Travel Tips: Discover City of Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda has a really unique feature, painted murals on many buildings in the downtown area. A casual stroll around the Historic city with stops along the way at eateries is a great way to spend the day. The Murals are amazing covering stories about the history of the area. The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society were part of revitalizing the murals after the Hurricane Charley in 2004 created a lot of damage to the area and the buildings where many of the Murals were painted.
End of the Line Photo by Eileen Ludwig
The End of the Line Mural is striking in showing the Railroad people who built the railroad where the line ended in Punta Gorda. The railroad played a big role in increasing populations throughout the United States in Cities across the Nation, Punta Gorda was no different in being influenced by the railroad.
Make sure you walk downtown and throughout the City to view the Murals and other Art Sculptures hidden treasures. There is much to notice and enjoy as you walk the streets because there are sidewalk cafes, cobblestones, street lamps, historic buildings, museums, and much history of this City. This is a great place for walking and enjoying the day.
Sculpture spotted walking downtown Punta Gorda Florida Photo by Eileen Ludwig
During the walk was a stop at the rooftop bar at the luxurious The Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda where you can look out on the Harbor watching boats, sea breezes and enjoy the beauty of the day. This is my kind of stop where you just rest and enjoy the moment.
Roof Top Bar Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda Florida Photo by Eileen Ludwig
Next on the Agenda was Fisherman’s Village a wonderful Open Air Mall for more strolling, shopping, sitting, eating, or the Bar at the end of the Mall. Two restaurants are at the end of the Mall. Love these types of malls with little shops. Benches line the inside for casual sitting and talking or just resting and watching people. People watching is an art I love to do while out and about.
Fisherman Village Open Air Mall Punta Gorda Florida Photo by Eileen Ludwig
There are Condos for Rent above the Stores looking out on the water and fishing boats. This would be great retreat for a weekend. A nice statycation from a busy life of business and high finance or just a spiritual renewal.
Fisherman Village outside looking at Rental Condos Punta Gorda Florida Photo by Eileen Ludwig
One of the first thing spotted as I roamed inside and out of the Fisherman Village Mall was another mural called the School Marms on the Bay where they are paddling across the river to a school house on the other side. Originally in another location and painted over by the new owner of the building. The same original artist, Peter Carey created the second mural.
School Marms on the Bay Punta Gorda Florida Photo by Eileen Ludwig
Next on the Agenda was a Sunset Cruise with King Fisher Fleet for a short cruise of the Harbor. Now the Harbor is mostly surrounded by Water Front homes and the cruise was the center of the Harbor where we waited for the Sun to set. Turning the boat at the last minute so the other side could see the actual sun set. Given more time and flexibility I would not do the Sunset Cruise and instead maybe try the Nature Cruise where you actually go somewhere and not just sit in the middle of the Harbor. There are many other choices, try one of the other ones. Having gone on many sunset cruises around Harbors where we get close to the homes or other interesting sites. I did get one picture of the Sunset before the boat turned.
Sunset Punta Gorda Photo by Eileen Ludwig
Looking for something to do this Weekend in Charlotte County Florida
Ballgame
Pirate Fest
Summer Baseball with Stone Crabs play in that wonderful stadium where Spring Training Games with the Rays play.
There is a lot to discover in Punta Gorda and Charlotte County. Beaches. Parks. Boating. Fishing. Unusual activities like the up coming Pirate Fest Weekend at Fisherman Village.
Thank you Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Center for a creating an agenda showing me the treasures of the area.
Fisherman’s Village photo courtesy of Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Center
_____________________________________________________________________________
Eileen Ludwig, travel writer of Freelance Tourist brings to the world insights about places to travel, discounts, Staycations, Restaurant Reviews, movie reviews, and fascinating tibits. She is owner of three other sites: Photography, Web Design School, and Social Media School Each are in different stages of development and evolution.
Twitter: thetravelchica
I used to visit Punta Gorda every year when I was a kid because I had family there. I don’t think I ever saw any of these things
I guess when we are adults, we start to actually take an interest in a place besides the fact that there are cool computer games and a pool.
The Travel Chica recently posted..The Best Ice Cream in the World Is in Buenos Aires
Twitter: MalaysiaAsia
Love the art around town. In the last 10 years or so, many cities and towns have been introducing art as one of the pulling factors in tourism and I hope that it catches on in Southeast Asia too.
David recently posted..Malaysia Airlines MAS A380 Plane Video
Twitter: eileenludwig
David, yes now that you mention it there is more art. People used to call it graffiti but places throughout the world are finding channeling art into decorating a city. Actually much of the Old West had that type of Art Advertising.
Twitter: JeraldineF
Great article on a wonderful town. May I have permission to reprint your article on my blog? With full acolades of course! Jeraldine
Twitter: eileenludwig
Jeraldine,
No you can not reprint but may put a link to it in a new story you write. It is NOT good for Google or SEO to have duplicate content. If you would like to pay for a new posting for your site let me know via the Contact form?
Twitter: janross53
This is the second post I have read recently which talked about local murals. So interesting – I would love to see them. I like your tip about the sunset cruise; nice to have specific travel advice like that in a post.
