Babcock Wilderness Adventures Offers New Cypress Lodge Heritage Tour, Image Courtesy of Babcock Wilderness Adventures

Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands offers many opportunities to walk on the wild side. Here’s a new way to ride on the wild side: Babcock Wilderness Adventures in Punta Gorda, Fla., is offering a new opportunity: the Cypress Lodge Heritage Tour. This tour offers visitors an opportunity to visit Fred Babcock’s residence on the Crescent B Ranch: The Cypress Lodge. Visitors will be granted access to an area of the ranch previously off limits to members of the public and only reserved for staff and family and friends of the Babcocks.

The journey begins aboard a buggy similar to those custom-made for Mr. Babcock and used to show visitors his ranch during the mid- to late-20th century. Upon arriving to the lodge, visitors are welcomed with light hors d’oeuvres of spinach and artichoke dip, fruit and cheese and can explore the residence at their leisure. A catered lunch with choice of garlic and herb crusted prime rib or Italian sautéed chicken cutlets and all the fixings follows.

Enjoy the wilds of the Telegraph Cypress Swamp from the comforts of the screened porch area where it’s common to observe birds, alligators and Florida cracker cattle. Hear stories about the lodge, view a video of Babcock’s cowboys in action and meet some of the Telegraph Cypress Swamp residents up close.

Afterwards, board the buggy and complete the famous Babcock Wilderness Adventures eco-tour.  

The 3.5 hour tour is offered Wednesdays and Saturdays with a prompt departure time of 11:30 a.m. The tour accommodates up to 12 people and a minimum of six people are needed in order for the tour to depart.

The Cypress Heritage Lodge Tour costs $74.95 for adults (13 and older), $49.95 for children (3-12) and “lap babies” (0 – 2) are free.

Visit www.babcockwilderness.com for additional information and call 1-800-500-5583 to book your reservations.

Scene from 2011 Charlotte Harbor Regatta, Florida

Everyone loves a parade and this one is very special. The 2012 International Association for Disabled Sailing World Championships will launch in record-breaking fashion with the World’s Shortest Parade beginning at 11 a.m., Jan. 7, 2012 in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Participants, including 100 sailors with disabilities from 15 countries, will walk and roll along Nesbit Street from the Florida Community Bank to Laishley Park, a distance of less than 300 yards. Jointly organized by Charlotte Harbor Regatta Inc., and the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, the event also will feature parade of nations, local dignitaries, boating and community groups and music.

The festivities will continue at Laishley Park, where the IFDS Worlds Fair & Market will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fairgoers can sample food and beverages with an international flavor and have a front-row seat to the preparations of IFDS Worlds sailors and support personnel.

The IFDS is the world organizing body for disabled sailing. It conducts an annual world championship regatta for Paralympic class boats, the 2.4mR, the SKUD-18 and the Sonar. The IFDS chose Charlotte Harbor Regatta, Inc., a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, to serve as host organization of its world championship in 2012. The regatta will be staged at Laishley Park Municipal Marina in Punta Gorda, Fla., from Jan. 7-15, 2012.

Charlotte Harbor Regatta, Inc., was founded in 2009 to promote sailing on Charlotte Harbor. It has conducted two one-design sailboat regattas that have drawn some 300 sailors on 150 boats to Charlotte Harbor. The event was recognized by the Charlotte County Convention & Visitors Bureau at its 2010 tourism luncheon with the “Tourism Event Development Award” and received an award from the National Association of Sports Commissions as its “Outstanding Locally Created Event for Budgets Under $100,000.”

The Warm Goat Appetizer at the Perfect Caper, Punta Gorda, Fla.

Fa, la, la, la, la…we’re compiling a list of Punta Gorda restaurants open Christmas Day 2011. If you know of one that will be open yet they didn’t make our list, feel free to comment. Reservations are strongly recommended as some are offering special seatings and menus.

Benedetto’s Steakhouse-Martini Bar
Best Western Waterfront
300 West Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda
Tel: (941) 639-9695
http://www.menupal.net/benedettosmenu.htm

The Captain’s Table at Fishermen’s Village
1200 West Retta Esplanade, #55
Punta Gorda
Tel: (941) 637-1177
www.thecaptainstable.com

Celtic Ray Public House
145 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda
Tel: (941) 916-9115
www.celticray.com

Dockside Grill
Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
33 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda
Tel: (941) 637-6770
www.fourpointspuntagorda.com

Lulu
The Wyvern Hotel
101 East Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda
Tel: (941) 639-7700
www.thewyvernhotel.com

The Perfect Caper
121 E. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Tel: (941) 505-9009
www.theperfectcaper.com

River City Grill
131 W Marion Ave
Punta Gorda
Tel:  (941) 639-9080
rivercitygrillpg.com

If you’re looking for additional Christmas Day dining in Southwest Florida, perhaps these restaurants in the Englewood area fit your plans.

