Military Heritage Museum: admission is free, but the experience is priceless

Memorial Day is coming up next week. It is time to celebrate all who gave their lives for our country. It’s also a time for Americans to unite and demonstrate our patriotism. Most of all it is a time to remember the history of the stars and stripes.
The Military Heritage Museum dedicates its efforts to the men and women who paid their lives to America. The goal of the museum is to educate the public in military history and pay tribute to the brave souls who fought for this country. The Museum exhibits memorabilia and artifacts from as far back as the Spanish-American War to the currents conflicts we face today. The Museum is a nonprofit corporation funded by donations and grants, and is located in our very own Fishermen’s Village.
Veterans and their families from all around the country donate their keepsakes to be preserved by the museum. The museum has been in existence for ten years and has already filled five storage units with war memories. Each little artifact comes with its own personal story. Also, the fifty volunteer tour guides- many of which are veterans- often have their own history to tell as well. The Military Heritage Museum shares the histories of these heroes, and is interested in hearing your story too!
The exhibits are very diverse and the artifacts are often changed so new artifacts can be enjoyed. The museum has a huge collection of uniforms and guns on display, along with metals and other memorabilia. One of the biggest attractions is a Nazi flag signed by each of the American troops who captured it. They also display a helmet from the Battle of Bulge with a bullet hole completely through it. The man who wore and donated the helmet is now in his eighties and still sharp as a tack!
There are a multitude of festivities at Fishermen’s Village this Memorial Day, May 28th! The Village is open for extended hours to celebrate this historic day. An hour of music will begin in center court at 11:00a.m., followed by a Memorial Day ceremony at noon. Afterwards there will be a reception in the Military heritage Museum. Also, there is the Veteran Motor Car Show from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Village parking lot where the “Mighty Might” 1961 Marine Jeep and a “Dodge M37″ will be showcased!
Memorial Day is right around the corner! What better way to spend the day than check out this truly amazing display? The Military Heritage Museum could use your support, so please consider becoming a member or making a donation, because freedom isn’t free. Check them out at fishville.com and for more information contact Kim Lovejoy, the Executive Director, at (941)-575-9002 or klovejoy@FreeddomIsntFree.org.

Working at Fishermen’s Village

We Floridians know that Fishermen’s Village is the perfect place to spend the day. If there is one place you need to visit in Punta Gorda it is Fishermen’s Village. Although, few know that it is also a fantastic place to work.

I have been working under the occupation, as the Social Media Intern for Fishermen’s Village, for a little over one month now. I have spent a lot of time here over the years, growing up in the historic city of Punta Gorda. My dad has performed on the Center Stage, and I came here monthly with my parents growing up, to watch the other entertainers. Palm on the Pier and Laff Out Loud are two of my favorite “retail Therapy” stores! I’ve also made use of the wonderful tennis facilities they have right on the water. The opportunity to work in one of my favorite places in town is an absolute honor and a wonderful experience.

I can guarantee that have the most amazing working environment in all of south west Florida. Who doesn’t enjoy food, fun, and sun! Fishermen’s Village has an award winning marina, restaurants right on the water, and the entertainment is great. After work, I also have the ability to do some quick shopping. These are just a few perks of the job. I can’t imagine working anywhere better!

Walking into Fishermen’s Village, I am always greeted by smiling faces. All the employees and shop owners are extremely helpful and pleasant to work with. I have also had the pleasure of holding conversations with the people enjoying the experience of Fishermen’s Village and have heard only good things.

Fishermen’s Village is open daily and has so much to offer. For more information on job openings or the resort, mall, and marina visit us at www.fishvill.come, “like” us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fishermensvillage, or call 1-800-639-0020. Contact me, Andrea Lansdale, at intern@fishville.com.

Fishing Fun in the Sun!

If there is one thing that we Floridians love, it’s being out on the water. Here, at Fishermen’s Village, The King Fisher Fleet makes sure that we all have an unforgettable aquatic adventure! Get out the sunscreen, look for your sunglasses and get ready for this experience.

The King Fisher Fleet in Punta Gorda offers the best of Florida waters both for sightseers and for fishermen. They have been deemed the number one charter boat in Charlotte County since 1996, assuring every explorer a unique experience.  Sightseeing cruises to the out-islands, eco-tours, full and half day cruises, sunset cruises and harbor tours will keep your mouth ajar as you ooh and aaah over Florida’s beautiful wildlife. Fishermen will be amazed with deep sea charter fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or with Back Bay fishing in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.

King Fisher’s tour boats offer a variety of regularly scheduled, inexpensive sightseeing cruises including full day out island trips, half day trips, nature cruises, sunset cruises and more! The boats are also available for hire privately for weddings, parties, conventions, meetings, dinner cruises or just about any other type of event you can dream up.

