Charlotte Harbor Highlights
Charlotte County, Florida
Charlotte Harbor sunset by Thomas Routzong
Charlotte Harbor Highlights
Charlotte County, Florida
One of Florida's best kept secrets - the beautiful and unique Charlotte Harbor
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong
Located between the bustling, touristy beaches of Fort Myers and Sarasota, more and more savvy travelers are discovering one of Florida's best kept secrets - the beautiful and unique Charlotte Harbor.
Charlotte Harbor has been called one of the "10 Greatest Places to Sail" but it's about more than just sailing. Charlotte Harbor offers fine dining, nature adventures, hundreds of miles of Blueways trails, five National Wildllife Refuges, prime birding opportunities, golfing, fishing, beaches, unique shopping, a thriving arts community and some of Florida's most creative and enjoyable festivals.
Not only are LGBT travelers welcome, but according to the Urban Institute Factsheet from the Office of Public Affairs, Punta Gorda has the highest concentration of same-sex, coupled seniors in the U.S.A.!
“Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands embraces and welcomes travelers and families of every lifestyle. The community is gay-friendly and the destination makes the perfect getaway for those who enjoy dining in our eclectic collection of restaurants, connecting with nature, participating in a weekend festival or just seeking a low-key vacation to reconnect with what’s important in life,” Jennifer Huber, the Tourism Public Relations Manager for the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau told us.
We have spent quite a bit of time exploring Charlotte Harbor. Here are some of our Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands favorites.
Things To See & Do:
Fishermen's Village
Fishermen's Village on Charlotte Harbor is one of the most popular spots for locals - and, you know the old saying, "Go where the locals go!" With 35 specialty shops, 5 restaurants, on-site villa rentals, a marina, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a fantastic sunset view every evening, Fishermen's Village has something for everyone.
We spoke with Kathy Burnam, Marketing Director for Fishermen’s Village. "Fishermen's Village is kind of the hub - the Disney - our area. We offer many events and at least one very significant event each month. Over 10,000 people attended our Pirate Festival this year. Our villas are kind of a best-kept secret. Fishermen's Village offers 47 villas on site. Each unit features two bedrooms and a loft and sleeps six. We have a swimming pool, free wifi, BBQ grills and free bicycle rentals."
Fishermen’s Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Phone 941-639-8721or visit www.fishville.com for more information.
If you enjoy a finer dining experience with beautiful harbor views, try The Captain's Table. The "elegantly casual Captain's Table" specializes in "delicious gourmet dishes prepared by our award winning chef." For more information, visit http://www.thecaptainstable.com
King Fisher Fleet
While you are visiting Fishermen's Village, be sure to book a cruise on Captain Ralph Allen's King Fisher Fleet. King Fisher Fleet offers a variety of sightseeing cruises both in Charlotte Harbor and to the out islands including eco-tours, full and half day cruises, sunset cruises and harbor tours. If you like shooting photos of beautiful sunsets or jumping dolphins, this is a great choice for stunning vacation shots. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing. For our sunset cruise, we found Captain Allen's boat to have surprisingly comfortable webbed seats. The boat's first floor is enclosed with a bar and restrooms. The second floor is covered to protect guests from Florida's sun but still allows in plenty of fresh air and offers excellent views.
For more information, phone 941-916-1689 or visitwww.kingfisherfleet.com.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures
Stepping onto the Crescent B Ranch is like stepping back in time, back to old Florida. There's a good reason for that - Crescent B Ranch has been in operation for 100 years. How big is Crescent B Ranch? The 90,000 acre ranch is larger than Manhattan!
The ranch offers a Cypress Lodge Heritage Tour, an Eco Tour and a Photography Tour. The 90-minute tours wind through the Crescent B Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Experienced guides offer "in-depth descriptions of birds, animals, plants, and the cattle and horses that are raised on the ranch." Keep your camera ready because there are ample opportunities to view alligators in their natural habitat.
The Crescent B Ranch features a museum highlighting Florida history, Crescent B Ranch operations and natural history artifacts. Film lovers will be interested to know that the museum was used by Warner Brothers in the 1995 film "Just Cause" starring Sean Connery.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures is located at 8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982.