Seafood at Rum Bay Restaurant at Palm Island Resort, Florida

Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas is around the corner and although we know it’s a time to prepare your favorite dishes reminding you of Christmases past, others want to leave the cooking (and cleaning) to someone else.

If you’re visiting our piece of Southwest Florida paradise this Christmas, here are a list of Englewood, Cape Haze and Rotonda area restaurants open Christmas Day 2011. It’s highly recommended you call for dining reservations.

Know of a restaurant open Christmas Day? Leave a comment and we’ll update this list.

Howard’s Restaurant
1400 Aqua View Lane
Englewood, FL 34223
Tel: (941) 473-0171
www.howardsonthewater.com

Rum Bay Restaurant at Palm Island Resort (take the water taxi from behind Johnny Leverock’s)
7092 Placida Road
Cape Haze, FL 33946
Tel: (941) 697-0566
www.palmisland.com/dining/rum-bay-restaurant/

Flounders Restaurant & Tiki Bar
1975 Beach Rd.
Englewood, Fla.
Tel: (941) 460-8280
www.FloundersOnTheBeach.com 

If you’re looking for additional Christmas Day dining options in Southwest Florida, see what restaurants will be open in Punta Gorda on Dec. 25.

Snap a Holiday Photo in SnowGobe Live!

The weather outside is certainly not frightful in Southwest Florida this time of year, it’s actually quite pleasant. But head on down to downtown Punta Gorda this weekend for WinterFest for festive fun including snow! Following is a media release about the event…

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (Dec. 08, 2011) – The blizzard-like effect snow forecasted for Punta Gorda, Florida, this weekend is expected to usher in holiday cheer and good tidings. However, instead of Mother Nature blowing in snowflakes, ski resort-like snow machines will be pumping out snow as part of the inaugural WinterFest, featuring a larger-than-life snow globe and snow tubing Dec. 10 and 11 on the corner of Marion Avenue and U.S. 41 North in downtown Punta Gorda.

SnowGlobe Live!
Visitors can step inside winter fun with SnowGlobe Live!, a major attraction the first of its kind in the United States. Suitable for any age, the 15-foot-tall oversized, inflatable snow globe features the magic of Christmas with abundant holiday décor and an artificial snow play area.  SnowGlobe Live! also offers a winter wonderland photo experience providing the perfect photo opportunity for up to six guests.

Experience the Thrill of a Toboggan Run (in Sunny Florida!) on Snowzilla

Snowzilla
Although meteorologists are predicting temperatures in the mid-70s this weekend for Southwest Florida, visitors to WinterFest can still experience the winter thrill of snow tubing with a 30-foot-tall, 90-foot toboggan run on artificial snow tube slide called Snowzilla. Ski resort-like snow machines will pump out snow as sliders race down the run in specially engineered inner tubes, similar to the effect of racing down an icy mountain. 

Holiday Concert with Port Charlotte Adventist School’s Celestial Chime Choir
The Port Charlotte Adventist School’s Celestial Chime Choir will perform two free concerts, the first on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. and the second on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.

About WinterFest
WinterFest is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11 from noon to 9 p.m. Holiday food and beverages will be available throughout the weekend. Admission into WinterFest is free while attractions, food and beverages have individual pricing. Find additional information on http://www.facebook.com/pages/Punta-Gorda-Winterfest/268832086480870 or call (941) 637-5953 or email jerry@smugglers.com.  WinterFest is presented by Smugglers Event Management. (http://smugglersevents.com/)

Chef Jeanie Roland of the Perfect Caper in Punta Gorda, Fla., is Seeking 2012 James Beard Foundation Award

The Perfect Caper in downtown Punta Gorda, Fla., is the crown jewel of Southwest Florida’s dining scene. The restaurant is a two-time recipient of a Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend magazine and the restaurant is also the first eatery in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands to earn the recognition.

Chef Jeanie Roland is the culinary brilliance behind the restaurant and she has once again been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the South.

You can help her receive this honor by voting for her between now and Dec. 31, 2011. This title is awarded to one chef annually and we think it’s time for Chef Jeanie to bring home the honor.

This is how you can cast your vote:

• Visit “The 2012 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards Entry Form” on the James Beard website (just follow this link)
• Register (for free)
• Choose the “Best Chef: South” category
• Cast your vote for Best Chef:  Jeanie Roland
• Restaurant: The Perfect Caper
• City: Punta Gorda
• State: FL
• Then hit submit to ensure your vote counts.

