Because I spent most of my life near the water, and by that I mean salt water, I love towns like Englewood. I understand the needs of boaters. I would like to help you find that home where your boat is in your backyard or close by in a safe harbor. Englewood Isles is one of those neighborhoods. A relatively short ride with no bridges out gets you on the water. Englewood Isles is a mix of well cared for Florida style homes from 2 bedrooms to 5 and most have garages and private pools. Englewood Isles has a small marina and the HOA controls the boat slip leases. You have to be a resident to get one, but it is worth it. Community is important to the residents here, and I often notice signs inviting residents to special events and block parties. There’s a condo area and an area with villas some attached some not, that also has slips along the concrete seawall. This neighborhood is close to Venice, closer to Englewood and Manasota Key beaches are a short distance away. Backroads take you to Dearborn Street which is old Florida at its best. There are great, privately owned shops, galleries and restaurants and sidewalks with benches to sit on as you and watch people go by, or enjoy a coffee from one of the two great coffee shops Culture Coffee or The Dearborn Coffeehouse in town. I will always take a coffee break. You can take an art class at the Arts Alliance of Lemon Bay, or just buy something original from one of the many local artists represented there. This business district is capped at the end by a Veterans Memorial on the bay and at the other by a very active open air Moose Lodge , seriously, you have to see it. I like to visit Dearborn Street on Thursday mornings because from October to May they have one of the best Farmer’s Markets in the county. Car enthusiasts might find themselves here for Cruisin on Dearborn that takes place the first Saturday of the month. Showing up on a Sunday you will find people walking up and down the streets which have just been beautified, and hear live music coming from different corners. Go to Dearborn Street at night to find something completely unexpected, a blues bar with some of the country’s best musicians stopping in for a quick show. The back patio at Englewood’s on Dearborn is magical. Blues not your thing, the coffee shop has an open mic night. Plus there are new events in the backyard at Old Florida . Dearborn Street is also a great Sunday brunch destination. The owners of Farlow’s on the Water are building a new restaurant on the street and coming soon will be mini golf and a hotel at the west end of the street too. The renaissance continues.