Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

Peacock at the Jungle Prada Site.

As it frequently happens, I was wondering where to go during the weekend. A place that wasn’t too far from Lakewood Ranch/Sarasota, too expensive, and that wouldn’t consume all day. Groupon and its ‘Things to Do’ came to the rescue, and I ventured to go to a place I have never heard before, the Prada Jungle Site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

If you’re familiar with the city of St. Petersburg, you may have heard about the Jungle Prada de Narváez Park. The Prada Jungle Site is nearby the park, but unlike the park, the site is not public and can only be accessed through a private guided tour. The site also has a small museum and shop, a well-preserved American Indian mound, and the guide’s knowledge that only years of research can provide.

Booking the tour was as easy as buying the Groupon and then making a call to the phone number on the voucher to reserve a spot. But, on the Jungle Prada Site Tour website, there’s a SignUp link where you can also book your space online. 

Greenhouse/museum interior. Jungle Prada Tour starts here.

On the day of the tour, we arrived a bit early. Nonetheless, we were granted access to the site about half an hour before our scheduled visit. The extra time allowed us for a sneak peek of the grounds and a few photos on its picturesque locations.

After thirty minutes, we gathered on the site’s greenhouse for a short video, and an introduction by our guide, David. Here David talked about what to expect during the tour, and about those that had called this 3-acre waterfront their home before his family did. 

Some of its known ex-residents include the Tocobaga Indians and members of an expedition led by Spanish conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528. The archaeological evidence on the site consists of what has been called the “best-preserved American Indian mound in the Tampa Bay area” left by the Tocobaga Indians. 

Walking the Prada Jungle site gardens.

This Indian mound appears to be ceremonial, and not necessarily a burial mound. In actuality, it is known as the Anderson-Narváez Mound. Anderson because of the family that has owned and preserved the property for more than fifty years. Narváez because of the suspected landing of Pánfilo de Narváez in the area.

From the greenhouse, we parted to tour the grounds. Peacocks (and peahens), live oaks, cedars, cacti, and stones from all the United States are some of the fauna, flora, and features you’ll see on the Jungle Prada Site. 

The view to Boca Ciega Bay, an aquatic preserve is guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. All of this, while David talks to you about not only the history of the site but the plants (his specialty), helps you spot the peacocks and answers questions you might have. 

Boca Ciega (Blind Mouth) Bay View from Jungle Prada grounds.

One of the final stops of the tour is the Anderson-Narváez Mound. Here you understand why this Tocobaga Indian Mound has the reputation of being well preserved, and you’ll be surprised by the number of artifacts on display. It is important to note that this is the only part of the tour that’s not wheelchair accessible, but you still can appreciate it from a short distance if needed. 

Anderson-Narváez Mound,  one of the best-preserved Tocobaga Indian Mounds in the Tampa Bay Area.

To conclude the tour, David takes you back to the greenhouse/museum to finish a story he started in the introduction (I won’t spoil it for you). It’s the grand finale of a tour that I booked mostly for the peacocks, but where I stayed for the history.

For tour times, prices, and special events, visit the Jungle Prada Site Tour website.

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Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

Location in Florida (USA) of Loaded Cannon Distillery

I’ve been glancing at the building that houses Loaded Cannon Distillery for the past months. Is on the way of two places I often visit, the gym and the neighborhood brewery. Because of this, you can imagine my happiness when I found out the distillery was finally open to the public, and ready to offer tasting tours. Not a week went by, and a Saturday afternoon in July I went to see and taste what had been distilling while I’ve been driving past it.

Getting to and Parking 

Lucky for me, I get out of ‘my suburb’ and drive straight. The official address says Bradenton, but it is on Lakewood Ranch grounds. When around the area, use this list of 20 Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch, Florida as your unofficial guide.

If you’re not from around, here is the direct Google Maps link to Loaded Cannon Distillery. You can also use a ridesharing service if you’re planning to drink more than the samples.

Regarding parking, the distillery is located in a Business/Industrial park, and plenty of parking is available.

