Living in Southwest Florida by Tammy Vaughn, Realtor, Re/Max Harbor Realty
Hi All!! Well, we are at the end of April, after an early Easter this year… and looking forward to Mother’s Day! The SW Florida Real Estate season has only slowed down minimally, but we do have another good month of season left. The expected season is typically from November to May, with the busiest Real Estate months from January to May. Temperatures in the SW Florida area this week are expected to be in the high 80s (The Highs) ; and being 6:30 AM the temperature now is 68, degrees.
As summer approaches, the traffic will slow down, the restaurants will have readily available seating, and the Florida sun will heat the air. The boaters in the area are already spending weekends out at the sandbars and packing coolers to spend a day on any one of our beautifully natural barrier islands. I am reminded everyday what a paradise I live in, in SW Florida, every time I talk to you, the customers about the area, and what is so great about living here.
A couple of the Summer Highlights in the SW Florida area are..
At Fishermen’s Village, 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, May 14th 10-4 is the Annual Key Lime Festival, packed with KEY LIME, and more Key lime, as village merchants offer samples of many key lime products. There will also be live music, face painting, a fun photo booth, and FREE admission. Last year Key Lime Fudge and Key Lime Margaritas were my favorites.
Also at Fishermen’s Village, King Fisher Military Appreciation Month in May is offering half price admission to any of the sightseeing cruises to for all those who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, with a valid Military ID or proof of service. Call the ticket office at 941-639-0969 for more information.
The Punta Gorda Blues Brews and BBQ Fest will be on June 24 to 26th, located behind the Four Points Sheraton at 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950, featuring singer and songwriter Randy McAllister, and brews from local kraft beer brewers.
That’s just a small taste of the upcoming summer adventures in SW Florida.
Where to eat? For Fine dining I have to recommend Turtle Club, 139 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, mainly because this is where my husband took me to dinner on Saturday and everything was superb, from the waiters, waitresses, and hostesses. The food was delicious (I had the salmon) and the staff was happy to personalize my dinner, upon my request. Before our amazing dinner, my husband and I enjoyed the First Wine Tasting at the Turtle Club. This was the first Wine Tasting I have experienced, and ironically, my first Boss, Jerome Presseller, from my first Job, at Howard Johnsons, (30 years later) was offering the cheese samples from The Big Cheese Gourmet Shop and Sunart Gallery located at 307 Taylor St, Punta Gorda. His lovely wife and local artist, Patty Presseller, Sunart Gallery, was also offering cheese samples with their daughter Julie. It’s such a small world.
So, to sum it up, the location is Amazing! The area is Spirited! And the Real Estate Market is strong. New construction and newly built is still the most popular choice with many home buyers. Most primary and second home buyers that I have had the pleasure of working with recently, have been purchasing 55 Plus or Deed Restricted Neighborhoods with Villas/ and Single Family Homes in the $225,000-$300,000 price range in local Communities with a clubhouse, community pool area, activities, and with monthly Dues of less than $300. There are still new construction villas available for very close to $200,000 in 55 plus communities in SW Florida.
As a Realtor, I appreciate working with you, my customers and providing the Information you are looking for . I make every effort to offer a positive experience through to the closing of your new Florida Home. Give me a call for more detailed information on pricing and Communities in the Area… 941-628-6768. I look forward to it!
Wouldn’t you like to get away? To a place where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came? This cozy place isn’t Cheers but instead Fishermen’s Village! A resort and shopping center on the Charlotte harbor located at 1200 West Retta Esplanade. It’s hard to decide where to begin when talking about Fishermen’s Village. From the stores to the comfy looking rooms and the view everything about Fishermen’s Village is amazing. Yet possibly the most amazing thing is the multitude of events happening here. Grab yourself an ice cream cone from one of the sweet shops and sit down to listen to a musician with your family on Fridays 5-9pm. For an event list click here.
If adventuring is more of your thing walk on down by the marine for information on a cruise, boat rental, or fishing tours or click here. Careful though! You might encounter one of Florida’s many silly looking birds.
If you keep following the path by the Marine you’ll end up at a restaurant known as Harpoon Harry’s. Find a stairway and go up it to a fancy buffet restaurant called The Captain’s Table. If you’re hanging out with friends or meeting up with some family members that you haven’t seen in a while both restaurants are perfect places to go. Harpoon Harry’s has more or a bar theme and sometimes live music. If you have little kids with you worry not! For there are arcade games a’ plenty as well as Pool and Air Hockey to entertain them. Upstairs The Captain’s Table isn’t set up for a rock and roll band but does have a large grand piano with almost always someone caressing a song out of it. In both restaurants I have been met with friendly smiles and a lovely staff that knew how to take care of their customers.
While walking around Fishermen’s Village it’s common to feel relaxed and at ease. Something about the large walkways, tall ceiling and the open building remind me of being in a forest with nothing to do but relax. Of course forests don’t have shops and a harbor right next to them. Of these shops Fishermen’s Village has ice-cream, clothing, furniture, gag-gifts, knick-knacks, olive oil, and the Military Heritage Museum. Shops like Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive have professional mixologists to create perfect olive oils and vinegars for everyday use. Or if you’re here with your lil dog check out Salty Paws! An adorable shop filled to the top with dog treats and apparel. My favorite shop is the Dragonfly Gallery which sells beautiful blown glass ornaments, ones that are perfect for hanging in front of a sunny window. The way the glass catches the light it just puts the perfect touch to a creative room.
Today was another day well spent at Fishermen’s Village! With family and friends around it’s impossible to feel alone when I’m here. Yet even if I do let times of sadness catch up to me I just remember “Hey! I live in Florida!” and that tomorrow is another sunrise.