The Naples, Marco Island and Everglades region is sometimes called Florida’s Paradise Coast, and to me, a vibrant arts scene is just that – Paradise.

So in addition to the beautiful beaches that feed the soul, November brings a cultural extravaganza with the 4th annual Celebrate the Arts Month.

More than 125 activities are detailed on the website, www.celebratethearts.org. The monthlong series of events is highlighted by dance and musical performances, theater and art shows.

At the Museum of the Everglades, an interesting exhibit by photographer Angie Chestnut captures the pristine scenery of the Big Cypress National Preserve, plus the bays and estuaries lining Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast. “The Ever-Changing Everglades” runs through November.

The Naples Botanical Garden gets into the action on Nov. 14 with a showcase of cultivated gardens from around Latin America and the Caribbean. “Gardens with Latitude” represents the plants and cultures of regions between 26 degrees north and south, including parts of Latin America and the Caribbean. You'll find 90 acres of beautifully restored natural Florida habitat here, too.

Arts, culture and nature. That's just the ticket for my type of Florida experience!