Lemon Bay Play House

The Lemon Bay Playhouse is a great place to stop off and see a show. Their yearly schedule is online for easy viewing (and planning for your trip!).








Resources:
Schedule
Location

Shallows Beach House

This is a fabulous rental on Manasota key consisting of four seperate one bedroom apartments that sleep four. The are extremely well maintained and clean. Linens are provided as well as all kitchen appliances, dishes, towels, etc.

Some of the rentals I would not stay at, however I would stay here any time, any day. The apartments are cleaned and maintained weekly between visitors. Rentals are weekly from Saturday to Saturday.

No need to worry about an ick feeling here - I've been there and they are as fabulous as you would think. You can view photos of the entire apartment at their site: Shallows Beach

All of the above are great reasons to select this rental, but best of all you are DIRECTLY on the beach - not across the street or down the road - you are ON the beach. The prices are exceptionally reasonable as well.

I would highly recommend this beach house to anyone considering staying in Englewood for vacation.

Snook Haven Retreat

We've actually been here and it's a nice day trip. We rented canoes for $15.00 an hour and paddled around the river with out children. That was a lot of fun. While we did not take the boat tour, there is a river tour available. If there are severe drought conditions, you may want to call ahead and see if this is running.

We also ate here - prices are reasonable and the staff was friendly. Depending on the weather you can eat indoors or out. Decor is very "old florida" and enjoyable.

They offer live music as well. When we visited it was fifties music which was a fun time.

Tip:
Don't dress up - this is a very casual atmosphere with mostly outdoor activities. No dress codes here!

Resources:
Music Schedule
The legend of the killer turtles

Phone:
(941) 485-7221

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

While we do have many outside and tropical sorts of activities, we also have arts and historical attractions as well. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is just one of those pleasant surprises you'll get when you visit this area on vacation!

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra began in the fall of 1978 and gave its first concert in January 1979, as the Charlotte Chamber Orchestra. The group was formed by Fred Blake from string players of the Charlotte “Pops” Orchestra. Musicians were unpaid for many years, but financing for music and other expenses was raised by community garage sales and donations.


Originally a chamber orchestra of 13 string players, wind and percussion players were added in 1980 to enable an expanded repertoire to be played. The orchestra continued to expand during the next six years under the direction of conductor Fred Blake. The orchestra now includes 45-65 players, depending on the score requirements.

All concert performances Sunday evenings, 7:30 p.m., Center for Performing Arts & Education, Punta Gorda.

2007-08 Pops Series

December 2 “Holiday Magic Pops Concert”
January 27 “At the Movies” Guest conductor: Andrew Kurtz
March 30 “The Blue Violin” Doug Cameron, violin

2007-08 Classical Series

The Classical series of concerts offers patrons a varied selection of music from the best known works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and more, to contemporary works by young, upcoming composers who will have an impact on the future of classical music.

Before each of our classical concerts there are free pre-concert lecture from 6:30 -7:00pm, to the first 150 audience members who would like to attend. The pre-concert lecture provides an in-depth view of the evenings performance and enhances your concert experience.

November 11 “Speak of the Devil” Emil Israel Chudnovsky, violin
January 20 “Operatic Obsession” Deborah Berioli, soprano
February 24 “Anticipating Spring” James Zhang, violin; Adam Satinsky, cello & Mingshan Kong, piano
March 16 “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” Stanislaw Drzewiecki, piano
April 13 “Mostly Mozart” Betsy Traba, flute

Resources:


Map of 701 Carmalita St Punta Gorda, FL 33950-5619, US

Fisherman's Village, Punta Gorda

Old style Florida at it's finest!

Food
A visit to Fishermen's Village is a gourmet's ecstasy! Fun time oyster bars, exotic eating establishments, and elegant restaurants tempt you with delectable offerings. Several establishments adjoin an outdoor food court where you can dine by the water while watching fishing boats unload while pelicans watch you.

Shopping
The Boutiques at Fishermen's Village offer a wide variety of Florida style shopping. You can find all your Florida outfit needs (and yes, we do dress differently here!) in one easy location. Alternately, you can shop for unique gifts with flair!

Boating
You can also rent boats or take a charter!

Pricing
Off season rates are not bad, however, for the same (or less) you can stay on Manasota Key for less - these would be beach house rentals on or very near the beach.

Summary
I've never stayed the night here - noise seems to be an issue in some of the reviews, however, it IS a fun day trip with something for everyone, including fishing.

Resources:

Event Calander for Fisherman's Village
Trip Advisor Reviews

Cedar Point Environmental Park

2300 Placida Road
Englewood, FL 34224

This 62-acre park is an environmental wonder. A nature preserve and environmental center make it easy to discover the natural wildlife of Southwest Florida. There is also fishing, kayaking and a playground available for use.



Wow, what a lame description for such an awesome place!

They have a nature center with all sorts of fascinating displays about local fish and wildlife - a GREAT time for kids of all ages. They also have self guided AND guided tours and a really great exploring the wetlands program for small children.

If you are into nature and on a budget - this is even better because it's FREE!

PLUS: There are bald eagles that nest in this park that you can view from a pvc pipe telescople.

TIPS:

Bring a camera
Sign up for a tour in advance if possible.

Resources:
A Photographer's trip to Cedar Point

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The Myakka River flows through 53 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.

This is a "Must do" for nature lovers! As year round residents, we frequent this park often. It's a great park with something for everyone of any age!

They have many picnic tables and pavilions in a nice wooded area which is a great place to meet with friends and just chill in the shade. The scenery is fabulous with all sorts of native Florida plants and trees.

There are nature trails through the woods and along the river. There is a tremendous canopy walk which not only gives great views, but offers interesting information about the area, wildlife and more.

About the alligators..

If you are in the mood for "gator watching" this would be a tremendous place to do it! There are literally gators everywhere, though they don't bother you if you don't bother them. They can be impressive to watch and learn about. The park staff is very helpful and offer great information on both the tram and boat tours.

The boat tours do not run during severe drought, so you'll want to check ahead at their website.

Tips:

We've never had much problems with biting insects when we go there, but you'll definitely want to use bug repellent since this seems to keep them away.

You'll want to avoid serious physical activity during the hottest part of the day since it is rather hot and humid here most of the year. Plan bike rides and long hikes for the morning hours.

If you plan to walk the nature trails, wear sneakers not sandals. There are a lot of tree roots, etc.

Resources:

25 Things to do at Myakka River State Park (PDF)
Myakka River Yahoo Travel Reviews
Myakka River Trip Advisor Reviews