14 minute read
FORT MYERS PUNTA GORDA
DESTINATION FT. Myers/PUNTA GORDA
WHILE YOU’RE HERE...
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Discover where Outsiders are Welcome.................................................20 Embrace the Trop Rock Spirit at Local Beach Venues .............................25 Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates ......................................28 And much more…
outsiders
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Blueway Trails system has nearly 50 trails for paddlers to traverse
welcome Discover Florida’s picturesque playground: Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach
By Heather Turk
Being an outsider has never been as much fun as it is in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.
The pristine destination along Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast welcomes “outsiders,” or vacationers who prefer to do things outside and invites them to experience some of the state’s most coveted outdoor activities all in one place. Home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the state — some of which are only accessible by boat — Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers outsiders of all ages an array of exciting experiences to enjoy while basking in the warm sun. Even the young ones will have no trouble finding unique ways to experience the area’s natural beauty, whether they’re building sandcastles on Englewood Beach or looking for fossilized shark teeth at Stump Pass Beach State Park.
Those who want to get out on the water will find a number of boat tours, charters and water taxis available that will take them out into Charlotte Harbor or to one of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s nearby islands, like the secluded Don Pedro Island State Park. Nature enthusiasts can also explore more than 200 miles of Blueway Trails in the area by going kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding. Paddlers can actually rent their own kayak through It’s Time Kayak and explore the trails’ breathtaking scenery and deep mangrove tunnels by themselves or book one of the company’s guided ecotours to learn more about the area and see some of its marine life. itstimekayak.com
Given that Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach boasts more than 70 parks, preserves and recreational areas and is surrounded by lush greenery, the area is naturally a great place to observe wildlife. In addition to being home to seven sections of the famed Great Florida Birding Trail, the destination has several environmental centers that offer guided tours and educational programs. Animal lovers can actually get up close to
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Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is home to two Golf Digest 4 ½-star courses Get hooked on fishing in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
more than 100 non-releasable animals — including a rare white eastern screech owl named Luna — at Peace River Wildlife Center, a nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation and education center that rescues and rehabilitates native Florida wildlife while teaching guests how to live in harmony with nature. prwildlife.org
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is internationally renowned as one of the world’s top sport fishing destinations, too. Not only is Charlotte Harbor — Florida’s second-largest open water estuary — one of the United States’ best fishing locations, but the area is known as the Tarpon Capital of the World. Anglers can test their luck while they’re on vacation with King Fisher Fleet, which offers both deep sea fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico as well as back bay fishing charters in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve. kingfisherfleet.com
While its calm, inshore waters may lure outsiders out to sea, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has plenty of outdoor activities for guests to enjoy on land. Golfers will find more than 450 holes to be played nearby, offering a range of challenges, not to mention stunning Southwest Florida vistas. Guests can also stay active by taking advantage of TEAM Punta Gorda’s free bicycle loaner program and checking out a bicycle at one of three locations throughout the city. Visitors can then pedal their way around the quaint harborside town and its charming historic district so long as they return their bike by a certain time to where they borrowed it. teampuntagorda. org/free-bike-program
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach actually offers guests two very different, quaint downtowns to check out during their stay. Whereas downtown Punta Gorda offers a historic, harborside setting centered around Marion Street that’s filled with delectable restaurants, great shops and fun entertainment, downtown Englewood Beach is home to Dearborn Street, a beachy thoroughfare with several wonderful shops and eateries. No trip to Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach is complete without walking through Fishermen’s Village either. The open-air promenade on Charlotte Harbor is home to 35 independently-owned shops and boutiques as well as six waterfront restaurants. Its newest dining addition, Turtle Bay, not only offers guests a variety of health-conscious dishes like protein bowls and power salads to choose from, but also a selection of classic deli sandwiches and dinner entrées. Guests can enjoy their selections to go or while dining at the open-air café and soaking up its beautiful views of Charlotte Harbor. fishermensvillage.com
TROPICAL TASTES &
TUNES Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach venues embrace the trop rock spirit
By Heather Turk
Jimmy Buffett may have helped put Trop Rock on the map, but Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach should be just as synonymous with the music genre. Not only is the area home to one of the largest Parrot Head clubs in the world, the Charlotte Harbor Parrot Head Club, but it also boasts several restaurants and bars that showcase free live music by Trop Rock musicians on a regular basis.
