Is that near the Fred Meyers in Portland? The one near the stadium? Because I was told that there were those key holder things in a big barrel up by the front for only $3. I’ll pay you back.
My family and I just got back from a 3 week trip to Sarasota on Saturday. Definitely what @fool said in his post. The Ringling is really neat and if you go on a Monday (I think), you get the university’s art museum admittance free.
I’d also pay a visit to the Mote aquarium (if you’re into that kind of thing or have the kids with you).
The Old Salty Dog is a favorite restaurant if you’re looking for a battered and fried hot dog (who isn’t).
There’s also Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Awesome food and view.
I’ve heard from a coworker (after I got back) that the Cuban food there is on point.
As far as beaches go, I would stick to Siesta or Lido. Siesta has public access and it’s roomy so plenty of room to spread out.
There’s also Caspersen beach in Venice (about 30 minutes south). Apparently, it’s called “shark tooth beach” by some since you can find shark’s teeth if you snorkel or dive long enough. There are tons of shells and huge rocks on this beach right along the shore that you have to cross before getting in the ocean (so the kids won’t like crossing it unless they have water shoes or something). Side note about this beach: We met a free diver as we were leaving the beach that had massive shark’s teeth laid out drying. He said the only way you get those (or even little ones) is to go a mile or two off shore and dive 30 to 50 ft. Needless to say, we were content with our collection of shells after hearing that.
Sharky’s on the Pier is also in Venice and has beach access from the restaurant.
@ionyx Thank you for the recommendations! This is a business trip so no family but I can definitely eat a fried hot dog all by myself
My last business trip to FL was all work and no play. I do not want that to happen again.
You will need water shoes for that beach off of Venice. Black broken up rocks and shells that get really hot and cut your feet.
There used to be tiny sharks teeth you foundby just digging in the sand. No need to get wet.
The other beaches have normal sand so barefoot might be ok.
There are always sharks around that area so keep an eye out while in the water.
The shark teeth beach has the teeth because shark graveyard.
Sunburn!!!
5 min!
Stay out of the sun unless your are deliberately in the sun. 5 min per hour max if not wearing sunscreen. The sun is way stronger than you are used to.
Stand in shade. Wear a hat. Use sunscreen.
It may rain briefly every afternoon. Carry a folding rain Pancho or something.
There is a great bookstore in St Pete if you are there.
There are citrus groves and gladiola growers in the area. Some may have tours. Dunno.
Shelling:. First thing in am. Before sunrise. Take a flashlight. Longboat Key for this. It’s best after a storm.
Sanibel and Captiva have great shelling if you have the time.
There are various state parks that are pretty interesting.
There are alligators every where. Just assume they are there.
Again. Warning.
You will sunburn unless your are fanatic about sunscreen or dont go outside into after 3-4 pm.
That area has astounding sunsets.
And astounding mosquitos around sunset. Carry something to keep the mosquitos off in the evenings.
Where you are staying, ask the manager or host about tips and places to go and how to deal with sun (always) sharks (rare) mosquitos (vicious).
@f00l Do I need to wear bug repellent on the beach at sunset? I’ve seen the sun rise over the Atlantic so seeing it set over water in the west would be a highlight of this trip.
@Barney I’ve stayed overnight in Hays once. I was driving from Denver to Houston. Motel people were very nice. On the ride back, I slept at a rest-stop on 70 a few miles west of 135. Isn’t Kansas the home of the Biggest Prairie Dog in the World? I stopped there before moving to Denver. I seem to recall I almost broke an ankle from stepping into a prairie dog hole.
/image biggest prairie dog
I lived in Sarasota for almost 6 years, 2011-2016.
I’m not a serious beach person, but my friends that are assure me that Siesta Key is the best beach there. At least this time of year, it isn’t overrun with tourists.
Outside of an office setting, nearly everywhere is beach casual and flip-flops are standard wear. It’s hot there this time of year, so plan accordingly.
Food:
Don’t miss Walt’s for the freshest seafood in town, sold at the counter by the pound (to prepare at home) or served for dinner.
