2022 Fall Newcomers Guide
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1504028
NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE 8 Welcome to Start living the good life CONGRATULATIONS! You've just moved to Southwest Florida where most people come to vacation. The Daily Sun is publishing this comprehensive guide as a very special way of welcoming newcomers and providing the information they need to settle in and have some fun. As you enjoy the warm weather, beaches and sunsets, explore communities in the area to discover what they have to offer. ARCADIA Arcadia is a city and county seat of DeSoto County with a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a rich history of orange growing, cattle-raising and host- ing rodeos as well as the DeSoto County Fair and the Watermelon Festival. Arcadia also has a variety of spots for camping, boating and other outdoor rec- reation. Nearby is the Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve established in 1926 as a learning facility to promote awareness for habitat preservation and conserva- tion for all bear species. FILE PHOTO A popular DeSoto County event is the annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. PORT CHARLOTTE The unincorporated community has a variety of shopping, recreation and cultural opportunities. The Port Charlotte Town Center is the area's major mall and the Charlotte Sports Park is the spring train- ing home to the Tampa Bay Rays. Port Charlotte has more than 165 miles of waterways providing access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. Tippecanoe Environmental Park offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing through 380 acres of scrub and pine flat-woods. PUNTA GORDA The city is the only incorporated community in Charlotte County. It reinvented itself after Hurricane Charley in 2004 but retained its Old Florida feel with its charming historic downtown that has restaurants, shops and galler- ies. Situated along the water where the Peace River meets the Charlotte Harbor, it attracts people to the Harborwalk and Fishermen's Village. The Charlotte Harbor & Events Center and the Gulf Theater also has a variety of shows and events. SUN FILE PHOTO The Hibiscus Festival is one of the city's annual highlights. Paradise