Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands is truly unique in concept, history and ambience. It’s easy to relax, unwind, and let your cares fade away.
Renowned as a continental marketplace, the Circle is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present, with its lush tropical plants, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architectural design. Whether shopping for trinkets and treasures, high fashion or home décor, gourmet snacks to candlelit feasts under the stars, you’ll find it all on the Circle. Depending on the season, you may find art or seafood festivals with local vendors around the circle.
Offering fun tiki cruises in beautiful Sarasota Florida, including Sarasota Bay, the Intercoastal Waterway, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key. Excursions are customizable based on availability, so please call for details and pricing. Cruises are private charters and accommodate up to 6 people, age ten and over.
If you have a private dock on Sarasota Bay to depart from, go to, or return to, let us know at time of booking, we will do our best to make your special requests happen!
Experience the stunning barrier islands with Passage Key Dolphin Tours. Our mission is to provide the ultimate vacation trip experience, offering a variety of excursions like fun boat tours, Egmont Key tours, as well as dolphin sighting and snorkeling tours around the waters of Anna Maria Island or the option to create a custom tour tailored to your dreams, ranging from 2 to 8 hours.
Discover breathtaking wildlife, including dolphins and manatees, while going on sunset cruises on Anna Maria Island, snorkeling, shelling, or visiting pristine locations like Jewfish Key, Beer Can Island, Egmont Key State Park, and Passage Key. Experience a luxury boat charter with our 2020 Regal 26 OBX, and create unforgettable family memories as you walk the sandy, pristine beaches or snorkel Anna Maria Island's clear waters and the beautiful spots around it. Whether you want to watch dolphins, explore historic Fort Dade, or enjoy a stunning, private sunset tour, it’s your day, your boat, and your adventure!
Public Parking, Public Restrooms, and a concession stand all accessible at this beach! Enjoy the views, the sun, and the water with the whole family!
The owners/guides of Sea Life Kayak Adventures come from science and conservation backgrounds and are members/volunteers of several environmental and wildlife organizations including Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center Inc (Wildlife Inc), Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and the Save the Manatees Foundation.
Our experienced Florida wildlife kayak guides will make your kayak tour (or rental) of Sarasota’s Lido Key Mangroves unforgettable. There is a difference between kayak tour operators, and our trips focus on you!
The Bay is a signature public park along Sarasota Bay. Designed to be "One Park for All",
The Bay is open and accessible, free and welcoming for everyone to enjoy. A few restaurants, a great walking trail, few events, and sometimes live music can be found here.
There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in downtown Sarasota. Check out this website to keep up to date on the latest festivals, parades, and activities the area has to offer while you visit!
Crown Jewel of Sarasota Bay
A true pioneer in the cultural development of Sarasota, the Van Wezel, (pronounced Van Wayzull), presents a broad spectrum of the world's finest performers representing the diverse tastes of Southwest Florida residents and visitors. This season, with more than 100 events, the Van Wezel has carried on the long tradition of presenting spectacular Broadway musicals, top national and international performers, popular comedians, world-class symphony orchestras and a compelling mix of classical, modern and ethnic dance. The Van Wezel also hosts more than 50 performances and events presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Concert Association and the Ringling Library Town Hall Lecture Series. Check now to see what is playing while you're in town!
Laugh your a** off at McCurdy’s
The popular comedy club usually packs in the crowds for comics both known (Tom Arnold, Jon Lovitz) and unknown (frequent open mic nights for the aspiring laugh getter). Click on website for latest shows. There is a bar attached and food is served during the show as well.
A tropical, urban oasis featuring unparalleled horticulture displays and a Sarasota bay-front setting, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a living museum and world-class center for education, research and conservation. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens has something for everyone. Relax amidst nature’s beauty and allow the scenery of unparalleled botanical bliss to carry you away.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida. It was established in 1927 as the legacy of Mable and John Ringling for the people of Florida. The circus museum was added later on. Florida State University assumed governance of the Museum in 2000. Don’t forget to check out John Ringling’s mansion while you’re there!
If you are staying at Longboat Key Resort, complimentary golf may be included with your reservation; please call the front desk to confirm eligibility and tee times. For guests not staying at the resort, Tom’s preferred local course is IMG Academy Golf Club (4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton); tee times and booking information are available at (941) 758-1466 or on their website.
If renting a car while in Florida, consider a day trip to Universal Studios Florida—approximately a two-hour drive from Longboat Key—offering theme-park rides, shows, dining, and shopping.
If renting a car, Walt Disney World® Resort is approximately a two-hour drive from Longboat Key and makes for a full-day or multi-day excursion—plan parking, tickets, and arrival times in advance.
The Popple family recommends visiting Anna Maria Island while staying on Longboat Key. Start with breakfast at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Café, then enjoy oysters and a cocktail for lunch at The Sandbar. In the afternoon or evening, catch live music at The Ugly Grouper, and end the night with ice cream from Small Town Creamery.
The Popple family’s favorite restaurants in the area include: The Sandbar (Anna Maria Island) — beachfront dining with fresh seafood; The Beach House (Anna Maria Island) — scenic waterside setting and seasonal menu; The Doctor’s Office (Anna Maria Island) — intimate, coastal-inspired cuisine; The Ugly Grouper (Anna Maria Island) — informal, family-friendly atmosphere; Wicked Cantina (Anna Maria Island) — casual Mexican fare; The Shore (Longboat Key) — refined beachfront dining ideal for sunset views; The Dockyard (Longboat Key) — waterfront seafood and relaxed service; and Euphemia Haye (Longboat Key) — historic cottage dining with an excellent dessert room (highly recommended).
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa — Approximately a one-hour drive; a vibrant casino and entertainment complex featuring gaming, live music, dining, and nightlife for guests seeking an energetic evening away from the beach.
PopStroke — The groom’s favorite mini-golf course designed by Tiger Woods, offering interactive putting courses, arcade games, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere close to the wedding venue.
Fishing With Salty offers full-day and half-day deep-sea charters departing from nearby marinas; guests can expect experienced captains, well-maintained vessels, and equipment for reef and offshore fishing. Leah’s brother-in-law regularly charters with Fishing With Salty and recommends them for productive trips and knowledgeable guides. For bookings and details, contact (615) 977-9999 or visit http://www.fishingwithsalty.com/.