItsBernie
Louisiana
Member since May 2019
398 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 1:21 pm to
Thanks
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
74136 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 3:16 pm to
Meridian to Naples, FL is 12 hours of driving.

I know you said you “have to” drive to Naples but I’d consider driving to Jackson or B’ham and asking Delta to get me there…



Good luck!
This post was edited on 3/21/26 at 3:28 pm
Posted by ItsBernie
Louisiana
Member since May 2019
398 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 6:04 pm to
quote:

I know you said you “have to” drive to Naples but I’d consider driving to Jackson or B’ham and asking Delta to get me there…


Well I don't think the 20' enclosed trailer is TSA approved. So driving it is!!!
Posted by Dunder Mifflin
Naples, FL
Member since Dec 2009
674 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 7:27 pm to
There’s an Amish community in Sarasota. Yoder’s is not too far from Exit 210 when you’re heading south on I-75. It’s a neat place.

Mazzarro’s is awesome, but you would have to take I-275 to get to St. Pete. It would probably add close to an hour to your trip. Might be worth it to go over the Sunshine Skyway and break up the monotony of the trip. We also really like downtown St. Pete. We live down in Naples area. That’s a long boring drive.
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
74136 posts
Posted on 3/21/26 at 8:33 pm to
quote:

Well I don't think the 20' enclosed trailer is TSA approved.
Ouch!

That’s going to slow you down a bit too. More fuel stops.

Good luck!
Posted by HarrisonTown
Member since Nov 2019
603 posts
Posted on 3/22/26 at 5:04 am to
I live in St. Pete in the wintertime and these days I make the run to N.O. usually just once for Christmastime, but I used to do it 2-3 times a winter.

I used to stop at a place called Perry Lynn's in Quincy, FL not too far outside Tallahassee. Great little bar and smokehouse with good bbq, great people and staff. I haven't been back in 7-8 years because they changed everything up with their menu, and hours, and it didn't work out for me the next time I went. Just checked google reviews and looks like it might be ok now, but can't necessarily recommend. Sure used to be a great stop, maybe I'll give them another chance.

Not sure if you are planning to stay overnight anywhere, but I like Lake City for an overnight every now and again. There is a state park just outside LC with an outdoor rifle and pistol range that's always been a very pleasant experience. I usually go at daybreak and continue on with the trip, and I usually have the place to myself. I haven't been there in a few years either as these days it works better for me to just grind out the trip in one straight shot.
Posted by iwantacooler
Pig Nose Feet
Member since Aug 2017
2737 posts
Posted on 3/22/26 at 7:12 am to
Va Buckeye lives/lived in Naples. He hasn’t posted since September of last year though. Hope the fella is doing alright, I enjoyed his contributions to the travel board.
Posted by Crow Pie
Neuro ICU - Tulane Med Center
Member since Feb 2010
27475 posts
Posted on 3/22/26 at 9:22 am to
Use I-75 as Hwy 41 is a long arse traffic jam
Posted by namvet6566
Member since Oct 2012
7826 posts
Posted on 3/23/26 at 10:44 am to
I lived across the Street from. Mario’s
After Parting Friday night, went add came away with $100 worth of Hangover food
Well worth the stop

I will not drive to F M again, way too long. Boring trip
Posted by BlackenedOut
The Big Sleazy
Member since Feb 2011
6046 posts
Posted on 3/23/26 at 5:50 pm to
Lived down there for a few years pre-Ian on Sanibel. But office was close to Mario’s. Became a very easy habit to get into, Italian deli sandwich, marinated mozz, Bastone, some cheeses, a steak or two, and a lot of bottles of Italian wine. Don’t sleep on the private label wines. Went back over Christmas and remembered why I love that place so much.

OP, this would be at the end of your cannonball run, but Seed To Table outside of Naples also worth a visit.
Posted by ItsBernie
Louisiana
Member since May 2019
398 posts
Posted on 3/27/26 at 8:50 pm to
So last night had dinner at Jimmy P's. The steak with potato au gratin were awesome.

Mario's for lunch today, got the meatball poboy and it was huge and dang good as well. Also got the marinated mozzarella balls, but haven't tried them yet.

Thanks for the recommendations.
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