Where might we like???

[MJG]

After a very satisfying holiday this year based in Kissimmee we are just back and naturally already thinking about next year!!!

However this was our fifth trip to the Orlando area (and it's associated attractions) so next year we are considering the Gulf Coast. I think we need to leave Orlando for a few years again to add some new stuff to lure us back.

We are not particularly beach fan's so it's not crucial to be close to one - however in more recent years we have holidayed in France and UK and often gravitate to boating/marinas areas often just to people watch and eat out and stroll harbour/sea side. Additionally we like to explore inland waterways and rivers.

Where might appeal to us to stay in the area - not knowing the area at all it is hard to decide. It does need to be an area/community where we can book a villa through here though.

Lastly if we did decide last minute to bolt over to one of the Orlando parks - how long's the drive???

Thanks in anticipation.

[Clare R]

Welcome to the glory of the Gulf of Mexico coast. There are very few areas where Short Term Rentals are allowed along the coastal area. The majority are in a community called Rotonda/Rotonda West - same place, which is near Englewood in Charlotte County. There are a few other properties you will find advertised on the sites.

Rotonda is primarily a residential area with properties backing onto freshwater canals, golf courses or conservation areas - it is your choice. The area is flat if you are keen on cycling, very safe and with Deed Restrictions which cover a variety of things including lack of noise at night.

The beaches near Englewood are on Manasota Key and are some of the best you will find. Between the 'mainland' and Manasota Key is the Intracoastal Waterway and there are boat hire companies available.

Gasparilla Island (attached to the mainland by a causeway) is just down the road with the small town of Boca Grande is perfect to explore, wonderful restaurants, an interesting museum, miles of beach and most traffic is of the golf cart variety.

I suggest you have a look at the Gulf Coast villas on this site, all owners are a friendly bunch!!

[Pookie]

As Clare has said the Gulf coast is just waiting to be discovered with as much or as little to do as is your wish.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Additionally we like to explore inland waterways and rivers.
[/quote]
The Bluewater Trails.
Kayakers will find hundreds of miles of Blueway trails that
start with the Peace and Myakka rivers and extend out to
the Gulf of Mexico. You could try your hand at one of the
newest hybrid sports, kayak geocaching, in which you
hunt for hidden treasures while afloat on the water or
just revel in exploring these quiet back waters.
Go alone or go with a guide.

Charlotte Harbour was voted one of the by Sail Magazine as one
of the “10 Greatest Places to sail”. The barrier islands with
their peaceful coves and bays that skirt this coastline are
just waiting to be discovered and make idyllic hideaways.

Again there are boat tours and many marinas to rent your own boat and head out.

However the marinas unlike Europe do not have restaurants they are more for boat storage.

Fisherman's village, Punta Gorda and Venice both offer restaurants where you can watch the boats sail in and out.

Orlando is approximatley 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Rotonda West with downtown Sarasota approximatley 45 minutes, depending on traffic and Armanyd Circle is great for people watching.

Look at the villas on this site and also the topics that owners have added.

One thing I do not think the coast will disappoint you.

Lynne

[heathercobbett]

We enjoyed staying on the Rotunda,MJG. Very friendly community and we visited a different beach every day. Many of the homes back on to the canal and some on the 4 golf courses. If you have Google Earth it is clearly visible and you can locate the various places you can explore.

Lots of owners have homes on this site to check up on

[Albert the Frog]

for a complete change we went to st augustine to the north east of orlando on the coast-it had a very spanish colonial feel to it and is well worth a few days visit

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MJG

Where might appeal to us to stay in the area - not knowing the area at all it is hard to decide. It does need to be an area/community where we can book a villa through here though.
[/quote]

Perfectly understandable and there's nothing at all wrong with the Gulf Coast properties on here but that will seriously limit your choice of location.

[Ruth]

We have visited many areas of the Gulf coast but haven't found anywhere that we like better than Charlotte County[8D]Have a look at villas at Cape Haze, Port Charlotte and Rotonda and you won't be disappointed:)

[atush]

I too would rec Rotonda, and there are some Marina restaurants nearby. The tiki bar at Stump pass marina off Maryland ave (off Placida) is good and inexpensive- live music some nights. And there is the new restaurant at the Gasparilla Marina on rt771. And The White Elephant on the marina at Englewood beach.

But if you like boating and exploring look also at Punta Gorda and Cape Coral.