Ahhhh, Longboat Key… the enclave of wealth on the outer reaches of Sarasota….another fantastic place. Many years ago I lived in Sarasota for a short spell and always have wanted to go back. Ok, so I’ll settle for just a weekend!

A few weeks ago, one of my GNO besties called saying that she had a trip planned with a group and that one of them backed out – would I like to go? I said yes before she even finished the story. Let’s go!

Getting there's half the fun!
Getting there’s half the fun!

Getting there really is a big part of my fun. Construction? I love it – my own urban rally stage! The Skyway Bridge is truly beautiful. 

Hey, that guy's too close.
Hey, that guy’s too close.

This is why I love living here – blue skies and turquoise water forever .(I need that mirror sticker ‘OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE LOSING’)…..

 

Siesta Key makes my list as well.
Siesta Key makes my list as well.

 

Things were going pretty smooth on my road trip, until I got off the wrong exit. I was sort of on auto-pilot from my days of working off University Parkway. It doesn’t go over to St. Armands Circle, Fruitville Road does, duh. Anyway, I got cocky and was just sure I’d find my way around – NOT. I had to resort to my GPS. (she’s a bitch!) She sent me into a neighborhood, and then said “At the end of the road make left…” What? The end of the road was some mansion driveway! Um, no thanks, I’ll go around. Then I called my girls to tell them I was never going to make our lunch date and that I was making my way back and would meet up at the hotel. Paula mentioned needing a bakery for a little birthday celebration, and couldn’t find one. Birthday!? Nobody said anything about that. Suddenly, ‘GPS Bitch’ told me to make another left and I slid right into a shopping area – Siesta Key. So cute! Birthday 911 – handled! 

 

Morton's gourmet market is like 'AJ's' out west.
Morton’s gourmet market is no Publix.

I wandered in and instantly wanted everything!! So, some tasty pastries and I was back on the road. I think my GPS isn’t so bad anymore. Moving on. I found my way past Selby Botanical Gardens, Marina Jacks, the Chase building I used to work in forever ago, and on to St. Armands Circle. From there it was a straight shot to our little hotel, the Silver Sands. The place was so sweet, I really should keep it a secret.

 

I think it's going to rain.
I think it’s going to rain.

The beach is so close.

Here it comes
Here it comes

 

That night before the rest got in, we ran out for goodies…finally found a Publix.

Yes, one of us brought a sippy cup of 'an alcoholic persuasion'.
Yes, one of us brought a sippy cup of ‘an alcoholic persuasion’.

 

 

 

Birthday yummies!
Birthday yummies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beernoculars
Beernoculars

 

 

Let’s all be organized – Beernocluars for everyone.

 

 

 

 

No mistaking who's beer this is
No mistaking who’s beer this is

 

The party continued long into the night – Paula, Laura, Georgette, Sharon, and later Jen joined us. (we’ll keep the last names to protect the innocent)

…and the next day

View from the rooms door.
View from the rooms door.

 

Beach time! 

Quiet and beautiful
Quiet and beautiful

 

You knew I had to bring The Hat!
You knew I had to bring The Hat!

 

Selfie! We spent about half the day in the sun – sweating out the sangria that Sharon and Laura made. OMG, a bottle of this, and a bottle of that, fruit, another bottle…. wow, so good ! I’d brought my eggplant relish / dip and told the girls I’d share the recipe, so just follow the link and enjoy.

Later, after we began to really feel our skin beginning to crisp, we found our way to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. A perfect respite from the blistering sun. I’ll tell you about that tomorrow.

My souvenirs
My souvenirs

So, officially, Longboat Key is a wonderful tank trip – get out there and enjoy everything Florida has. Don’t forget that Sarasota is an artistic as well as financial hub – Ringling Art Museum and School and the Van Wezel Hall with the Sarasota Ballet Company is top notch. But this was NOT that kind of weekend. 

Thank you ladies and I can’t wait to have another 3 day getaway (maybe Bobby can take us in his plane – NOT!! LOL)

2 Comments on Longboat Key : so relaxing, and only a half a tank away!

  1. Georgette
    May 19, 2015 at 7:07 am (8 years ago)

    Love it!!!…Thank you-Badzoot…
    Peace-Georgette

    Reply
  2. Paula O'Kane
    May 19, 2015 at 4:43 pm (8 years ago)

    LOL dee plane, dee plane!! Great post. I really needed that today!
    Muah Dahling.

    P

    Reply

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