Statia

Some friends of ours have offered us their waterfront home as a getaway while I am visiting my family in the US this fall. The home is located in Port Charlotte and although I've done some research online I'm not finding much on what there is to do in the area.

We are mainly just planning to hang out at the house, use the pool, hot tub, boat, etc., but we do want to get out and around a bit, so I'm looking for suggestions on things to do and see in the area.

We are willing to drive up to an hour or so to see some things, and I would also love any moderate priced restaurants you can recommend in the area since there will be six of us traveling together.

Thanks!

kazamm

I spend the winters in Port Charlotte;Port Charlotte is not known for fine dining, so for breakfast try the smokehouse on Cooper street in Punta Gorda near hospital.
The best Western hotel on the Peace River is a nice spot. Old florida try Snook Haven in venice. ; Bean Rest. in El Jobean route 776 at the Myakka river. For a beer try Slip Knot on route 41 in Punta Gorda next to Toyota dealer. Fishery in Placida is nice spot for dinner or lunch.
Things to do go to Boca Grande, tour island. $$$$. Rent a kayak at grand tours near Boca.
No gulf beaches in PC go to Englewood Beach. Gulf View rest there $$ Also a tiki bar at white elephant.
On Thursday eveing you might find the guitar army in the park along Peace River west of Tam. Trail
In Nort Port there are some reasonable rests. Old World ,stuff a belly all on route 41, 15-20 from PC
Gators---- go to Myakka State Park in Sarasota, many many gators. 1 + hour ride. Best beach in area Siesta in sarasota. Sunday night on Siesta beach catch the Sunset with the drummer circle same deal on Sat. night on Nokomis beach near Venice. Visit the Ringling Home and art gallery; circus in sarasota on the bay.

teacherD

Other restaurants (a bit more expensive than those mentioned already) are: Lock and Key on Beach Rd. across from the beach in Englewood, Sharky's on the beach in Venice, and my 2 favorites in Punta Gorda - Red Fish Chop House and the River City Grill both next to each other on Marion Av.

For a fun and inexpensive night, try the Visani Comedy Club in Port Charlotte. It has a website. The food is good but you can just pay for the show which I think is about $12. They have a website. Have fun!

Statia

Thanks for the info and tips.

dsquared

Statia, Sarasota is about an hour away. The Marie Selby Botanical gardens are lovely. Ca d'Zan, a waterfront mansion once owned by John Ringling (of Ringling Brothers circus fame), is worth a visit.

Statia

Thanks, dsquared. That sounds like a doable plan, too.

Brandessa

Sanibel Island is about an hour south of Port Charlotte and is know for it's unique sea shells. Our first time there we bought "butterfly" nets and used them to scoop the shells from the water. Incredible! We are planning on returning in November

Statia

Thanks, Brandessa.