Southwest Florida's Newcomers Guide to Paradise
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78 | SOUTHWEST FLORIDA • NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE Southwest Florida has plenty of places to shop in- cluding local boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops and malls. Some are in unique settings. PUNTA GORDA Downtown Punta Gorda has much to offer foodies, shoppers and funseekers. The restaurant choices range from gourmet dining to casual waterfront fare, from down-home cooking to international fl air. Stroll along the banks of the beautiful Peace River or window shop along West Marion Avenue. Punta Gorda also boasts a thriving nightlife that includes unique Old-World pubs, sidewalk cafes and riverside sports bars. Fishermen's Village In addition to its sweeping views of beautiful Charlotte Harbor, historic Fishermen's Village offers a little bit of everything, from fi ne dining to casual cocktails, sightseeing and sunset boat tours, chartered fi shing boats and a full-service marina. The Village, which doubles as a resort, also boasts waterfront shopping opportunities that include gourmet goodies and gifts to Florida- casual attire to yachts and diving equipment. For more information, call 941-639-8721. Located at 200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. PORT CHARLOTTE Port Charlotte Town Center mall is centrally located and offers the traditional shopping opportunities of Beall's, JP Penney, Dillards, Old Navy, DSW Shoes, Foot Locker, Bath & Body Works and many more local and national retail stores. The Town Center also offers a food court and a 16-screen movie theater. Located at 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte. ENGLEWOOD West Dearborn Street The historic heart of Olde Englewood Village, West Dearborn Street offers a variety of restaurants and bistros, live music venues and one-of-a-kind coffee shops. Spend some time shopping the antique and jewelry shops, unique Florida clothing stores, and galleries that feature the creative talent of a thriving arts community. Thursday is Farmers Market day from October to May, and festivals and events are planned at Pioneer Plaza nearly every weekend. Plan to spend a day getting Shopping FILE PHOTO Fishermen's Village is full of shops and restaurants.