For more information, phone 800-500-5583 or visithttp://www.babcockwilderness.com
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most amazing and unique places we have visited anywhere in Florida! Owner Lauri Caron rescues abused animals - but these are not house pets. Caron rescues and rehabilitates abused lions, tigers, bears, primates and more!
"We take animals that people had illegally. One man in Miami had a sloth and a hyena in his apartment!" Lauri told us. "These animals have nowhere else to go. Zoos don't want animals that have been abused. Our bear Balloo is from a circus. Someone broke his jaw pulling all his teeth out. He is now over 40 years old but his jaw is still crooked. Two of our bears were rescued from Texas. They had only been fed popcorn and dog food. They were not in good shape. It took quite a while to get them on the foods that were good for them. Our cougar was rescued from Alabama."
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is staffed by volunteers. Approximately 45 volunteers and several veterinarians donate their time and talents to care for these abused exotic animals.
Want to get married in Florida? Lauri Caron is a Notary Public who performs weddings at Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. "I'm a notary. We perform weddings here. We had a wedding here where the best man was a tiger!" she said.
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 41660 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982.
For more information, phone 239-543-1130 or visit www.octagonwildlife.org.
Boca Grande
The village of Boca Grande, on the island of Gasparilla at the southern end of the Cape Haze Peninsula is seven miles of powdery, white sand stretching alongside the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Scuba divers from around the world travel to Boca Grande beaches in search of rare and ancient shark’s teeth and to view the pristine sea life. Boca Grande’s Main Street still exists as it did years ago with no stop lights, billboards, fast-food chains, high-rise hotels or multi-story condos. As you walk down the street, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the peaceful beauty of yester-year. I was pleasantly surprised to see the unique shops, art galleries, casual and fine dining establishments which are run by locals.
The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce boasts that the island is a “secret island that presidents, dignitaries and celebrities sneak away to because the island denizens have a low-key attitude regarding celebrity and fame.” Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara are just some of the famous people who have enjoyed the warm winters in Boca Grande.
For more information on Boca Grande, visithttp://bocagrandechamber.net/things-to-do/boca-grande-welcome
For a full article on Boca Grande highlights, be sure to read Steffany Skelley Gilmer's article in Family Travelers Magazine athttp://familytravelersmagazine.com/BocaGrande.html
Special Events and Festivals
Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands host a variety of festivals and special events throughout the year. For a list of special events and festivals, visithttp://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/press/Top_Attractions_and_Activities#sthash.BIojDeKx.dpbs
Dining:
Trabue Restaurant
Located in the heart of downtown Punta Gorda, Trabue Restaurant offers "fresh and modern American fare by Chef Keith Meyers." Why is it named Trabue? Trabue was the original name of Punta Gorda in 1885 when it was named after Colonel Isaac Trabue who had purchased the land from British investors.
Trabue is a delightful change from the big-box, chain restaurants that line the streets of other cities. From the interior design to the service and menu, Trabue is unique.
"I call this Modern American Cuisine," Chef Keith Meyers told us. "The technique that I use is fresh, good ingredients and good process with as many flavor profiles as we can manage - something for everyone. We use a lot of fresh ingredients. We use a lot of corn, black beans and cilantro. We want to keep it fresh and keep it simple.""
Chef Meyers also offers special events. "Every week, I offer a wine dinner and try to get people out of their comfort zones. It's three glasses of wine and three courses for $30!"
Trabue is located at 258 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. For more information, phone 941-639-0900 or visit www.trabuerestaurant.com.
The Perfect Caper
Another of downtown Punta Gorda's finer dining options - The Perfect Caper - offers a "menu with Asian-Fusion accented with French and American flavors." This casually elegant neighborhood restaurant is a cool and peaceful oasis on sunny Florida days.
Chef Jeanie Roland is a four-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef in the South nominee. The Perfect Caper is owned by Jeanie and her husband James Roland.
The Perfect Caper is a "165-seat, display-kitchen restaurant." The Roland's goal is to offer "a truly unique dining experience as well as superior service and atmosphere."
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a cocktail, some Jazz or casually elegant dining, The Perfect Caper is great choice. If you are a chocolate lover, be sure to try their seven-layer chocolate dessert.
The Perfect Caper is located at 121 E Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-505-9009 or visit www.theperfectcaper.com.
