YTB Travel Chronicles

As members of the YTB Travel Network, we often find out-of-the-way locations and activities that transcend the everyday tourist experience.  This Mother’s Day provided the occasion for just such a day. 

Located on Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda is a fine West Florida village with all of the peaceful charm that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.  On Mother’s Day Saturday, we went with Mom & Dad to Fisherman’s Village, a quaint and bustling pier located near downtown Punta Gorda.  As it turned out, there was an Art & Crafts fair underway as we arrived.  The shops and vendors provided ample opportunity for browsing and strolling the afternoon away.  Notably, our friend Robert Johnson of Anna Maria Island (PainterBob@mac.com) had his art displayed on the promenade. Robert creates some remarkable acrylics and watercolors.  Also, the Pier’s Military Museum boasts an extraordinary collection of wartime memorabilia that rivals the best museums we have seen.  Some pieces are one-of-a-kind artifacts, donated by local veterans, themselves.  Also, Jeri, at the local bookstore, told me the story of when she last saw her cousin, Rod Serling of “The Twilight Zone.”

After enjoying the pier - complete with a swing band playing the old tunes -we stopped in at the ‘Village Oyster Bar.’  If you’re on the pier, you’ll enjoy their fare. 

With our King Fisher Fleet tickets in hand, we boarded the ‘Island Star’ at 7:15 PM, sharp.  The ship was “standing-room-only” for our evening on the harbor.  There was a warm, springtime breeze as we motored out onto the water.  The harbor scenery was serene; the shoreline adorned with immaculately-groomed waterfront estates.   

Everyone aboard grew increasingly relaxed as the evening unfolded.  As sunset approached, the guests gathered on the foredeck to photograph the event.  It was a sunset to remember - followed by applause!   

When we returned to dock, we were reluctant to disembark our vessel.  Captain and crew had provided us a splendid sunset cruise. 

The next time you visit Southwest Florida, you will enjoy the chance to visit Punta Gorda’s Fisherman’s Village and all of the friendly folks you’ll find there.   

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 37 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the YTB Travel Network.   Phone: (941) 957-0008    E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com.