The Perfect Caper serves 2 for 1 lunch Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is served Monday through Wednesday, 5 to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., and Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. The Lounge is open daily 4:30 p.m. to close. The restaurant offers a menu fitting every budget and occasion including a nightly 2-course $25 prix fixe menu.

Dinner reservations are recommended at (941) 505-9009 or www.theperfectcaper.com. You can even make reservations with your iPhone using the free OpenTable app.

The Perfect Caper
121 E. Marion Ave.
Punta Gorda, Fla. 33950
www.theperfectcaper.com
Tel: (941) 505-9009

See the Uncalled for Christmas Tour in Punta Gorda, Fla., Dec. 12, 2011

Ho! Ho! Ho! Here’s a little theatrical something for putting you in the holiday spirit,”The Uncalled for Christmas Tour” makes a stop in Punta Gorda, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. at the Visual Arts Center. (210 Maud Street)

This is an evening of Christmas storytelling and songs with three award-winning performers, the Uncalled for Trio, also known as Bil Lepp, Kim Weitkamp, and Andy Irwin. Tickets are available at the Center for $20.

After a solid string of sold-out Christmas shows in 2010, the Trio is returning with a brand new show. Bil, Kim and Andy bring an endearing cast of characters alive through story. All the beautiful and humorous memories come alive through word and song.About the Uncalled for Trio

Bil Lepp is a nationally renowned storyteller and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest. His outrageous tall tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and all walks of life. Though a champion liar, his hilarious, insightful stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on subjects such as politics, religion, relationships, and human nature.

Kim Weitkamp shares her original stories and songs to delighted audiences of all ages. She is a storyteller, singer, songwriter, author and recording artist. A recipient of two Storytelling World Awards, Kim has graced the stages of theaters and festivals throughout the continent. Her performances evoke, “hear a pin drop moments, followed by waves of raucous laughter!”

Andy Irwin is a storyteller, humorist, singer, songwriter, musician, whistler, walking menagerie of sound effects and dialects, and so much more; some of his talents are hard to categorize. The recipient of numerous awards, Andy has also toured with the Kandinsky Trio. Early in his career, Andy performed with the comedic troupe, SAK Theatre at Walt Disney World, 1984-1989.

Halloween in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Here’s a true treat to enjoy in Punta Gorda, Fla., this Halloween weekend: Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside in their “Haunted Hotel” for a special family getaway with the Paranormal Package.*

A scary good time will be had by all with Trick-or-Treating with costumed staff nightly, ghoulish story telling on the hotel’s chilling patio and freaking out to frightening Halloween films being shown all weekend.

Leave your lights on before going to sleep after experiencing  Punta Gorda’s Annual Haunting on the Harbor festival located next door, with admission for 2 included with this package. You’ll receive 20 tickets good towards an abundance of frighteningly fun attractions and Haunted happenings that all will enjoy, including a haunted house, hayride and a pumpkin patch.

Finally, end the night fighting off ghosts from your creepy-comfortable 1 King or 2 Queen room. With all these paranormal activities going on, it will not be for the faint of heart to attempt.

Paranormal Packages for 2 people per room begin at $109, plus tax, per nightmare.  This package can accommodate up to 4 people for an additional fee per person over 2 people.

Note: Reservations can either be booked directly with the hotel by calling (941) 637-6770 or online at www.fourpointspuntagorda.com

*WARNING: You will have a freakishly fun time. If fun is not your strong suit, we ask that you exit at this time!

About the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
Located in Southwest Florida between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside opened in May 2009 as the first newly-constructed hotel in the Four Points by Sheraton concept. The 106-room hotel’s tagline, “Where luxury meets affordability,” is embodied in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere with unexpected amenities. The hotel is steps away from historic downtown Punta Gorda, the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center and the Peace River. Many rooms offer views of the water and nearby marina. The hotel is managed by A2Z Hospitality Management based in Sarasota, Fla. The hotel earned Starwood Hotels most prestigious honor, the “Starwood North America 2010 Four Points Hotel of the Year” award and has earned “Highest Ranking Guest Service Score for the Four Points by Sheraton Brand” and “2010 Overall TripAdvisor Ranking for all Four Points by Sheraton Brand.”

Paranormal Package
Oct. 28 – 31, 2011
Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
33 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, Fla. 33950
Tel: (941) 637-6770
www.fourpointspuntagorda.com
Paranormal Packages for 2 people per room begin at $109, plus tax, per nightmare.  This package can accommodate up to 4 people for an additional fee per person over 2 people.

Be sure to check out the other spook-tacular festivities happening in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands this Halloween.

Indian Springs Cemetery, Punta Gorda, Fla.