Booking a Tour

Treasure chests at the entrance of Loaded Cannon Distillery

Reservations are encouraged by the distillery, and I recommend them too. The day of our visit, most tours were almost full, which meant some people had to wait between half an hour and an hour for the next tour if they didn’t have reservations.

You can call in advance, and book a timeslot, so you don’t have to wait until a next tour (if there’s space). Please visit the official website for more information regarding tour times & prices.

Loaded Cannon Distillery Tour & Tasting

Tasting Room area. You don’t need to go on a tour to purchase one of the Loaded Cannon spirits or get some sweet merch.

We were lucky to have Steve, owner/founder/distillation engineer/ as our tour guide. There’s no better person to tell you the stories of Loaded Cannon and its spirits than him. I won’t spoil the stories for you, but they all involve pirates and the high seas.

Steve also goes into detail about what it takes to make the different spirits at the facility. There’s gin, vodka, rum (white, spiced, and toasted coconut), whiskey, and bourbon. Some are ready to go with you, some are still in production, but you won’t leave disappointed.

To finish the tour, Michelle, who oversees many things, from special events, marketing, brand management to the tasting room shared with us a few samples from the array of spirits the distillery has produced. My personal favorites: the gin (Margoza’s Gin) and the toasted coconut rum (PYRACY toasted coconut).

As a gin person, I can say it’s an all-around great American Gin. The citrus and hibiscus flavors and aromas pair wonderful and give this gin a clean yet bold taste.

The toasted coconut rum it’s also something special. You have to smell and taste it to believe it. If you ever had toasted coconut rum, it probably had an extract added to the base. Here at Loaded Cannon, they use real coconuts.

As a former Analytical Chemist and Quality Manager in the food industry, I commend them for their efforts. Having to distill, test, and validate this rum is no easy feat because of the presence of oils and sugar.

However, at Loaded Cannon, they’re not going for easy. They’re going for unique, and I can tell you they’re on the right path.

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Golden Age Trips 2018 Roundup

We started 2018 by focusing on local content. From ‘The Most Romantic Things to do in Sarasota‘, to ‘What to Pack to Siesta Key‘ and its handy PDF checklist. Then, at the end of January, we traveled to New York (for the first time!) to participate in the New York Times Travel Show. Traveling to NYC and the NYT Travel Show was an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to go back. I didn’t have high hopes for NYC, but thankfully I was wrong. I truly enjoyed it, which helped give birth to this post about the ‘10 Things That Really Surprised Me About New York‘.

After returning from NYC, our articles focused on senior travelers. We shared one of my favorite posts of the year, titled Traveling With Senior Parents: 3 Amazing Stories. There were also tips about protecting your data online on Traveling Seniors: Don’t Forget to Protect Your Data Online, which these days not only seniors need to worry about.

March arrived, and with it our annual international trip. At this point its already a tradition. We also like to travel when the majority of people doesn’t (even if the weather is not the best), to avoid crowds. In 2018 we went to Ireland, and aside from its roads, it was a spectacular trip. I checked two things off my bucket list (Cliffs of Moher and Guinness Brewery), and my husband was able to go to the Jameson Distillery to let them know in person that Jack Daniel’s Whiskey tastes better.

For Memorial Weekend I had the opportunity, thanks to Visit Clarksville TN, to touch ground in Tennessee and explore the city of Clarksville. It was a busy weekend, with exciting and fun things to do. The city also has great food and is investing in its culture and arts, not only for visitors but for its people. For a quick look, check out the 6 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Clarksville, TN.

The rest of the year the blog was focused on local content (including the most popular post of the year – 20 Things to Do in Lakewood Ranch), roundup and holiday posts (such as the monster post about Black Friday deals for Travelers), and even a hotel review.

We did travel during the second part of the year. Places included the Tri-state area of D.C./Maryland/Virginia, including Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park. We made our annual pilgrimage to Atlanta, and also visited Puerto Rico (where we are from) for our best friend’s wedding and to spend time with our family.

