Local Resources

Helpful Links

• Wondering what to do in Charlotte County? -

  In the Area Information  section of this website, you will find many links to the different regions around Charlotte County.  Many of these links will help to familiarize yourself with the area.  However, if you are here visiting or relocating to the area, there may be things you are looking for such as a weekend getaway or a nearby health club.
  
  We have provided you with some links to help you feel at home whether you are visiting or if you have just moved to Charlotte County.  Please call at any time for further information.
  
  
  There are several nice parks and beach areas in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.  
  A few favorites are: 
  
  Gilchrist Park
  400 Retta Esplanade
  
  One favorite is Gilchrist Park in the historic district of Punta Gorda.  It is right on the Peace River and it is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or a day with the family.  It has a nice playground for young children, tennis courts, a basketball court, a gazebo, a couple of large picnic areas for parties, and it is walking distance from Fisherman's village.
  
  What is Fisherman's Village you ask? Check out the link: www.fishville.com  
  
  Ponce De Leon
  4000 W. Marion Ave
  
  Ponce De Leon is a 10-acre park with a raised boardwalk through a wetland area.  It has a boat ramp, fishing docks, a small beach, picnic tables, and it is home of the Punta Gorda wildlife bird sanctuary.   If you head over there, don't forget to stop in the gift shop and say hello to Lois.  She has a wealth of information regarding the area, and some pretty nifty gifts to bring back to the grandkids.  If you want to sit in the shade of a palm tree on the beach and relax, launch your boat to fish or your kayak to explore the hidden waterways, Ponce de Leon is a great place to do so.
  
  Port Charlotte Park Beach
  4500 Harbor Blvd
  
  This beach is along the Peace River and has a beach club with a pool, boat ramp, a long fishing pier, barbecue grills, tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball nets, and other elements that could provide you with a pleasant day out.
  
  If you are looking for more beaches in the area, some of the nicest beaches are not far away. 
  Boca Grande and Englewood are about 30 minutes from Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, and they have some of the most beautiful beaches around.
  
  Boca Grande
  Off of Gasparilla Island
  
  If your idea of Florida is sunny skies and tropical clear waters on beautiful unpopulated beaches, all of your expectations will be satisfied in Boca Grande.  If you are boating or driving to Boca Grande, you will see some of the clearest tropical waters around.  Your choices include stopping at one of the small beach passes along the island, or going down to the end at the lighthouse.  Many people enjoy fishing off of the end of the beach or at the jetties at the lighthouse; there is also a gift shop, a museum of the area, and a picnic area. 
  
  Look out for the Iguanas too. They generally hang out in the mangroves, up in the palm trees, or along the beaches.  If you are having lunch there, they are sure to make a brief visit.
  
  If you get hungry while you are on the island, Downtown Boca Grande is very cute and has some nice restaurants; there is also the South Beach Grill by the lighthouse. 
  
  Stump Pass Beach
  900 Gulf Blvd
  Englewood
  
  Stump Pass is a state beach most popular with those who like long walks on the beach, searching for shells and sharks teeth, wading around in the clear waters, and enjoying a simple, nice, relaxing day.  This beach is very popular with bird watchers, nature lovers who like to explore a bit of Florida's natural environment, and boaters.  Englewood has other very nice beaches around the area, but Stump Pass is a favorite because it is a little bit more secluded and not as crowded as some of the other more centralized beaches.
  
  
  For more information on our areas parks and beaches, please visit www.pureflorida.com.
  
