Sarasota: An Artist’s Dream!Hannah M. An Itinerary to Sarasota’s Art CommunitySarasota, Florida is renowned for the art found there, as it is home to a plethora of artists and creatives. An artistic utopia, Sarasota is known all over the world by artists and aspiring alike. To be expected; this enticing city situated right on Sarasota Bay has top-tier art colleges and an array of alluring galleries. Need some ideas on how to get creative and fully experience Sarasota’s local art? Below are some highlights on where to start your complete artist’s retreat!The Ringling Art LegacyThe heart of the creative culture found in Sarasota started with John and Mable Ringling. Avid supporters of the art community at the turn of the twentieth century and imperative to the eventual evolution of Sarasota’s creative atmosphere, you will find their original collection of unique art in The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida. As well as the Ringlings’ personal collection, the museum holds a...
Family Fun at Coral Cay Adventure GolfBy Hannah M. Adventure Awaits at Coral Cay!A popular hot spot of fun for all ages in Naples, Florida is Coral Cay Adventure Golf. No equipment necessary, just bring the whole family and be ready to play the day away! With a variety of holes and challenges, this is sure to be an unforgettable adventure that the whole family will enjoy.Fun on The CourseNo matter the time of year, Coral Cay Adventure Golf offers an entertaining tropical paradise for all. With two courses to choose from to play at your leisure, the enticing botanical gardens featuring tranquil waterfalls, caves to explore, and other aquatic details promises a delightful day for everyone. There’s no need to rush the fun, Coral Cay allows you to come back on a different day to play the second course if you’d like! With a total of 36 mini golf holes and ranging challenges, this is the perfect way to unwind...
Historical Vacation Destinations: Burroughs Home and GardensBy Hannah M.Make your vacation to Ft. Myers, Florida one for the books by taking a trip back in time to the Historic Burroughs Home and Gardens. This exquisite home, built on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, is the last one standing from the initial “Millionaire's Row”. A historical gem of Downtown Ft. Myers, this blast from the past is an essential stop for your Florida vacation. Have a Quick Look at The Historic Home and Gardens here!About The Burroughs Home and GardensThis grand, 6,000-square foot mansion still retains much of the original interior features and custom landscaping, exclusively designed to hold parties and events. The Georgian Colonial Revival style home is a unique and remarkable architect’s dream. First built by George Barber for John Murphy, this historical gem was then purchased by the Burroughs Family in 1918. With guided tours, a pristine and tranquil waterfront view, and plenty of event space and...
Discover Sarasota's Safari Wilderness!By Hannah M.Have you been looking for the ideal vacation spot with endless adventures? Sarasota, Florida has many fascinating attractions, but perhaps one of the most exciting is the Safari Wilderness less than two hours away! Located in Lakeland, Florida, this ranch is home to over 500 unique animals with breathtaking Florida landscapes. An array of species that reside here, originating from South America, Africa, and Asia in beautiful natural habitats will take your from the perfect Florida day trip to an unforgettable global adventure!The Adventure Begins!Entering this wonderful wilderness paradise, a short boardwalk will take you over Florida’s second largest wetlands area, the Green Swamp. While waiting for your safari to begin (be sure to make reservations!) you will see a number of furry friends roaming - the sister Calico cats are the sweetest friends! You’ll even be able to see magnificent peacocks, with other birds in the aviary. Animal Lover’s Paradise Be sure to bring...
Hooked On Fishing?By Hannah M. Reel in The Big One!Are you getting ready for your fishing trip on the sparkling waters of St. John’s River or Lake George? Whether you’re a new angler or “reel” expert, good fishermen are always looking for new tricks to help lure the best catch. Reeling in the big one can be fishy business, but fear no fish! Here are some great tips that will have you ready to tackle anything!Got Bait?When choosing what kind of bait to bring for the ultimate catch, live bait is always preferred! Worms and smaller fish are most commonly used and proven to be most successful. Freshwater fishing? Here’s a basic beginner tackle box guide to start with!Location is KeyToday there are many tools available to aid your fishing needs! Electronic fish finders are widely used and a certain way of leading you directly to the best fishing spots. If you’re new to the game, make sure you bring a...
