Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda offers shopping, dining, lodging with local feel, water views
The colorful past of Fishermen's Village comes alive with the colorful present of this fun and friendly shopping, dining and lodging location in Punta Gorda. Photo Rori Paul
Colorful murals and boats aplenty add to the life and activity along the Gulf’s shores in Punta Gorda, where dog supplies and men’s clothing are as at home beside expensive sailboats as sea birds are at home in the skies.
Waterside towns and villages, once the center of local hustle and bustle, remain alive along Florida’s coastline, born anew with shopping and dining options and Fishermen’s Village is one such place, keeping alive the memories of yesterday’s fishing fleet with today’s boat charters and seagulls right at home.
Set along the waterfront of Charlotte Harbor in the town of Punta Gorda, Fishermen’s Village has seen tough times through like the work-horse men who once brought home the catch; tough, honest, and successfully even through the toughest times. While other such places saw decline in recent years, Fishermen’s Village kept its stores open, its restaurants full, and lodging in bloom, showing itself off today with as much success and plenty of options for locals and visitors.
(Check out more articles about the Charlotte Harbor area)
Whether decorated for the holidays or any day, Fishermen's Village is a unique-to-Florida venue for a day's adventure or multi-day getaway. Photo Rori Paul
Stroll the indoor-outdoor setting with shops catering to a range of tastes and a variety of options, from fun and playful clocks to dog supplies, men’s and ladies wear to party goods for the next beachside BBQ. Stop in for a sweet treat or dine finely at the Captain’s Table, enjoy a drink with friends over something from the Gulf, or taste some of Florida’s wines and choose something to take home. Don’t miss the live entertainment of music playing and feel like its 5 o’clock here.
Fishermen’s Village is lined with a number of such shops and restaurants, tempting smells wafting on the air and window shopping as fun and interesting as any big city or favorite tourist haunt.
Ease of use for fishermen bringing in the day's catch means Fishermen's Village stcks out into the water, allowing for great views from any entry or window. Surround yourself with water and nature and its unending beauty. Photo Rori Paul
Looking to discover Florida from the waters? Then hop a boat charter with the likes of the King Fisher Fleet, offering up sightseeing and dolphin searching or fishing trips to catch “the big one.” No matter the weather, cruising Charlotte Harbor brings you into the heart of the area’s history, where fishing and boating meet crops heading to market, a past and present so entwined you can almost see the boatloads (or trainloads) of citrus or cattle moving north.
This is a quaint area, where past and present meet, but on the heels of rebirth in the wake of a hurricane that too recently brought the area to its knees. But just as the fishermen never let the hard work of the sea bring them down, Punta Gorda has not let a little thing like a destructive hurricane keep it sidelined for long. Rebuilding and touching up has made this town the hip and trendy new thing, with color and fanciful opportunities around every corner, and Fishermen’s Village is a cornerstone of all of that.
(Enjoy more of Florida’s Coast from Rori Travels Florida)
This quaint village setting means you can bring your bike and get away to other parts of town easily. Enjoy this coastal town and Fishermen's Village as a local would. Photo Rori Paul
Stay right here and don’t let even a moment of fun slip by. Lodging is available above the shops, a second floor of condos around the Village where guests can stay and enjoy every moment possible in this fun setting. The condos – based on the modal we saw – are roomy and comfortable, a bit on the older end of time, but maintained and upgraded to make any stay a nice one. A fully appointed kitchen, dining area, living, and a balcony that provides views of the Harbor and its playful residents – watch for those dolphin. Rooms are large and spacious with plenty of room for a couple to family, a loft area adding extra room.
Fishermen’s Village is fun for a couple hours, a day, or even a stay. Make it your base of operations on an area visit and return each night to the hub of activity that lets you enjoy things on the front line. Or stop for a day of shopping and dining that includes a beautiful view.
This is old Florida at its heart, with friendly faces, warm greetings, and a simpler way to enjoy being a traveler in the Sunshine State.
Fishermen’s Village
Waterfront Mall, Resort and Marina
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FLÂ 33950
Dogs are welcome in certain areas, like along the outdoor patio dining area, but are not able to stay in the condos. Photo Rori Paul
Enjoy the fun of Fishermen's Village even more by staying here in one of the condos for rent. With a full kitchen, eating area, living area, and plenty of room for the family, you'll feel like a local by being in the heart of it all. Photo Rori Paul
Grab something for the furry members of the family at Salty Dog. Photo Rori Paul
Grab a sweet tweet or take home a bottle of uniquely Florida wine. Photo Rori Paul
Men's and ladies fashions are offered here from the finest name brands to lesser names. Photo Rori Paul
Watch the boats coming and going from the harbor for a day on the Gulf or searching for a day's catch. Or join them and take a charter out onto Charlotte Harbor or the Gulf of Mexico. Photo Rori Paul
Enjoy the delicious looking buffet at the Captain's Table. Photo Rori Paul
The Captain's Table offers fine dining with excellent views. Photo Rori Paul
