Places To Go ~ Things To Do
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2019 | 17
Whether you enjoy gliding down the Peace River in a kayak,
going one-on-one with a 100-pound Tarpon in the Gulf of Mexico,
or enjoying a romantic evening overlooking Charlotte Harbor, we
feel certain a trip to Charlotte County will satisfy your vacation itch.
Here’s just a sampling of what Charlotte County has to offer:
DOWNTOWN PUNTA GORDA - Visit historic downtown Punta
Gorda. Stroll at your own pace or hop on a trolley and cruise the city.
Soak up atmosphere in charming cafes and restaurants and explore
art galleries and unusual shops and boutiques. Browse beautifully
illustrated murals depicting the City’s history. Walk the Harborwalk,
Linear Park and various trails which create a link throughout the
City for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Visit Laishley Park Municipal
Marina with its 94 boat slips, splash pad, and 42 moorings, public
boat launch and a boater’s dayroom. For more information, please
visit www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us.
ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO has
evolved from its pioneer beginnings (when competing cowboys
and ranchers matched their skills for the entertainment of local
audiences) to a national sport drawing top cowboy athletes from all
over the nation. Please visit www.arcadiarodeo.com for upcoming
events.
ATLANTA BRAVES SPRING TRAINING located at CoolToday
Park in North Port. The Braves complex has 11 batting cages, 63
pitching mounds and the centerpiece stadium, which has 6,200 seats
and a capacity of 8,000, with 1,800 general admission tickets on a
grassy berm and at various drink rails spread around the 360-degree
concourse. For more information, please call 941-413-5000 or visit
www.springtraining@braves.com
BABCOCK/WEBB WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA is
among the last undeveloped expanses of wet pine flatwoods in
Southwest Florida. Within five miles of Punta Gorda, hunting
bobwhite quail, participating in bird dog field trials, fishing for
trophy size bluegill, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
are just some of the activities available. From I-75, exit 158 to Tucker
Grade. Turn east on Tucker Grade and travel approximately 0.2 mi.
to the management area. 863-648-3200.
BABCOCK RANCH ECO TOURS - Experience the thrill of
watching panther, Florida cracker cattle, deer, turkey, alligators
and more in their natural habitat. Enjoy the fun as you travel in the
tour bus high above the dark waters of the 8,000-acre Telegraph
Cypress Swamp. The 90,000-acre Crescent B Ranch in eastern
Charlotte County offers you the chance to see the real Florida.
Highly skilled naturalists guide you through the 90-minute eco-tour
adventure. Visit our museum, exhibits, country store and seasonal
sandwich shop. For those interested in conservation, wildlife and
agriculture, Babcock is a “must see.” All tours require reservations.
For information or reservations call 800-500-5583, or visit www.
babcockranchecotours.com.
BERMONT SHOOTING CLUB AND ARCHERY RANGE is a
sporting clays range in Punta Gorda with 14 station course, a five
stand and a wobble trap ready for shooters. We also invite you to
enjoy fishing in our fully stocked lake. Stationary archery is available
with targets currently set at 20, 30, and 40 yards. We also have 3D
archery, personalized hunting experiences, and much more. Come
see what we are all about and join the Bermont Shooting Club family
today. (941-575-4500). www.bermontshootingclub.com
THE BLANCHARD HOUSE MUSEUM showcases the area’s
history and contributions African-Americans made to help create
the wonderful place Charlotte County is today. The museum is
located at 406 Martin Luther King Blvd., Punta Gorda, 941-575-7518.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS hosts various events
throughout the year. For more information call 941-629-4252.
Website: www.thecharlottecountyfair.com.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES invites
you to “Get Up, Get Out, Get Active & Explore the Excitement!”
With 64 parks and recreation facilities, four libraries and history
center, there is truly something for everyone. The Charlotte County
Community Services department is open for business and offers
activities and opportunities to be happier, live longer and add more
balance to your life. Observe bird life and enjoy boardwalks, fishing
and canoe/kayaking. The department offers special events, dances,
concerts, skating, garage sales, tennis and fishing tournaments and
much more. Pick up event flyers or The Guide at any of their facilities
or visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
TRINGALI PARK RECREATION CENTER is in Englewood and
offers many programs, including pickleball, sports, dance classed,
yoga, hockey, summer camp and more. They have a gymnasium,
tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, playground and covered
picnic area and a 2,580-square foot Community Center with a stage
and a full kitchen. Call 941.681.3742.
PORT CHARLOTTE BEACH PARK RECREATION CENTER
has multi-purpose rooms and picnic pavilions available for event
rentals. The pool and park amenities include a public beach,
basketball court, tennis courts, volleyball court, bocce courts,
horseshoe pits, playground, fishing pier and boat ramp. Parking is
$.75 cents per hour. Call 941.627.1628.
HAROLD AVENUE REGIONAL PARK RECREATION
CENTER in Port Charlotte is home to youth and adult basketball
leagues, volleyball, pickleball, Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi, Aikido
and Zumba and hosts the Charlotte County Table Tennis Club and
the Charlotte County Bonsai Club. This facility has a gymnasium,
outdoor tennis and basketball courts, a playground with sheltered
picnic tables, baseball & softball fields and meeting rooms for rent. It
is a popular location for summer day camps. Call 941.627.1074.
SOUTH COUNTY REGIONAL PARK RECREATION CENTER
in Punta Gorda is a multi-purpose recreation center featuring a
gymnasium with six basketball goals, baseball, softball and soccer
fields, tennis courts, pickleball, a community garden and a 25-yard
swimming pool with a diving well for open and lap swim, swimming
lessons and more. Day camps during summer and school breaks are
also offered. Call 941.505.8686.
ANN & CHUCK DEVER REGIONAL PARK has over 306 acres
of land, 50 acres for active use, 120 acres of environmental land and
136 acres north of Oyster Creek. Park amenities include basketball
and tennis courts, cricket/multipurpose field, dog park, football
fields, nature trails, pavilion rentals, restrooms, a skate park and
swimming pool with a diving well. Call 941.681.3742.
CHARLOTTE SPORTS PARK is located at 2300 El Jobean Road
on State Road 776 in Port Charlotte. The stadium is operated by the
Charlotte County Community Services Department. With 5,150
fixed seats, a 360-degree concourse and boardwalk, luxury suites,
practice fields, open space and a kid’s playground, the Park is a
/www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us
/www.arcadiarodeo.com
/www.springtraining@braves.com
/babcockranchecotours.com
/www.bermontshootingclub.com
/www.thecharlottecountyfair.com
/www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov