Renting Vs. Owning

Renting Vs. Owning

Renting Vs. Owning If boating is a passion of yours, the question may have come up whether you should just rent or actually own a boat. When this question comes up, many don’t know where to begin, but start by asking yourself a few questions: How often do you plan on using the boat? What is your budget? What kind of boat do I need? If you plan on using the boat often and have the appropriate resources and funds available, it might not be a bad idea to consider owning a boat. One of the drawbacks of owning a boat though are the costs. The upfront costs to purchase a boat can be costly, but then there are things to consider such as regular maintenance, registration, title, and insurance, and storage space. Once you determine a budget, you will next need to decide what type of boat fits your needs.  If you’re not sure you are up for the responsibility and tasks of boat ownership,...
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Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family PortraitIf you’ve been searching for tips on how to get the perfect family picture without a professional, look no further! See below for some photography tips to help you get that album-worthy family photo. Timing is Key!Finding the right timing for your family photo is the key for getting the best shot. Sarasota beaches have some of the most pristine sunsets in Florida; but that’s not when you want to take your family portrait. The best time to shoot? The “golden hour” is what you want to aim for; about 45 minutes after sunrise or prior to sunset. There is a very slim window of time when the light will be ideal, so be ready! Location, location, location!Location is another key factor you will want to include in your family photo. A unique location in your background that has a special memory associated with it can make the entire shot! Not sure where to...
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Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of this August. Read below for the complete guide to a beachin’ vacation!  August EventsVenice Cabaret FestivalJuly 12 - August 25 Enjoy an evening on the town with Venice Theatre’s riveting Cabaret Festival performances this August! Originally opened in 1950, the Venice Theatre is a frequent favorite of Sarasota locals and visitors alike. Recognized as the largest community theatre in the United States, Venice Theatre brings you the 7th annual Cabaret Festival, featuring many different acts from top performers. Shark DaysAugust 4-10 Head over to Mote Marine Aquarium for Shark Days, starting August 4th! This fin-tastic shark frenzy is going to be full of fun activities and family-friendly events. Learn all about Sarasota’s shark population while getting a unique perspective on these jawsome aquatic creatures!Sarasota Slam Fishing TournamentAugust 8-10Get ready for a reel good time at Sarasota Slam...
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Enjoy Sunny Sarasota’s Coastal Charm: Part 2

Enjoy Sunny Sarasota’s Coastal Charm: Part 2

Are you planning your Sarasota vacation and looking for the best places to have fun? Full of coastal charm and tropical attractions, no matter how you choose to spend your time, Sunny Sarasota has endless fun in store for all. Here Are Some Of Sunny Sarasota’s Best Local Attractions: Sporty Sarasota SpotsEd Smith StadiumKick back and relax with America’s pastime at a baseball outing. Sarasota spring training is in full swing and a hotspot of fun! Spend your holiday the all-American way while snacking on Dippin Dots and watching the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Smugglers Cove Adventure GolfFeed the baby alligators before your game at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf! Featuring a beautiful freshwater reptile habitat, you can head over to the course after feeding the gators. A full Floridian adventure with caves, waterfalls, pirate ships and more, this mini golf course is a family-friendly outing all will enjoy. TreeUmph! Adventure CourseGet ready for the ultimate adventure at TreeUmph!, a 14-acre...
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Enjoy Sunny Sarasota’s Coastal Charm At These Local Attractions!

Enjoy Sunny Sarasota’s Coastal Charm At These Local Attractions!

Enjoy Sunny Sarasota’s Coastal Charm At These Local Attractions!There’s no place to be like Sunny Sarasota this summer! No matter how you choose to spend your time, Sarasota has endless fun in store for all. Here Are Some Of Sunny Sarasota’s Best Local Attractions: Artist’s RetreatThe RinglingArt lovers from all over revel at The Ringling’s 66-acre breathtaking bayfront hideaway. Once the estate of art appreciators John and Mable Ringling, this historic museum includes priceless art, a circus, gorgeous gardens, historic tours, and more! With classic collections from the original owners to modern artists, the magnificent art display at The Ringling has something for everyone. Marie Selby Botanical GardensThis 15-acre scenic site is full of blooming florals and many different types of plant life. If you’re looking for an artsy adventure for the whole family, the Selby Botanical Gardens features The Children’s Rainforest, which has many different kids activities to enjoy. A tropical paradise filled with orchids, banyan trees, ferns and many...
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Dive Into Sarasota’s Tastiest Seafood Spots