  
  Other links for enjoying Florida's best:
  
  http://www.babcockwilderness.com/
  http://www.florida-outdoors.com/parks.htm
  http://www.checflorida.org/
  
  Fishing and Boat Charter Tours
  
  http://www.kingfisherfleet.com/
  http://www.grandetours.com/
  http://www.charter-boatfishing.com/
  http://www.burntstoremarina.com/
  http://www.gasparillamarina.com/
  
  Golf Courses
  
  http://www.deepcreekgc.com/
  http://www.bobcattrailgc.com/
  http://jacwestcc.com/
  http://www.heron-creek.com/
  http://www.twinislescc.org/
  http://www.myakkapinesgolfclub.com/
  http://www.riverwoodgc.com/
  http://www.rotondagolf.com/Courses.html

  
  
  
• Restaurants and Bars in and around Charlotte County -

  If you are looking for something to do while in Port Charlotte, here are a few suggestions:
  
  
  Dining and Entertainment around Port Charlotte
  
  Visani's
  941-625-2844
  Tues-Sat open at 4pm
  
  Visiani's provides fine Italian dining, live music and entertainment.  For an interesting and fun night out, try Visani's Comedy Zone from 7:30-10pm on Friday and Saturday nights.  You are guaranteed to have a good time.
  
  House of Prime & Reflections Night Club
  9410-613-4020
  M-S restaurant open from 5-9, Fri & Sat, club open from 8-12 a.m.
  
  Enjoy Belly Dancing on Friday nights & Spanish Guitar on Saturday nights in the restaurant
   Or, at the Reflections Night Club, each weekend has a different event.  Friday's range from ballroom dancing, belly dancing, salsa dancing and wine & cheese tasting, and Saturday nights they have a dj who will play almost anything upon your request.  Call up and see what is going on.  It is worth checking out.
  
  Gatorz Bar & Grill
  941-625-5000
  3816 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
  
  Almost anyone at any time will have a good time at Gatorz.  It is a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere with friendly service; they have good food, good entertainment, and a fun crowd.
  
  Gatorz has ladies night with DJ Ronnie on Thursdays from 9 p.m. - close, Friday afternoons you can sit on the outside deck and feel the tropical vibes of the steel drums, or on Saturdays you can dance to the local band playing inside.
  
  
  We suggest Visiting some of these Restaurants and places while in Punta Gorda:
  
  For Fine Downtown Dining & Weekend Entertainment
  
  Perfect Caper
  941-505-9009
  320 Sullivan Street
  Open Weds to Sat.-Dinner Only
  (Note: Perfect Caper will be closed in Sept.  they will re-open in October)
  
  Red Fish Chop House
  941-639-7655
  127 West Marion Avenue
  (Happy Hour 4-6, 2 for 1)
  Mon-Sat 4pm-10pm, Closed Sun
  
  River City Grill
  941-639-9080
  131 West Marion Avenue
  (Happy Hour 4-6, 2 for 1)
  Summer Hours: Mon-Thurs 4:30-9:30, Fri & Sat 4:30-10
  
  Su Casa-Mexican Cuisine
  941-205-2272
  121 E Marion Ave
  Punta Gorda, FL 33950
  Mon-Thurs 11:30-2:30, 4:30-9pm, Fri-Sat open until 10pm
  
  Turtle Club
  941-637-9477
  (Happy Hour 4-6)
  139 West Marion Avenue
  
  For Fine Italian Dining
  
  Bella Luna
   941-575-4544
  In Fisherman's Village
  (Free bottle of wine with 2 full priced dinners)
  Sun-Thurs 11:30-9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30-10pm
  
  Mama Nunzia
  941-575-7575
  1975 Tamiami Trail
  Mon-Fri 11:30 to 10pm, Sat-Sun 4-10pm
  
  For fine dining on the water:
  
  Benedetto's Steakhouse Martini Bar
  941-639-9695
  300 Retta Esplanade
  Sun-Thurs 1:00-3:00pm, 3:30-11:00pm
  Fri-Sat 1:00-3:00pm, 3:30-11:00pm
  
  Captain's Table
  941-637-1177
  Fisherman's Village
  Mon-Sat Lunch 11:30-3, Dinner 5-9
  
  Local Cafe's and Wine Bars:
  
  Cafe Ruelle
  Located Downtown in the beautiful garden alleyway
  941-575-3553
  Summer Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm, Fri & Sat 8-10 (closed between 4-6)
  (A local favorite, with live music on the weekends and great wine &  Sangria!)
  
