For powerboaters, this is quite likely the best boating area in the southern of Florida. The waterways are largely uncongested, clean, full of fish and wildlife- add to that you will find waterfront restaurants, island hotels and marinas in perfect locations. You will find every style of boat being used here because the diversity of our waterways is unique with no other area of Florida having the combination of bay, harbor, remote backcountry, islands and gulf convenient from your doorstep. There is also access to the Atlantic via the Okeechobee waterway trail up the Caloosahatchee River. If you are a beginning boater you will find this the perfect place because there is no tricky navigation. Every day on Charlotte Harbor is remarkable and this is no exaggeration. You can expect to see dolphins jumping on every trip, manatees are very common, spotted eagle rays (stingrays) add beautiful grace to the waters and tropical seabirds such as the pink roseate spoonbill are here as well!

So what type of boat do you need? First, know that you can Call The Captain anytime for advice on what boat to buy, how large a motor to put on your boat and quite often I know of a good deal on a used boat. For the fisherman, a good all around boat would be a 22-foot shallow draft bay boat. This will allow you to fish the shallow backwaters and flats but will also allow you to take short jaunts to the gulf to enjoy the beaches and perhaps Tarpon fish just off the beaches. True die-hard flats fisherman may prefer to use a flats skiff perhaps 18 feet in length. Poling the shallows and sight fishing for redfish and tarpon are common here. For the offshore purist, I would recommend two types of boats for fishing. For ranges of 20 nautical miles offshore or less a boat of 24-26 feet will do the job on most days. This will help keep your fuel expenses down as well and a single engine boat is quite common. For longer runs, say 30-60 miles offshore to the areas where fish rarely every encounter a hook and line a 29’ to 36’ offshore runner with twins or triples is the way to go. A Contender, Regulator or Yellowfin in the 32’+ range will get the job done. Just make sure your fish box is large and packed with ice because monster grouper, giant snappers, dolphin, tuna and even billfish are normal catches. Kingfish, Cobia, Amberjack and just about any Gulf species are relatively easy to catch! If you are a boater that prefers a simpler way of life, then bring your canoe and kayak. Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands have hundreds of miles of pure shallow water estuaries and wilderness to explore and the Blueway Water Trail has kayak trails marked in the boonies to be sure you make it back the same day. Remember the phrase “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too”? Tippecanoe Bay is right here on Charlotte Harbor at the mouth of the Myakka River!

Really There Is No End To The Variety Of Boating! We have 2 major rivers that feed the harbor that offer an incredible adventure and are perfect for any type of small boater. Charlotte Harbor is fed by two rivers, the Peace River to the east and the Myakka River to the northwest. Each is a formidable river containing good water depths and run for 20-50 miles. Incredible fishing for largemouth bass, redfish, snook and tarpon are to be found! Fossil hunting is a way of life on the Peace and large Megaladon shark teeth attract fossil collectors from all around. Wiley gators will be observed on most days and surprisingly many people swim in the river without harm from the gators! The old Tarzon movies were shot on the Peace River- when I tell you that it feels remote and wild you can believe me!

For Boaters Who Want To Cruise This Is The Perfect Place! Boats for cruising are as diverse as their owners. Generally, 20 feet and larger is all you need. Some prefer a cabin for over-nighters and some like a simple boat with a bimini top. There are hundreds of quiet bays to explore and to spend the night on. Island places like Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Boca Grande, Little Gasparilla Island, Cabbage Key, Useppa, Pine Island Sound, Cape Haze, Cayo Costa, Lemon Bay and Redfish Pass are a day trip from any dock in Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte. Cruising to the barrier islands and beaching your boat is a lifestyle! Add to your day a visit to an island restaurant for a grouper sandwich and cold beer and you are pretty close to Paradise!! Tropical blue turquoise water is the quiet backdrop for shell collecting, beach exploring and sun bathing that is close to home. By the way, the beaches are never crowded and many of the islands are basically deserted. Bring the family dog and let him loose…..how could it be any better!

For The Trailering Boater – The good news is there are boat ramps in many locations and often lightly used. Many ramps are free or very inexpensive and provide access to great fishing areas in the harbor and some with quick access to the gulf. If you prefer to keep your boat in a marina, you will have plenty of options. In the water, dry land or rack storage will be found. Many marina operations will fuel your boat and clean it at the end of the day. Click Here for more information on local marinas.

