Blogs from Sarasota, Florida, United States, North America - page 3

Where do you go when the weather gets nippy in Florida? The manatees head to the warm waters around Apollo Beach so we followed suit. The Big Bend Power Plant is located there. It provides a warm water discharge which is a necessary environment for these big animals. They don't thrive in cold water. There is a wonderful viewing center where you can learn and see these creatures arriving and resting in their comfortable surroundings. They will leave when the temperature goes up but until then, they remain clustered in pods for all the visitors to see. Today the water temperature in this area was 75 degrees.....outside air temp. was 46 degrees. Brrrrr.... unless you are from Wellsville, N.Y. and then it is classified as a nice day. We have been to this center before but ... read more

The Siesta Key Bungalows we're staying at have two kayaks that guests can take out on their own. As Jo napped this morning, Andrew and I decided to take them for a spin. I lowered myself into the red kayak as my mom and Andrew held it still. Once I was in, I could see all sorts of clams and barnicles attacked to the dock posts. I could also see small fish and lots of kelp. The lagoon is salt water! The sun beat down on us, but we enjoyed ourselves. We went north and saw some herons. Then, we spun our kayaks around and headed back south to see how far we could go. Andrew developed some blisters from his oar and decided to get out when we passed by the bungalows. I continued on ... read more

We've enjoyed chilling at our Siesta Key Bungalows all weekend. There are little lizards everywhere, and, as long as they're not jumping out at me, I enjoy hunting for them to snap photos. We had a gecko visit us in our bungalow yesterday. Our rental complex is filled with palm trees and has a running fountain. At the lagoon, there is a dock to stand at to watch local birds (ducks, pelicans, and more) as well as jumping fish. One bird makes a really loud call, and Oliver gets excited whenever he hears it. He tells me it's a monkey, and that he loves the monkey. Along the lagoon, they built a sandy area for sitting and relaxing. Oliver enjoys filling his bucket and dumping it back out.... read more

My parents are treating us to a long weekend in Siesta Key, Florida. We arrived yesterday afternoon, and, already, I'm adapted to the warm weather, lush vegetation, and humid environment. Vacation enduces such contentment. The kids were really well-behaved on our nonstop flight to Tampa. They slept for our hour and half drive south. Our destination was the Siesta Key Bungalows. We jumped on a Groupon deal, and my parents got our bungalows for half off. The complex is laid-back and exudes some beach bum elegance (is there such a thing?). We're right on a a salt water lagoon (Heron Lagoon) that is teeming with jumping fish and pelicans. There was a light rain last night, and Andrew and I sat outside of our bungalow in our white, wicker chairs, soaking it all in (literally). When ... read more

Sarasota area has quite an Amish population. We've noticed them, men with their distinctive beards and straw hats; women in their simple dresses and headpieces, riding three wheeler bikes around town. The area boasts five "Amish restaurants." Of our choices, Der Dutchman, Dutch Haus, Dutch Oven, and Sugar & Spice; we choose Yoder’s. It's located in an area of town where many Amish and Mennonites reside. While Wes held our place in a considerable line of prospective diners, I explored the "Dutch Village" that the Yoder family has created adjacent to the restaurant. The gift shop disappointed, my expectation -was authentic needle work and hand woven baskets. In hokey reality, the inventory was hokey and cutesy with imported "country" items one can buy anywhere. On our way home, I noticed some quilt and wood working shops ... read more