Sometimes you just need a few days in the middle of crazy just to get away, and we did just that. We took ourselves to the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/florida/sarasota
We decided to venture off the beat and path after landing to have lunch at a quaint little place called Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. http://www.creekseafood.com We feasted on a fish wrap and huge potato wedges.
Funnel Neck Shep Shirt https://www.vineyardvines.com
When we finally arrived at the Ritz and got ourselves checked in, our first stop was the bar where our server ‘Harry’ whipped up a Ritz signature drink for me “The Siren” and “The Cut and Run” for Mike. Those drinks sure pack a punch. We sank into some comfy lounge chairs on the terrace and became captivated by the beautiful sound of the Sarasota bay and breezes.
Dinner took us out to the local Social Club http://socialonfirst.com/ where we enjoyed cocktails and the chef’s special, “Pizza” it delivered a crust and taste of wood fire. Yumo!
Friday delivered several storms and a few moments of sunshine but that didn’t stop us from touring the local surroundings and finish up some last minute Christmas shopping at the UTC mall https://www.mallatutc.com/stores/directory Dinner lead us to a chain call the Hyde Park Steakhouse. I had never been, but I’m definitely looking forward to going back. The atmosphere was very Frank Sinatra ‘ish. http://www.hydeparkrestaurants.com/maps/hp-sarasota/index.htm We started with a chopped salad and dined on filet and chicken parmigiana.
Since the storms took us inside I took a few pictures of the Ritz Christmas displays. Check out this edible Gingerbread display. Santa, the deer and accessories were made of fondant and the sand was brown sugar. The smell was amazing. The lobby itself was a spectacular display of twinkling lights, chandeliers and several Christmas trees.
Saturday was hopeful. Our shuttle took us over to the Ritz beach club located on Lido beach. What feeds my soul and sends me into complete relaxation is feeling the sand between my toes and standing at the waters edge, and when the sun is out a comfy lounge chair. So we explored the beach and club area before the sun decided to depart again. I’m thinking surfing will be my next adventure. Great form, right?
Sun is over rated, so we hopped back on the shuttle and made our way over to St. Armands circle. https://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/ This place is amazing, so many local boutiques and restaurants. I certainly didn’t walk away disappointed. I might have bought another suitcase!
Now for dinner, smack dab in the middle of downtown Sarasota you will find this charming little fishing shack that serves up the best fish and bluegrass. Meet Tate, not sure what the story is on him but I thought he was actually a live person waiting to greet us.
I think the pictures tell the story of how scrumptious this place is https://owensfishcamp.com
We ended our trip saying not goodbye, but see you next time to dear friends who have made their final move to sunny Florida. Can’t wait until our next adventure!
