Plan Your Florida Vacation
The aim of this blog is to provide as much information about things to see and do whilst you are on the holiday of a lifetime in the vacation capital of the world - The Sunshine State of Florida.
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Charlotte Harbour
Posted on March 14th, 2010 No commentsWritten by: Lynne Brooks
Authors WebsiteRead more Articles by Lynne Brooks
Charlotte Harbour on the Cape Haze Peninsular.
Charlotte Harbour nestling by the Gulf of Mexico in Charlotte County is home to two freshwater rivers, the Myakka River and Peace River both of which flow into Charlotte Harbour and Lemon Bay and on into the ocean.
Charlotte Harbour’s bay is located at the bottom of the Cape Haze peninsular and is second in size to Tampa Bay. It is an important ecological bay that is off the beaten track of the well known Florida and hides an area that is often referred to as “Old World Florida”. A good way to experience this waterway is by kayaking, for those of you less brave, larger boats are available to hire, or take a guided cruise.
Punta Gorda is one of the oldest communities on the bay and started life in the 1800’s. It was here the wealthy built summer homes to escape the sultry heat of the north. These mansions line the waterfront by Gilchrist Park which now is a gathering point for the locals where impromptu and planned musical evenings take place.
Downtown Punta Gorda has been renovated and now has an interesting mix of shops, galleries and cafes. Towards the end of the Gilchrist Park is Fisherman’s Village where harbour cruises and fishing charters leave from. The afternoon cruise is an opportunity to see the bay and its surrounding communities, coupled with a commentary by the Captain on the history of the area. Sunset cruises and fishing charters leave from the village but do require reservations. Afterwards take time to stroll through the now restored buildings, home to a mix of shops; stop for lunch and watch the sun glistening on the water, or stay for dinner and watch the sunset over the harbour.
Across the bay is Port Charlotte which is a modern city and is the newest. It is a family community with a beach park, bordering the harbour.This small beach offers, recreation facilities, a fishing pier and swimming pools. Port Charlotte is also home to one of the largest malls in south west Florida, found on the corner of US41 and State Rd 776. The town has an array of small businesses, shops and restaurants and is the largest town in Charlotte county and is the seat of local government for this county.
Heading further north from Port Charlotte, you will traverse small communities and an abundance of golf courses until you reach Englewood, another delightful old world Floridian town, nestling beside Lemon Bay.
Dearborn Street is in the heart of the Historical district of Englewood and is lined with art galleries, gift shops, coffee houses and restaurants. Check the local papers for dates and times of events held here on a regular basis; from hot rod evenings to gift fayres.
I do not think you will be disappointed by time spent on the Cape Haze peninsular, it has something for everyone. The area is rich in nature and has a laid back approach to life, a chance to stop and rest from life’s all too hectic pace.
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The Fishery Restaurant, Cape Haze South West Florida
Posted on July 17th, 2009 No commentsWritten by: Derek Birchenough
Authors WebsiteWhen we first purchased our villa in Rotonda West, we would go to Boca Grande Island to spend time on the great beaches, marvel at the iguanas which inhabited the island. We would visit the village centre which had a Real Florida feel about it with quaint shops and restaurants sometimes the locals use golf carts instead of cars as transport which adds to the character. This is the spot where the Bush family head to in the winter to soak up the Florida sun. We had some people staying in our villa at Xmas 2005 who were amazed when most of the Bush family set up camp with their Secret Service agents on the beach beside them.
To get to Boca Grande we would take the causeway from the Mainland. On Placida Road we saw this cluster of buildings just after the causeway and discovered amongst other things a restaurant called the Fishery. It looked a bit of dump from the outside and what was the Fish Market which serviced 18 fishing boats is now a derelict building, around the corner you come to the charming restaurant. There is now only one fishing boat as time marches on.
Initially it did not particularly appear attractive at all despite backing onto the bay. We steered clear, but we read reviews and spoke to some people who recommended it, so we thought we would give it go.
We went midweek one evening and entered the restaurant to be pleasantly surprised, the staff were friendly and the place was busy with a mixture of locals and tourists, it oozed character we were shown to a table by the large picture window which overlooked Gaspiralla Sound, and the other small islands in the area. There was a long dock where people who had come by boat could tie them up. There was a car park for us mere mortals.
We ordered from the extensive menu, there is lot of fish as you would expect but also steaks for the likes of me, I was impressed by the basket meals they did as well, portions were huge, and prices were average and did not break the bank.
Before our food arrived on that first visit, we went out onto the dock and marvelled at view, it was so relaxing watching the pelicans dive bomb in the water for their tea. Then we saw a dolphin swimming close to shore looking for his tea as well.
We went back inside and promptly told the waitress about the dolphin, we were excited to see dolphins in there natural environment, which was quite simply amazing. She was unmoved and commented they were there most nights. She added that when she was a kid around 20 years ago she would go down the Fish Market which at that time was the home to the fishing boats and feed up to 20 dolphins who would gather waiting for the local fishermen who landed there catch in the hope of getting some titbits, that must have been some sight!!. On another visit when we came out there was mother racoon with her cubs and mother cat with her kittens. It is obviously a routine that diners bring leftovers from the meals out for them and on this occasion the racoon and the cat were in competion for the food while their young continued to play together in the bushes.
It was lovely to watch them and added to charm of the place, so if you are ever in this part of Florida then we can recommend a trip to the Fishery not only for the food but to see some of the Florida Wildlife.
The Fishery continues to serve good food and dolphins can be seen on a regular basis.