Sarasota Off The Beaten Path

A common thing to do when you're on vacation at a coastal destination, is collecting seashells; Charlotte beach, in Charlotte county, close to Siesta Key is worth the detour if you enjoy that hobby. You'll find a variety of exquisite seashells most of them in perfect condition, after the tides rolled back out... in the morning. Make sure to arrive early, a lot of children and hobbyists are on the lookout for them also. It makes a great treasure hunt for children as well as relaxing time on the white sands for the parents.

the myakka river state park is located 15 miles east of sarasota on SR 72. the wild and scenic myakka river runs through this 58 square mile state park. the state park offers hiking, canoeing, camping. fishing and airboat tours. this is one of the most interesting state parks in southwest florida. for those interested in seeing alligators in the wild the myakka river has a huge alligator population.

On Friday and Saturday nights beginning at the end of summer, Cock & Bull lights a fire in the beer garden. You must check it out. There is nothing like a crisp pumpkin beer sipped while watching a huge fire under the stars. When I leave town, I miss this place and not much else.

Here's a great way to start off the weekend. The Sarasota Farmer's Market is every Saturday 7 am - noon at the intersection of Main st and Lemon ave. (Roads closed to traffic). Merchants offer produce, meats, seafood, art and more. A great place to meet the local folks!

March to the beat of a different drummer? Check out the Siesta Key Sunday drum circle. Every Sunday about an hour before sunset, people start showing up on the beach with drums. The drumming starts quietly, with just a handful of players, but by sunset there are usually scores of people playing drums and other assorted percussion instruments. Pick up the beat and groove, or bring your own drum and participate. Dancing juggling, ceremonial fires and sometimes even street performers combine to create a very festival sort of atmosphere. Come early. During busier times of they year, I have seen several hundred people here, and parking can be scarce.

Just be at the Siesta Key Public Beach Pavillion about one hour before sunset on any given Sunday. Watch for musicians arriving with their drums, or just listen for the sound.

Drum Circle on Siesta Key occurs every Sunday night about an hour prior to sunset. This is not an organized event. It just kind of occurs and every night is different. Bring a chair and enjoy the drums.

Now that was something new to me, in Quebec barbecues are very strictly restrained by different laws... you can't have an open air barbecue in your own backyard if you live in the city. So permitting openned air barbecues in such public places as beaches was amazing to me, actually a life saver in my case (see Siesta Key travelogue). In designated area along most beaches (even the public ones) in Sarasota, Florida... you are allowed to bring your steaks, charcoal and spices to the picnic tables! I didn't have children at the time, but I'm thinking today, it would be a great way to keep an eye on them playing on the beach, as I'd be cooking supper.

We spend wonderful Sunday in their church.Service was beautiful,building is attractive & people were very nice & friendly!They have a daycare on the terrirory of the church & my daughter was wellcome to come & play on the play ground any time she wants!Isn't that nice?

That's just a serum water spring.You'll meet a lot of old people there,mostly from Brooklyn,NY.Most of them originally from former the USSR,but... you can enjoy Russian style Raviolli in near by cafe! My daughter liked their big green parrot that says 'Hi" & Bye' that sounds almost the same!

You probably won't see this place on any tour maps, but College Hall, the main instructional building for Literature at New College of Florida is a really neat place to visit. The former mansion only has classrooms upstairs, with the bottom pretty much preserved. Made of imported Italian marble, it was originally built for Charles Ringling (brother of John Ringling, of Ringling Bros. Circus) and his wife. They donated the mansion in their last will to the city of Sarasota, which in turn gave it to the college.
Inside the historic mansion, you can see the music room, ballroom, terrace, staircase with modern mural giving homage to the Ringling legacy, and the amazing backyard that overlooks Sarasota Bay. There's also a rose garden with several rare species of roses to check out and some awesome Banyan trees.
It's right next to the Ringling Museum and a nice place to stop for some real Sarasota history.
To find it, just take US 41 North from the airport. Turn right on General Spaatz Blvd. Follow the signs to College Hall. Be sure to park in visitor parking.