So, I’d been hearing some buzz about the Punta Gorda Seafood Festival for a little while. You know how it is, someone mentions it, then you see a little something online, and pretty soon, it’s stuck in your head. I love seafood, always have, so I figured, why not check it out? Sounded like a decent way to spend a Saturday.
Woke up that morning, weather looked pretty good, not too hot, which is always a plus down here. Decided to just go for it. Hopped in the car and made the drive over to Punta Gorda. Wasn’t too bad of a trip, found parking relatively easily, which, let me tell you, is half the battle with these kinds of things sometimes.
First Impressions Walking In
Soon as I got out of the car, I could smell it – that mix of grilled fish, maybe some fried stuff, and just that general festival food aroma. Made me hungry straight away! Walked towards the entrance, and you could hear the music already, a live band playing something upbeat. The place was already pretty packed, lots of families, couples, folks just milling about.
Paid my way in, and just started to wander. There were rows and rows of white tents. Underneath, you had all sorts of vendors. Some were selling the obvious – seafood – but others had crafts, little trinkets, t-shirts, you name it. I like to take a lap first, get the lay of the land before I commit to any food. You gotta strategize, you know?
The Main Event: Seafood!
Alright, after my initial recon, it was time to eat. And man, the choices! It was almost overwhelming. I saw:
- Grilled Shrimp
- Fish Tacos
- Crab Cakes
- Lobster Rolls (looked amazing, but a bit pricey for my first round)
- Fried Calamari
- Oysters, both raw and cooked
I decided to start with some classic grilled shrimp. Found a stall that looked popular – always a good sign. They were cooking them right there on a big flat-top grill. Got a skewer, and it was delicious. Smoky, perfectly cooked, with a bit of lemon. Simple, but so good.
Walked around a bit more, drink in hand, enjoying the atmosphere. The band was actually pretty decent, playing some classic rock covers. People were dancing, kids were running around. It was a good vibe.
Next up, I spotted some fish tacos. Couldn’t resist. These were also top-notch. Fresh fish, nice slaw, a bit of a spicy kick. Ate those standing by a railing, just watching the boats in the marina. That’s the life, right?
I was tempted by so many other things, especially the conch fritters and some massive paella I saw someone cooking in a giant pan. But, you gotta know your limits. I was feeling pretty satisfied.
More Than Just Food
It wasn’t just about stuffing your face, though that was a big part of it for me, not gonna lie. They had a nice setup. Plenty of places to sit, though you might have to wait a bit for a spot. The craft vendors were interesting too. Saw some nice local art, some handmade jewelry. Didn’t buy anything, but it’s always cool to see what people are making.
I spent a good few hours there, just soaking it all in. The sun was out, there was a nice breeze coming off the water. It was just a really pleasant afternoon.
Eventually, I started to feel that good kind of tired, you know? Full belly, a bit of sun. Decided it was time to head home. Walked back to the car, feeling pretty content. It’s funny, sometimes the simplest plans turn out to be the best ones.
So yeah, that was my trip to the Punta Gorda Seafood Festival. If you like seafood and a good, casual outdoor vibe, I’d say give it a shot if it comes around again. I know I’ll probably be back. Good food, good music, good times. Can’t ask for much more than that.
