What Makes a Good Marina?

What Makes a Good Marina?

Hospitality and Customer service Hospitality and customer service is the number one item to consider when choosing a marina. Our Marina is known for the friendly faces and relationships we build with our customers. Our customers become more like family and know every time they come to see us, they will be greeted with smiling faces. Proper Equipment It is extremely important to be sure your boats are sheltered from wind, waves, and boat traffic. It provides a sense of security when it comes to the safety of your boat. The percentage of boat owners who prefer having shelter is significantly higher than boat owners who do not for good reasons! On Site Services Having a place to dock is extremely important, however what is available to you on location is also important. RD Marina has an extensive list of on site services that we provide to our customers. Click Here to see our full list of on-site services. Events/Socials Hosted by the Marina Hosting...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
How To Navigate Through Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Sarasota

How To Navigate Through Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Sarasota

How To Navigate Through Sea Turtle Nesting Season in Sarasota Are you planning your Sarasota vacation for the summer? If your explorations are scheduled anytime before October 31st, there are some things you need to know about sea turtle nesting season! Sarasota County is a nesting ground for the highest amount loggerhead turtles in the Gulf. Sarasota is the natural habitat to these elegant sea creatures, so here are some things to remember on your vacation: Help The HatchlingsSarasota’s sea turtle population is dependant on visitors and residents working together to make the hatchlings journey as safe as possible. If you are planning your trip to Sarasota, this means keeping some tips in mind on the waterfront. When setting up your beach day site, be sure to give nesting sites a wide berth. These are easy to spot as the sites are marked by wooden stakes and bright caution tape. If you are lucky enough to happen upon some hatchings coming out of...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
The Best Of Sarasota: 6 Exquisite Waterside Dining Experiences

The Best Of Sarasota: 6 Exquisite Waterside Dining Experiences

 Whether your dream Sarasota vacation includes water activities, safari adventures, or relaxing by the waterside with a good book, you will want to make time to grab a bite at some of these six breathtaking waterside restaurants. If you want to make the most of your time in Sunny Sarasota, you’ve come to the right place! Below you will find Sarasota’s best waterfront restaurants; sit back, relax and enjoy Florida’s freshest bounties with serene saltwater on your horizon. Fin’s at Sharky’sTake a short trip to the south end of Venice Island, where you will find Fin’s at Sharky’s, the only local restaurant situated right on the Gulf of Mexico. Sip on a carefully crafted cocktail while drinking in the beauty of the Gulf. Famed for their Tuna Tacos and unbelievable view, Fin’s at Sharky’s will be a lunch or dinner treat to remember. Old Salty Dog - City IslandComplete your Sarasota adventures with a lunch break at Old Salty Dog. Their...
Read More
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...
Read More
Exploring Sarasota’s Burgeoning Rosemary District

Exploring Sarasota’s Burgeoning Rosemary District

Exploring Sarasota’s Burgeoning Rosemary District Take a day trip just north of downtown Sarasota to the Rosemary district, where you will find the peak of Sarasota’s culture. This vibrant coastal corner is Sarasota’s center of modern culture, local art and tasty cuisine! Sarasota Modern If you’re looking for the perfect quaint hideaway, Sarasota Modern is in the center of the Rosemary District and focuses on lavish living. This elegant hotel promises a relaxing stay to look forward to at the end of the day. The Yoga ShackWhat better way to start the day than by greeting the sunrise with a salutation? The Yoga Shack starts it’s schedule early, with a variety of classes to suit all levels of yogis. Lolita TartineAfter your refreshing yoga session, take a short walk over to Lolita Tartine, a tasty, traditional French breakfast spot. Start off with something sweet, like their mouthwatering chocolate croissant or a crepe while you sip on your cafe au lait. For those...
Read More
Top Ten Ways To Have Fun In Sunny Sarasota

Top Ten Ways To Have Fun In Sunny Sarasota

 Are you looking for the most exciting adventures and activities to occupy your time on your Sarasota vacation? Here is a list of Sarasota’s best places to have the most fun on limited time! Red Bug Slough Preserve Explore Florida’s natural habitats at Red Bug Slough Preserve. The plethora of trails to choose from, ranging from short trips to long adventures, are perfect for a limited schedule!O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & GrillCheck out the local’s favorite spot, O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill for an evening of live music in the tropics. If your schedule allows it, enjoy a cocktail from the bar after riding a paddle boat on Sarasota Bay.Spa at The Ritz-CarltonWhether you are in Sarasota for business or pleasure, some pampering at The Ritz-Carlton is a must! Treat yourself to a 45-minute thermal detox or an 80-minute massage. Red Barn Flea MarketDive into Red Barn’s bottomless treasures and hunt for souvenirs! Venice BeachMiles of glistening sandy beaches, layered with black...
Read More