Human beings are creatures of habit, who like to do the same things and go to the same places over and over. Even in Sarasota, where there are so many incredible experiences to be had, it’s easy for us locals to get stuck in a rut.
Hidden Treasure and Adventure
This month I wanted to look at some of our local treasures with fresh eyes, so I enlisted the help of some visitors who do a lot of research and preparation in order to make the most of their limited vacation time in Sarasota.
The video below is filmed from a Bayfront home in Harbor Acres, right on Sarasota Bay and looking out over downtown Sarasota. This home is one of many which shows just what sets Sarasota apart.
As I’ve written about before, Sarasota’s waters are nothing short of spectacular. But they also offer a fascinating and truly educational experience for the whole family, as our intrepid Sarasota vacationers pointed out. Here are a few of the highlights:
Sarasota Bay Explorers at Mote Marine Eco-Cruise
Sarasota Bay Exporers
Sarasota Bay Explorers launches a 2 hour eco-cruise from Mote Aquarium to get up close and personal with what lives in the salt water. On our family’s recent adventure, the marine biologist’s catch was bountiful and included a stingray and puffer fish that we could touch.
Myakka State Park Airboat Tour
If freshwater is your thing, you can ride the Gator Gal or Myakka Maiden two of the largest air-boats in the world to see some of the 200 species of birds that frequent the park, including the Roseate Spoonbill and migratory Loons. However, the highlight for most is seeing and learning about the local Alligator population.
Myakka River Boat Tour
Sarasota’s Natural Preserves and Reserves – The Jewel in the Crown
Finally, the State of Florida has agriculture extension offices in almost every county. On any given Saturday in our area a Naturalist will guide you on a walking tour of the public land to describe the local flora, and fauna, discuss the watershed, etc. With over 200,000 acres in Sarasota, if we were to compare the amount of protected land in the county to the size of our national parks, we would be the 23rd largest national parks. Our children are still talking about the nature walk as they learned so much.
This is just a small taste of some of the myriad experiences Sarasota offers visitors and residents. While our primary outdoor enjoyment comes on the sand of Siesta Key the Sarasota experience is far deeper, and the natural assets are an incredible and rare part of that. Just one more little-discussed reason people flock to own Sarasota investment property, and take full advantage of all there is to enjoy from our beaches, national parks, and waters.