Charlotte Harbor’s Wildlife is one of colorful and surpising aquatic/terrestrial friends! There are nearly 300 species of fish, 100 species of birds, sea turtles, alligators, manatees and more!

Deep sea charter boats do their fishing in the Gulf of Mexico off Southwest Florida. Gulf waters are also home to more than a hundred species of saltwater fish including grouper, snapper, shark, barracuda, kingfish, mackerel and tarpon.

Deep sea boats run full day trips in the Gulf, from 8am to 5pm. Each boat can carry up to six anglers in comfort and safety. King Fisher supplies everything needed for fishing including all tackle, bait, licenses and fish cleaning but don’t forget to bring personal items such as hats, cameras, suntan lotion, food and drinks.  Visiting from out of town with no way to cook your catch?  Your catch-of-the-day can be prepared for your dinner at an on-site restaurant for a nominal charge! Yum!

Everyone is always raving about the special Lighted Canal Cruises, only provided at Fishermen’s Village. The whole town does an incredible job decorating their backyards, seawalls, boats and docks with Christmas lights and decorations. Boats of all shapes and sizes cruise the canals during the evenings in December to enjoy this warm display of community Christmas spirit.

Overall, the King Fisher Fleet experience is an enjoyable one for all ages! For more information on your fun in the sun adventure visit the King Fisher Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/King-Fisher-Fleet/71316782723 or www.fishville.com!

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Worden Farm’s Greenmarket!

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Worden Farm Greenmarket at the Village! Husband and wife team Chris Worden, Ph.D. and Eva Worden, Ph.D. are the dynamic duo that created Worden Farm. For almost 10 years, the Worden’s have been growing fresh, local, organic produce for our very own Southwest Florida community. The company not only strives to maintain their high quality products, but also promotes agricultural sustainability and biodiversity through educational programs. The farm is managed by a variety of sustainable methods for conserving and enhancing natural and human ecosystems. The Worden’s are renowned for their use of innovative organic farming techniques through their original, maintainable and ecological procedures. Worden Farm’s famous products and eco-friendly methods are recognized at the local, state and national level, being featured in several national and regional media outlets, including The Nightly News with Brian Williams on NBC, America’s Heartland on PBS, American Farmer, Florida Grower, Florida Travel+Life, and Florida Trend. Everyone is raving about Worden Farm’s Greenmarket!

Worden Farm also hosts events and tours, educating about farming and culinary techniques. This includes culinary workshops, farm tours, gardening workshops, private market bookings, farm feasts and special events.

From the Fall to the Spring seasons, anyone is able to gain access to their wonderful food by going to a sponsored farmer’s market. The farm produces over 50 different varieties of certified organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers, making it hard to walk away without buying something! Worden Farm’s Greenmarket will be featured at the Village every Wednesday, between the months of January and March, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Not only will organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers be available for purchase from Worden Farm but the Village will also have 100% natural granola from Leslie’s Granola, fresh seafood from Peace River Seafood, imported olive oils and spices from Bella Balsamic, Culinary Cooking Demos by Charlotte Technical Center and live entertainment by Singer/Guitarist Michael Hirst for some dancing while you shop!

By becoming a member of Worden Farm, you are guaranteed: affordable weekly harvest share of fresh, local, organic produce, during peak season, a weekly farm newsletter with recipes, ideas, farm updates, and photos, free farm tours for members and guests during the season, discounts on farm workshops and special events, 10% discount at all Worden Farm farmers market locations, personal satisfaction of connecting with the farm, and helping to protect the environment, preserve open space, support family farming, promote training of future organic farmers and gardeners, and create a strong local economy and community.

Visit www.wordenfarm.com for further farm membership information, crop information, over 50 different listed recipes, and upcoming events or call 941 637-4874 for more information. You can always visit www.fishville.com for upcoming events, times and locations of upcoming Worden Farm’s Greenmarket at the Village. See you at the market!

Chocolates and Oils and Bling, OH MY!

New and delicious stores have kept Fishermen’s Village booming with hungry customers! Jeremy and Rebecca Berlin just recently opened our newest “foreign” store, Bella Balsamic & the Pressed Olive, offering over 40 varieties of one of a kind olive oil and balsamic vinegar. These world-renowned, high class are made of 100% natural ingredients with real herb and fruits, enhancing the taste to something out of this world! Free samples of all types of oil and vinegar are always provided so you can experience the various tastes of Sicily and Venice right here in Punta Gorda! Flavors are endless so it is impossible to not find something to your liking. The store’s variety includes infused and not infused selections. Specialty oils include grapeseed, white truffle, almond black walnut and sesameed seed, all of which are amazing. The most popular balsamic vinegar flavors include fig, cranberry pear and cerano honey. Besides the incredible selection of oil and vinegar, various items are also sold. Spices are available for purchase from all over the world such as curry powder and italian oregeno. Gluten free pasta is displayed in a specific section of the store, available in different colors,shapes and sizes for some experimental fun in the kitchen! Their newly uploaded website www.bella-balsamic.com allows all customers to order any type of bottle online and learn more about the origins of the oil and vinegar. Be sure to visit this wonderful addition to the village and look out for it’s future plans including a salad bar, daily chef with grille, cookbooks for purchse, and delicious crepes in the morning!

