Guys Getaways in Southwest Florida Offer Variety, Action for all Ages CHARLOTTE HARBOR & THE GULF ISLANDS, Fla. (August 31, 2010) – Want to kayak remote, wild areas, learn to skydive, sail or see the best private collection of muscle cars ever? Halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers is Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands, an outdoor adventure paradise made for active types. Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast offers an off-the-beaten-path escape from crowds and congestion, where skydiving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, golfing and wildlife viewing are top attractions. From father and sons to adults-only, here are the top five guy-guaranteed favorites.

Rev Your Engines: Rick Treworgy's Muscle Car City Museum (Punta Gorda) displays an unparalleled collection of authentic classic cars, trucks and automotive memorabilia and accessories, including vintage gas pumps and signs. Nearly 200 automobiles date back to the 1920s and include an impressive lineup of 57 Chevys and Corvettes, Pontiac GTOs, Corvettes, Oldsmobile Cutlass 442s, Chevelles, Camaros and high-horsepower Impalas. The diner serves up the treats we used to order from the car hop at a drive-in. www.musclecarcity.net

Go Fish: Known as the “Tarpon Capital of the World” and one of the world’s top sport-fishing destinations, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands offers clean waters and dozens of sport and edible species. Captain Ralph Allen, charter captain and owner of King Fisher Fleet, says that one could “fish a different way, for different fish, and in a different place every week and not repeat yourself in six months.” Enjoy the adrenaline rush of deep sea charter fishing in the Gulf or back bay fishing in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve, teeming with snook, mackerel, redfish, sea trout, yellowtail, cobia, snapper, grouper and kingfish. www.kingfisherfleet.com

Take a Dive: Skydiving is as close to flying as man can get, an experience like no other, and the SW Florida Skydive Club loves to share the thrill. Free-falling at 120 mph is speedy, surreal and for some, scary, so first-timers will take a tandem jump with an experienced instructor. The company offers complete instruction up to and beyond certification. Group rates make this an even more attractive adventure and videos set to music are available. www.skydiveswflorida.com

Glide by Sail or Paddle: Named to SAIL magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the U.S.,” the area offers several regattas, sailing charters and schools, even sailing for those with disabilities. Many area hotels, accommodations and restaurants are located on a marina or less than a five minute walk. http://bit.ly/charlotteharbortravelsail. Nearly 200 miles of Blueway Trails are mapped for kayakers, with 53 trails rated for access, difficulty and scenic value. Phoenix Rising Kayak Tours (www.prkayak.com), It’s Time! Kayak and Canoe (www.itstimekayakandcanoe.com) and O-Sea-D Aquatic Adventures (www.oseadkayaking.com) offer guided wilderness Blueway trips on some of Florida’s most scenic waterways. Each can tailor a trip for beginners or experts, with opportunities to spot an amazing variety of birds and perhaps a chance encounter with a manatee or dolphin. Adventure Kayak Fishing (www.adventurekayakfishing.com) teaches the newest way to fish, where one can sneak up on the prey.

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding is the newest and hottest human-powered water activity, a cross between surfboarding and kayaking, offering a great workout and a lot of fun in calm water or waves. Rentals are available at Grande Tours (www.Grandetours.com), an outfitter that also provides kayak tours and rentals, and at Florida Paddlesports, (http://www.floridapaddlesports.net) where classes and tours are available. Hit a Birdie: Named among the “best places in America to live and play golf” by Golf Digest, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands offers year-round play on more than 20 courses. Spectacular landscapes provide the backdrop on courses that include two ranked 4½ stars by Golf Digest. Each have special summer/fall greens fees as low as $30 per person. Four hotels are offering accommodations and golf packages starting at $164 to $391 per person, plus tax. The Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau regularly posts special golf vacation packages at www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com.

Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is helping its visitors enjoy an ECOnomical vacation at an assortment of accommodations ranging from well-known flag hotels to specialty boutique properties to a barrier island resort and private rental homes on the beach. From now through October, enticing savings range from a free night’s stay when booking and redeeming two or more nights, to two nights free on a five night stay. To view these specials, visit http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/freenight, choose your package, then call the property and request the Charlotte Harbor FREE Night Bonus.

Additional packages specifically designed for Guys Getaways include the following:

Gatorz Galore Getaway in Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands

For $235 plus tax, based on double occupancy. Now through Nov. 15, the package includes:

3 day/ 2 night stay ($151 -$220.00 value, depending upon when/how you book) Gator Welcome Basket in Room ($30.00 value) 90 minute swamp buggy ride ($42.68 value) Dinner for two at Alli-Gators Restaurant ($45.00 value)

Sink your teeth into a two-night gator getaway to Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands. Stay two nights at the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside overlooking the marina and the beautiful waters of Charlotte Harbor. Included is a welcome Gator Gift Basket from Fishermen’s Village waterfront mall. Next day, take a ride on the wild side at Babcock Wilderness Adventures during a 90-minute swamp buggy tour through Florida wilderness where you’ll come nose-to-snout with gators galore. Bite back later that day at an alligator-themed restaurant serving gator bites.

Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
33 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, Florida
941-637-6770
Packages can be booked online at www.fourpoints.com/puntagordaharborside
Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability. Taxes are additional.

"Silver King" Tarpon Fishing or Back Bay Fishing Package
Two-Night Stay at Fishermen’s Village Resort Two Sunset Cruise Tickets Saltwater or Back Bay Fishing Charter Pricing starts at: $350 per person, plus tax, based on double occupancy

Enjoy a two-night stay in a 1,000 sq. ft. Vacation Villa overlooking scenic Charlotte Harbor at world famous Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall Resort and Marina, full of shopping, dining and nightlife. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise as the sun sets into the calm waters of the harbor. Next day, embark on a choice of Tarpon or Back Bay fishing in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve with professional guides who take you to the hottest spots. Full-service charter King Fisher Fleet (www.kingfisherfleet.com) will take care of the fishing license, bait, rods and tackle.

Fishermen’s Village Waterfront Mall Resort and Marina
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, Florida
www.fishville.com
941-637-6770; 800-639-0020

Both are based on availability; advance reservations required

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