Cigar Excitement in Naples, Florida

Lazy days on the beach. 

After a long winter in Breckenridge, dealing with tons of tourists, I went to Naples, FL to relax and unwind. Excitement is something usually not on the agenda. Sitting with my toes in the sand, working on my pale skin tan, with a cold beer in my hand is about as upbeat as I like things to get. 

It was to my great surprise that I actually found a bit of excitement. I discovered a fine cigar shop called Marcus Daniel Tobacconist totally by surprise when my family and I parked directly across the street while taking the kids to a big park in the middle of downtown. My heart rate pumped up a few beats. 

I’m kinda new to the cigar smoking game, having smoked only a few in the last few years. My father, like many of his generation, was known to smoke cigars along with his brothers and group of friends. It was always in the back of my mind to pick up a habit that is generally accepted to be unhealthy in today’s day and age. I’m very much a fitness nut. Although cigar smoking has become a sort of cool thing to do, growing in popularity quite a bit in recent years, it still is maybe an odd line of thinking to want to develop this habit. But hey, I’ve never done the ordinary thing. 

Earlier on that same day, I borrowed the car, seeking out a particular cigar lounge on the outskirts of town, only to realize that particular store did not open til maybe 2pm, and I was there at 1230. A number of other errands were on my list that afternoon, but I was thwarted at every turn. Oh well, I thought, today was not my day. 

Later, we had a very nice dinner at a favorite spot, and the family wanted to hit up a tourist souvenir area known as Tin City. We did, the kids bought some goofy gifts and t-shirts, a typical family activity on the last day of vacation. Realizing we had some daylight to spare, one of the youngsters suggested we hit Cambier Park and fool around on the jungle gyms and kiddle ninja obstacle courses. Much to my surprise, while parking the car, a few of us immediately spotted this Marcus Daniel cigar shop, with big signs, in the fading sunset light. Excitement overtook me as I promised the family I’d meet them in a few minutes. 

I spent some time in the very classy cigar shop, purchasing two, and perusing the inventory. Taxes on all tobacco and nicotine in my hometown are an astonishing 80% (the local Colorado governments are attempting to combat youth nicotine usage by slapping exorbitant taxes on all nicotine products), but in Florida, a very low local only tax rate is placed on “specialty” cigars. I knew this about FL, so proceeded to buy a few to take home. Excitement. I love saving a few bucks.

Totally awesome custom cigar maker and shop

 

This is not a cigar review article by any means, or even to highlight a pleasant shop. This is all about finding surprises while traveling when you least expect it. I was frustrated by everything that happened earlier in the day, and knowing I was leaving tomorrow, I chalked it up to just bad luck and really not a big deal at all. But imagine getting thrown a lob softball pitch when not paying attention, simply to have one little thing make you realize that vacations are all about enjoying yourself, relaxing, and accepting pleasant surprises when they come your way. 

You never know what might be around the corner, and you certainly never know when a day might be your last. I’m trying to teach myself this more every day, as long time friends pass away, I learn the hard way. Travel is mine and yours for the taking, you just have to do it (sometimes making hard choices) and embrace it. I’m glad I booked this trip to see my Mom, and be surprised by the excitement of travel once again. 

With my wonderful family.