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Stayed at a place called tropical shores beach resort last april ( www.tropicalshores.com ) last april. Clean, nice, w/ kitchenettes. On the beach and has a pool. However, I did not find Siesta Key all that relaxing. Beautiful but people everywhere. Tons of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Not knocking it, just not as laid back as the types of places my wife and I typically like to go to.
If you are interested in Naples, Fl I would be glad to check with my sister to see if her place is available that weekend and for what price. I know she rents it out pretty much year round with her family sliping in between rentals but as to what dates are open and occupied I am not sure without calling her or emailing her.
Let me know if you are interested and I'll check for you..
That would be great. We will be traveling 3/18 and leaving 3/21. Our main focus is a Red Sox game on 3/19 and going to the beach. Let me know how much, etc.....thanks!
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not."
~ Stephen Wright
Horse gimme a break, no comparission to RI.
I agree that there is alot to do at St.Pete.
Go to the Pier and then get a trolly pass, for $3 it will take you to every beach in St.Pete.
St.John's pass has some very good restruants.
quote:Siesta Key is no more than a warm newport, RI!
Siesta Key does'nt even come close to Newport as far as things to do, population, and nightlife. It is nice though. If you want a laid back place, try Nokomis.
7up
Newport is no Seista Key.
Sarasota is twice the size and population of Newport. There's plenty of nightlife, if you know whree to look.
Things to do:
Mote Marine Lab
Ringling Art Musuem
The Asolo Center for the Performing Arts
Florida Studio Theatre
Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Ballet of Florida
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
There's also a place near the Sarasota airport that advertises a "full body shampoo". I've always been curious to know what the story is with that....
Make sure to eat at the Crab and Fin in St. Armands Circle in Sarasota. Great seafood restaurant.
Since I live in the area (20+ years) I figure I might give a little info on the area.
First off you can either stay on the beach (expensive but just a hop skip and jump from the water) or Just inshore (much cheaper but have to deal with the traffic) There will still be quit a few "snowbunnies" here in March so the traffic is usually backed up a bit.
Many of my customers stay at the Holiday inn right on the key. They have some pretty elaborate rooms if you are into that. There are also some very nice rent by the week places on Longboat Key if your wallet runneth over.
Seista is a VERY nice beach for the sand. But don't expect to be able to walk for half a mile without seeing people. It is not really congested, just not lonely.
If you do stay on the key be sure to visit some of the local places like Walts' Fish Market and the one I like most Captain Brians. Capt. Brians is right near the airport on US 41. If you go for lunch get there before noon or expect to wait in line. On the circle are many very nice shops and some good eateries. Hemmingways is one. There are several boat in dinner places as well. I would recommend staying away from Rotten Ralphs.
As for things to do Nasty seems has many of them down pat . I would just suggest that you buy the tickets on the net and avoid the lines.
Now the biggy....Where is the game going to be at? Is it at the field in Bradenton? If so you may want to try one of the other keys (if you want to stay near the water) or "gasp" even Bradenton itself. While Bradenton has a bit lower reputation than Sarasota, (read less finacially well off) most of the people are nice and I have encountered less of the snobish attitude there. There are some neighborhoods I would not walk in after dark in both Sarasota and Bradenton. On the other hand Seista I would not have that problem.
Thanks for all the great info! We are staying at Sara Sea Inn at the beach. Sara Sea Circle. Seems nice, people were nice enough on the phone. The Sox are playing in Fort Myers which I think is about an hour right? My biggest issue now is flights. Trying to find the cheapest nonstop into (suggestion please) an airport. People tell me fly into tampa and drive. I am even willing to fly into Orlando and drive to save on airfare....suggestions would be much appreciative!
Thanks!
"24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not."
~ Stephen Wright
I meant Siesta Key, not the whole city of Sarasota. I used to live in Sarasota and I know that Newport is a lot more happening than Sarasota. I like both though, but for different reasons. Ft. Meyers is nice, you could have gone to Sanibel, Captiva, or anywhere around there too.
The cheapest might be T.F. Green to Tampa since Southwest is in that market, but sometimes there are deals into Sarasota. Look at flying out of Boston and Bradley too.
I meant Siesta Key, not the whole city of Sarasota. I used to live in Sarasota and I know that Newport is a lot more happening than Sarasota. I like both though, but for different reasons. Ft. Meyers is nice, you could have gone to Sanibel, Captiva, or anywhere around there too.
The cheapest might be T.F. Green to Tampa since Southwest is in that market, but sometimes there are deals into Sarasota. Look at flying out of Boston and Bradley too. You could also look into flying into Ft Meyers too.
Tampa has always been a bit less expensive to fly into. However, you are looking at at least an hour and a half for your drive one way and depending on the time more.
I used to always go through Tampa and drive either 75 or 275 south. But for the slight difference in fares now-a-days I find it more easily justifiable to fly into Sarasota.
I figure the extra 50-100 dollars is well worth not having to drive the extra 3 hours
If you do decide to fly into Tampa, I would suggest that you fly in early and visit Bush Gardens. The best price on tickets I have found is Triple A. Some neat sights there and while the kids and wife are walking you can sit in the brew house and sample the complimentary beer. Yes free beer:P
The colonial house is a nice place to eat and the overhead trolly ride is neat.
get on the plane dont even stop in the us. mexico, grand cayman, bahama, st. johns, skip aruba but you get my drift one more hour on the plan to paradise. if i go on vacation i dont want to think about a cool day. i went to key west and all i could do was look south and say "next vacation......"
I spoke to my sister tonight and I guess all things worked out for the best. She said she was already booked on those dates and most of the spring and summer but I'm glad you found a place for your family to stay. Sorry, I wasn't much help..
HELP! I need a place to stay 