Staying Safe While Having Fun!By Hannah M. Southern Florida is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Renowned for the alluring natural habitats, gleaming white sand beaches, calm rivers, and especially the intriguing wildlife. During your relaxing vacation in Southern Florida, you’re sure to run into the indigenous inhabitants- alligators. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind for an enjoyable vacation. Sharing is Not Caring!The most essential rule to keep in mind regarding alligators is to keep your food stored away. Do not feed them! Alligators have an instinctive fear of humans, which is favorable for us, as people are natural prey in the wild. Sharing your food can be dangerous, as it emboldens the alligator, and in turn, may look for other people in search of food. A good rule of thumb is to not feed any wildlife you may encounter. Alligator Mating SeasonSpring and Summer is alligator mating season in Florida, so be extra...
The fun never ends in Sarasota!Sarasota, the endless adventure and ideal vacation! If you’re looking to wind down after a day in Sunny Sarasota on the sparkling white sand beaches, there’s plenty of nighttime shenanigans to get in to. The combination of restaurants and bars offering happy hour and seafood specials with a breathtaking waterview makes Sarasota the place to be on The Gulf Coast! Mix in some live music from local artists and you’re sure to have a time to remember. The only dilemma you may face is deciding where go for the night. Below are Sarasota nightlife essentials, and regardless of where you choose, you’re sure to be in for a cool coastal time!Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar Live music, over a dozen frozen daiquiri options, happy hour specials, and an amazing tree top view, Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar is a MUST DO! A deck overlooking The Gulf of Mexico and Lido Beach, with stunning sunset views from the...
If you’re looking for a hideaway from the excitement of Southwest Florida for the day, Cayo Costa Island State Park is the perfect oasis. This barrier island, accessible by boat or ferry, is tucked away near Punta Gorda and North Fort Myers, making it the ideal private retreat. This remarkable Gulf Coast location, renowned for the white sand beaches and shelling, is a seclusive and relaxing getaway. Getting to Cayo Costa IslandCayo Costa Island lies at the entrance of Charlotte Harbor, nestled between North Captiva Island and Boca Grande, and is reached by boat or ferry. If you don’t have a boat to visit this breathtaking island, Captiva Cruises, the official state park concessionaire, has you covered! The ferry accommodates all kinds of family fun, offering private cruises for special events and conveniently running from several locations including: Captiva Island, Punta Gorda, Boca Grande, and Pine Island.Cayo Costa State Park FeaturesThe ferry docks at the State Park and from there...
6 Tips for Protecting Our Local Marine SpeciesYou love our local area in Bradenton, Sarasota and Palmetto for its pristine beaches, but it’s also known for its wonderful marine species, especially sea turtles and manatees. Though, it’s important to remember that these local beaches are home to these endangered species as well. Here are helpful tips to keep in mind to ensure we’re protecting our local marine species:1. Obey the waterway signs.Waterway signs do not solely exist for boaters’ safety, but they are for the manatees’ safety, too. Obeying the speed limit ensures that you slow down when necessary so that you have a clear view of the water and do not see any manatees before proceeding.2. Steer clear from shallow waters when possible.When boating, remain in deep waterways because manatees tend to feed in shallow seagrass beds. In addition, try not to anchor your boats in these areas and in coral reefs because these areas are often habitats for...
7 Tips for Staying Safe in Winter WeatherWeather experts say that our area hasn’t experienced this cold of winter weather in many years! While Bradenton’s winter weather will be brief and warm up over the weekend, here are some tips for staying safe during dropping temperatures.1. Stay inside.This is the best way to ensure that you are keeping safe and warm in the winter weather. The same goes for your furry family members. Keep them inside if possible. If you have pets that must stay outside, ensure they have access to shelter and unfrozen water.2. Check on your loved ones. Ensure that your family, friends and neighbors are safe as well, especially those that are more at risk: those that have young children, are elderly or are chronically ill. 3. Bundle up! If you must go outside, make sure to wear many lightweight layers underneath a wind-resistant coat. Gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots will help maintain your body heat....