With over 129 square miles of sparkling, protected waters you can spend hours sailing, kayaking, fishing or cruising without ever having to enter the Gulf of Mexico or the intracoastal waterway. There are hundreds of miles of rivers and canal systems that provide interesting boating experiences as well. If you are an experienced boater or just ready to retire wanting to give boating and fishing a try then Call The Captain! I will help you with any questions and if you’re interested we can spend a day on the water.

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At 5 to 25 feet above sea level, Charlotte County enjoys a climate characterized as sub-tropic where extremes of temperature in both summer and winter are checked by the tempering influence of the Gulf of Mexico. Prevailing winds are an easterly average of 12-18 mph.

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One common misconception when reviewing MLS listings is a field that indicates Yes or No for pets. In general, you can ignore this field in the MLS as dogs and cats are allowed on nearly every type of property. All single family homes, most homes in gated neighborhoods, most condominiums and townhouses. There are a few exceptions but rare! Some condos have a size restriction and that is information that I can provide so that we match up the home-buyers & pets to the right type of property. So don’t worry, if you’re like me my pets go where I go and they are a big part of our life. Whether on land or sea, my dogs are with me. In fact, they get excited when I bring a fish aboard!

Dogs are welcome at many restaurants that have outside seating. There are also quite a few hotels that allow dogs and cats as well. There are beaches to take the dogs by car and beaches to go to by boat- pretty cool! I would guess that close to half the homeowners in SW Florida have pets and there are plenty of good pet stores and some excellent kennels if you travel. Below you will find a list of kennels and if you would like, I will recommend my kennel. My dogs come home happy and content from the kennel which is comforting after a nice vacation.

Below is a list of dog parks, beaches that allow dogs and other information. Generally speaking, there is a lot of open space in Charlotte County! Good news, because it makes walking the dog a pleasure.

Pet Kennels

• Click on the link below which will take you to a list of local pet kennels, groomers and vets. This includes a web link, map and phone number of each:
  Pet kennels, groomers and vets

Hounds of Henry Street

Punta Gorda dog park is located at Henry and Shreve Streets in Punta Gorda, next to the City of Punta Gorda’s Public Works building. The park offers a fenced area for large dogs, and a small dog and puppy fenced park area. Water is available. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs at all times. No public restroom facilities at this park.

Paw Park in Port Charlotte Florida

Located at the Edgewater Park 22410 Bayshore Rd. Port Charlotte. Dog owners can bring their dogs to run within a fenced in area. The dogs can be unleashed inside the park and the dogs need to possess a current

rabies vaccine and license before entering the park. The license tag needs to be displayed on the dog at all times when inside the park. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs at all times. This facility is managed by the Charlotte County parks and Recreation Dept. For further inquiries about this park, please contact (941) 627-1628

Venice, Florida

South Brohard Beach Paw Park

Fort Myers, Florida

Barkingham Park Fort Myers Lee County

Dog Beach Fort Myers

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota Paw Park

Located at 4570 17th Street, east of Beneva Road, west of Honore Avenue. Open dawn til midnight.

Lighted area, 6-foot fence, 7 acres, fenced, benches, tables, handicap, poop bags, trees, parking, restrooms, water, trash cans, dog shower, small-dog area, double-gated entrance, bulletin board. Directions: From I-75, take Exit 39 Fruitville Road. Go west on Fruitville to Honore Ave. Right on Honore. Continue north on Honore to 17th St. Turn left on 17th Street. Continue West on 17th. Pass first entrance to 17th Street. Paw Park is north of Fruitville Road; South of University, on 17th Street between Beneva Road & Honore Avenue.

Bird Key Park

On the John Ringling Causeway, not far from St. Armands Circle, east of the bridge. This is Sarasota’s only beach allowing both dogs and cats.

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The estuary is a mosaic of habitats: salt marshes, beaches, open bay, seagrass meadows, tidal creeks, mudflats, salt barrens and mangrove forests. Each habitat supports an incredible assortment of organisms, many of which are rare and endangered, including manatees, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, American crocodiles, Florida black bears, Sherman’s fox squirrels, Florida scrub-jays and four species of sea turtle.

At least 2,300 different animal species make their living in the estuary’s mangrove forests. Over 450 fish species thrive in its waters. It’s a favorite destination of birders, with 331 bird species documented. Biologists have observed 39 species of mammals, 67 species of reptiles and 27 species of amphibians.