Finally, Golden Age Trips was also featured on various websites and blogs, where we shared travel tips and knowledge. It felt like a busy year, but I’m ready to devote more time to the blog and share more travel tips and stories with all of you.

Where is 2019 taking Golden Age Trips?

The following is a non-comprehensive list of what we have planned for next year, but the calendar is starting to look like this.

January – Tri-state area of D.C./Maryland/Virginia.

March – Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges) & Germany (Cologne)

April – Orlando (Star Wars Half Marathon – Rival Run Weekend) – We’re only doing the 10K though. 

We can’t wait to explore new places and share our travels with you! Happy New Year!     

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Lake View from behind Fishhole Miniature Gold in LWR.

Before you keep reading, GoldenAgeTrips.com uses affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/ products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

Share an Ice Cream with Your Pup

In Main Street Lakewood Ranch, near Starbucks Coffe, you will find Big Olaf Creamery. This ice cream shop has premium homemade ice cream and even a selection of dog-friendly frozen yogurt. Not only is the ice cream good, but the place also has a friendly atmosphere I always enjoy. It is the perfect stop after a stroll through Main Street.

Play a Round (or Two) of Miniature Golf

The Fishhole Miniature Golf in Lakewood Ranch will keep everyone in the family entertained. It has a pond with koi fish that’ll grab you and your kids’ attention, misters through the 18 hole course to keep you fresh on Florida’s hot weather, and a location that’ll make it easy to grab a bite after finishing playing.

Get your Hands Dirty with BBQ Sauce

There are only a few things better in life than sweet, spicy, and savory BBQ. Nancy’s Bar-B-Q’s Lil-Nancy pulled pork in Main Street LWR is precisely that and worth a try. Other offerings include chicken, salmon, and beef. They even hand trim the beef brisket to extra lean for a small additional fee if you were already discarding this option because of health or diet concerns.

Have Brunch

My favorite place to have brunch in Lakewood Ranch is Station 400. The Bacon & Salted Caramel Pancakes with Orange Butter and Vanilla Bean Maple Syrup is a delight to the palate. If you’re more into savory food, the Fried Green Tomato BLT is also delicious.

Drinking a Hefeweizen at Naughty Monk Brewery.

Go Beer and Rum Tasting

The Tampa/St. Pete area is well known for its breweries, and Lakewood Ranch does not want to stay behind. Naughty Monk Brewery has a vast selection of craft beers (mainly Belgian-inspired), board games, and billiards, making it perfect for an outing with friends or a partner.

There is also Craft Growlers To Go & Tasting Room where you can sample beer and cider. After deciding which one is your favorite, fill a growler to enjoy later. You can bring your growler (get one here!) or purchase it at the store.

The latest addition to the neighborhood is Loaded Cannon Distillery, where you can go for a tour and taste various spirits. From gin to rum, to vodka, to hopefully whiskey soon, there’s something for everyone. P.S. The toasted coconut rum is made with real coconut (not extract), and the flavor is unlike any other toasted coconut rum I have ever tried. 

Appreciate and Create Art

Plan a visit to Let’s Create Art, also in Main Street LWR. Let’s Create Art offers an array of creative and specialty classes for kids and adults. They also offer open studio hours, space rental for activities, and the opportunity to order and pick up a paint kit to create art wherever you feel more creative.

See a Movie

If you’re looking for an IMAX Experience, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas is not for you. However, if you’re looking for a quiet cinema (for the most part) with reasonable prices, the Sarasota Film Society, a non-profit member-supported organization, is doing a great job with the previously mentioned movie theater.

Listen to Live Music

Music on Main happens the first Friday of every month in Main Street Lakewood Ranch when the street is transformed into a pedestrian-only zone. Aside from the live music, there are food vendors, and some of the restaurants on the street have dinner and drink specials.

Enjoying Port Wine at Fine Wine & Tastings on Main.