Pies & Plates
Pies & Plates - It's a bakery! It's a cafe! It's a retail store! It's a cooking school! And - Pies & Plates is a lot of fun!
The Pies & Plates retail store is filled with cool cooking gadgets, specialty foods and gift baskets available. It was voted Best Gift Shop and Best Gourmet Foods in the 2012 Charlotte Sun Herald Reader's Choice Awards!
The Pies & Plates Cafe offers wraps, panini, soups, salads, pot pie, gooey butter cake, whoopie pie, lattes, coffee cream shakes and real fruit smoothies!
Have you always wanted to try a cooking class? "We offer a variety of classes," Culinary academy director Beth Lanni told us. "We offer regular classes and Floridian classes. We offer themed classes. We offer a Julia Child class were everyone - women AND men - dress up like Julia Child and talk like her! It is a blast! We also offer a teen or tween class with a Harry Potter theme. We have a flying broomstick hanging from the ceiling."
Pies & Plates is located at 2310 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL . For more information, phone 941-505-7437 or visit www.piesandplates.com.
Dean’s South of the Border
If you enjoy nachos, munchies, sandwiches, burgers, tortilla chips, soups and salads, quesadillas and desserts with a south of the border flair, you'll enjoy Dean’s South of the Border in downtown Punta Gorda.
From breakfast to lunch to dinner to evening cocktails, Dean’s South of the Border offers relaxed inside and outside dining. If you want to try a spicy, breakfast adventure, be sure to order their Diablo Rojo omelet.
Dean’s South of the Border is located at 130 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. For more information, phone 941-743-6100 or visit www.deanssouthoftheborder.net.
Peace River Seafood
If you are looking for great seafood with an "old Florida" atmosphere, Peace River Seafood is a "local seafood shack in an authentic Florida Cracker House."
Peace River Seafood also has its own parrot, a petting zoo and boat-to-table, fresh-seafood. Their specialties include Blue Crab, shrimp and fish from local crabbers and fishermen.
"My husband is a crabber," Kelly Beall told us. "We found this place and opened up. We are now celebrating our 10 year anniversary. We are known for our blue crabs. They are caught right here. When you eat here, you are eating what we caught that day. We believe that fish is good only if it is fish caught that day."
Chef Jerry Collins agrees. "We catch our mullet right off Boca Grande. It's a much cleaner fish with a better taste," he said.
Peace River Seafood offers both inside and outside dining. The inside dining room walls are covered in a net that is filled with one dollar bills. Why? Customers kept telling the staff that Peace River Seafood crabs were better than the crabs they'd eaten up north. The staff began responding, "If I only had a dollar for every time someone said that!" Soon, it became a tradition for customers to sign a dollar bill and hang it in the net.
Peace River Seafood is located at 5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. For more information, phone 941-505-8440 or visit https://www.facebook.com/peace.seafood.
Lulu Restaurant Rooftop Bar at The Wyvern Hotel
For spectacular sunset views, the Lulu Restaurant rooftop bar located atop The Wyvern Hotel in downtown Punta Gorda can't be beat.
The Wyvern Hotel is located at 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-639-7700 or visit http://thewyvernhotel.com.
Accommodations:
Four Points by Sheraton
If you desire accommodations right in the heart of historic downtown Punta Gorda, the 106-guest room Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is located on the edge of the Charlotte Harbor waterfront.
The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is a 100% Smoke-Free facility. Unlike many hotels that charge a hefty parking fee, parking at Four Points by Sheraton is completely free.
The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel also offers an outdoor, heated swimming pool, a fitness facility, on-sire dining and free wifi.
The TT’s Tiki Bar at Four Points By Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is a great place to enjoy an evening cocktail while watching the sun set into Charlotte Harbor as you sit in an Adirondack chair sinking your toes in the cool sand.
The Four Points By Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is located at 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-637-6770 or visit www.fourpointspuntagorda.com.
In conclusion:
Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands in Charlotte County, Florida is one of Florida's best-kept-secrets for a reason - it offers something for everyone but does it in a very non-touristy way. There is something very special about this place. Why else would it have such a high percentage of LGBT couples age 55+? It is definitely a vacation destination that deserves a visit or two or three!
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2014 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com.
Watch our video of Charlotte Harbor highlights below.