The estuary is also where you’ll find the Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve, a patchwork collection of undeveloped properties comprising almost 39,000 acres. The Charlotte Harbor State Buffer Preserve surrounds or borders on many of the harbor’s most sensitive and valuable natural areas, including Cape Haze, Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound. All are classified as Outstanding Florida Waterways and aquatic preserves. Along with Lemon Bay to the north, the aquatic preserves total over 150,000 acres.

Paddle the Peace River with Canoe Outpost outfitters and enjoy a quiet, peaceful float along Florida’s most popular State Paddle Trail. The beautiful Peace River offers wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hiking trails, wilderness camping, fossil hunting, and of course, canoeing and kayaking. View towering cypress trees with moss beards and soaring birds, hear the rippling water, and the meaning of the true Florida becomes apparent. Be transported back to the days of the Indians and first explorers as you explore this piece of Florida from days past.

For the novice or experienced paddler, the Peace offers something for all. Wilderness half-day, full-day, and overnight camping trips from two to eight days.

Enjoy the Peace River for the day and then stop into the Navigator Restaurant for a nostalgic old Florida meal overlooking the Peace River.

The link below takes you to the Southwest Florida Management Districts story on the Peace River. It is quite enjoyable to read:

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/peaceriver/intro.php

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Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, El Jobean, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There are many other boat accessible islands including Cayo Costa, North Captiva, Cayo Pelu and Useppa to name a few.

These islands are remarkably uncrowded and the beaches are beautiful. Imagine leaving your home by boat and traveling to an island. Bring the family and the dog and park the boat! A shore lunch or a lazy swim in the gulf will convince you that this is paradise. Perhaps you will want to wander off to an island restaurant for a cold brew and grouper sandwich- this is all part of the lifestyle. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is nestled along Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, between Sarasota and Naples, about 100 miles south of Tampa.

The area covers a diverse landscape of cities and towns. Choose from four island escapes: the barrier island community of Boca Grande; Palm Island, with its serene beaches accessible by ferry; secluded Don Pedro Island; and Little Gasparilla Island. For a small town experience, visit historic Punta Gorda, Englewood, or Port Charlotte. Picturesque and waterfront describe the towns of El Jobean; Manasota Key; Cape Haze; and Placida, a quaint fishing and arts village.

At 5 to 25 feet above sea level, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands enjoys a climate characterized as sub-tropic where extremes of temperature in both summer and winter are checked by the tempering influence of the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous upland and aquatic preserve are great for exploring. The islands provide the western boundary for Charlotte Harbor which is one of the world’s largest protected marine estuaries encompassing 280 square miles with 219 miles of natural shoreline. Its confluence of the Peace and Myakka rivers comprises some of the most vibrant coastal areas in the state and a unique network of mangrove islands and mangrove forests.

The islands provide natural preserves and a natural barrier to inland communities and have amenities which include miles of beaches and more than 70 parks. Below is a short list of islands and towns.

Boca Grande

Set on Gasparilla Island, the historic village of Boca Grande offers old world charm, quaint shops and restaurants, and gorgeous beach views.

El Jobean

Charming El Jobean has its own old-Florida flair. A former winter home for circus and carnival performers, it is a boating and fishing destination for many anglers.

Englewood-Cape Haze

Located on the Lemon Bay, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Englewood is a beach community which thrives on its nature parks, cultural events, beaches, fishing and arts offerings.

Manasota Key

Two jewels you will find on Manasota Key are Chadwick Park at Englewood Beach and the Stump Pass Beach State Park. Sparkling water, sandy shores, hidden seashells and a lot of sunshine!

Palm Island

Seven miles of white sandy beach and crystal clear water await you on this retreat away from the world. A car ferry to get there adds to the remote feel of this island getaway.

Placida

Is a beautiful waterfront community with lots of history. Fishing is a way of life. Plenty of interesting things to do in a tranquil setting within a very small community located close to the beach and convenient to the Intercoastal Waterway.

Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte, the county’s geographical center is a wonderful waterfront town that has modern conveniences for the both the waterfront home owner or inland home owner. Lots to do in this town.

Punta Gorda

The city of Punta Gorda is a historic town that lies along beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Streets lined with huge royal palms, beautifully restored period homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches leave an almost tangible old-Florida atmosphere. Nearly everything is waterfront here from hotels and shopping to parks and fine dining.

