Sarasota - what to see? (Siesta Key: neighborhoods, YMCA, school)

[adventuregurl]

I arrive in Sarasota tomorrow (Sun.) afternoon and have the evening and Mon. and Tues. to check out the vibe to see if I'd be interested in moving there.

What do you recommend I see? I know it's not much time but it will give me an idea of whether I want to come back or not.

I'm a single early 50's female.

Thanks so much!

PS know any gluten free restaurants?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by adventuregurl

I arrive in Sarasota tomorrow (Sun.) afternoon and have the evening and Mon. and Tues. to check out the vibe to see if I'd be interested in moving there.

What do you recommend I see? I know it's not much time but it will give me an idea of whether I want to come back or not.

I'm a single early 50's female.

Thanks so much!

PS know any gluten free restaurants?

You probably want to check out downtown, and then over the bridge to St. Armand's Circle/Lido Beach. Also, you might like to go to Siesta Key, check out Siesta Village and the beach. It's really hard to say where all you should go in such a short amount of time. Sarasota has a lot of "healthy" restaurants, I am sure there are many options that offer gluten-free.

Have a great time!

[NYtoOsprey]

if you want to live here don't just check out touristy things, visit places you'll use as a resident. Gym/YMCA? Library? THere are lots of gluten-free places here but Sarasota is huge. Are you interested in north or south sarasota? I had to evaluate the place for a possible move in only 2 days also so that's what I did. I walked around the mall. I went to the supermarket. I drove around neighborhoods, visited the school, YMCA and a few libraries. We visited the beach because we came from a beachy area. I probably lived here 6 months before visiting Siesta Village.

Gluten Free Restaurants: Sarasota

[blueherons]

Veg in Gulf Gate has gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan.

Two days is kind of a short time to make such a big decision.

Don't miss, Lido Key, St. Armands Circle, downtown (Burns Court, Towles Court), Siesta Key (public beach and the Village).

[adventuregurl]

Thanks for your help everyone, if I decide to move to Sarasota I will come back. This trip is really to see if I want to come back to check it out further.

[ARichardson]

Adventuregurl,

One of the best things about Sarasota are the things that draw tourists to the area. Should you decide to move here, you will find the "local" side of Sarasota, but you need to see the places that drew many people on this forum to the Sarasota area.

1) Get to the Siesta Key Beaches-- you can't have a trip to Sarasota and not set foot on the sands in Siesta Key
2) Siesta Key Village -- the nightlife section of Siesta Key full of bars and restaurants
3) St. Armands Circle -- over 140 shops including restaurants, boutiques, jewelry shops, shoe stores, clothing, artwork, and more
4) Downtown -- walk down Main Street and see the small businesses and absorb the feel of "Downtown" Sarasota that offers you a small town feeling unlike the big city downtown sections
5) The waterfront at Marina Jack -- walk to Bayfront Park and take in the views of the Bay and the Ringling Bridge and grab a bite at Marina Jack
6) Walk across the Ringling Bridge that connects downtown and Lido Key -- awesome views
7) Mote Marine Aquarium -- they currently have a Sea Lion Exhibit that is AMAZING. There are also manatees, dolphins, sharks, and more!
8) Drive around the area and see the different communities and the lifestyle differences in the various sections

Have fun!