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By Amber Wilkinson, Evening News (Edinburgh), 8 December 2006
Standing waist deep in a mangrove swap with my shoe bobbing gently into the distance, it’s fair to say I’ve made a splash in Sarasota, Florida. While my experience is thankfully a unique introduction (“Only about one person a fortnight falls in", my guide Dick tells me before helping me unceremoniously clamber back into my kayak), Sarasota and the surrounding area hold plenty of surprises even if you don’t opt for an impromptu dip.
Sitting outside a room at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, soaking up the dawn rays a few hours earlier, with the sun glinting off the lake in front and birds singing in the trees, it was hard to believe I was sitting at the heart of a sprawling holiday complex. Two evenings later, just a few miles away on the tiny and beautiful Anna Maria Island, the moon twinkles on a similarly idyllic scene across the inland waterway that separates The Tortuga Inn Beach Resort from the mainland, only this time I have the unexpected pleasure of watching a raccoon splash about for his supper, while a fishing heron watches imperiously from the end of the dock.
It is this element of surprise that makes Sarasota and the Gulf Islands such a contrast to our normal perception of Florida. Forget queuing for rides, loud entertainment and meeting Mickey, and think kayaking with the kids, walking along unspoilt empty beaches and indulging in a spot of shopping therapy. The emphasis here is on more laid-back entertainment – but that certainly doesn’t mean things are dull. In fact, there’s so much on offer that many people return again and again to the area. Certainly, it would make a great destination for a hen break with a twist or a honeymoon. And for the girlie group I made my visit with, the emphasis was on indulgence, from tea at the Ritz – complete with enough cake to send your Scottish Slimmers plan into meltdown – to a makeover at Saks department store and pampering to make us purr at the Plumeria spa in Bradenton.
Even tea came with a twist. As we sat feeling posh and trying not to mess up our new-look makeup, a gaggle of unusually plumed birds whisked past – not one, but around 30 older ladies all sporting purple dresses and red hats. Taking their rather unique look from Jenny Joseph’s poem, which carries the lines:
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple,
With a red hat which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves,
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
They are part of the Red Hat Society, established for women in their prime who like to share their frivolity.
With our pampering, we certainly seem to be heading on the right lines and those wishing to get the outfit should have no problem either. The Prime Outlets mall at Ellenton is sure to have some in stock. Sprawling over several blocks, just about every named brand you can imagine is on offer at rock bottom prices. Unlike many parts of Florida, however, your shopping choice is not just limited to the big names. And a trip to St Armands Circle is a must. Just across the causeway from Sarasota on an island known as Longboat Key, it is packed with smaller shops.
In just an hour, I made my own bracelet out of semi-precious stones at Beadniks for less than £15 and was spoilt for choice by the many jewellery gift and clothes shops all with in a five-minute walk. There is not a piece of tacky tourist rubbish to be seen, just surprisingly affordable gifts at competitive prices – and a worryingly tempting amount of ice-cream shops.
There’s plenty to surprise on the menus of this area, too. Forget fast food, Sarasota is all about enjoying your meal – although there is no need to stand on ceremony. For a steak, Flemings is pretty hard to beat. And while vegetarians need not apply, Atkins diet lovers will be in their element. The steaks cut like butter and come with the option of being served alongside a ‘flight’ of wine. Selected by yourself or one of the knowledgeable waiters, your flight comprises three glasses on an elegant stand and provides a sociable talking point as well as perfect accompaniment to the steak.
The starters should be approached with caution – or at the very least a friend – since they are huge, although the calamari with peppers is to die for. You’ll be spoilt for choice for food anywhere in the Sarasota areas and – after a week – elasticated waistbands may become your favourite fashion accessory. Out on the islands there is plenty on offer, too, with The Sun House, Marvista, The Sandbar, and BeachHouse all offering excellent dining with an informal atmosphere.
The Sandbar, in particular, is not to be missed, if only so that you can stroll down the beach to walk off your meal and watch the glorious sunset. Whatever you choose to do during a trip to Sarasota – one thing that certainly won’t come as a surprise is the urge to go back.
Travel Facts
Amber’s trip was arranged courtesy of the Sarasota and Bradenton Tourist Boards in Florida. To arrange a similar trip log on to www.sarasotaandfloridasgulfislands.co.uk.
In Sarasota she stayed on Longboat Key Island at the Longboat Key Club, rooms start at £80 per night. In Florida’s Gulf Islands she stayed at The Tortuga Inn on Anna Maria Island, rooms start from £65 per night. She also stayed overnight at Gatwick courtesy of Airport Parking Hotels (APH), who offer a range of services from airport parking, packages with an overnight stay in a hotel and airport lounges. Prices at a hotel in London Gatwick start from £49.95 per night. Call 0870-733 0515 or visit www.aph.com. Flights from Edinburgh via Gatwick with British Airways start from £567.90, including fees and taxes.
Something for the Children
Sarasota and the Gulf Islands are great for adults – but there’s plenty to keep kids occupied too. If you’re holidaying with family check:
Kim Charters – Captain Kim is guaranteed to give your little ones a day out to remember. On our boat, net dipping produced a host of sea creatures – including baby sea horses – which insured a serious round of oohs and aahs from the adults and left us wishing we’d brought the kids along to share the experience. Kim also offers sunset sails.
S’Platters Pottery – Kids of any size will love the chance to make a personalised pot. Choose one of the many plain pots on offer and let your imagination run wild. You can pick them up in a couple of days, so it’s the chance to make a unique present for someone.
Parker Aquarium – At 58, Snooty is the oldest manatee in the world and still going strong. He came as a baby in 1949 and is still the star attraction.
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