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Most of the watershed lies to the north in Manatee County, but the Myakka does not become well-defined as a river until its numerous tributaries coalesce near the Sarasota County boundary where the river enters Myakka River State Park. Here you will find two lakes and extensive marshes which the river meanders through. Alligators live in harmony with mankind on this river.

You can see alligators and wading birds in a day of boating on the river. The state park is a great starting point and is open year-round. In the winter, ducks and shorebirds feed in the shallows as bald eagles and ospreys fish from above. Sandhill cranes nest along the water’s edge. Twelve miles of the Wild and Scenic River flow through the park.

Lower Myakka Lake lies in the 7,500-acre Wilderness Preserve south of SR 72. From the lake the river courses for several miles through a narrow, serpentine channel, bordered by spanish moss-laden branches of live oaks and graceful, arching trunks of sabal palm trees. These miles of solitude and undisturbed banks are ideal for canoeing. A privately-owned dam prevents access during periods of low water. It may be necessary to push the canoe through shallow areas.

Vegetation along the shore of the lower river reflects the saline influence of tidal waters as you get closer to Charlotte Harbor to the south. Incredible fishing is found at the El Jobean bridge. Snook, tarpon and redfish are tangled with daily. A mangrove island south of U.S. 41 supports a nesting colony of endangered wood storks and is designated as a Critical Wildlife Area. Boat ramps are located at Snook Haven and Myakka River Oyster Bar (commercial) and at Myakka River State Park.

For a fantastic fishing trip, scenic canoe or kayak trip, birding or a leisurely float this is a truly scenic river.

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In reality, it keeps the neighborhood nice without being overly restrictive. It does create a neighborhood that has a certain uniformity such as barrel tile roofs but is not overly restrictive on home design. Your can have a fenced yard but just not a fence that would be obtrusive to neighbors such as a 6’ high privacy fence. You can still park your truck or SUV in the driveway and you can paint your home the color of your choice.

There are no mandatory fees and most people are happy they are in place. Information about the deed restrictions and unique land regulations of Punta Gorda Isles can be found here: PGI Unique Land Regulations.

I have never had a prospective home buyer review the deed restrictions and decide not to buy because of their review.

The deed restrictions for Burnt Store Isles can be accessed by clicking the link: Burnt Store Isles deed restrictions. The deed restrictions between these two boating communities is very similar.

One important feature of these communities is that the City of Punta Gorda owns the canals and seawalls. This is an advantage because any repairs that need to be made are handled by the city and not the landowner. For instance, if your seawall needed replaced, the city would bare the burden of expense saving the homeowner a lot of money.

The post Deed Restricted Communities appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

This is perhaps the most beautiful, unspoiled body of water in the United States! The fishing is absolutely world class for nearly every sub-tropical species that lives. Sailing, boating, kayaking and just about any type of water activity is here. Remarkably, this is an uncrowded body of water with endless miles of exploration. Birdlife is stellar, shrimping, crabbing, clamming and catching oysters is all part of the lifestyle. You can expect to see dophins and manatees on just about any boating excursion. Charlotte Harbor, officially explored by Ponce de Leon in 1513, was settled by the English in 1775 and named after Queen Charlotte Sophia, wife of King George III. Charlotte County encompases 859 square miles of land and water with a population of 136,773 and a median age of 51.8.

Charlotte Harbor is Florida’s second-largest open water estuary and boasts open water sailing and countless miles of peaceful coves and bays, providing endless opportunities to tackle a tarpon, captain a kayak or commandeer a canoe. Nestled on the Gulf Coast between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, Charlotte Harbor has neighboring communities that boast more than 830 miles of shoreline including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and sandy beaches. Ranked as one of SAIL Magazine’s top-ten places to sail in the U.S., Charlotte Harbor is a challenge to sailors worldwide. Kayakers and canoers don’t have to go to a tropical island to experience a remote adventure with nature. There are hundreds of miles of Blueway trails that start with the Peace and Myakka rivers and extend out to the Gulf of Mexico.

Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands consist of Punta Gorda, Englewood Beach, Port Charlotte, Gasparilla, Little Gasparilla, Placida, Don Pedro Island, Boca Grande, Manasota Key, Palm Island and Cape Haze Peninsula. There are many other less noted islands only accessible by boat such as Cayo Costa, Cayo Pelu, Useppa and many others. Great for a day of exploring that will truly last a lifetime.

