ShoppingShopping takes on many forms in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands ranging from fashionably stylish shops to funky eclectic boutiques and everything in between. Enjoy waterfront shopping at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda and visit the galleries in the historic fishing village of Placida. For more urban flavor, visit Downtown Punta Gorda and Dearborn Street in Olde Englewood Village for one-of-a-kind shops ranging from clothing to home accents. Port Charlotte Town Center Mall is where visitors will find traditional shopping choices including such anchor stores as Macy’s, Sears, and Dillard’s. Antique shops are found throughout Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands but don’t miss the Punta Gorda Train Depot which was built in 1928 and houses a 20-booth antique mall. Treasures are found at various flea markets including Sun Flea Market in Port Charlotte. Antique shops also offer their wares on Dearborn Street in Englewood. Whatever the desire, visitors can find a whimsical souvenir, an original work of art or fabulous new accessory as a memento of a vacation in Southwest Florida. Following is a sampling of shops, boutiques and shopping districts in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands. Links:
Port Charlotte Town Center - Mall
1441 Tamiami Trail Promenades Mall Charlotte Square Mall Village Marketplace Merchants Crossing of Englewood 4265 Tamiami Trl 19100 Murdock Cir 3280 Tamiami Trl # 52 Sun Flea Market Inc 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, #57A Sullivan Street Shops Key Village Shops  SpasPampering should be a part of every vacation, and Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands has your self-indulgences covered. Nearly 20 area spas offer massages, facials, manicures and other beautifying treatments. Links:
Charles of the Village Salon & Day Spa
Fishermen's Village 1221 S. McCall Rd. The Fountain of Youth 12687 S.W. C. R. 769, Ste. 3A 3802 Tamiami Trl. 2240 S. McCall Rd. 115 Taylor St. 2905 S. Tamiami Trl. Trend Setter's Day Spa  DiningThe dining scene in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is an eclectic mix of seafood shacks, sidewalk cafes, waterfront eateries, fine dining, and sweet spots. Primary dining districts include downtown Punta Gorda, Fishermen’s Village and Englewood’s Dearborn Street. Familiar corporate-owned restaurants are bountiful, too. Notable culinary experiences include dinner at Golden Spoon recipient The Perfect Caper headed by three-time nominee for the James Beard Foundation Best Chef in the South, Jeanie Roland, and lunch at the table actor Denzel Washington sat while filming —Out of Time” (2003) at The Fishery Restaurant in the fishing community of Placida. Learn to make a new meal with the Pies & Plates Culinary Academy then hop the pond without a passport to enjoy traditional fish and chips with mushy peas at the Ice House Pub. The pub is housed in the former Punta Gorda Ice Plant which was built in the 1890s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Authentic Irish fare is enjoyed at the Celtic Ray Public House which is owned and managed by Dublin native Kevin Doyle. Enjoy Caribbean cuisine fused with traditional Southern flavor at Farlow’s on the Water. Herbs used in menu items are grown on site and guests are invited to tour the garden. Anglers can enjoy their fresh catch and let someone else do the cooking. The Village Fish Market Restaurant & Lounge at Fishermen’s Village will prepare a fishermen’s cleaned fish any delicious way they’d like. Late fall through mid-spring, see and taste what certified organic Worden Farm is growing. They offer culinary workshops and farm tours on select dates. Purchase their fresh vegetables along with fresh seafood from local fishermen at the Fishermen’s Village Farmer’s Market each Wednesday late fall through mid-spring. Year-round farmers markets provide fresh veggies, meats and crafts Saturday mornings in downtown Punta Gorda and at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County. Friday mornings, visit Englewood Farmers’ Market for more Florida fresh produce. Whatever the craving and occasion, there’s a restaurant satisfying every taste bud. Following is a sampling of the area’s tasty dining options.View Sampling of Restaurants: www.charlotteharbortravel.com/do/dining.php |