Drink Wine &  Eat Cheese

We might not have too many wineries around, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy excellent wine. Fine Wine & Tastings on Main has a relaxed vibe, but with extremely knowledgeable staff and more than 450 wines from around the world. Every month they choose 25 wines that you can enjoy by the glass on their own, or you can choose to accompany them with cheese and charcuterie.

Pick and Eat Meat from a Crab

Pinchers in Lakewood Ranch is where you can sit down and feel like you are in an old seafood shack along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The Hot Crab & Cheese Dip is the favorite of many (and not without reason). But no one will judge if you order the pound of Alaskan Snow Crab or King Crab.

Visit LWR Farmer’s Market (The Market)

The Market at Lakewood Ranch is a community-supported agriculture project where you can find fresh produce, seafood, beef, poultry, cheese, and other goods. It runs from November to April, and at the time of updating this list, it is happening every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Adopt a Pet 

This might be the most serious thing to do on this list since it’s a longtime commitment. However, if you have decided to add a new member to the family, consider adopting from The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. A no-kill, non-profit shelter with adoptable pets ready for a home.

Celebrate Christmas

In Lakewood Ranch, Christmas is taken seriously. From the house decorations to multiple activities on Main Street, you’ll find out ‘Christmasy’ things to see and do in LWR. Make a note to check out Christmas on Main.

Miles of trails and multiple amenities at the Bob Gardner Community Park.

Complete a 5K (or 10K, or Half-Marathon, it’s your choice)

If there is something that Lakewood Ranch doesn’t lack is running trails. Here you can find a map with some of the ‘official’ Lakewood Ranch trails, but you can plan a run or a walk anywhere there is a public sidewalk.

Play a Sport

In Lakewood Ranch, there is always a sport being played. From golf to soccer to tennis, rugby, and polo. Some of the areas are only accessible for members of the different country clubs, including the Ritz Carlton Members Club. But, Lakewood Ranch also has many parks for residents and visitors alike. Click here to find them, and see which one is perfect for you!

Pretend You’re in Ireland

One of the newest additions to the LWR restaurant scene is the Irish Restaurant McGrath’s Irish Ale House. At the moment, I have only tried it for lunch, but the items I tasted were delicious. The French Onion Shire Dip and especially the Pub BLT were winners for me.

Go Horseback Riding

Epic Equine Experiences provides adventurous trail experiences (with lunch or dinner) in the Manatee and Sarasota counties, including Lakewood Ranch. The riding season is from October to June, and reservations are required.

Buy New Clothes

Lakewood Ranch Wish on Main is a fashion and lifestyle boutique with attentive staff ready to help you upgrade your wardrobe. Here you’ll find unique pieces that you can accessorize with shoes, jewelry, and bags, also available in the store.

Eat Sushi

Hana Sushi Lounge is the perfect spot for sushi and cocktails. The sushi is fresh, the cocktails are creative, and the service is excellent. They have many tasty sushi rolls, but my top three are the Tampa Roll, the Red Diamond Roll, and the Crunchy Munchy Roll.

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View of the Sarasota Bay from the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Before you keep reading, GoldenAgeTrips.com uses affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first.

How to get to Sarasota, FL?

Driving – The major Interstate Highway that’ll take you to Sarasota is Interstate 75 (I-75). This is a North-South route that runs across Southern Florida to Michigan. As long as there are no traffic incidents, this is your best option.

Another route is via U.S. Route 301, a ‘branch’ of U.S. Route 1. If you decide to take this road instead of I-75, be careful of speed traps and animal crossings (mainly at night).

As always, we recommend downloading an offline version of the map of where you are traveling. Having an offline ‘copy’ of the map will come in handy when you don’t have cellular coverage or data for any reason. Google explains here how to do it.

By Train – The closest Amtrak Station is Tampa’s Union Station. From there, you can take Amtrak’s Thruway Connecting Service (a Motorcoach) via Fort Myers and stop in Sarasota’s Bus Stop.

By Bus – Sarasota is serviced by Greyhound, and here is a link with the address of its bus station location.

