A less-developed and often overlooked section of the Sunshine State, the Charlotte Harbor area between Sarasota and Fort Myers includes five barrier islands, nine communities and miles of protected shoreline and aquatic preserves. One of the more popular spots for tourists is the historic and artsy city of Punta Gorda on the harbor. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Charlotte Harbor’s estuary waterways and sandy beaches for wildlife viewing, kayaking, fishing and some of the best shell collecting in Florida. If you’re seeking a vacation centered on eco-tourism and a laid-back old-Florida vibe rather than one at a sleek and frenzied modern resort area, Charlotte Harbor is a good option, especially over the Fourth of July weekend.
Freedom swim
More than 1,000 people are expected to converge on the north shore of the Peace River in Port Charlotte for the Freedom Swim. What began as an alternative Fourth of July activity among a small group of friends in 1991 has gradually blossomed into a major event in the Charlotte Harbor area. It’s not a race, though it can be if you want it to. Some have made the 1.5-mile trip to Punta Gorda in as little as 30 minutes. Most participants don’t care about racing, though, and turn the affair into a flotilla of sorts as they take their own sweet time getting across. Some swim, others use brightly colored noodles, inflatable rafts or kayaks for the journey, which runs past the U.S. 41 bridge lined with hundreds of cheering spectators. Part the Freedom Swim’s charm is its lack of pretension. There is no registration and no fee to participate; there are no sponsors and no prizes are awarded. Delightfully unorganized, people congregate in the morning and start swimming or paddling at 9 a.m. The Coast Guard and local law enforcement will be on hand to make sure participants remain safe, but the order of the day is fun and common courtesy. The swim ends at Fisherman’s Village, a marina complex in Punta Gorda with plenty of shopping and waterfront bars and restaurants. There will be live music at the marina all day long, right up until the fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Other holiday activities
You don’t get more all-American than minor-league baseball, hot dogs and fireworks. The Charlotte Stone Crabs, a Class A Advanced affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, will take on the Jupiter Hammerheads at 6:30 p.m at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte. A special Independence Day package is being offered for the game. For $13, you’ll get a reserved seat, a Stone Crabs hat and a voucher for a hot dog and soft drink. Fireworks begin immediately after the game.
One of the best ways to see the fireworks is from a boat. King Fisher Fleet Sightseeing Cruises (www.kingfisherfleet. com) in Punta Gorda is offering a special “July 4th Fireworks Cruise.” The boat will depart from Fishermen’s Village at 8:30 p.m. and cruise to a viewing spot on the Peace River just off Laishley Park, where the fireworks are shot off. The cruise costs $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are highly recommended since the cruise sells out each year.
During the day, visit the Peace River Wildlife Center (www.peaceriverwildlife center.com) for an up-close experience with America’s national bird, the bald eagle. The center is dedicated to the rescue, care, protection and preservation of native mammals, birds and reptiles that have been orphaned, displaced or injured. It is currently home to a pair of bald eagles — Captain Arthur and Bilfred — who will be on view. Plenty of other native Florida wildlife also can be seen in an intimate, natural setting between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda. The center does not receive government funding, so donations are appreciated.
If you go
Charlotte Harbor is a nine-hour drive from Atlanta on I-75. Flights are available between Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and two area airports: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), each about a 45-minute drive from Charlotte Harbor.
Stay: Four Points Punta Gorda Harborside. 106 guest rooms with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and harbor views. The fireworks are within walking distance, as are Punta Gorda shops and restaurants. The hotel’s “Best Brews” program offers numerous locally brewed beers and others from around the world. Rates start at $84. 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. 941-637-6770, www.fourpointspuntagorda.com.
Palm Island Resort. Palm Island is only accessible by ferry. The resort is geared toward families, and guests stay in tropical villas along a two-mile stretch of private beach with ample opportunity for activity, including snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, bicycling, golfing and children’s programs such as scavenger hunts and sand castle building contests. Fourth of July weekend special: reserve a villa for a three-night stay, get the fourth night free. Rates $115-$375 a night. 7092 Placida Road, Cape Haze. 800-824-5412, www.palmisland.com.
Eat: Peace River Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market. Seafood joint in a 1926 Florida Cracker house where fishermen bring their catch straight to the kitchen. Try the smoked mullet and gator gumbo. All-you-can-eat blue crabs and shrimp for $19.99 every Saturday 4-7 p.m. 5337 Duncan Road, Punta Gorda. 941-505-8440.
The Fishery. Waterfront restaurant in tiny Placida on Gasparilla Sound where guests can boat in as well as walk in; it is run by a third-generation local fishing family. The seafood is fresh, abundant and served in a relaxed atmosphere. Specialties start at $12.95. 13000 Fishery Road, Placida. 941-697-2451, www.sunstate.com/fishery.
Visitor info: Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau. 800-652-6090, www.charlotteharbortravel.com.
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