The 2018 Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim begins at 11 a.m. July 4, but while folks cross the 1.5-mile wide Peace River, this isn’t a race. It’s a “happening” and one of the few ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Florida and stay cool.
Tag: Punta Gorda
Nine ways ways to find the real Florida — 15 minutes off I-75
You don’t have to drive hours off the interstate to find Florida’s natural beauty and funky history. You can find treasures within 10 minutes of these I-75 exits.
Discover the other Florida barrier islands along the Gulf
Discover a less well-known string of islands — Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island and Manasota Key. Each holds a spectacular state park with top beaches.
Port Charlotte sea kayaking: White pelicans & mangrove mazes
The Gulf coast along Charlotte Harbor has miles of wild shoreline, making it a wonderland of wildlife and natural beauty and ideal for sea kayaking.
Off-the-beaten-path getaways: Seven small towns make great bases for exploring Florida
As you plan your Florida travels for the lovely fall, winter and spring season, here are seven towns that I’ve found make great bases for exploring. Each puts you in the center of outstanding places to hike, bike, kayak and explore history. Each is surrounded by natural beauty.
Punta Gorda: Magnificent riverfront location with Old Florida feel
Punta Gorda is blessed with a beautiful riverfront location, but it doesn’t have a beach. And there lies the reason it has an off-the-beaten-track quality. It’s a great place for kayaking, biking, hiking, birding and discovering funky crab shacks and other authentic Florida experiences.
Shell Creek: The prettiest kayak trail you’ve never heard of
This little creek should be famous. Its magnificent tree canopy and unspoiled Old Florida feel offer kayakers great natural beauty and wildlife, all in an easy, accessible day paddle.
Peace River Seafood: Cracker cabin is a real crab shack
Peace River Seafood in Punta Gorda is a true Florida crab shack; they don’t come more authentic than this. From its 1927 Cracker cabin to the buckets of fresh blue crabs, it’s a little piece of old Florida.
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