Jan Ross recently posted..WordPress for Dummies 2: How to Turn a Graphic Into a Widget
Twitter: eileenludwig
The Murals are fun to see and read up on their history by visiting the historical site
Read more about @eileenludwig's visit to Punta Gorda #Florida in this post http://t.co/InadiIq #swfl #travel
Punta Gorda looks like a nice place to spend some time. Nice variety of things to do and see. Love the murals on the buildings!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Nevada on the Rocks
Twitter: eileenludwig
Cathy it is a nice place to spend some time in cooler weather. Thanks for Retweets
Twitter: eurotravelista
Sunset sounds wonderful! The murals sound very interesting.
Debbie recently posted..The 6 EST’s of Europe
Twitter: eileenludwig
Debbie, Murals are interesting especially the history behind the people
This is a really thought and idea provoking post Eileen. In our area, and our Capital city Wellington ( just down the road ) there’s a lot of art on street display that I cannot recall anyone has blogged about because it’s away from the usual main tourist trail. So I’ll make a point of taking a camera with me and bring it to life online.
I guess that’s one of the great upsides to beginning as a travelblogger- it makes you look more intensely at everything around you.
jim recently posted..Magnificent Monday: Rocks!
Twitter: eileenludwig
Jim, Exactly
That is why I like being a Tourist wherever I go, it means seeing things differently than a local. I bet people would love to know of the hidden treasures in your area or any area. Love artists and their expression
Twitter: etpuntagorda
Want to see more or schedule a mural tour?
Punta Gorda Historical Mural Society – Painting the Town ! – http://everythingpuntagorda.com/blog/?p=4861
http://www.everythingpuntagorda.com ! enjoy!
Twitter: eileenludwig
Greg, Are the mural tours offered through the Historical Society? Are they at a certain time? Are they free or cost?
Beautiful murals in Punta Gorda, FL. http://t.co/6X1vgRz
Twitter: Insidejourneys
Love places where art is accessible.
Thanks for sharing Punta Gorda with us. Those drinks look very refreshing!
InsideJourneys recently posted..Harlem Eats – Where to Find Good Food in Harlem, Part 1
Twitter: eileenludwig
Those drinks were refreshing. The Murals were great but it was a little steamy that day even though it was only March
RT @CHGIFlorida: Read more about @eileenludwig's visit to Punta Gorda #Florida in this post http://t.co/UUTLMTp #swfl #travel
RT @eileenludwig: Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida #travel http://t.co/UaJoS9S
RT @eileenludwig: Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida #travel http://t.co/UaJoS9S
Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida, Murals, Pirate Fest, Water http://t.co/ibMtpWf
I love the sculpture!
adventureswithben recently posted..The Philadelphia – Washington D.C. Chinatown Bus: Worth It
Twitter: eileenludwig
Ben, That little blue one caught the corner of my eye as we passed and I back tracked to get a picture
Twitter: vagabond3live
I am ashamed to admit that I’m from Florida and I didn’t know where Charlotte County was… Looks great though!
Jade recently posted..Easy Ramen Recipe to remind me of Japan
Twitter: eileenludwig
Jade,
Until I was invited to a Spring Training Baseball game, I had not idea either. It was much more than I expected.
Twitter: etpuntagorda
Here’s the latest murals in Punta Gorda!
Everything Punta Gorda .com added 4 new Mural photos to the album on Facebook – <a href="www.facebook.com/everythingpuntagorda"
Greg recently posted..The Ultimate RibFest at Laishley Park in Punta Gorda – Southwest Florida’s Best mouthwatering Rib Competition!
Twitter: eileenludwig
Greg, Your back with more on Punta Gorda, Great information on the area
Reading http://t.co/QCcZwJx
RT @eileenludwig: Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida #travel http://t.co/hezLSpc
Read more about @eileenludwig's visit to Punta Gorda #Florida in this post http://t.co/InadiIq #swfl #travel
Twitter: CruisePictures
I am a big fan of Mural art and it id great to find a town with lots of them.
Sailor recently posted..Touring the Galapagos Islands – A Dream Cruise
Twitter: eileenludwig
Sailor, I love murals on buildings. It really brightens up a city and builds a nice story.
Discover City of Punta Gorda http://t.co/NJHPNgT Via @eileenludwig
Thanks for another great post about our beautiful area!
A self-guided walking tour of the Punta Gorda murals is a great way to spend an afternoon. There is a printable map with info on the murals here: http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/userdata/citymanager/MuralGuide31208.pdf and a map with info on many of the historical sites in town here: http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/userdata/citymanager/DowntownHistoryGuide02_08.pdf
Five Star Realty – Punta Gorda Isles recently posted..Punta Gorda Buyer’s Agents
Twitter: eileenludwig
Thanks for posting additional information for those interested in your lovely area
RT @eileenludwig: Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida #travel http://t.co/2oBGTEJ
[Featured] Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, Florida; by @eileenludwig http://t.co/Qw2L5MYc #travel