Call me an oddball but Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Not sure if it’s because of the candy or the costumes transforming you into anyone you want to be for a day.

Luckily, the folks in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands do Halloween right and each year, there seems to be more spook-tacular offerings.

Following is just a sample of thrill-tastic Halloween activities being offered this year:

Tour Charlotte County’s Largest Haunted House…If You Dare

Haunting on the Harbor, from Friday, Oct. 28 – Monday, Oct. 31, features a frightfully-fun house of horrors, live music, food, kid-friendly activities and other festivities at nearby Laishley Park adjacent Laishley Crab House, one of Southwest Florida’s largest and most delicious restaurants and part of the renowned Smuggler’s Restaurant Group. Halloween night will see a fab-boo-lous fireworks display. Admission into the event is $3 per person with children under 12 free. Review additional information on www.puntagordahaunting.com.

Halloween in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is Fab-boo-lous!

Paws and Tails Required for this Costume Contest

Even Fido and Bowser can join in the Halloween spirit at “Ghouls & Drools Barktoberfest,” a human and pet costume contest on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Fishermen’s Village. Entrant pre-registration is required ($5 donation to pet rescues), but there is no fee to enjoy the colorful cacophony. For registration information and other items needed by the pet shelters, call (941)- 575-7599 or visit www.SaltyPaws.com/barktoberfest

Meet Our Favorite Spirits During This Cemetery Tour

Follow a ‘Spirit Guide’ down the shadowed paths of Charlotte County’s second oldest cemetery during “The Tales of Indian Spring Cemetery: A Hauntingly Historical Walking Tour,” Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Indian Spring Cemetery (Cemetery located at 9500 Indian Spring Road in Punta Gorda, Florida). ‘Meet’ local historical characters and learn of the tragedies faced by Katie Sloan and Thelma Johnson or hear the ‘tale’ of one of Punta Gorda’s more flamboyant characters, Ollie Johnson (aka Big Six).

Selected characters are personalized and brought to life by volunteers of the Charlotte County Historical Center and local organizations. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this unique walking tour showcasing Charlotte County’s haunting and intriguing past. Advance tickets are $10 per person, children under 5 free. Advanced sales will be assigned a tour time. Tickets purchased at gate are $13 per person, children under 5 free but are not guaranteed a specific tour time. Reserve your time by purchasing advance tickets from the Charlotte County Historical Center, 22959 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte, Tel: (941) 629-7278. (Pre-payment is required to guarantee a reservation.)

Trick-or-Treaters in Punta Gorda, Fla.

Trick-or-Treating Fun for the Whole Family

Stroll down Englewood’s Dearborn Street, if you dare, for the 16th Annual Halloween Safewalk on Monday, Oct. 31. This is the place to be for getting spooked, entertained and amazed. The Halloween Safewalk has given children and families a safe, fun venue for dressing up and going Trick-or-Treating. Area businesses and organizations will pass out candy to kids from the community. Sponsored by Suncoast Architect, the event will include musical entertainment by DJ “Travelin’ Tom’s Tunes.” Halloween Safewalk is 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on West Dearborn Street, Englewood. (West of Rt. 776 to Olde Englewood Road)

What a Local Blogger Says About Halloween

And, visiting downtown Punta Gorda on Halloween is a true treat, as described by local blogger Theresa in her post, “The Haunting History of Halloween in Punta Gorda Continues.”

Will you be trick-or-treating in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands this year? If so, share your photos with us on our Facebook page.

Tweets Posted During Restaurant Impossible's Visit to Port Charlotte, Fla., July 25 - 27, 2011

Gator ribs, spiced corn tomato clam chowder and tuna steak are some of the items available on the new menu at Cap’n and the Cowboy restaurant in Port Charlotte, Fla. This summer, the restaurant received a whirlwind makeover from Food Network’s television show, “Restaurant Impossible” with host Robert Irvine.

All it took to refurbish the interior and menu was two days, $10,000 and manpower. Of course, determination, perspiration and inspiration had to be part of the recipe, too. Patrons who have dined at the restaurant prior to the makeover and who have had the opportunity to experience the “new” eatery after Irvine’s visit seem impressed.

Jen Wulf, reporter for The Sun (Port Charlotte), wrote about the restaurant’s $4 cup of spiced corn tomato clam chowder saying it is “fabulous.”

Tune in to Food Network on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m., to catch Restaurant Impossible and see the transformation of Cap’n and the Cowboy. Then, visit  Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands and check out the restaurant for yourself. 

Cap’n and the Cowboy
2200 Kings Hwy Unit 3 N
Port Charlotte, Fla. 
Tel: (941) 743-3969

Hours of operation:  
Opens at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Tue – Thu: 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun: 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm