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North Port

NORTH PORT is the fifth largest city in Florida, with 77 square miles of land, an 8,000-acre state forest within its limits and only nine percent of which is actually populated. In season, the population measures 17,000.

Just 20 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, North Port offers that rare combination of a relaxed country lifestyle and easy access to all the conveniences of a big city. Every day feels like a vacation in North Port, with its unlimited recreational opportunities and 1,000 acres of beautiful parks right at home in one of the best year-round climates to be found anywhere.

Average temperatures are 69 degrees in January and 84 in July, making golf, swimming, boating and fishing popular year round activities. North Port also boasts direct access to the stunning Myakka River, a designated “Wild and Scenic River” with alligators aquatic birds and more. For a close-up and very personal view of the river, be sure to take the Nav-a-gator Riverboat Ride.

Only 12 miles away is the Gulf of Mexico where there’s deep-sea fishing and miles of beaches for walking, shelling and enjoying.

Myakka River State Park is nearby with 39 miles of hiking trails. These extensive trails allow for exploration of marsh and hammock. Birders and other nature lovers will enjoy viewing roseate spoonbills, sandhill cranes, and wood storks. Canoes or guided airboat tours can be rented at the concession for exploring the river and lake. In the winter months, there is a tram, which follows unpaved trails through woods and marsh. Another more civilized tour of the Myakka can be had at Navagator Grill and boat Tours. Check their web site for details.

The Babcock Wildlife Management area is great for trail biking, hiking and joining a guided swamp buggy tour.

It’s also worth noting that Southwest Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, one of the most spectacular natural ecosystems in the United States…and only a short drive south on I-75 from North Port.

Head north on I-75 and Orlando’s Disney, Sea World and other theme parks are 31/2 hours away while Tampa’s Busch Gardens and Water Park take just 2 hours.

With Twenty-one nearby golf courses and just a short distance from 120 miles of shoreline there’s certainly plenty to do. The waterways host competitive events including fishing tournaments and boat/yacht races. Rentals for fishing boats, jet skis, kayaks and cruises seem to be everywhere.

On dry land, the Texas Rangers make Charlotte County’s 6,000-seat Stadium their spring training home while summers are filled with minor league games. The Charlotte Players offer six or more productions each season with musicals and plays, while the Charlotte Symphony Society presents a series of four classical concerts each season. The County Memorial Auditorium and Civic Center brings big name entertainment with an annual Celebrity Series. Just a few miles south on I-75 are the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.

For bargain hunting, Miramar Factory Outlet Stores are off I-75 south at Exit 19 and Corkscrew Road Interchange. Tenants include DKNY, Chico’s, Brooks Brothers, Carter’s Children’s Wear and more. For one-of-a-kind boutique stores, head to the resort areas like Sanibel, Captiva, Ft. Myers Beach, Naples and Punta Gorda. Below are just a few of many to check out: Periwinkle Place on Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; Chadwick’s Square on Captiva Drive, Captiva; Seafarers Village on Estero Boulevard, Ft. Myers; Fisherman’s Village on West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda; Village on Venetian Bay at Gulfshore Blvd., North Naples; Third Street South in Olde Naples.

So leave the hustle-bustle and traffic jams behind and discover one of Florida’s most livable cities. We call it Paradise…you can call it home.