By Plane – Sarasota has an airport (SRQ), but it tends to be pricy to arrive/depart to and from this airport. Only a few routes from Canada and New York are within what I consider competitive prices for flights. This might start changing soon, with Southwest Airlines adding routes, but for now,  I’ll suggest you arrive at Tampa Internation Airport (TPA – my favorite airport in the world!), which is about one hour away from Downtown Sarasota.

By Ship – If you are thinking about making Sarasota a pre or post-cruise destination, the Port of Tampa Bay is where you want your cruise to arrive/depart.

How to get to Siesta Key?

The same way as described before, but add about a 15-minute drive (without traffic) from Downtown Sarasota.

Is there red tide in Sarasota, FL?

You might have heard about red tide, but what is red tide? Red tide is a discoloration of seawater caused by a bloom of toxic red dinoflagellates. This doesn’t happen often, but it is not only bad for visitors, but locals, business owners, and of course for marine life. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has a beach condition reporting system that is extremely useful. You should check it if you’re planning to go to any of the beaches in the Gulf. Click Here to Access It. 

Should I book a car for Sarasota, FL?

I’m going to say yes. Renting a car in Florida doesn’t tend to be overly expensive, and public transportation is not Florida’s strong forte. I must say, though, if your trip revolves around Siesta Key or another ‘beachy’ area, driving around can interfere with what you thought was going to be a relaxing vacation.

In this case, I will still suggest you rent a car but that your overnight stay is close to where you want to spend most of your time. If you’re going to the beach, take advantage of the Siesta Key Beach Breeze trolley, which is free. This trolley is managed by the local bus service (Sarasota County Area Transit), and you can click here for more information.

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How many days to spend in Sarasota, FL?

After you finish reading this article, you’ll realize there are lots to do. The minimum recommended stay for you to experience at least a bit of everything would be a 3 day/2 night stay. However, a 5 day/4 night is about perfect.

If you’re planning a couples getaway or a romantic staycation in Sarasota, don’t miss The Most Romantic Things to Do in Sarasota.

View of the Sarasota Sunset from the Van Wezel Performing Arts 

Where to stay in Sarasota, FL?

Downtown Sarasota

• Hotel Indigo Sarasota (Great Value + Good Location)
• Aloft Sarasota (Modern + Good Location)
• The Westin Sarasota (Amazing Views)
• Hotel Ranola (Boutique Hotel + Adults Only)
• The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota (Outstanding Service + Access to The Beach Club with Private Beach) – Read more about why The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is one of the Best Luxury Hotels for Boomers

University Parkway/Lakewood Ranch

• Hyatt Place Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
• Hampton Inn Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
• EVEN Hotel Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch
• Courtyard by Marriot University Park/Lakewood Ranch

Near Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

• Courtyard Sarasota Bradenton Airport
• Residence Inn Sarasota Bradenton

Another option is to stay on an Airbnb. Click here to receive up to $50 off your first trip after signing up.

Where to stay in Siesta Key?

I covered Siesta Key more in-depth, including where to stay and other beaches in the area in the following article: How to Experience Siesta Key Like a Local.

What are the Must-Sees in Sarasota, FL?

• Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
• Sarasota Farmers Market (Saturdays Only)
• The Ringling
• St. Armands Circle
• Myakka River State Park
• Legacy Trail in Sarasota County

Visiting during Summer? Don’t forget to check The Ultimate Sarasota Bucket List. 

For more information about things to do and events, make sure to check VisitSarasota.com.

What to pack for Sarasota, FL?

In Sarasota, the weather fluctuates from ‘balmy’ during Early Spring and Late Fall to warm and hot during the summer. During ‘winter,’ there are rare occasions where it’s cold, but it is never the norm.

Because of this, never forget sunblock, mosquito repellent, sunglasses, and ‘hot weather appropriate clothes.’ Also, if you’re going out for dinner, don’t think people will be in flip-flops, tank tops, and shorts. Locals and visitors alike tend to put a bit of effort into how they look when going out, so don’t forget that when packing clothes.

