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Sarasota area
Hi -
we've never been to the gulf coast of FL and are looking at Sarasota / Siesta Key for a long weekend over the 4th of July to celebrate my H's bday. We'd have to fly into TPA, as we are using an AirTran certificate but we are OK with the drive which appears to be about an hour.
The water seriously looks prettier than the Caribbean!
Can anyone tell me what there is to do around the area? My husband is concerned that he'll be bored and there will be quote: "a ton of old people." We like good food/wine, shopping, relaxing on the beach and doing beachy vacation things.
we are thinking about staying at the ritz as it's priced pretty reasonably (and we have points) but it is not beachfront. it seems like there's a ton of condos but with only 2 of us it probably isn't the best solution.
any suggestions would be great!
TIA!
Re: Sarasota area
You could drive to Longboat key or Anna Maria Island--both are close (like less than 40 minutes) to Sarasota. Both LBK and AMI have little shops, lots of beachfront restaurants,etc...it would be a nice way to spend the day. There is a good shopping area in LBK called Armand circle. There is an occasion type restuarant called Beach bistro which people really like. A more casual place called the Sandbar is fun for sunset--lots of people hang on the beach in front of it to see sunset.
You could rent a boat for a few hours as well.
I think you will have plenty to do for a long weekend--spend one day at your hotel pool, drive to some area beaches, shopping, maybe rent bikes or a boat, etc....
I always stay here on Longboat Key:
http://www.verandabeachclub.com/
The Ritz is nice too, I have been there before. There are some cool restaurants in the area and check out St Armand's Circle.
St. Armands Circle is actually in Sarasota (I used to live there), and yes there are great restaurants and shops there as well as downtown Sarasota.
If you are big on beach, it would be worth it IMO to stay beachfront on Siesta Key, as parking gets really intense, especially around holidays! There are lots of casual restaurants on Siesta Key.
The farmers market downtown on Sundays is a lot of fun - and more than just produce (local artisans, bakeries, etc).
There is also a big Amish community in Sarasota - so you should check out one of their restaurants - Yoders is my favorite - the fried chicken is so so so good as is the chocolate peanut butter pie!
Sarasota IS low-key though so I would plan on a more relaxing vacation and just be warned that the ocean water temp gets very warm in the summer time -- almost like bath water... not the most refreshing, but the powdery-fine sand makes up for that in my mind.
I also recommend St Armand's Circle. It's fun to just walk around and visit the shops. Killions has awesome ice cream. Yoders also has amazing food with a little shop next door with tons of home baked Amish goods as well as fresh produce. We also love to eat at Demetrios. They have AWESOME salad, pizza, and pasta.
We just go to Sarasota to relax so I don't have suggestions for activities.
Danica 10.22.10 | Milo 12.23.12
Will you have a rental car coming from the Tampa airport?
If yes, I'd stay at the Ritz and use their shuttle to the Lido Beach club. Then use the car or a taxi to do dinner and shopping on St. Armands Circle and in downtown Sarasota.
Then drive down and do at least one day on Siesta Key beach and lunch/etc. in the Siesta Key Village.
I grew up in Sarasota so I'm biased and think it is wonderful. You'll have a great trip!