St Augustine and Sarasota/Sannnibel

[AlexE]

Has anyone visited St Augustine - I heard it is the oldest place in Florida and wanted to visit for a few days. Can anyone recommend a place to stay or what to visit?

Same applies for Sarasota or Sannibel Island - which is best and any recommendations of accommodation or what to see would be appreciated.

Thanks
Alex

 

[amf]

Hi Alex

St Augustine....been there on day trips from Orlando 4 or 5 times (last time 8 - 9 years ago though, pre kids). We absolutely loved this quaint little town.

Best bet is to go to the official tourist info centre first...it is signposted. Having picked up the leaflets get yourselves tickets for the little shuttle tram.....once bought these are good forever. The tram stops at about 20 or so stops and you can disembark and reboard another (services are frequent).

Our favourites;-

The Oldest Schoolhouse (how kids were taught centuries ago)
The Oldest Store (General Store of the 19th century)
The Fort (good displays)
Woolworths in the main square

Can't help you with where to stay...we only did day trips. Hotels/motels are plentiful though.

The tourist activities, depending on day trippers from Orlando, don't get into full swing until late morning and largely close down at night.

I would certainly love to go back there but a couple of hours of "when are we going to be there?" from the kids is off putting. Mind you, we bought a portable DVD in Orlando in October, so that might keep them occupied if we visit on our next trip, in July.

 

[Mike Jones]

Hi Alex. We've just come back from Siesta Key, Sarasota and I'm halfway thru a trip report - look here for the first day on the Island - more to follow this week.

Mike.

 

[Kevin Stringer]

Not spent any time in Sarasota Alex, but Sanibel is a wonderful island.

It isn't a 'nightlife' sort of place, but if you want beautiful beaches, wildlife a plenty and a relaxed, happy time then you can't beat Sanibel or Captiva.

Counting the days until we are back there again in May/June.

If you want to read about what we did when we were there, look at my web page at http://freespace.virgin.net/kevin.stringer/index.htm
Click on the Nov 2001 button.

Cheers

Kev

 

[Mike Jones]

Alex- just to reinforce the post above - Kev's reports are the dog's whatsits! It was all his fault that I got started doing them!

Mike

 

[Kevin Stringer]

Gotta say Mike, an excellent job you are doing too!

I'm reading them all.

Kev

 

[Mike Jones]

...ahhhh... it's all been worthwhile now!

 

[AlexE]

Thanks Mike and Kev

Will look forward to reading the trip reports later

 

[DCLuvinit]

I grew up in Sarasota and can say it is a lovely place to visit. The beaches at Siesta Key have the most beautiful white sand, like baby powder. If you eat lunch in Siesta Key Village, I reccomend the Old Salty Dog. It is very relaxed and casual, and will give you a feel for "the beach life." The Summerhouse is a great place for dinner, though on the upscale end. A more casual place to eat lunch or dinner, or just sit by the water and enjoy drinks is Marina Jacks. You will definately enjoy shopping and eating at St. Armand's circle on Lido beach. It is nice to spend the afternoon there for lunch, but I really like it in the evening around sunset. They also have several places to get ice cream after dinner. Favorite restaurants - Tommy Bahamas, the Columbia & Cafe L'Europe. As far as things to see, the John Ringling museum is in Sarasota (Ringling Bros. circus) and you can tour his home and (large) private art collection. Selby Botanical Gardens is also a nice place to visit if you enjoy nature. You can also book fishing charters, Mr. CB's bait & tackle is one place I know of where this can be done. Sarasota has an opera house, symphony and ballet so you may want to look into these bookings as well. Check Van Wezel performing arts hall for listings.

 

[dbriggsq]

Sarasota is great - lovely beaches, good restaurants and shopping - it seems a bit more 'cultured' than other places around. I love St Armand's circle - a lovely atmosphere - last time we were there they had a Chevvy festival in the middle of the circle - really interesting.

If you're interested we have a villa there which is available for rentals.