Charlotte County, Florida
One of Florida's best kept secrets - the beautiful and unique Charlotte Harbor
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong
Located between the bustling, touristy beaches of Fort Myers and Sarasota, more and more savvy travelers are discovering one of Florida's best kept secrets - the beautiful and unique Charlotte Harbor.
Charlotte Harbor has been called one of the "10 Greatest Places to Sail" but it's about more than just sailing. Charlotte Harbor offers fine dining, nature adventures, hundreds of miles of Blueways trails, five National Wildllife Refuges, prime birding opportunities, golfing, fishing, beaches, unique shopping, a thriving arts community and some of Florida's most creative and enjoyable festivals.
Not only are LGBT travelers welcome, but according to the Urban Institute Factsheet from the Office of Public Affairs, Punta Gorda has the highest concentration of same-sex, coupled seniors in the U.S.A.!
“Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands embraces and welcomes travelers and families of every lifestyle. The community is gay-friendly and the destination makes the perfect getaway for those who enjoy dining in our eclectic collection of restaurants, connecting with nature, participating in a weekend festival or just seeking a low-key vacation to reconnect with what’s important in life,” Jennifer Huber, the Tourism Public Relations Manager for the Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau told us.
We have spent quite a bit of time exploring Charlotte Harbor. Here are some of our Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands favorites.
Things To See & Do:
Fishermen's Village
Fishermen's Village on Charlotte Harbor is one of the most popular spots for locals - and, you know the old saying, "Go where the locals go!" With 35 specialty shops, 5 restaurants, on-site villa rentals, a marina, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a fantastic sunset view every evening, Fishermen's Village has something for everyone.
We spoke with Kathy Burnam, Marketing Director for Fishermen’s Village. "Fishermen's Village is kind of the hub - the Disney - our area. We offer many events and at least one very significant event each month. Over 10,000 people attended our Pirate Festival this year. Our villas are kind of a best-kept secret. Fishermen's Village offers 47 villas on site. Each unit features two bedrooms and a loft and sleeps six. We have a swimming pool, free wifi, BBQ grills and free bicycle rentals."
Fishermen’s Village is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Phone 941-639-8721or visit www.fishville.com for more information.
If you enjoy a finer dining experience with beautiful harbor views, try The Captain's Table. The "elegantly casual Captain's Table" specializes in "delicious gourmet dishes prepared by our award winning chef." For more information, visit http://www.thecaptainstable.com
King Fisher Fleet
While you are visiting Fishermen's Village, be sure to book a cruise on Captain Ralph Allen's King Fisher Fleet. King Fisher Fleet offers a variety of sightseeing cruises both in Charlotte Harbor and to the out islands including eco-tours, full and half day cruises, sunset cruises and harbor tours. If you like shooting photos of beautiful sunsets or jumping dolphins, this is a great choice for stunning vacation shots. King Fisher Fleet also offers charter fishing. For our sunset cruise, we found Captain Allen's boat to have surprisingly comfortable webbed seats. The boat's first floor is enclosed with a bar and restrooms. The second floor is covered to protect guests from Florida's sun but still allows in plenty of fresh air and offers excellent views.
For more information, phone 941-916-1689 or visitwww.kingfisherfleet.com.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures
Stepping onto the Crescent B Ranch is like stepping back in time, back to old Florida. There's a good reason for that - Crescent B Ranch has been in operation for 100 years. How big is Crescent B Ranch? The 90,000 acre ranch is larger than Manhattan!
The ranch offers a Cypress Lodge Heritage Tour, an Eco Tour and a Photography Tour. The 90-minute tours wind through the Crescent B Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Experienced guides offer "in-depth descriptions of birds, animals, plants, and the cattle and horses that are raised on the ranch." Keep your camera ready because there are ample opportunities to view alligators in their natural habitat.
The Crescent B Ranch features a museum highlighting Florida history, Crescent B Ranch operations and natural history artifacts. Film lovers will be interested to know that the museum was used by Warner Brothers in the 1995 film "Just Cause" starring Sean Connery.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures is located at 8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982.
For more information, phone 800-500-5583 or visithttp://www.babcockwilderness.com
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most amazing and unique places we have visited anywhere in Florida! Owner Lauri Caron rescues abused animals - but these are not house pets. Caron rescues and rehabilitates abused lions, tigers, bears, primates and more!