Known for its Caribbean cuisine with a Southern twist, local favorite Farlow’s on the Water frequently features Trop Rock acts as part of its entertainment lineup. Guests can dine on such flavorful island fare as the West Indian Conch Fritters while listening to live music every Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Trop Rock musicians who often perform in the Englewood restaurant’s garden area include singer-songwriter James “Sunny Jim” White and steel pan artists Dave Lapio, John Patti and Joe Fiorentino. farlowsonthewater.com
Diners can enjoy live Trop Rock music at Hurricane Charley’s, too. The Punta Gorda sushi, raw bar and grill showcases some of southwest Florida’s best music acts seven nights a week, as well as Friday through Sunday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. Although acts and music genres vary, guests will frequently see such popular performers as acoustic guitarist Mark Gorka, steel pan artist John Patti and lively pair Mixed Up Duo performing on the eatery’s outdoor Hunker-Down Deck overlooking Charlotte Harbor. While enjoying the sights and sounds, guests can relish some of the waterfront restaurant’s incredible cuisine, like the Lobster Overdose roll served with tropical coleslaw. hurricanecharleys.com
Steel pan artist Dave Lapio performing at Farlow’s on the Water
The Shrimp & Sweet Potato tacos at Perch 360 are topped with green onions, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh ginger
Steel pan artist John Patti performing at Farlow’s on the Water
T.T.’s Tiki Bar at Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside is another waterfront favorite where it’s easy to get into an island frame of mind. Not only can guests savor an array of tropical-themed dishes like the Tropical Rice Bowl made with mahi-mahi, chicken or shrimp, but they can also enjoy a wide range of live music with their toes in the sand. Live entertainment typically starts at 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Upcoming acts scheduled to perform select dates December 2021 through February 2022 include Trop Rock singer/ songwriter Paul Roush and versatile quintet Tropical Avenue. ttstikibarwaterfrontharborside.com
For a 360-degree view of Punta Gorda that hits all the right notes, check out Perch 360. Showcasing such beloved Trop Rock singer-songwriters as James “Sunny Jim” White, Aubrey Wollett and island-country artist Isabella Stefania, the Wyvern Hotel’s rooftop restaurant features live music every Thursday through Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Guests can groove to the rooftop tunes while feasting upon such tasty tapas as the addictive Shrimp & Sweet Potato tacos and taking in the refreshing sea breezes from five stories up in the air. perch360.com
It’s always a party when Mixed Up Duo performs on Hurricane Charley’s Hunker-Down Deck
Listen to live music — includingTrop Rock — at TT’s Tiki Bar
Named #2 Best Small Town Food Scene
PUNTA GORDA
Come taste why USA TODAY named Punta Gorda #2 in America. From culinary delights crafted by award-winning chefs, to one-of-a-kind restaurants, to breathtaking waterside views, this is one foodie destination you don’t want to miss.
Over 100 wild animals on educational display! Open Every Day for Tours 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Ponce de Leon Park
(GPS) 3400 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941-637-3830 www.prwildlife.org
No Admission Fee!
Donations Appreciated
AN INSPIRED GETAWAY
Experience an attraction unlike any other at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
By Heather Turk
Thomas Edison’s winter home and guest house have been open to the public since 1947
Just a short drive from Fort Myers Beach, vacationers will discover a peaceful place where they can step back in time to celebrate history, science, art and nature: the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Attracting more than 250,000 people from around the world each year, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is one of the most visited historic home sites in America. Situated along the Caloosahatchee River, the lush grounds offer guests a glimpse into the lives of two of America’s most famous inventors: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. As visitors stroll through more than 20 acres of botanical gardens restored to their 1929 landscape, they’ll not only get to see the winter homes of Edison and Ford, but also Edison’s guest house, his caretaker’s house, Edison’s study, his swimming pool complex and Ford’s caretaker’s cottage. Nearly all of the furnishings in Edison’s main house and guest house are original to the Edison family, who enjoyed the winter retreat for six decades
before Edison’s widow, Mina, deeded the estate to the City of Fort Myers in 1947.
The property also boasts the only site in Florida designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark: the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory. Inside, visitors will find all of Edison, Ford and Harvey Firestone’s original equipment and machinery right where they left it. Outside, they’ll find more than 1,700 plants representing over 400 species from six continents, many of which Edison used in his quest to find a natural source of rubber — the main reason the lab was built in 1928.
