Port Charlotte Is Perfect For Your Next Florida Vacation



Jan 12th, 2012 Nick Messe

For a fun family holiday that's bound to please everyone, there's nothing quite like a southwest Florida vacation. Just think of warm blue water, sun-kissed beaches, soft breezes blowing off the gulf coast, and then start to plan your trip to paradise.

You might be forgiven for stopping off in the Orlando area to see the usual Florida attractions like Walt Disney World, Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Universal Studios. And what family with kids would want to miss the delights of Busch Gardens over in the Tampa Bay area.

With all the excitement of the new Star Trek film, you will certainly want to make the pilgrimage to Kennedy Space Center, for the sake of the trekkies in your group. Seeing actual space craft and viewing the excellent displays will take time, so plan on staying as long as you can.

After feasting on these tourist offerings, now is the time to head for the sunny gulf shores. If you'd like to sample the natural wonders of Florida as well as experience urban pursuits, why not head for the city of Port Charlotte?

Port Charlotte is located on the north side of beautiful Charlotte Harbor. The area has been counted as Number One Best Place to Live in the South, and was voted Number Two Best Place to Live in America in 1996 by Money Magazine.

There is no shortage of parks and outdoor recreational spaces to explore along the miles of beaches that line the barrier islands and spits. You can enjoy bird watching at any of the five national wildlife refuges, or navigate the Peace River by renting a kayak.

The golfers in your group will be delighted with the number of gorgeous golf courses, some well-established, and some practically brand new. All have that unmistakable Florida feel, with Spanish moss hanging from the trees, snowy white egrets, and the occasional alligator snoozing by a water hazard.

If you are a baseball fan, plan on visiting the area during spring training. Many professional ball teams train in the Florida grapefruit league, and the Tampa Bay Rays have made Port Charlotte their pre-season home as of 2009.

In the extensively renovated 6,000 seat Charlotte Sports Park, complete with berm seating and luxury suites, you can enjoy professional baseball before the season even starts. The Florida State Charlotte Stone Crabs and the Gulf Coast Rays also play here.

Here's a bit of trivia. The Texas Rangers used to train at the old facility, and in 2000, Alex Rodriguez signed a 10 year deal worth an unprecedented $252 million dollars. The deal was to be announced in a press conference, but the stadium was too small for the great number of news reporters expected to attend. In order to make enough room for reporters to interview Rodriguez, they had to meet on the roof of the Ranger dugout.

Port Charlotte is also a city rich in cultural pursuits. There are art galleries, symphony performances, plays and dinner theater events that one may attend. If you are visiting during the Easter or Christmas season, be sure and catch a cantata or concert offered by one of the many religious congregations in the community.

If that weren't enough, there are a myriad of dining establishments to whet your appetite, from upscale to downright homey. One evening, before your vacation ends, be sure to sample some freshly caught seafood at a waterfront eatery overlooking the twinkling lights overlooking the harbor.

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For more information about Port Charlotte Florida vacation, visit SouthwestFloridaTravelGuide.com - With just a click, you can view all the accommodations, attractions, dining, car and boat rentals you need to plan your perfect Florida vacation.

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