"We take animals that people had illegally. One man in Miami had a sloth and a hyena in his apartment!" Lauri told us. "These animals have nowhere else to go. Zoos don't want animals that have been abused. Our bear Balloo is from a circus. Someone broke his jaw pulling all his teeth out. He is now over 40 years old but his jaw is still crooked. Two of our bears were rescued from Texas. They had only been fed popcorn and dog food. They were not in good shape. It took quite a while to get them on the foods that were good for them. Our cougar was rescued from Alabama."
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is staffed by volunteers. Approximately 45 volunteers and several veterinarians donate their time and talents to care for these abused exotic animals.
Want to get married in Florida? Lauri Caron is a Notary Public who performs weddings at Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. "I'm a notary. We perform weddings here. We had a wedding here where the best man was a tiger!" she said.
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is located at 41660 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gorda, Fla. 33982.
For more information, phone 239-543-1130 or visit www.octagonwildlife.org.
Boca Grande
The village of Boca Grande, on the island of Gasparilla at the southern end of the Cape Haze Peninsula is seven miles of powdery, white sand stretching alongside the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Scuba divers from around the world travel to Boca Grande beaches in search of rare and ancient shark’s teeth and to view the pristine sea life. Boca Grande’s Main Street still exists as it did years ago with no stop lights, billboards, fast-food chains, high-rise hotels or multi-story condos. As you walk down the street, it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time to the peaceful beauty of yester-year. I was pleasantly surprised to see the unique shops, art galleries, casual and fine dining establishments which are run by locals.
The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce boasts that the island is a “secret island that presidents, dignitaries and celebrities sneak away to because the island denizens have a low-key attitude regarding celebrity and fame.” Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara are just some of the famous people who have enjoyed the warm winters in Boca Grande.
For more information on Boca Grande, visithttp://bocagrandechamber.net/things-to-do/boca-grande-welcome
For a full article on Boca Grande highlights, be sure to read Steffany Skelley Gilmer's article in Family Travelers Magazine athttp://familytravelersmagazine.com/BocaGrande.html
Special Events and Festivals
Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands host a variety of festivals and special events throughout the year. For a list of special events and festivals, visithttp://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/press/Top_Attractions_and_Activities#sthash.BIojDeKx.dpbs
Dining:
Trabue Restaurant
Located in the heart of downtown Punta Gorda, Trabue Restaurant offers "fresh and modern American fare by Chef Keith Meyers." Why is it named Trabue? Trabue was the original name of Punta Gorda in 1885 when it was named after Colonel Isaac Trabue who had purchased the land from British investors.
Trabue is a delightful change from the big-box, chain restaurants that line the streets of other cities. From the interior design to the service and menu, Trabue is unique.
"I call this Modern American Cuisine," Chef Keith Meyers told us. "The technique that I use is fresh, good ingredients and good process with as many flavor profiles as we can manage - something for everyone. We use a lot of fresh ingredients. We use a lot of corn, black beans and cilantro. We want to keep it fresh and keep it simple.""
Chef Meyers also offers special events. "Every week, I offer a wine dinner and try to get people out of their comfort zones. It's three glasses of wine and three courses for $30!"
Trabue is located at 258 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. For more information, phone 941-639-0900 or visit www.trabuerestaurant.com.
The Perfect Caper
Another of downtown Punta Gorda's finer dining options - The Perfect Caper - offers a "menu with Asian-Fusion accented with French and American flavors." This casually elegant neighborhood restaurant is a cool and peaceful oasis on sunny Florida days.
Chef Jeanie Roland is a four-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef in the South nominee. The Perfect Caper is owned by Jeanie and her husband James Roland.
The Perfect Caper is a "165-seat, display-kitchen restaurant." The Roland's goal is to offer "a truly unique dining experience as well as superior service and atmosphere."
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a cocktail, some Jazz or casually elegant dining, The Perfect Caper is great choice. If you are a chocolate lover, be sure to try their seven-layer chocolate dessert.
The Perfect Caper is located at 121 E Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-505-9009 or visit www.theperfectcaper.com.
Pies & Plates
Pies & Plates - It's a bakery! It's a cafe! It's a retail store! It's a cooking school! And - Pies & Plates is a lot of fun!