The pace is slower here and the waters clean. With clear blue skies nearly year around, southern hospitality as warm as the sand and you have paradise. You have to live here to realize this is the ultimate destination to live if you are a boater and for the angler- you will never have to leave here to satisfy your ultimate fishing fantasies! Charlotte Harbor has a different geographic and psychographic composition from its neighbors in Sarasota or Lee Counties. Our southern and northern counties have congested waterways, lots of people, lots of speed restricted zones (like the “miserable mile” on the Caloosahatchee) and fishing that in no way compares. There are no high-tech amusement complexes or big touristy attractions in our communities or around Charlotte Harbor — yes, this is the perfect place. For the land bound explorer (non-boat owner) there are more than 70 parks and recreational areas. If you prefer to mix cultural activities into your lifestyle you could attend a symphonic or dramatic performance, dine on upscale cuisine, gallery hop through the art-rich communities and shop to your heart’s content. The waterways have a remote pure feeling but the local communities have a down home feel with the cultural and modern activities that we all have become accustomed to.

Here are a few details that you might find interesting

• Designated as one of the “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States” by SAIL magazine
• Ranked “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America” by Golf Digest;
• Named one of MONEY magazine’s “Best Places to Live in the South” two years in a row.
• Designated as one of “America’s Best Healthy Places to Retire” by U.S. News & World Report.
• TripAdvisor™ TravelCast named Englewood, Florida a “Top Ten U.S. Destination for 2009”
• Charlotte County has 830 miles of shoreline including rivers, mangrove backcountry & 28 miles of beaches.
• Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor is preserved land.
• 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater
• Canoe/Kayak Blueway Trails – 53 trails for a total of 193 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor
• Charlotte Harbor is the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in the state encompassing 270 square miles.
• The 106-mile long Peace River is one of the longest rivers in Florida and ends in Charlotte Harbor.
• The Charlotte Harbor Preserve is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are in Charlotte County.

The post About Charlotte Harbor appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

A cheeseburger in paradise at Cabbage Key, a wedge of classic Key lime pie while watching the sun set at Tarpon Lodge or an incredible grouper sandwich at the Lazy Flamingo are just a few of my favorites. Each restaurant has its own nautical flair, most have outdoor eating and some with a bar. Many have local bands playing near or after sunset….how good can it get? Part of the fun is watching the various types of boats docking and coming in. Some have fish stories to tell and some are just thirsty for a brew.

The list below is a summary of the local waterfront restaurants. Charlotte County and Lee County restaurants are included because on a day of boating you will be in the waters of both counties. I have tried to make this list complete but will update the list from time to time.

Here are some local waterfront restaurants listed below. There are many more restaurants and I will add them in the near future. As you can see from this partial list, there are plenty of great waterfront restaurants to explore.

VILLAGE OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177

SMUGGLERS, THE CAPTAINS TABLE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
1200 Via Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Located at Fisherman’s Village.
941-637-1177

RIVIERA OYSTER BAR RESTAURANT
5500 Deltona Dr,
Punta Gorda, FL
941-639-2633

BENEDETTO’S STEAKHOUSE & MARTINI BAR
Located in the Best Western Waterfront
300 Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
941-639-9695

SHARKEY’S ON THE PIER
1600 Harbor Dr.
South Venice, FL. 34285
941-488-1456

THE LOOSE CABOOSE
4th & Park Ave
Boca Grande, FL. 33921
941-964-0440

SOUTH BEACH BAR & GRILL
Best food in Paradise. Waterfront dining overlooking the beach. Located near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
777 Gulf Bl.vd
Boca Grande, FL.
941-964-0765

RUMRUNNERS
Upscale yet relaxed waterfront dining at the Cape Coral locks in Cape Harbour.
5848 Cape Harbour Dr.
Cape Coral, FL. 33914
239-542-0200

HURRICAINE HARRY’S WATERFRONT DINING
Waterfront tiki-hut happy hour appetizer. Florida pub food atmosphere. Live music.
MARINATOWN HARBOR
3448 Hancock Bridge Pkwy.
North Fort Myers, FL.
239.997.8300

