Started in 2002 by Tom Monaghan (founder of Domino’s Pizza) and Barron Collier Companies, as a Catholic university and community, Ave Maria is a unique town east of Naples. My first time riding through the town, it seemed like I was in a Hollywood set. All brand new buildings and houses with nobody but a couple of tourists (I guess you could count me as one) around.

Since then, the university, church, and more businesses have opened. The Bean of Ave Maria is a favorite place for the students and is very welcoming of visitors and bikers.

For the best effect, Ave Maria should be approached from the north. Starting from the Ft. Myers area, ride straight out Alico Road which will bring you to Corkscrew Road. Starting from the Naples area a good place to depart from is the North Naples Country Club is a biker friendly establishment found, quite conveniently, in North Naples on Highway 41 and 101st Ave North. make your way up Livingston Road, Imperial Road, Three Oaks Parkway to Corkscrew Road.

On Corkscrew, head east to State Road 82 and ride to Immokalee. In Immokalee, make a right on 1st Street to exit the town. You will be passing the Seminole Casino on your way. Once you are south of Immokalee, you should be able to see the roof of the church just off to your right. 3.0 miles from your turn onto 1st Street, you will make a left on Camp Keais Road. 2.7 miles further, make a right on Pope John Paul II Boulevard.

Pope John Paul II Boulevard takes you a mile before you arrive at the town square. It’s actually called Annunciation Circle. The circle surrounds the church and provides excellent views from all angles.

Exiting to the south on Ave Maria Boulevard brings you to Oil Well Road. Making a right takes you west to a T at Immokalee Road. Left on Immokalee Road brings you into Naples. Riders from the north can take I-75 or Livingston Road to avoid the heavy Naples traffic.