Dive Into Sarasota’s Tastiest Seafood Spots

Dive Into Sarasota’s Tastiest Seafood Spots By Hannah M.  Are you planning your Sarasota vacation and on the search for the best seafood spots? Southwest Florida has the freshest fish on the Gulf of Mexico! Take a look below at some of Sarasota’s favorite fish restaurants.  Walt’s Fish Market, Restaurant & Tiki Bar4144 S. Tamiami Trail, SarasotaOriginally started as a fish market by the Wallin family, this restaurant took off in the 40’s when Tom Wallin began to cook up the catch of the day for local fishers. Since then, they have relocated and refreshed their entire business to include a full bar and a variety of fresh fish, including a rotating catch of the day. The grouper sandwich is a local favorite and said to be the best in the area!  Crab & Fin 420 St. Armands Circle, SarasotaA fundamental pitstop on St. Armand’s Circle for over four decades, Crab & Fin is known for the freshest fish in...
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The Complete Sarasota Road Trip Checklist

The Complete Sarasota Road Trip Checklist

The Complete Sarasota Road Trip ChecklistBy Hannah M. You’ve booked accommodations, you’ve planned out the perfect vacation itinerary, and you’re almost ready to hit the road to Sunny Sarasota! See below for your complete road trip checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing. 1. Bring The Party Bus In For A Check Up! To ensure you don’t hit any unforeseen mechanical bumps on the road, bring your car in for a tune up before leaving. If your car has recently been serviced, be sure to still fill up fluids and check tire pressures for a smooth trip. 2. Don't Forget Your PaperworkDon’t forget to bring any necessary paperwork you may need for the trip, such as hotel reservations and insurance information.3. Emergency And First Aid KitHaving an emergency kit on hand is a must for any road trip! See here for some ideas of what to include in your emergency road trip kit. You will also want to ensure that...
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7 Group Tours To Further Your Sunny Sarasota Explorations

7 Group Tours To Further Your Sunny Sarasota Explorations

7 Group Tours To Further Your Sunny Sarasota ExplorationsLearn all about Sarasota’s rich history, taste the local brews and fully experience all of the breathtaking sights Sunny Sarasota has to offer with these 7 group tours! Discover SarasotaDiscover all of Sarasota’s most intriguing stories and folklore aboard Discover Sarasota’s trolley tour. With multiple tours to choose from exploring every corner of Sarasota, you are in for an unforgettable adventure. “Love Stories of Sarasota” is a local favorite, with complimentary beer and wine offered prior to boarding. The sweet peak of this tour is certainly the stop at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, a chocoholic’s dream! Sarasota Suncoast Another tour that delves into the rich history of Sarasota, Sarasota Suncoast Tour is a creative’s ideal exploration. The “Gods, Goddesses, & Myths” tour is a wonderful way to learn about Sarasota’s folklore while viewing the local art.Key CulinaryKey Culinary, run by the same management as Sarasota Suncoast Tours, gives a savory perspective of Sarasota’s tastiest spots....
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Historical Vacation Destinations Part 2: Matlacha, Florida

Historical Vacation Destinations Part 2: Matlacha, Florida

Historical Vacation Destinations Part 2: Matlacha, FloridaBy Hannah M.Island Living in Historic Matlacha, FloridaA historic gem with an abundance of Seminole culture, Matlacha (Mat-la-SHAY) is a prismatic and peaceful paradise. The legacy left by the Seminole tribe is scattered throughout the tiny town, making Matlacha a historical hotspot full of fun adventures. This matured fishing village, nestled on a small island between Cape Coral and Pine Island, brings a charismatic charm unlike anywhere in the world and promises a serene stay. What to do in MatlachaBridge at Matlacha Pass Not only is this historic utopia full of fascinating culture, it is a fisherman’s dream! The bridge over Matlacha Pass (nicknamed the “World’s Fishing-est Bridge”) is famed for the abundance of aquatic life. The currents sweeping under the bridge brings an array of fish that draw in locals and visitors alike. Take in Matlacha’s aesthetic with a peaceful stroll down the bridge lined with local anglers casting their lines in “Matlacha...
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