If you want a great meal in town, head to Owen’s Fish Camp and sit in the backyard with a cold beverage while you wait for a table. Looking for a slightly fancier dinner, try Indigenous. Barbeque is pretty good at Nancy’s if you get fished out.
Lots of good places for sushi, but I favored Kazu’s 2.0 in GulfGate. Best ramen in town is at Goichi on Bee Ridge.
I tended to avoid St. Armand’s circle and Lido Key because of tourist density and traffic, but the white sangria and 1905 salad at Columbia restaurant might be worth it. traffic isn’t too bad this time of year anyway.
If you end up further South, get a blackened grouper sandwich at Casey Key Fish House. If you find yourself further North near Bradenton, Star Fish Company in Cortez is really good too.
Beer:
Calusa and JDub’s are the best local breweries, and are worth a visit if you’re a beer lover.
My top five divey bars for craft beer (other than JDub’s and Calusa) are Mr. Beery’s, The Shamrock Pub, Mandeville Beer Garden, Shakespeare’s, and Growler’s Pub. Each has a very different vibe.
@f00l I’m flying into Tampa and driving to Sarasota. I’ll never remember all the bridges and highways and keys and beaches. I can, however, pick one area at a time and figure out how to get there!
I know 75 from working in Westin a few years ago but that’s it. I didn’t even know there were islands on the west coast until I checked a map last week.
@looseneck If you’re driving from TPA, be sure to take 275 west/south from the airport, so you go over the Sunshine Skyway bridge. There’s a toll, but the view is cool and it’s slightly faster.
@f00l I did drive over that bridge! Very high winds but I got through it ok. Met a friend in Pinellas then headed south. Views were amazing when I dared to look. Sunny on one side and cloudy with rainbows on the other. I wish I had a free day to be a tourist
@looseneck
There was a previous bridge. It was also wonderful.
I think in 1980, early one morning in a blinding rainstorm (close to zero visibility when on the water) a freighter hit one of the bridge suppprts and more than 1000 feet of the bridge collapsed.
6 cars and a greyhound bus plunged into Tampa Bay and 35 people died.
Although guidance systems are much improved, and concrete barriers now provide additional protection, that’s why not to cross the bridge when there is no visibility.
ha… was just talking about sarasota!!
Not local to me…
The beaches are pretty nice.
The summer humidity is pretty thick.
@f00l
Small pine and mangrove forest and beaches on Lido Key.
If traffic isn’t too bad getting to the key.
Banyan trees and extensive gardens on the grounds at The Ringling estate and museum.
https://www.ringling.org/
Extensive gardens
Ringling mansion (incredible)
Art museum
Circus museum
Italian theater
@f00l Thank you! I hope I have time to see some of these places.
My first stop will be outside Tampa to visit my dog’s first human-mom.
Is that near the Fred Meyers in Portland? The one near the stadium? Because I was told that there were those key holder things in a big barrel up by the front for only $3. I’ll pay you back.
@therealjrn
Right down the street.
@therealjrn Wait, the ones near the seasonal/novelty stuff?
@cinoclav Yes! You heard about them too?
My family and I just got back from a 3 week trip to Sarasota on Saturday. Definitely what @fool said in his post. The Ringling is really neat and if you go on a Monday (I think), you get the university’s art museum admittance free.
I’d also pay a visit to the Mote aquarium (if you’re into that kind of thing or have the kids with you).
The Old Salty Dog is a favorite restaurant if you’re looking for a battered and fried hot dog (who isn’t).
There’s also Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Awesome food and view.
I’ve heard from a coworker (after I got back) that the Cuban food there is on point.
As far as beaches go, I would stick to Siesta or Lido. Siesta has public access and it’s roomy so plenty of room to spread out.
There’s also Caspersen beach in Venice (about 30 minutes south). Apparently, it’s called “shark tooth beach” by some since you can find shark’s teeth if you snorkel or dive long enough. There are tons of shells and huge rocks on this beach right along the shore that you have to cross before getting in the ocean (so the kids won’t like crossing it unless they have water shoes or something). Side note about this beach: We met a free diver as we were leaving the beach that had massive shark’s teeth laid out drying. He said the only way you get those (or even little ones) is to go a mile or two off shore and dive 30 to 50 ft. Needless to say, we were content with our collection of shells after hearing that.
