Longboat key resort sarasota

[bobbrian]

Going a two centre holiday with 11 nights in WDW movies and 10 in Hilton longboat key resort near sarasota.

Has anyone been to longboat or sarasota what is it really like, tips on great places to go, eat etc.

Thanks

Keep smiling

Brian

 

[Dawnflower]

Your going to a place close to Heaven!!

We spent a week on Siesta Key last May and it was wonderfull, we drove up to Tampa and went through Long boat Key!!

Did not stop on that Key to eat but saw some awsome shops!
Armand Circle!!

We took a side trip it WDW and had a wonderful time!

Have a GREAT time! enjoy the beaches!!

 

[twocat]

The Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle. You MUST get the 1905 salad!! I've been to most of the Columbia's in Florida and the one in Sarasota is my favorite!!

Donna

 

[sammi]

You will absolutey love Longboat Key! The beach is stunning and the island is sooooo lovely. We've also stayed on Lido Key and Siesta Key and loved all 3 .

If you drive into Sarasota you can head to The Sugar & Spice Amish restaurant that has the best food and the most fantastic homemade pies ever! lol


Here's the link to this restaurant:
http://sugarandspicerestaurant.com/

This Nov we'll be spending 3 days on Anna Maria Island which is right beside Longboat key and we'll definately be spending some time on Longboat Key.

Hope you have a fantastic holiday!

 

[bearzabout]

I agree with the above poster about the Columbia I love their 1905 salad and black bean soup. They have a great cuban sandwich as well.

We always drive to to the north end of the island to Moore's Stone Crab restaurant. They bring in stone crab on their own boats in season. You must try them.

Stop in Albritton Fruit to pick up some fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice. The Publix on the south side of the island is rather upscale and makes a great place to pick up some picnic items. Their deli is really nice.

Shopping on St. Armand's Circle is a must. On Friday nights, the shops stay open late. The place is just beautiful at night. There are many nice places to eat around the circle besides the Columbia - Charlies Crab, Hemingways, Cafe L' Europe and Kilwin's ice cream for dessert.

The Colony resort on Longboat has nice but high end dining.

Euphemia Haye gets the highest ratings for high end dining on Longboat. I have not tried is since I don't bring dress clothes on vacation.

 

[Aquagirl]

Went there twice last year. Stayed right on the beach. It is beautiful. St. Armand's circle has great restaurants and shops. Mote Marine Aquarium was wonderful. If you want to experience a great local restaurant with great food try the Salty Dog. It is right across the street from the Aquarium. Very, very reasonable!!! One of my favorites.

 

[Florida Princess]

I live in Sarasota and would be HAPPY to answer any questions you may have. This is a beautiful area with lots to do and see !
We have wonderful restaurants, beaches and parks.

Florida Princess

 

[ttfn3]

Florida Princess - Do you have a recommendation of a good rental agency to contact for condo rentals on the beach? We would love to try this area and like having a 2 BR condo. There's so many places that I get confused where to start looking. You can PM if you wish. Thanks!

 

[NHLizzie]

I am so excited that you started this thread. I will visiting Longboat Key and staying at the Hilton in February. This will be my first visit to this area! I am soaking up all of the advice from these knowledgeable posters and will look forward to soaking up the Florida sun in February when I leave NH for a week!

 

[Florida Princess]

ttfn3
I would be happy to recommend a rental agency to you. Which
area are you looking to stay in----Longboat Key, Siesta Key or
Lido ? I'm sure you will enjoy your visit here--

NHLizzie
February is a great time to visit--NO SNOW here !!!!!!!!!
Lots of fun things to do and great restaurants to try. If
you have any questions----just ask !!!!!!!!!!



Florida Princess

OKW DVC Member since 1992

 

[ttfn3]

Thanks Florida Princess! I'm PM you later today.

 

[daannzzz]

I went to Sarasota and stayed on Longboat key last year. I reallyt liked it there. I went to the Ringling Museum which was really good. I stayed at the Turtle Crawl Inn and enjoyed it very much.

 

[Gillian]

Hi! I have some of the exact same questions as others on this thread so I thought I'd bump it up & see if I get any more responses.

We have family in Sarasota that we want to visit this Spring but they don't know a lot about beach rentals. We're looking for a 1 or 2 bedroom, or even a hotel room. We're flexible about the location - looking right now at longboat, siesta or lido. Lower price is important, fancy is not.

Any advice or direction would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[wwaleye]

We too are going to WDW and then on to Longboat Key. Since I have the "food itinerary" worked out for Disney, I was moving on to the Sarasota area. So, I too am looking for recommendations of eating places. Family of 4, No picky eaters, moderate prices, will have a kitchen available. We will be there over on Christmas day. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[AnnR]

We vacation here every March -it is wonderful. We stay at the Sand Cay which is right next to the Hilton. My all time favorite restaurant is here -Dry Dock. You must try the shrimp salad sandwich. And the chowder and the stone crab legs if in season. I have not had anything that was not absolutely delicious! We also love to sit outside and look over the bay. There is sometimes a long wait at peak dining times and parking can be tough. But it is well worth it and you can wait in chairs by the bay.

I also love Salty Dog and also Mar Vista. If you like Irish food visit Lynch's in St Armands.

Almost forgot -Gulf Drive Cafe on Anna Maria Island -the best breakfast.

 

[Tigger Woods]

Oma's Pizza on the north end of Longboat. Salty Dog for cocktails and Florida ambience. Live music on weekends at Cha Cha Coconuts on St. Armand's Circle.

 

[Gillian]

What can you tell me about Sand Cay? It looks like there are different types of units, different distances from the beach. We will be travelling with our 4 year old & almost 2 year old.

 

[AnnR]

Sorry, I didn't see your question until now. I am not sure when you are going but I'll answer anyway. Sand Cay has 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condos. The prices depend on the view -garden /gulf view/gulf front. We get a gulf view and it is beautiful. However, we had one that overlooked the pool and it was really nicely furnished and had a little extra space. The problem is that many of the condos book up a year in advance so it can be hard to get in. Once you book it you have the option of rebooking it the next year. Another nice place is the Sea Club. They are villas right on the beach. It is nice not having to climb stairs to go back to your room. Both places have outdoor heated pools. Sand Cay is more elegant. Sea Club only has one bathroom in each of its villas. It has a variety of rooms though. There is a small motel and then there are one bedroom and two bedroom villas.

If you want more info let me know. I can give you the room numbers we stayed in. But it will be a week before I answer -I am off to Disney tomorrow!

 

[magicmouse2]

Great thread! I am planning 1 week at WDW and 1 week at Longboat key. I am hoping to book my accomodation thorugh DVC world passport. Two resorts they have are Veranda Beach and White sands cay. Can someone recommend which is the better of the two ? I am looking for somewhere with a gulf view, tennis, boats, bikes etc.

 

[Gillian]

AnnR, thanks for the info! When you get back I'd love to hear more details, like room numbers.

Even if it's too late this year (we also have some family obligations that are limiting our stay in the sarasota area), we will plan other vacations there. My BIL & SIL live in Sarasota but don't have room for us. I'd love to spend a week in a beachfront condo!