Far from Florida's major megatourism hubs lies one of the true treasures of "old Florida," a place known for its traditional Florida culture. The sun-soaked communities of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and Englewood are located on the coast between Bradenton and Fort Myers near the confluence of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace and Myakka rivers. A trip to the region requires a 6-hour drive from the Panhandle, but it is well worth it. These communities have set themselves apart - not by what they have done, but by what they have not done, which is abandon their roots and their connection to the true Florida way of life.

Any trip to this region should begin at the Crescent B Ranch. Sprawling through Lee and Charlotte counties, the ranch is amazing in its size - six times larger than Manhattan Island - and contains a bountiful diversity of animals, vegetation, forests and swamps. Babcock Wilderness Adventures will shuttle visitors in a swamp buggy through unspoiled pinewoods, a fresh water marsh and the Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Panthers, birds, and dozens of wild alligators inhabit the area. It also is surprising to see bison in the area. Would you believe they have a "Biking With Bison" package to get you even closer?

Visitors also can spend a day in Punta Gorda on the Charlotte Harbor estuary. The city of Punta Gorda juts out into the harbor. It established itself centuries ago as a navigation reference for Spanish sailors who referred to it as the "broad point," which is what Punta Gorda means in Spanish. Palm trees line the city streets and accentuate the traditional "old Florida" architecture. Large murals painted on building facades depict the city's early history. The authenticity of this city is widely apparent. Lunch at the Celtic Ray Irish Pub had no trendy trappings: no music and no television, just good food and conversation.

The Punta Gorda pier, built in the 1800s, was once the economic lifeline to the local fishing industry. Over the years it has been transformed into the Fisherman's Village, an arrayof33 shops, seven restaurants and a 98-slip marina. The Village also is home to the Florida Military Heritage Museum, an exhibition of artifacts describing Florida's military history spanning the Civil War to the present.

The Charlotte Harbor estuary comprises 270 square miles. Although the average depth is only 14 feet, there are sufficient depths for a variety of pleasure craft and yachts, like the King Fisher Fleet. Take a sunset cruise aboard the King Fisher and travel the labyrinth of canals and see brightly decorated homes or foray into the estuary to view mangroves, marine life and birds.

Visitors can also take a wading tour along the estuary's shores. Armed with nets and led by Monica Dorkin, Educator and Program Coordinator of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, participants can skim the rich waters to capture a cornucopia of marine life.

The maritime culture of the city is evident in its delicious food. The Village Oyster Bar offers a fantastic lunch menu and the Breakers Restaurant & Brew Pub features a panoramic harbor view that accents the seafood offerings. But Punta Gorda offers a host of diverse culinary experiences besides seafood. The Perfect Caper is a unique orange-colored establishment along one of downtown's most colorful streets and touts a fare of "eclectic global fusion" cuisine in a New York-style bistro. Depart from seafood and plunge into the grilled Angus New York strip scented with Shao Shing wine. Chef and owner Jeanie Roland and her husband, James, brought their international travels together to create a very fine dining experience. For an extra special evening, reserve the translucent onyx dining table. Hand cut in Malaysia, the table is lit from below to create a romantic ambiance.

Palm Island Resort, not far from Punta Gorda, is accessible only by ferry. The villas offer a full view of the Gulf of Mexico and a rich tapestry of dunes and sea oats. Palm Island is home to many animals: ospreys, bald eagles, turtles and bobcats. Without motor vehicle traffic, the serenity of the setting is intoxicating - nothing but the breeze and the soft crash of the surf. Palm Island is a true getaway without pretense.

After a great night's sleep, head to Chadwick Park at Englewood Beach to stroll the boardwalk and view some of the most unfettered beach access in Florida. While many coastal communities are torn between private development and public access, this coastal community has steadfastly protected public access to its wonderful beaches. For added adventure, travel southeast to the tiny community of Placida to eat at the Fishery Restaurant and enjoy a waterside view of old fishing vessels moored together and surrounded by water lilies and mangroves.

The unofficial "mayor" of Placida and owner of Grande Tours, Capt. Marian E. Schneider, is well known in the area. A 49-year resident, Schneider's tour company offers regular sea life excursions and guided kayak tours. She offers instruction, tours, storage, launching and sales for just about any kind of watercraft.

Punta Gorda and the surrounding communities encourage visitors to "discover Florida's best kept secret." The area's popularity has also grown as retirees have discovered the area. Where to Retire Magazine named Punta Gorda as among its 100 best retirement towns in America. Don't wait until retirement to enjoy this wonderful area. There is simply too much to experience, and it may not remain a secret much longer.