Sharky’s on the Pier is also in Venice and has beach access from the restaurant.
Anyway, hope this helps… meh on.
@ionyx Thank you for the recommendations! This is a business trip so no family but I can definitely eat a fried hot dog all by myself
My last business trip to FL was all work and no play. I do not want that to happen again.
@looseneck
You will need water shoes for that beach off of Venice. Black broken up rocks and shells that get really hot and cut your feet.
There used to be tiny sharks teeth you foundby just digging in the sand. No need to get wet.
The other beaches have normal sand so barefoot might be ok.
There are always sharks around that area so keep an eye out while in the water.
The shark teeth beach has the teeth because shark graveyard.
Sunburn!!!
5 min!
Stay out of the sun unless your are deliberately in the sun. 5 min per hour max if not wearing sunscreen. The sun is way stronger than you are used to.
Stand in shade. Wear a hat. Use sunscreen.
It may rain briefly every afternoon. Carry a folding rain Pancho or something.
There is a great bookstore in St Pete if you are there.
There are citrus groves and gladiola growers in the area. Some may have tours. Dunno.
Shelling:. First thing in am. Before sunrise. Take a flashlight. Longboat Key for this. It’s best after a storm.
Sanibel and Captiva have great shelling if you have the time.
There are various state parks that are pretty interesting.
There are alligators every where. Just assume they are there.
Again. Warning.
You will sunburn unless your are fanatic about sunscreen or dont go outside into after 3-4 pm.
That area has astounding sunsets.
And astounding mosquitos around sunset. Carry something to keep the mosquitos off in the evenings.
Where you are staying, ask the manager or host about tips and places to go and how to deal with sun (always) sharks (rare) mosquitos (vicious).
Many many good places to eat everywhere.
@looseneck
PS
As Sarasota sunsets go, these above are pretty mild in terms of wow factor.
The sunsets are really unbelievable. Many people just schedule an hour every day to watch them.
Find a place to sit with a view, serious bug repellent, a fan, a raincoat jic, some music, a beer or chilled wine or chilled water or tea …
Quiet thoughts or good company…
You don’t have to be near the water to have a great sunset. They are incredible from anywhere.
But being at the water doesnt hurt either.
If you can …
I’d personally take the sunsets over the daytime beach.
@f00l Do I need to wear bug repellent on the beach at sunset? I’ve seen the sun rise over the Atlantic so seeing it set over water in the west would be a highlight of this trip.
@looseneck
Sorry forgot to check back.
/image yes
Yes you totally need serious mosquito repellant at sunset.
That’s when they are most active, afaik. They are vicious. So make the repellent something good.
The sunset is totally worth it. And it lasts a really long time. Can start about half and hour before. And end an hour after.
And, just do it. Every day, if you can.
@f00l I forgot it was Sunday night and lots if places are closed. I will try to get a sunset in on Monday. I’ll have a better feel for the place then.
@looseneck
You don’t have to go to a restaurant or bar.
If the weather is nice and your are armed against mosquitoes, there are beaches and parks and public places you can go.
Watching from the bayside (mainland) is just as nice as being out on one of the keys.
Just drive somewhere convenient and do it. And allow time. Serious time.
Taking along a folding chair or a picnic blanket can be a good thing, depending on where you are going to watch.
This is from the mainland. Yeah, it really does look like this a lot of the evenings.
Has anyone noticed that no one wants to go to Kansas for business or pleasure?
@Barney I used to go with a buddy of mine up to the Wichita dog track…it’s been years ago though.
@Barney I’ve stayed overnight in Hays once. I was driving from Denver to Houston. Motel people were very nice. On the ride back, I slept at a rest-stop on 70 a few miles west of 135. Isn’t Kansas the home of the Biggest Prairie Dog in the World? I stopped there before moving to Denver. I seem to recall I almost broke an ankle from stepping into a prairie dog hole.
/image biggest prairie dog
@looseneck We also have the world’s largest ball of twine (no matter what other places say about theirs.)
@therealjrn Dog track is gone, but we do have a new airport! No one wants to fly here.
