|
Englewood has been called the "Gem of the Suncoast," "the Heart of the Suncoast," "a bit of Heaven on Earth," "a place unspoiled by high rises and high prices," and "where the livin' is easy," yet it still remains one of Florida's best kept vacation secrets - a secret about which more and more Floridians and northern vacationers are learning.
Englewood is just 85 miles south of Tampa and 50 miles north of Fort Myers. The Englewood area is literally surrounded by water and has four beaches from which to choose for sunbathing, searching for seashells, swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, and more. All of the beaches border the Gulf of Mexico, where soft sea breezes make for a year round tropical feel and the waters are warm and delightful.
Manasota Beach boasts 14 acres of gulf front beach and sand dunes, with special areas set aside for sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks and bathhouse facilities. Lifeguards are on duty at this beach all year round.
With more than 60 acres, Blind Pass Beach is ideal for swimming and fishing and now includes a nature trail. Recently, the historic "Hermitage House," one of the first beach homes to be built on Manasota Key, was revitalized. Sarasota County also provides a docking area for boats on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Manasota Key.
Englewood Beach, in Charlotte County, also offers a wide expanse of beachfront, plus recreation areas, a boardwalk, picnic tables, a concession area and paved parking. This beach is also close to several restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Just south of Englewood Beach is the Port Charlotte Beach Park, a wide expanse of Gulf front, sandy beach, where walking along the coastline is a favorite pastime of many. It is accessible by boat or walking from Englewood Beach.
The Englewood area has nice parks, both on the gulf and bay, for recreation and picnicking. There are also boat launches for those who wish to trail a boat here. Lemon Bay Park offers visitors a butterfly garden, picnic sites and nature trails. Classes and guided walks are available. Indian Mounds Park, also located on Lemon Bay, offers a public boat ramp with parking facilities with other amenities which include a picnic pavilion, picnic tables, and a historic nature trail.
Boating, fishing and diving are all favored water sports activities in and around Englewood. Boat rentals as well as charter and guided fishing trips are readily available. Local dive shops offer equipment as well as instruction for beginners. Golfers won’t be disappointed as there are many nice golf courses to be enjoyed during their vacation.
As you might imagine, dining in the Englewood area is a casual event. Most establishments are of the Old Florida style waterfront dining or locally owned family restaurants with enough pizza parlors and small cafes in the mix to provide a nice choice of alternatives to keep you out of the kitchen while on vacation.
The "arts" in Englewood is made up mostly of private galleries with the proprietors quietly painting, sculpting, writing and crafting. The Lemon Bay Playhouse provides a full theatrical season from early fall through mid summer.
Round out your vacation with an easy day trip to the Sarasota area to the north or the Fort Myers area to the south.
|