WALLY’S WATERFRONT RESTAURANT
Waterfront happy hour. Florida pub food atmosphere.
3442 Marinatown Ln.
Fort Myers, FL 33903-7059
239-997-7110

CHANNEL MARK
Grand waterview courtesy of expansive picture windows. Seafood, continental dining with interesting wine list.
19001 San Carlos Blvd,
Fort Myers Beach
Before the bridge onto Estero Island/Fort Myers beach.
239.463.9127

THE LIGHTHOUSE
Fort Myers just before you enter Sanibel – elegant waterfront dining.
14301 Port Comfort Rd,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770

BERT’S BAR & GRILL
Old Florida bayfront burger and seafood bar with pool and live music.
Overlooking the beach, near the Boca Grande Lighthouse.
Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, FL.
239-282-3232

MORETTI’S SEAFOOD
Best sunset food around – Italian/German & seafood entrees.
4299 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.5825

SANDY HOOK FISH & RIB HOUSE
All things conch, seafood & more.
4875 Pine Island Rd,
Matlacha, Pine Island, FL.
239.283.0113

THE WATERFRONT RESTAURANT & MARINA
Waterfront Restaurant Offers The Best Of Both Worlds. Casual dockside dining or air conditioned inside dining. Canal front fun, casual seafood and burgers.
2131 Oleander St.
St. James City, FL. 33956
Located on the corner of Stringfellow Rd. and Oleander.
239-283-0592

PARROT KEY CARIBBEAN GRILL
The casual open-air restaurant features a spectacular view of Matanzas Harbor, and offers the best in tropical drinks, tempting appetizers and delicious entrées.
2500 Main St.
Ft. Myers Beach, FL.
239-463-3257

THE LOBSTER SHACK
3135 Stringfellow Rd.
St James City, FL 33956
239.283.5300

TARPON LODGE
Historic elegant fishing lodge featuring views of Pine Island sound.
13771 Waterfront Dr,
Pineland, FL.
239-283-3999

TARPON HOUSE AT SANIBEL HARBOUR
View of San Carlos Bay & pool, outdoor & indoor dining & upscale seafood.
17260 Harbour Pointe Drive,
Fort Myers, FL. 33908
239.466.2128

THISTLE LODGE
Beyond charming, cottage like ambience with view of the Gulf & Beach. Upscale seafood & more.
2255 West Gulf Drive,
Sanibel, FL.
239.472.9200

LAZY FLAMINGO
Seafood, steaks, local favorites, Raw Bar & grill.
16501 Stringfellow Rd.
Bokeelia, FL.
Located at Harborside at Four Winds Marina.
239-283-5959

THE FISHERY RESTAURANT
Old Florida waterfront dining.
Located on Fishery Rd.
Placida, FL.
941-697-2451

THE GREEN FLASH – MARKER 38
Raw oysters, bisque, fresh seafood, surf & turf.
15183 Captiva Dr.
Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-3337

OLD CAPTIVE HOUSE TWEEN WATERS – MARKER 38
Wild mushroom ragout, curry lobster spring rolls, roasted rack of lamb & Caribbean crusted grouper.
15951 Tween Waters Drive,
Captiva, FL.
239-472-5161

THE LIGHTHOUSE RESTAURANT – MARKER 11
Full bar, indoor & outdoor dining, seafood, crab cakes, pasta & prime rib.
14301 Port Comfort Road,
Fort Myers, FL.
239-489-0770

SANIBEL HARBOR RESORT & SPA – MARKER 11
Choose from Charley’s Cabana Bar, with light fare served at a casual bar on the water; Tarpon House, with inside and outside seating that overlooks the resort pool and waterfront serving a mix of Florida favorites; or Courtside Steakhouse with its full bar & menu featuring steaks, seafood & upscale service.
17260 Harbour Point Dr.,
Fort Myers;
239-466-4000

The post Waterfront Restaurants appeared first on Southwest Florida Real Estate.

One of the wonderful things about living in the Charlotte Harbor & Gulf Island areas is that it inspires artists to add their own styles of beauty to the landscape. From galleries and arts centers filled with artistic creations to arts and crafts festivals, flower festivals and specialty festivals all showcasing masterful works. The art community here is large and diverse and many famous artists from around the country call this home. Many have retired here and some have created their fame by painting and sculpting deriving their inspiration from this beautiful area.