  Presellers Delicatessen
  Located Downtown at Olympia and Taylor
  941-639-3990
  Mon-Weds 10am-3pm, Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm
  (A unique and artistic experience, with a wide variety of fine wines and imported beers)
  
  Pies & Plates
  941-505-7437
  Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm, Fri & Sat. 8am-6pm
  (When your sweet tooth calls!)
  
  Looking For a Fun and Often Interesting Night Out, Try One of These:
  
  Downtown Gallery Walk!
  
   Every Third Thursday of the month
  
  Dine in some of the restaurants and join some of the locals for a drink downtown, enjoy some music and some of the free wine tasting at some of the local cafes, or take a stroll through Gilchrist Park and enjoy some bluegrass from some of our local entertainers!  
  
  Downtown Happy Hour!
  River City Grill, Red Fish Chop House, Turtle Club
  Every night 4-6, 2 for 1
  
   Harpoon Harry's at Fisherman's Village
  Thursday Karaoke and DJ Franco
  Fridays & Saturday's Live bands & DJ Franco
  
  The Celtic Ray
  941-505-9219
  145 East Marion Ave
  Mon-Sat 11:30-1am, Sun 4pm-11pm
  If you are looking to take a step back, relax, and enjoy good and/or generally entertaining conversations, the Celtic Ray is the place to go....  Not to mention they have a pretty great imported beer selection and excellent fish and chips.  So if you are looking for a change of pace and to meet some friendly local and international gents, check it out!

  
  
  
• Schools and Universities in and around Charlotte County -

  Child Care Facilities
  
  Charlotte County has many child care facilities.  We have included a few links to lists of day care facilities that also provide after school programs, as well as links to some of the best recommended day schools in the area.
  
  If you are in Port Charlotte, two of the day schools that have come most highly recommended are Our Little World Preschool and Rainbow's End Preschool.
  
  If you are in Punta Gorda, Good Shepard Parish Day School and Busy Bee Day Care are some of the most highly recommended.
  
  http://www.charlottecountyaeyc.org/acc_progs.html
  http://www.floridasmart.com/local/counties/charlotte/education_preschools.htm
  http://www.edison.edu/charlotte/childcare.shtml
  http://www.gsdayschool.org/
  http://bbelc.com/
  http://www.sarasotawaldorf.org/
  
  Elementary to High School Levels
  
  If you are relocating or just need some information on the public schools in Charlotte County, the school board website is very helpful.  You can get information from pre-k programs to high school programs.  They also have helpful information regarding anything from help on homework, to dress codes and school bus schedules. 
  Please see the link below:
  
  http://www.ccps.k12.fl.us/
  
  Local Colleges and Universities
  
  If you are looking to continue your education or take a few language classes, Edison College has many programs.  They provide undergraduate and graduate level classes and degrees.  Their schools are conveniently located all around Charlotte County and Lee County:
  
  http://www.edison.edu/charlotte/
  
  Masters Programs
  
  If you have your bachelor degree and you are looking to get your MBA, OBHRD, or MIS Degree, Impac University offers excellent programs with excellent guidance.  They offer special training programs on leadership, entrepreneurship, business law, global business strategy, and much more.
  
  http://www.impacu.edu/
  
  Massage Therapy and Alternative Medicine
  
  http://www.thequietwoman.org/thai/index.html
  http://www.sarasotaschoolofmassagetherapy.edu/
  http://www.ewcollege.org/
  http://www.evergladesuniversity.edu/
  
  
  
  

   

  
  
  
• Fitness and Wellness in and around Charlotte County -

  Fitness and Wellness Centers
  
  http://www.puntagordaclub.com/
  http://www.charlottecountyymca.com/membership.cfm
  http://www.fhcpinc.com/index.htm
  http://www.pureandtotalfitness.com
  http://www.familyhealingcntr.com/
  http://www.advancedwellness.us/index2.htm
  http://www.energy-works.net/
  
  
  Spas and Salons
  
  http://www.thequietwoman.org/
  http://www.spagodayspa.com/
  http://www.charlesofthevillage.com/
  http://doloresgozzi.beautybyus.com/
  http://www.sbarraspa.com/
  http://www.mandalamedispa.com/