Sarasota, FL
Sometimes Mom & Dad just need to getaway. And if Covid-19 and having your kids home for close to six months isn't reason enough, then we don't know what is! So leave the kids at home, pack your mask and hand sanitizer and head on over to Florida's Gulf Coast for some r & r and plenty of sunshine.
Sunshine and warm weather are in abundance at the six islands that line Sarasota's extensive coastline. Each island holds its own natural beauty and a host of recreational activities. But it's after you get your beach on, that you'll discover that Sarasota is more than just beach. It's loaded with culture - museums, art galleries, performing arts venues give Sarasota the nickname of Florida's Cultural Coast. The Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Orchestra, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, The Players Centre, The Ringling Art Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens are just a few of the places to don your artistic hat.
Or course, no trip is complete without good eats. Overture, located in downtown's Art Ovation Hotel is an upscale treat. With its eclectic menu and elegant setting, your dining experience is automatically elevated. And when dinner is finished, you can ride the elevator up to the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar for some deliciously creative cocktails and great downtown views. If you happen to be staying there as well, you can retreat to your room where you will find sketchbooks, coloring pencils and a ukulele. Guests of Art Ovation are a part of the artist experience.
Continuing your culinary journey, Amore Restaurant located in the charming historic district offers a distinctive fusion of Italian & Portuguese cuisine in a chandelier-lit open-air dining room with live music that serenades diners.
Still not sure where to start? Take a Discover Sarasota trolley tour and explore Sarasota's neighborhoods. You'll get to explore downtown Sarasota and its five districts. The city is a scene of eateries, theaters, shopping boutiques, artist enclaves and great nightlife.
More Things to Do **
+ Attend a spring training game
Ed Smith Stadium near downtown Sarasota is home to MLB's Baltimore Orioles and CoolToday Park in North Port is home to the Atlanta Braves during spring training season in March.
+ Enjoy a mimosa at The Rosemary downtown
Have a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy a delicious mimosa while people-watching in Sarasota's new Rosemary district.
+ Get your ax-throwing on
Axe and Bull is the first indoor facility in Sarasota and a fun place to perfect your throw-down.
+ Get on board a sunset cruise with LeBarge Tropical Cruises
There's something special about an evening cruise around the bay watching the sun slowly disappear below the horizon.
+ Explore St. Armand's Circle
This island destination just steps from Lido Beach entices visitors with more than 130 high-end retail and dining locations.