@Barney Why fly when you can drive and enjoy all those miles and miles and miles of safe, comfortable, flat roadways?
@therealjrn I loved driving 120 mph through KS. Absolutely no one around to stop me!
@looseneck Fly? Drive?
@therealjrn Driving in a red Firebird. A great experience until the transmission gave out
@therealjrn @looseneck Y’all need to stop and smell the sunflowers.
@Barney I would stop to see a purple dinosaur.
@looseneck Oh, we have those! But you have to drive very, very slow, 'cause purple dinos are also slow.
@Barney I have a Jeep now and it doesn’t feel the need to speed.
@Barney
Yes
I lived in Sarasota for almost 6 years, 2011-2016.
I’m not a serious beach person, but my friends that are assure me that Siesta Key is the best beach there. At least this time of year, it isn’t overrun with tourists.
Outside of an office setting, nearly everywhere is beach casual and flip-flops are standard wear. It’s hot there this time of year, so plan accordingly.
Food:
Don’t miss Walt’s for the freshest seafood in town, sold at the counter by the pound (to prepare at home) or served for dinner.
If you want a great meal in town, head to Owen’s Fish Camp and sit in the backyard with a cold beverage while you wait for a table. Looking for a slightly fancier dinner, try Indigenous. Barbeque is pretty good at Nancy’s if you get fished out.
Lots of good places for sushi, but I favored Kazu’s 2.0 in GulfGate. Best ramen in town is at Goichi on Bee Ridge.
I tended to avoid St. Armand’s circle and Lido Key because of tourist density and traffic, but the white sangria and 1905 salad at Columbia restaurant might be worth it. traffic isn’t too bad this time of year anyway.
If you end up further South, get a blackened grouper sandwich at Casey Key Fish House. If you find yourself further North near Bradenton, Star Fish Company in Cortez is really good too.
Beer:
Calusa and JDub’s are the best local breweries, and are worth a visit if you’re a beer lover.
My top five divey bars for craft beer (other than JDub’s and Calusa) are Mr. Beery’s, The Shamrock Pub, Mandeville Beer Garden, Shakespeare’s, and Growler’s Pub. Each has a very different vibe.
@cubby96 How could I forget Walt’s?! Man, that was a good meal…
@cubby96
Sarasota
Kinda memorize basics of the map of the keys the bridges and downtown and Tamiami Trail and where things are before you get there.
It’s been a long time, so have no idea about traffic.
This map ain’t much, but get a better one and get the idea of the layout and how to get to the water.
For enjoying the scenery, the mainland can near the water be as good as the keys. Esp for sunsets.
A paper map wouldnt hurt.
Are you driving?
All the welcome to Florida state places on the highways and interstates have free maps.
And free fresh squeezed orange juice.
Don’t speed too much on surface roads.
The cops like making money off visitors so don’t encourage them.
@f00l I’m flying into Tampa and driving to Sarasota. I’ll never remember all the bridges and highways and keys and beaches. I can, however, pick one area at a time and figure out how to get there!
I know 75 from working in Westin a few years ago but that’s it. I didn’t even know there were islands on the west coast until I checked a map last week.
@looseneck If you’re driving from TPA, be sure to take 275 west/south from the airport, so you go over the Sunshine Skyway bridge. There’s a toll, but the view is cool and it’s slightly faster.
@cubby96
@looseneck
Driving over that bridge is glorious.
But do not do this if it is foggy, or raining so hard there is no visibility.
@f00l I did drive over that bridge! Very high winds but I got through it ok. Met a friend in Pinellas then headed south. Views were amazing when I dared to look. Sunny on one side and cloudy with rainbows on the other. I wish I had a free day to be a tourist
@cubby96 very cool thank you!
@looseneck
There was a previous bridge. It was also wonderful.
I think in 1980, early one morning in a blinding rainstorm (close to zero visibility when on the water) a freighter hit one of the bridge suppprts and more than 1000 feet of the bridge collapsed.
6 cars and a greyhound bus plunged into Tampa Bay and 35 people died.
Although guidance systems are much improved, and concrete barriers now provide additional protection, that’s why not to cross the bridge when there is no visibility.
The old bridge
The new bridge at sunset.