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Punta Gorda Nearby Attractions Fisherman's Village Located on Charlotte Harbor, Fishermen's Village has become a quintessential stay and play destination with waterfront restaurants, boutiques, resort, marina with excursion boating tours, voted Favorite Shopping Destination, Charlotte Sun Reader's Choice Awards! Peace River Wildlife Center A sanctuary that rehabilitates injured and orphaned native Florida wildlife, such as eagles, hawks, owls, sand hill cranes and flamingos. Punta Gorda Train Depot Built in 1928, it is the sole survivor of the 6 depots built by the Atlantic Coast Line in Mediterranean Revival style. Babcock Wilderness Ranch Experienced guides lead 90 minute swamp buggy tours through a ranch and swamp where visitors can view bison, alligators, birds, cougars, cattle and horses. Charlotte Sport Park Ranked the second safest city in the state of Florida, Punta Gorda is also one of the only walkable cities on the Gulf Coast. Recently, the city completed the Punta Gorda Pathways (PGP), a system of approximately 18 miles of bicycle, pedestrian and pet-friendly trails and paths connecting neighborhoods, parks and commercial areas. The pathways encircle the city including Harborwalk, Laishley Park and marina, the Punta Gorda Fishing Pier, Linear Park, and Fisherman's Village. MURT, the US 41 Multi-Use Recreational Trail, provides access to areas south of the Punta Gorda's historic core such as Punta Gorda Library, the Muscle Car City Museum and the History Park. The city's Spanish heritage is honored throughout the town with more than 20 wall murals painted on historic buildings that depict the area pre-and-post Hurricane Charley. In honor of Florida's first Spanish explorer, Ponce De Leon, who it is believed discovered the area in 1513; a Ponce de Leon monument is located downtown in Gilchrist Park, an 11-acre park ideal for walking, jogging and biking that runs along Charlotte Harbor. One of the park's main draws is a gazebo that over the years has become a popular wedding venue. This past year many new residences have been constructed as well. Mediterranean and old Florida style tin-roofed homes adorned with massive royal palms now line the streets. The Punta Gorda historic district and nearby neighborhoods are designated with red cobblestone pavers giving the area a special nostalgic charm. With nearly 50 independently owned and operated restaurants, from barbecue to fine dining, Punta Gorda has become a culinary destination. For entertainment, the cultural calendar is filled with an abundance of festivals and special events, from the chamber's annual Wine and Jazz Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival to various art festivals. Punta Gorda is ranked the second safest city in Florida. Visitors to this ecological gem won't be daunted by an obscured skyline, for not a single building stands more than five stories high, a code strictly enforced after Hurricane Charley as part of the city's new master plan. Home to the Charlotte Stone Crab and spring training site of the Tampa Bay Rays. 38 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE A popular spot for residents and travelers alike, Fisherman's Village is beautifully sited on the waterfront on the Maud Street City Docks. A diverse group of restaurants and many locally owned shops make it a popular destination, drawing nearly 1 million visitors each year. Punta Gorda is a unique coastal city with a special small town charm that appeals to visitors and residents from around the globe. No longer a sleepy fishing village, after 125 years, it has become one of the best cities in Florida to live offering residents the best of the old and the new: a safe, relaxing coastal lifestyle in a modern well-planned community. Contributing Writers Jennifer Calenda, Sue Parr, Ken Parr Realtors, Michael Saunders & Company The Calenda-Parr Team 941.916.0798 or 941.916.0529 JenniferCalenda@comcast.net skparr@comcast.net

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