The recently renovated Edison Ford Museum is located on site, too, featuring 15,000 square feet of exhibits and artifacts. In addition to showcasing Edison’s favorite invention, the phonograph, the museum has six antique cars on display, including the 1916 Ford Model T that Ford gave Edison for his birthday.
Although the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is open year-round for both guided and selfguided tours, there’s arguably no better time to visit the attraction than during its namesake season. The property hosts several special events visitors won’t want to miss, including its Holiday Nights light show through Jan. 2, 2022. A separate admission fee applies for the annual after-hours event, where guests can see the homes and gardens decorated with thousands of lights. Additionally, the property’s free Winter Garden Festival takes place on Feb. 12 and 13, featuring food trucks, live music and more than 40 garden vendors.
In early 2022, Edison’s caretaker’s house will feature a new temporary exhibit. On view from Jan. 14 to May 29, “Sustainable Conceptions” will showcase 2-D and 3-D works of art created from recycled products that highlight Edison and Ford’s efforts to work towards a sustainable future. Although the Green Movement was not popular during their lifetimes, both men recognized the importance of recycling and reusing materials.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with the last admission ticket sold at 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Christmas. edisonfordwinterestates.org
Several antique vehicles reside at the Edison Ford Museum
The Edison Botanic Research Laboratory features a chemical processing area where latex was extracted from plant materials in hopes of finding a natural source of rubber
Photos courtesy of Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Edison Ford Museum’s “Family & Friends” exhibit highlights Edison and Ford’s experiences in Fort Myers
See the Edison and Ford Winter Estates decorated in festive lights during Holiday Nights
SPLENDID SEAFOOD & SAVORY SURPRISES
Gabriele Walkow
Enjoy a classic island dining experience at Old Captiva House
At Bleu Rendezvous Bistro refined French cuisine is paired with splendid wines
Crossing the lovely threemile-long Sanibel Causeway that connects Sanibel and Captiva Islands to Fort Myers in Southwest Florida is an escape to an island way of life. In addition to protected white sand beaches scattered with shells, unmatched wildlife and a bohemian vibe, there are a number of delectable dining establishments offering splendid seafood and savory surprises.
OLD CAPTIVA HOUSE
Located at the legendary ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, elegant Captiva House offers a classic island dining experience, where romantic Gulf-front sunsets are at the top of the menu. This National Registry of Historic Places landmark offers guests a rich roster of favorites, including Lobster and Crab Crusted Scallops, Blackened Snapper with chef Greg Nelson’s own watermelon cucumber salad, roasted corn polenta and a citrus butter sauce; and Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Chops with roasted garlic parmesan smashed potatoes, vegetable medley and honey ginger demi. Dessert tempts patrons with chef Nelson’s special Key lime pie recipe. The island favorite is baked in a pecan crust and finished with berry coulis. oldcaptivahouse.com
DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE CAPTIVA ISLAND
Sister restaurant to Doc Ford’s Sanibel Island, Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach and the muchanticipated Doc Ford’s St. Pete Pier, this popular beach-themed bar and grille offers live music, outdoor seating, fabulous food and a large rum list. Doc Ford’s Original Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich, voted Best Fish Sandwich, is seared, baked and served on a fresh Kaiser, topped with house slaw and spicy remoulade. For a paradise delight, savor the Island Style Shrimp and Grits entrée with fresh gulf shrimp dusted in Mexican corn flour and served with jalapeno cheese grits, veggies and a homemade tomatillo sauce. As an alternative to seafood, the Dry Rubbed Rib Eye is delectable. docfords.com/ captiva-island/
BLEU RENDEZVOUS BISTRO
Guests head to this Sanibel Island restaurant for fine dining with a French flair, where an old-world atmosphere is complemented by refined French cuisine and splendid wines to create a perfect island rendezvous. Blue Rendezvous Bistro offers a Prix Fixe 4-Course Menu for $52 per person or a Twilight 2-Course Petit Plates Dinner, from 5-5:30 p.m., for $24 per person. The main menu features such traditional appetizers as Onion Soup Gratinee, Escargot and Frog Legs Persillade. Entrees include a rich Boeuf Bourguignon and the Seafood Vol-Au Vent, a puff pastry seafood treasure chest. Guests can enjoy dining inside or out on the pet-friendly patio. bleurendezvous.com