Art galleries are sprinkled throughout the area and Punta Gorda holds a gallery walk the third Thursday of every month. Charming trolleys escort riders along the streets for a feast of wine, music and, of course, art. The highlights of the walk are its two galleries: Sea Grape Gallery and Presseller Delicatessen & Gallery. Every Thursday on waters edge in Gilchrest Park there are musicians that gather for a jam session. All types of acoustic music is found here and hundreds of people enjoy this music treat weekly- it is free! There are many festivals held throughout the year including the Peace River National Arts Festival, the annual fine arts festival, Punta Gorda Block Party, just to name a few.

Sea Grape Gallery, a cooperative of 25 part- and full-time resident artists, boasts a varied assortment of mediums and subject matter. Paintings of Asian scenes mingle with brilliant fused glass bowls, and vivid watercolors of Florida landscapes hang above porcelain hand-carved birds.

The Presseller Delicatessen & Gallery serves as a restaurant on one side and a fine art display room on the other. You will find wooden walking sticks, tribal-like masks, simply delineated fish portraits, vibrant Parisian scenes and digitally manipulated photographic images.

The Visual Arts Center has the largest non-profit exhibition space for local artwork in the area. In addition to its galleries, the center runs a gift shop exclusively stocked with original works from jewelry and textiles to glass and paintings.

Englewood’s Dearborn Street also beckons art lovers. Among its offerings are the Lemon Tree Gallery and the Adamson Artworks Family Gallery.

The Lemon Tree Gallery resides in an appropriately lemon-colored building. The works inside, however, are anything but sour. Whimsical painted furniture, ceramic tile murals depicting mermaids, watercolors of local birds and copper sculptures decorate the small shop.

The Adamson Artworks Family Gallery is a sparse yet lively space dedicated to the creations of the Adamson family. The older daughter designs and forms the earth-toned pottery while her younger sister paints large-scale, organic modern art.

The Margaret Albritton Gallery in Placida sits adjacent to the Fishery Restaurant and Grande Tours, a kayak rental company. Its fanciful paintings and prints of tropical fish, birds and animals are worth the stop.

Below is a small compilation of some of the artist groups, galleries and various cultural related establishments in the area. This is not an all inclusive list but gives you an idea of the diversity that exists.

• Peace River Center for Writers
  26300 Airport Rd., Edison State College Campus
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  941-637-3514
• Margaret Albritton Gallery
  13020 Fishery Rd.
  Placida, FL 33946
  941-698-0603
• Charlotte County Historical Center
  22959 Bayshore Rd.
  Punta Gorda, FL 33980
  941-629-7278
• El Jobean Historical Properties Inc.
  4370 Garden Rd.
  El Jobean, FL 33953
  941-627-3344
• El Jobean Post Office & General Store
  4370 Garden Rd.
  El Jobean, FL 33953
  941-627-3344
• Lemon Bay Chord Company
  5873 Harrison Rd.
  Venice, FL 34293
  941-493-6417
• Lemon Bay Playhouse
  96 W. Dearborn St.
  Englewood, FL 34223
  941-475-6756
• Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County
  2811 Tamiami Trl., Ste. M
  Port Charlotte, FL 33952
  941-764-8100
• Charlotte Players, Inc.
  Charlotte Trades Center, 1225 Tamiami Trl., Ste. B11
  Port Charlotte, FL 33953
  941-255-1022
• Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
  P.O. Box 495831
  Port Charlotte, FL 33949
  941-625-5996
• Blanchard House Museum of African-American History & Culture
  406 Martin Luther King Blvd.
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  941-639-2914
• Cultural Center of Charlotte County, Inc.
  2280 Aaron St.
  Port Charlotte, FL 33952
  941-625-4175
• A.C. Freeman House
  311 W. Retta Esplanade
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  941-639-2222
• The Center for Performing Arts & Education
  701 Carmalita St.
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  941-637-0459
• Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
  75 Taylor St.
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  941-639-5833
  800-329-9988

Here are a few other things of interest:

• Allyn Museum of Entomology
• Jazz Club of Sarasota
• Sarasota Film Festival
• Friends of Florida Folk
• Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Fort Myers FL
• Visual Arts Center Punta Gorda
• Florida Museums Directory
• Theatre FSU Sarasota
• Florida West Coast Symphony Sarasota
• Sarasota Ballet
• Sarasota Film Society
• Ringling Museum of Art

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