Charlotte County offers great scenery and a wonderful hometown feel. It bounced back from Hurricane Charley after just one year, rebuilt and revitalized, after surviving almost unsurmountable adversity — a tribute to the spirit of the residents who love being here! Today, both the county and its residents are thriving, tourists and winter residents have returned, and it's business as usual.

Located on the Gulf Coast, Charlotte County is proof that old Florida exists peacefully with the new. With as many registered boats as there are pick-up trucks, mariners and fishermen alike are drawn to the area where the Peace River flows into Charlotte Harbor, continuing into the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors love the quaint and unique charm that exists throughout the area.

Punta Gorda is a historic town that lies along beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Streets are lined with huge royal palms and tin-roofed homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches leave an almost tangible old-Florida atmosphere. Almost everything is waterfront, from hotels and shopping to parks and fine dining.

The town of Port Charlotte has become a thriving hub of activity and employment. Many of the homes there have deep-water canal access to the Gulf, which makes it a great place to live and work.

Located on Lemon Bay, Englewood remains one of Florida's best-kept secrets. A beach community which thrives on its nature parks, cultural events, fishing and more, Englewood is also the home of many art galleries and specialty shops, as well as historical landmarks.

Just south of Englewood is Placida, home to the Fishery Restaurant and the Margaret Albritton Gallery. Heading down Placida Road, travelers will find several marina and fine-dining restaurants. Placida is known as a picturesque fishing and arts village with a long history.

We know that in a short visit you won't be able to do everything Charlotte County offers — or even begin to hear all the fascinating history of the region. Many of us did just that, and eventually traded our hectic lives elsewhere for this place we call Paradise.