Located in eastern Collier County between Golden Gate Estates and Immokalee, is the university town of Ave Maria. The town was founded by Dominos Pizza founder Tom Monaghan in 2005. This is one of the newest areas in collier county, and what it lacks in history it makes up for in amazing architecture.
At the center of Ave Maria you will find the mediteranean revival town center which lines Annunciation Cir.
Around the plaza, pristine streets are lined with small shops in the town center along with a Publix supermarket. Radiating out from this nucleus to the west you will find the Ave Maria University, a lively catholic university offering a classical liberal arts curriculum.
In the center of the circle is the grand Ave Maria Oratory Cathedral. This is an architectural wonder and is one of the great cathedrals.
On the façade of the Ave Maria Oratory Church building is a 30-foot high Annunciation sculpture depicting the Archangel Gabriel greeting Mary with the words “Ave Marie”. This modern Roman Catholic Church has a steel structure and features many gold statues.
Dining Out in Ave Maria
Scattered around the central Annunciation Circle in Ave Maria Town Center you will find a number of restaurants, and cafes including the Pub & Grill of Ave Maria, Avecado’s, Tropical Smoothie, Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant, and Teriyaki Madness.
The Bean of Ave Maria is popular with both residents and students from the university.
For a healthy lunch, order the smoothie/sandwich combo at the Tropical Smoothie Café. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try The Pub and Grille at Ave Maria, which has a friendly atmosphere, excellent ratings and is open 7 days a week.
Golf
In Ave Maria you will find two golf courses, the Panther Run Golf Club and the National Golf Club at Ave Maria.