Muscle Car City in Punta Gorda
Shiny antiques at Muscle Car City
Now here’s a new attraction worth a roar down the interstate: Muscle Car City, which opened this spring in the old Wal-Mart just south of downtown Punta Gorda along US 41. It’s the only example I’ve witnessed of a former Wal-Mart being put to use – fixtures and all – to become something entirely different.
It’s the rows and rows of sleek, high-powered driving machines, however, that’ll catch your attention. The demographic of visitors is undeniably male, and yet that didn’t keep me from admiring the cars I grew up with and around – Dad loved a good muscle car. Many have their well-detailed engines open for inspection, like a 1967 Corvette Stingray sport coupe in deep green. Each vehicle is immaculate and identified, enabling visitors to form loose social networks as they gather around their favorite memories. Muscle Car City also includes a diner, open at 7:30 AM, a massive gift shop with auto memorabilia and classic car parts, and even a handful of restored beauties for sale. Brought to you from the personal collection of Rick Treworgy, with assistance from his wife April, this is one sleek museum.
Muscle Car City
Open Tues-Sat 9-5, $10 admission
3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Saturday was Florida Lighthouse Day, so what a delight it was to revisit the St. Marks Lighthouse and discover it open. It’s only open for visits on special occassions, including some of the festivals held at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge throughout the year. In full lightkeeper regalia, several volunteers and interpretive specialists recounted the difficult lives that the lightkeepers and their families lived since the original lighthouse was built in 1832. It’s an outpost along the Gulf of Mexico, more than 10 miles from the nearest neighbor, a beacon for navigation and the iconic symbol of the Big Bend.