Sarasota / Bradenton - any recommendations?

[Hilary]

We have four nights in our November trip that we'd like to spend in the Sarasota / Bradenton area. Any recommendations for places to stay / things to do (or places to avoid!)?

It's just DH and me this trip, and we've been looking for condo style accommodation, preferably on the water with a dock (for DH's fishing) and within easy reach of restaurants and shops. I've been through lots of searches and am now totally confused!

Thanks

 

[Miffy2003]

BUMP for you Hilary

I have only places to avoid

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We stayed at Longboat Key many years ago, in a hotel though.

Sarasota is very very quiet, not a lot to do there and we didn't find many shopping possibilities either, although for relaxing it's ideal.

Having difficulties remembering a lot to be honest, but if you are looking for a condo in the area this is not a bad website, there are hundreds though but Longboat & Lido keys are probably the nicest.

http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/Sarasota-Florida.html

 

[Susie]

I can thoroughly recommend Anna Maria Island which is about 15 miles north of Sarasota if my memory serves me correctly. Stunning beaches, fantastic restaurants and two fishing piers! We were in Clearwater in 2004 - not overly impressed so we drove down ti Anna Maria Island as one of DH's colleagues recommended it and we loved it so went in 2005 and we're back again in October - can't wait. If you want to know anything just give me a shout and I'd be happy to oblige.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks all

I'd looked at Anna Maria island (I remember Mrs Dazzle recommended it ages ago) so will concentrate on there and Longboat and Lido keys. It's nice to have a starting point rather than opening up every single search result in the area!

 

[mickeyuk]

Hi Hilary
We are looking around the same place ....or even Siesta Key 1st Nov to 7th Nov before we drive upto Old Key West.....can you let me know if you find anything
Thanks

 

[RT7]

Hi Hilary
We are looking around the same place ....or even Siesta Key 1st Nov to 7th Nov before we drive upto Old Key West.....can you let me know if you find anything
Thanks

We stayed at Siesta Key 21st - 28th Aug, had a place right on the beach

 

[kristieuk]

Just to echo what others have said - I would concentrate on the Keys in this area - there are lots of private rental condos, or small condo complexes. Longboat Key is upscale and quieter, Anna Maria is our place of choice (this will be our 11th trip, and we're getting married there!) but Siesta Key and Lido Key are beautiful too.

Wherever you stay, make sure you check out St Armand's Circle - it's just between Longaboat Key and Lido Key, and is the most beautiful and posh boutique shoppoing area, with lots of nice restaurants. Just take your credit cards!

PM if there is anything else you want to know, but my knowledge of rental places is really limited to Ann Maria Island

 

[mickeyuk]

RT7
Where did you stay at Siesta key.....we are looking for at least a 2bedroom/2bath... on the beach would be our ideal......It would seem a lot of the condo's are private homes and you need to book before you go ...or did you just turn up and look around before deciding where to stay
Thanks

 

[Susie]

Anna Maria is our place of choice (this will be our 11th trip, and we're getting married there!) but Siesta Key and Lido Key are beautiful too.

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Where are you getting married? We saw a wedding take place on the beach at The Sand Bar and it was just such a beautiful setting.

 

[kristieuk]

Funnily enough....on the beach and then reception at the Sandbar! Thank you for your congratulations - we are hoping for a sunny day and a fantastic sunset, so fingers crossed, touch wood and all that

 

[Susie]

I'm looking at your countdown, what date are you getting married? We are in Anna Maria Island from 14th - 21st October and will be at the Sandbar at least a couple of times so I may see you there! Hope all goes well for you.

 

[kristieuk]

Our wedding isn't until 6th November - and we don't fly out until 29th October . It's a shame you won't still be there. Thanks for your best wishes - save us some sunshine!