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. The
short video below offers a glimpse of this unique area.
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.
gasparillamarina
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. westwindfishingcharters
extremefishing
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. oldeenglewood
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
We
have provided a comprehensive guide to the Cape Haze Peninsular
and Beyond,
located on the bottom shelf of the hall console table.
