Tag Archives: Vacation

Siesta Key Crystal Classic – Magic in the Sand

Make your plans now to attend the Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Competition.  Get an up-close look as international sculptors compete for prizes on the crystal white sand of the best beach in the US!
There’s a legend that the pure, fine white sand on Siesta Key has magical properties.  Come and see it shaped into ethereal works of art.  Talk to the artists, watch demonstrations, get free sand carving lessons, hear live music and visit vendors stands where you can shop, eat and drink.  There’s fun for children and adults at this 4 day event.
Enjoy the art and support the Mote Marine Sea Turtle Program at this year’s event – November 9-12, 2012.  Get more information at the Crystal Classic website or call the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce at 941-349-3800.  Make sure you use the off site shuttle service for the easiest access.

Siesta Key Drum Circle

Every Sunday evening, a circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key. Drummers begin, both talented local players and visitors with small percussion instruments. Belly dancers, hoop dancers and gymnasts join in. No special talent is required, just enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join the circle – from toddlers to retirees. When you’re in the circle, it’s almost impossible to be still! Locals do this year round, and – during tourist season – the circle grows tremendously. It’s fun, free and relaxing, so come on over when you’re in Sarasota.

Sarasota Payne Skate Park

The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.

Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota

Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music.  Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry.  It’s a shoppers dream.  Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by.  This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic.  Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!

Siesta Key Sarasota Florida Spring Break

Spring Break is still happening on Siesta Key Beach!  Come on out to the key.  Although crowds this time of year can swell to 15-20,000 on the main beach – this beautiful location  offers several miles of perfect sand – so you can always find a quiet secluded place if that’s what you’re looking for.  Relax in the sun and work on your tan. Right now the beautiful gulf water is the perfect temperature for swimming.  And, no matter the temperature, our sand never gets hot on your feet!
The Siesta Key village has live bands and DJs playing music at night, shopping, bikini contests, good food and drinks all within easy walking distance of the beach. Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming place to spend your spring break vacation.

Vinyl Music Festival brings Darude to Sarasota, Florida

See a rare up close look at one of the top DJs in the world!  I’ve filmed nightclubs in Atlanta and Miami…but the energy in Sarasota last night was just amazing!  As far as I’m concerned, the VMF founders have a huge success on their hands.  It’s about time for this infusion of excitement into the Sarasota nightlife.  If you didn’t make it…so sad for you…so just plan next year’s spring break or vacation around this event – it’s sure to stay around!

Siesta Key Spring Break

Siesta Key is a great place to be for Spring Break!  And it’s not just a beach destination.  During March and April, the island demographics change radically – from mostly snow birds to lots of students on spring break!
During the peak of the season the main beach will have up to 20,000 spring breakers on it, with another 10,000 on the remaining miles of white sand beach. The village changes from quiet and leisurely to party central as more and more students visit during their spring vacation. 
And it’s not just the beach you’ll enjoy.  Siesta Key village has shopping, restaurants and clubs just off the beach; so you’ll find plenty to do after a day on the sand.  Walk around the village, and you’ll hear live bands and DJs playing music in several different night spots. This year 2 bikini contests are on going at two of the clubs in the village.  There’s a variety of good food and drinks available within easy walking distance.
Come on out to the island.  You’ll find that Siesta Key is a friendly and welcoming, and safe place to spend your spring break vacation. By the way if your not convinced yet, Siesta Key beach was voted the best beach in America.

Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting

A new annual event took Sarasota by storm in it’s inaugural year.  The amazingly successful event was inspired and directed by 2 master sand sculptors – Bill Knight and Brian Wigglesworth.  As experienced sand master sculptors,- unlike any other event directors could – they hit a home run first time up!

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic Master Sand Sculpting Competition brought 11 teams of master sand sculptors together to compete for cash prizes.  The proceeds from the first annual event benefited Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program.  In addition to the competition, the event included sand sculpting lessons, an amateur competition, live music, a vendor village and other fun family activities.  We were so happy to be there to videotape the entire event.

If you weren’t there for the first year…make sure you don’t miss this year’s event.  And if you don’t live here, plan a trip!

Sarasota Bayfront Island Park

Drive through Sarasota, and you can’t miss our beautiful Bayfront Island Park.  Right on Sarasota Bay, this lively park is surrounded with water.  The winding sidewalks run all along the perimeter of the park and invite you to walk, jog, roller blade, or walk your dog.  In fact, this park is a favorite with local dog owners who often congregate on weekends for some doggy socialization.

With huge grass play areas, picnic tables in the shade, trees made for climbing and plenty of benches and swings, Island Park appeals to all ages.  Children love splashing in the water fountains and birthday parties are frequent in playground area.  It’s located right across 41 from downtown, so this park is convenient.  There’s plenty of parking, so whether you walk, drive, bike or boat to the park, you’re sure to enjoy you time here.

And stop in at the tiki bar at O’Leary’s  for a drink or a meal.  It’s a great place where you can listen to music, enjoy the tropical breeze and watch the boats go by.  Your four legged friends are welcome, too.

Make sure you add Bayfront Island Park to your list of great things to do when you vacation in Sarasota.