The Cape Haze Peninsula could be described as a time capsule waiting to be discovered. It offers the visitor a diverse culture and a chance to glimpse the Florida of days gone by and is often referred to as the secret coastline. There are no big crowds here, just plenty of white sand lapped by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and decorated with colourful shells and sharks teeth.

This stretch of coastline is easily accessible but remote enough to attract abundant wildlife, birds, dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, Bobcats, raccoons, foxes and plenty of alligators all native to south west Florida. From sailing and boating, fishing, golf, fine and casual dining, shopping to the arts there is something for everyone, young and old alike.

Sailing & Boating:
For the boating enthusiast you will be spoilt for choice and
Charlotte Harbour was voted by Sail Magazine as one
of the “10 Greatest Places to sail”. The barrier islands with
their peaceful coves and bays that skirt this coastline are
just waiting to be discovered and make idyllic hideaways.
www.gasparillamarina.com

Kayaking:
Paddlers will find hundreds of miles of Blueway trails that
start with the Peace and Myakka rivers and extend out to
the Gulf of Mexico. You could try your hand at one of the
newest hybrid sports, kayak geocaching, in which you
hunt for hidden treasures while afloat on the water or
just revel in exploring these quiet back waters.

Fishing:
There are both saltwater and fresh fishing opportunities,
from the casual line thrown from the pier to the more lustrous deep sea charters chasing the mighty Tarpon. Kingfisher, Grouper, Snook, Bass Trout and Cobia are all here for the catching.
www.westwindfishingcharters.com
www.xtremefishin.net

Shopping:
There are two local supermarkets within a short drive of 
our home; Publix to be found at the junction of 776 and 771
and a Winn Dixie located on 776 at the Sunnybrook junction.
We would recommend Publix, the fresh fish is excellent as
is the freshly baked bread and a new addition is fresh Sushi.

For retail therapy, nearby Port Charlotte (15 minutes by car)
boasts a large mall and others can be found in Sarasota
and Fort Myers, where you will also find an outlet mall just off I75.

Dining:
From the humble to the sophisticated, there are cuisines
to suit all tastes and pockets; one of our favourites is the Captain’s Table overlooking Charlotte Harbour in
Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda. The Crow’s Nest
in Venice, Farlow’s in Englewood, or for a simple
American breakfast, The Egg & I in Grove City, 5 minutes
drive away.

Historic Englewood:
The quaint “olde towne” of Englewood has a thriving arts
community which is mainly centered around Dearborne Street .
With an unhurried feel to it, Dearborne Street is a photo of when life
was slow and simple. The link below will keep you up to date with points of interest, events, walks and other useful information.
www.oldeenglewood.com

Historic Punta Gorda:
Nestling beside the Peace river Punta Gorda is a mix of
old and new. Some of Florida's oldest homes have been
restored here, try the Historic walking tour or visit Fisherman's Village with it's live entertainment, harbour cruises, speciality shops or dine overlooking Charlotte Harbour.

Turkey Vultures at Myakka State Park

State Parks:
Are plentiful on the Cape Haze Peninsular and offer
the visitor an opportunity to see and experience nature
at its best. One close by is the Myakka State Park which
protects one of Florida's most diverse natural areas: 45
square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands.
Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping and
wildlife observation. Here you will find the canopy
walkway culminating in the Tree Top Tower the views
from which are quite spectacular.

Tennis:
Rotonda West, Community Park, Public courts - free
Lemon Bay High School (after school hours), Placida Road.
Englewood Tennis Club semi-private for information and fees
Tel: 941 475 3386

For the use of our guests we have provided a comprehensive guide to the Cape Haze Peninsular and Beyond,
located on the bottom shelf of the hall console table.