Sarasota

The city of Sarasota lies on the eastern shores of Sarasota Bay. Situated on the water it is without doubt a beach resort with a thriving cultural community. Art moved to Sarasota thanks to the many investments and appreciation of John Ringling for the arts and culture which ultimately led to the development of galleries, theatres and concert halls, with Sarasota evolving into a haven for artists, sculptors, performers and musicians.

Sarasota County has 35 miles of gulf beaches, 2 state parks, 22 municipal parks and approximately 80 golf courses and with nearly a quarter of the residents playing, this is the place for golf enthusiasts. There are several good courses within a 15 minute drive from the villa which are open to the public.

Florida is famous for it’s many attractions, some of which are right here in Sarasota. One of the more notable is Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 10 acrea of tropical plants, birds and reptiles. The Mote Marine Aquarium has touch tanks and a coral reef exhibit and you can come face to face with sharks in the shark tank. Also you can see Hugh and Buffett, the two resident manatees.

Shopping

For shopping where to start! From Malls to bargains galore. The stores are generally open from 10:00am until 21:00 daily, except Sundays, when opening hours are 11am until 6:00pm. Malls offer the best of everything, with usually at least 4 anchor stores (department) including J C Penney, Burdines, Sears and Dillards. For the cost conscious and bargain hunters looking for famous names at cut cost prices, try Marshalls, T K Maxx and Ross Dress For Less. There are new deliveries every day of merchandise including Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Polo, you just have to search!! If nothing in any of these stores catches your eye then it’s off to Ellenton to the Prime Factory Outlet, which is just 5 junctions up the 175. Here you will find Nike, Saks, Nine West Shoes and Liz Claibourne. Also there is a large Ralph Lauren shop, Donna Karen, Jockey and more.

Restaurants

Restaurants are in abundance and good value for money. Early bird specials are a particular favourite with the locals, where its eat all you can for around $5-$6. All tastes are catered for. For vegetarians the choice is not always obvious – always ask your server (waiter/waitress) who will only be too happy to ask the chef to make up something special. So, the choice you have is endless – and the only limitation is time!

Beaches in Sarasota County

North Lido Beach is a gorgeous half-mile stretch of beach and is the area’s most famous. A few years ago, this beach spurred controversy with an ordinance against nudity. Nudity on this and other Florida beaches is illegal.

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Lido Beach, located mid-island on Lido Key only minutes from St. Armands Circle has outstanding facilities. Besides the beautiful sand and sea , also provided are showers, lockers, dressing rooms, a 25-meter swimming pool, concession stand, public meeting rooms, beachwear souvenir boutique and children’s playground.

South Lido Beach is a county-owned park located at the southern tip of Lido Key on Benjamin Franklin Drive. There is ample parking (much of it in the shade of Australian pines), lots of picnic sites with built-in grills, a volleyball net, a playground, changing rooms and a lovely nature trail. Its more than 1,000 feet of beachfront eventually curve around Big Pass, with a great view of Siesta Key. South Lido is a popular spot for boaters (they anchor along the shore) and for family outings.

Siesta Public Beach, located mid-island off Midnight Pass Road, is “where the action is” and where you’ll find the “world’s finest, whitest sand”. It’s the widest beach in the county and certainly the most popular – on it’s busiest weekends you’ll find more than 15,000 people there. You may even happen across a TV crew filming commercials. Facilities include a concession stand, restrooms, volleyball nets, tennis courts and year-round lifeguards. Pine trees shade an area for picnicking, with grills for cooking out and a playground for the children. This sparkling white beach is also in walking distance of Siesta Village, a shopping and dining mecca with an island flair.

Turtle Beach is a tranquil beach located on the southernmost tip of Siesta Key on Midnight Pass Road, about 2.5 miles south of Stickney Point Road. Less crowded than Siesta Beach, it’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours sunbathing, reading or picnicking under its covered shelter.

Nokomis Beaches. To hit the beaches, turn west on Albee Road off U.S. 41 and cross over the Nokomis Bridge. In front of you you’ll find Nokomis Beach, with ample parking in two lots, lifeguards, picnic tables, grills and bathrooms. To your right is Casey Key. If you turn left after crossing the bridge, you’ll see several small parking areas which allow access to less crowded stretches of beach. If you continue driving you’ll come to North Jetties Park, where the Gulf meets the Intracoastal. It’s one of the prettiest spots in the area. Here you can watch boats speed by, fish from the jetties (there’s a bait shop here), sun yourself on the beach, or enjoy a picnic on a table beneath a huge pine tree. Bathrooms are available.

Venice Beaches. Fossilized sharks’ teeth are the main attraction at Casperson Beach, near the airport of Harbour Drive in Venice. It also features a fishing pier, nature trail and a restaurant. If you want to sunbathe on smooth, white sand or enjoy crystal-blue waters, Venice Public Beach, at the end of W. Venice Ave. off Hwy. 41 (business), offers picnic benches, bathrooms and outdoor showers.