A little R&R in a Floridian paradise – Sarasota, Florida

With the holiday vacation vibes long since gone and the year progressing rapidly (can you believe it’s mid-March already?), the desire to disconnect from the routine for a few days came back to haunt me. So last weekend I took off to Sarasota for much needed rest and relaxation. In this post I’m sharing some snapshots of a little R&R in a Floridian paradise.

Relaxed much?

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Just three hours from Miami by car, Sarasota is located on Florida’s west coast. It is home to author Stephen King, the Unconditional Surrender sculpture (better known as “the big smooch” or the “kissing sailor”) and my hosts for the weekend, Bob and Andi Munzer.

Unconditional Surrender by sculptor J. Seward Johnson
Unconditional Surrender by sculptor J. Seward Johnson

This Floridian paradise is a perfect weekend destination. You can curl your toes in the powdery sand of Siesta Key, named one of the Top Beaches in Florida by the Travel Channel, drive to Ana Maria Key for another dip in the ocean or have a nice lunch by the water at Mar Vista restaurant on Long Boat Key. #Paraisoeats must try: Coconut-Pineapple bread with butter and their tatter tots #todiefor!

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View from Mar Vista Restaurant

Make sure you don’t miss the Sarasota Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings in downtown. With over 70 vendors, you will  be able to buy anything from coffee, flowers, pastries, fresh produce, to doggy treats and more! One of my favorite finds was the Sugar Shack that offered a delicious assortment of cookies and other artisan baked goods from local bakery Sift Bakehouse. #Paraisoeats must try: Breakfast cookie. A fruity-nutty-granola-fix in a cookie. #breakfastofchampions

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Sugar Shack by Sift Bakehouse at Sarasota Farmer’s Market

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I got the goods! Thanks @siftbakehouse
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Sarasota Farmer’s Market

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Other daytime activities include a stroll through Sarasota Bayfront and Island Park, where you can take a picture with “the kiss” sculpture or have drinks at Oleary’s Tiki Bar & Grill. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in St. Armand’s Circle. My choice was Blu Kouzina, a Greek restaurant with great ambiance, quaint decor, and delicious mezes. #Paraisoeats must try: Saganaki with Figs (Kefalotiri Psito cheese with sweet fig sauce) #OPA!

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Blu Kouzina at St. Armand’s Circle

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For nighttime entertainment check out Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s performance calendar. The company produces impressive shows with talented actors from the local black community. I had the chance to see The Sam Cooke Story (playing from March 2-April 9, 2016). I was amazed at the performances and production and was also surprised when one of the actors pulled me on stage for a dance number in the middle of the show!

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I had a great weekend in Sarasota and would definitely go back. Have you been? What should I check out on my next visit?

Join the club!

 

 

 

 

11 Comments

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  9. Elsy Camargo says:

    Buenisimo tu artículo nena y por supuesto la visita a Sarasota ?
    Q disfrutes tu próximo viaje y estaremos esperando tu próximo post ???
    Besitos ???

  10. Andi & Bob Munzer says:

    Great blog! You sure made us fall in love with Sarasota all over again! We hope other visitors love it as much as its residents do.

    1. clubparaiso says:

      Thank you again!

Comments are closed.