Amy and Bryan Hick’s Beach Bums fudge store has been an incredible hit in Southwest Florida but it’s new addition, Beach Bums Sweet Shoppe:Cupcakes, Sweets and Treats, is a whole other story! As soon as you enter the store, your nostrils are hugged by a sweet and sultry aroma of freshly made chocolate and sweets. Jumbo cupcakes, double fudge brownies and cookies are made every day. There are 15 different kinds of chocolate filled cupcakes that are guranteed to make your taste buds scream for more. Saltwater taffy and delicious bulk chocolates are available by the pound (but you will certainly want more). If you’re looking for the sweets without getting the sweet tooth, there are sugar free choices as well! Hand dipped pretzels and graham crackers are the way to go for a salty but sweet taste. Not to mention, Beach Bums also sells nostalgic candies for a “sweet” trip back to the 50′s, 60′s and 70′s like old fashioned candy drops and handmade candy canes. Soon to come is are whole lines of cake and cupcake cookbooks so you can bring Beach Bums to you! Need ideas for holiday or birthday gifts? Head on over where there are themed items such as birthday hats, specialty holiday ornaments and household decorations and so much more!

Plans for a night out on the town? Check out our new bling store Bitz of Glitz! This store is fun for all ages with everything a girl needs. The costume jewelry, handbags, belts and scarves makes this store an accesory dream! The owner, Meme Albright, also owns two other stores in the Village, Bijoux and Sea Spirit. The merchandise allows customers to mix and match with inexpensive jewelry that is sure to make you shine even more. Sparkles, rhinestones and floral patterns are popular in this cute and trendy store. During the holiday and birthday season, it’s a great place to easily find something to work with whether you’re on the runway, headed to school or out to dinner with some family and friends. Everyone is talking about Bitz of Glitz!

For more information on these great new stores visit www.fishville.com or call 941-639-8721.

Festival of Lights Kick Off Event

Deck the halls! The most wonderful event of the year is underway at Fishermen’s Village! Prepare yourself for a spectacular display at the Festival of Lights 2011, as every light bulb in town will be illuminated with Christmas color. Don’t miss the official ribbon cutting initiated by Santa and City Councilman Bill Albers. This festival kick-off on November 19^th will include a special lighting ceremony of the Village when over one million lights will be turned on all at once. Every day from November 19^th-December 31^st, you can see the beautiful Christmas spirit spread out through the Village!

The festivities will begin at 5:30 pm with the arrival of the one and only, Santa Clause. Join us for his arrival in his reindeer drawn carriage courtesy of TKM stables! Following the official ribbon cutting are Lee County Pipes and Drums as they parade through the Village. Be sure to stop by Center Court to catch their special Christmas performance.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Bring the whole family to join in song with the Charlotte Chorale Dickens Carolers from 6:00-8:00pm. Get Christmas airbrushed art for free on your face or body or even a free balloon creation courtesy of Luis the Balloon Man. Throughout the night complimentary refreshments will be offered to our patrons as you join us for dancing the night away to the Boogiemen Band from 5-9 pm, getting snapshots with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and shopping throughout the Village for Christmas gifts. Be sure to catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage by TKM Stables for a small fee to complete the enchanting night of holiday festivities.

Calling all golf carts! Show off your holiday spirit on November 26^th, 2011 by decorating your golf cart and participating in the Christmas Lighted Golf Cart Parade at the Village. Staging will take place at the end of W. Retta Esplanade beginning at 5:30 pm and the parade will begin at 6 pm. If you’ve got the best golf cart in town, show off! For more information and the registration form go to www.fishville.com

Between December 3 and December 31, King Fisher Fleet is offering their annual Christmas Lights Cruise. All aboard as you enchant yourself upon a relaxing cruise and ride down the harbor and the canals of Punta Gorda to see the Christmas lights. There will be cruises offered at three different times during the evening but reservations are strongly recommended! King Fisher Fleet is taking reservations and selling tickets fast. Call (941) 639-0969 to reserve your seat on a cruise and enjoy an evening at the Village!

Admission to the kick-off event is a canned donation to be donated to the Good Samaritans Food Pantry. Parking is also free of charge. We can’t wait to see you there in your holiday spirit throughout November and December. Happy Holidays!

Back to the Fifties Sock Hop!

Ready for music, fun and contests? Don’t miss the hippest event of the year including fifties trivia, twist dancing, bubble gum blowing, hula hoop and jitter bug contests! There will be prizes galore throughout this fun-filled event starting on November … Continue reading →