Quiet Luxury at Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

SARASOTA – The flagship luxury hotel here is the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, which is downtown on Sarasota Bay. The hotel, opened in 2001, has a golf club and beach club, the latter on nearby Longboat Key.

The restaurant Vernona is the hotel’s gourmet eatery; a deluxe deal is their poolside restaurant Bayview Burger Bar. Parking for diners is easy, and out front. Read more

Planetarium in Jacksonville’s MOSH

JACKSONVILLE – New to the Museum of Science and History is Florida’s largest digital planetarium. This new addition includes a 60-foot dome theater. The programming reaches beyond astronomy to include history and natural science, blockbuster films and documentaries. See www.themosh.org

Corkscrew Deli Near Philippi Creek

SARASOTA – A happy little eatery in the Philippi Landings Shopping Center is The Corkscrew Deli. Tasty deli fare. Mostly locals and snowbirds, it is at 4982 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 or 941-925-3955.

Sarasota’s Classic Bay Haven Elementary

SARASOTA- Florida’s school choice programs mean there are dozens of options for parents.

In this Gulf Coast city, Bay Haven was one of the two original elementary schools. Opened in 1926, it was designed by M. Leo Elliott in the Mediterranean Revival style. Its twin is Sarasota’s Southside Elementary, which is a public school of high esteem.

The school is now Bay Haven School of Basics Plus.

Pastries and Coffee in Downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA – The downtown of Sarasota is a lively place, where all ages of locals and visitors gather in restaurants, shops and sidewalks. One of the best times to go is in the morning, when the pastry shops open.

Two popular shops include:

1. Pastry Art, a small coffee and breakfast eatery that’s open all day. 1512 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236-5803, (941) 955-7545
2. C’est La Vie, a true French bakery and coffee shop. Outdoor seating or indoors and smell the baguettes. 1553 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236, (941) 906-9575

Any ideas of other good breakfast or pastry stops in Sarasota? Please leave a comment below and we will post it….

Universoul Circus in Miami February 1 to 6

MIAMI – UniverSoul Circus returns to South Florida with new amazing acts, at the Sun Life Stadium parking area on February 1-6, 2011. One of the world’s top rated and interactive circuses in America, it was nationally ranked in 2010 as one of Ticketmaster’s 10 most requested family events. Read more

Museum of Science and Industry Adventure

TAMPA – Coming to the Museum of Science and Industry in February 2011 is the premiere of their new spring exhibit, Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World, sponsored by Terminix. This exhibit offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with insects from all over the world.

See http://www.harrysbigadventure.com/

Key Largo Scuba Shack Grows Burpee Vessel

KEY LARGO – Scuba Divers can now explore more of the dive capital of the world with the Key Largo Scuba Shack. The Scuba Shack now offers dive vessel service in their Burpee dive vessel that accommodates six to ten divers. The vessel also allows them to customize a planned charter for morning, afternoon or night dive excursions. Call (305) 735-4313 or visit www.keylargoscubashack.com.

St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum

ST. AUGUSTINE – The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum opened last fall, and is located just a short walk from the Castillo de San Marcos, marking the historic battle grounds for Spanish soldiers’ centuries ago. This interactive, educational attraction features archeological finds, replica pirate ships, and pirate artifacts. www.thepiratemuseum.com

Four Seasons Palm Beach Feature Gluckstein Guestrooms

PALM BEACH – The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach unveils new guestrooms in January 2011 that feature a spa-inspired sensibility, combining the sophistication and natural beauty of the nearby waterfront in the resort’s 210 rooms. Behind the transformation is designer Brian Glukstein, a rather snazzy Canadian interior designer. See www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/

Next Page »