The Pies & Plates retail store is filled with cool cooking gadgets, specialty foods and gift baskets available. It was voted Best Gift Shop and Best Gourmet Foods in the 2012 Charlotte Sun Herald Reader's Choice Awards!
The Pies & Plates Cafe offers wraps, panini, soups, salads, pot pie, gooey butter cake, whoopie pie, lattes, coffee cream shakes and real fruit smoothies!
Have you always wanted to try a cooking class? "We offer a variety of classes," Culinary academy director Beth Lanni told us. "We offer regular classes and Floridian classes. We offer themed classes. We offer a Julia Child class were everyone - women AND men - dress up like Julia Child and talk like her! It is a blast! We also offer a teen or tween class with a Harry Potter theme. We have a flying broomstick hanging from the ceiling."
Pies & Plates is located at 2310 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL . For more information, phone 941-505-7437 or visit www.piesandplates.com.
Dean’s South of the Border
If you enjoy nachos, munchies, sandwiches, burgers, tortilla chips, soups and salads, quesadillas and desserts with a south of the border flair, you'll enjoy Dean’s South of the Border in downtown Punta Gorda.
From breakfast to lunch to dinner to evening cocktails, Dean’s South of the Border offers relaxed inside and outside dining. If you want to try a spicy, breakfast adventure, be sure to order their Diablo Rojo omelet.
Dean’s South of the Border is located at 130 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. For more information, phone 941-743-6100 or visit www.deanssouthoftheborder.net.
Peace River Seafood
If you are looking for great seafood with an "old Florida" atmosphere, Peace River Seafood is a "local seafood shack in an authentic Florida Cracker House."
Peace River Seafood also has its own parrot, a petting zoo and boat-to-table, fresh-seafood. Their specialties include Blue Crab, shrimp and fish from local crabbers and fishermen.
"My husband is a crabber," Kelly Beall told us. "We found this place and opened up. We are now celebrating our 10 year anniversary. We are known for our blue crabs. They are caught right here. When you eat here, you are eating what we caught that day. We believe that fish is good only if it is fish caught that day."
Chef Jerry Collins agrees. "We catch our mullet right off Boca Grande. It's a much cleaner fish with a better taste," he said.
Peace River Seafood offers both inside and outside dining. The inside dining room walls are covered in a net that is filled with one dollar bills. Why? Customers kept telling the staff that Peace River Seafood crabs were better than the crabs they'd eaten up north. The staff began responding, "If I only had a dollar for every time someone said that!" Soon, it became a tradition for customers to sign a dollar bill and hang it in the net.
Peace River Seafood is located at 5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. For more information, phone 941-505-8440 or visit https://www.facebook.com/peace.seafood.
Lulu Restaurant Rooftop Bar at The Wyvern Hotel
For spectacular sunset views, the Lulu Restaurant rooftop bar located atop The Wyvern Hotel in downtown Punta Gorda can't be beat.
The Wyvern Hotel is located at 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-639-7700 or visit http://thewyvernhotel.com.
Accommodations:
Four Points by Sheraton
If you desire accommodations right in the heart of historic downtown Punta Gorda, the 106-guest room Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is located on the edge of the Charlotte Harbor waterfront.
The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is a 100% Smoke-Free facility. Unlike many hotels that charge a hefty parking fee, parking at Four Points by Sheraton is completely free.
The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel also offers an outdoor, heated swimming pool, a fitness facility, on-sire dining and free wifi.
The TT’s Tiki Bar at Four Points By Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is a great place to enjoy an evening cocktail while watching the sun set into Charlotte Harbor as you sit in an Adirondack chair sinking your toes in the cool sand.
The Four Points By Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside Hotel is located at 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
For more information, phone 941-637-6770 or visit www.fourpointspuntagorda.com.
In conclusion:
Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands in Charlotte County, Florida is one of Florida's best-kept-secrets for a reason - it offers something for everyone but does it in a very non-touristy way. There is something very special about this place. Why else would it have such a high percentage of LGBT couples age 55+? It is definitely a vacation destination that deserves a visit or two or three!
By Steven Skelley & Thomas Routzong. Copyright 2014 Sunny Harbor Publishing. Contact Us: PO Box 560318, Rockledge, FL 32956. Phone 321-446-7552. Email: SunnyHarborPublishing@yahoo.com.
Watch our video of Charlotte Harbor highlights below.
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