Bathing Beauties
Don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen when you take
advantage of Sarasota’s 13 public beaches. For sure you’ll
want to stroll along the baby-powder soft, sandy white
beach on Siesta Key, ranked No. 1 in the USA by “Dr.
Beach.” Whether you want to snorkel, watch for dolphins
and manatees, collect shells or build a sandcastle, the
natural beauty of Sarasota’s beaches offers it all.
Insider tip: For a sophisticated, secluded beachfront
stay, The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Sarasota’s only
AAA four-diamond beachfront resort, offers a relaxing
retreat where you can play golf or tennis, indulge at the
full-service spa, and dine at any of the six delectable resort
restaurants.
Posh shopping around St. Armands Circle
If your pursuit of happiness involves retail therapy, you’ll
want to thank visionary circus magnate John Ringling, who
purchased the St. Armands property in 1917 with plans
to develop a luxury shopping center for all his friends
who came to visit. With over 140 designer boutiques
and many eclectic restaurants, St. Armand’s Circle, aka the
Rodeo Drive of Florida, offers a unique island shopping
experience located across two bridges over Sarasota Bay,
complete with eye-popping views.
Insider tip: Kilwin’s Chocolates of St Armands, “Sweet
in every Sense since 1947” makes the best homemade
ice cream. Be sure and sample a few different flavors (for
example: the salted caramel, chocolate peanut butter, and
turtle cheesecake) before committing to an outrageous
chocolate covered toasted coconut cone.
Urban Garden of Eden
Sprawling over 13 acres, the Marie Selby Botanical
Gardens, is the world’s only botanical garden specializing
in epiphytes, which are plants that grow on another plant
upon which it depends for mechanical support but not
for nutrients. Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its
collection of over 20,000 plants, including more than 6,000
orchids, as well as a rainbow of bromeliads and gesneriads. The
tangled roots of the Banyan trees are amazing.
Insider tip: Start your day off right by signing up for a
peaceful mind/body outdoor Yoga class held overlooking this
tropical oasis.
Stay: The centrally located Hyatt Regency Sarasota has
emerged fresh from