Margaret and Loren Block wrote:

We're chartering an Island Packet 32 from ... Punta Gorda for 2 full weeks
and we'd appreciate suggestions for places to see or avoid. We're
interested in great looking anchorages that are away from the maddening
crowd ...

Realistically speaking, you can have one, or the other, but not both. Don't
despair, however, since there are any number of good spots in and around
(or at least near) Punta Gorda to take up your 2 weeks. In fact, much
longer in my experience.

Two useful guides are the Claiborne Young Guide and the Tom Lenfesty guide
(both available from Amazon). Also a bit more rare is "Guide to Anchorages
in Southwest Florida." Great photos.

...
... [and] in great restaurants, marinas, or even other commercial places
that are extra good and interesting or unusual.

South a bit try Tween Waters. North a bit try Moore's at Longboat Key.
Venice is a good stop with a free tie up just across from the yacht club.
Sarasota is kinda just "OK" but there are good eats ashore. Anchor in Cayo
Costa, try Cabbage Key, etc., etc. You will run out of time before you run
out of fun.

We're just starting to go through "Cruising Guide To Western
Florida" by Young so our itinerary is wide open.

You are on the right track, although I believe it's worth noting that Young
never met a marina or commercial facility he didn't like. I guess that's
just "cruising guide writer" politics.

--
Good luck and good sailing.
s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat
http://kerrydeare.tripod.com