If you’re going more for a beach vacation, I would recommend you to take a look at What to Pack for Siesta Key (With a Downloadable Checklist)

Wondering what makeup to bring for a Florida vacation? Click here.

Farmers American Breakfast – Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Where to eat in Sarasota, FL?

Breakfast

• Station 400
• First Watch
• Der Dutchman
• Blue Dolphin Cafe
• Another Broken Egg
• Jack Dusty’s
• Sun Garden Cafe

Lunch

• Boca Sarasota
• Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood
• Brick’s Smoked Meats
• Yoder’s Restaurant
• The Rosemary
• La Mucca Ballerina
• Cafe in the Park

Dinner

• Indigenous
• State Street Eating House + Cocktails
• Boca Sarasota
• Columbia Restaurant
• Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood
• Clayton’s Siesta Grille
• Antoine’s
• La Violetta

Brunch

• State Street Eating House + Cocktails
• Boca Sarasota
• Cask & Ale
• M.A.DE. Restaurant
• Sarasota Farmers Market

Desserts

• Click here for ‘Wonderful Sarasota Desserts You Need to Try.’

Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries in Sarasota, FL?

Sarasota Wineries

There are no wineries or vineyards (excellent wine shops, though!) in Sarasota. The closest wineries are Fiorelli Winery in Bradenton (40 min. from the city center) and Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery in Parrish (50 min. from the city center).

Sarasota Breweries

Sarasota’s top three breweries are Big Top Brewing Company, Calusa Brewing, and JDub’s Brewing Company. Motorworks Brewing, Darwin Brewing Co., and Naughty Monk Brewery are not in Sarasota but still close enough for you to visit them if you like (25 min. from the city center).

Sarasota Distilleries

The only distillery in Sarasota is Drum Circle Distillery, the makers of Siesta Key Rum. Now in Lakewood Ranch, there’s also Loaded Cannon Distillery.

Is there something else you would like to know regarding vacationing in Sarasota? Leave a comment below.

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Watch the Sunset in Siesta Key

Sunset at Crescent Beach

Let’s get the obvious suggestion out of the way. Watching a sunset with the person you love is sweet. Watching a sunset with the person you love in Siesta Key, well, that’s magical. Make ‘Siesta’ a stop before or after dinner, and make sure to check the sunset times here.  Thinking about staying in Siesta Key for more than an evening? Check out How to Experience Siesta Key Like a Local.

Tip: For fewer crowds, go to Crescent Beach instead of Siesta Beach. 

Book a Paint Night

Photo by Kelli Tungay on Unsplash

Take a bottle of wine with you, arrive a little early, and get ready to paint. Have a friendly competition over who is painting better, and have some fun. My husband and I had a great experience at Painting with a Twist in the Lakewood Ranch area. Unfortunately, this location closed, but there is also one in Sarasota. Check them out here.

Tip: To get a more ‘private’ lesson, call in advance to know how many people have booked the session you are interested in or go from Monday through Wednesday.

Enjoy the outdoors on Myakka River State Park.

Myakka River State Park 

If you and your significant other enjoy hiking, kayaking, gators and/or bird spotting, this is the place for you. No season is the same at Myakka River State Park, and during Spring and Fall, it is charming. Read more about Myakka River State Park Here.

Go to Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch

Photo by Errico Boccia on Unsplash

Music on Main is a free concert series and block party in Lakewood Ranch. It happens on the first Friday of each month, and the great thing about it is that you can combine it with dinner, shopping, and movies. Click here for more information.

If you are already in the area, don’t miss 20 Things to do in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. There are some romantic ideas here too!

Tip: Be there early. Finding parking can be a hassle sometimes. 

Visit the Cà d’Zan (House of John)

View from the tower in the Cà d’Zan

This 30-room mansion was inspired by the Venetian Gothic palaces and was once the winter retreat and office for John Ringling. If the last name sounds familiar, it is because of Ringling’s influence in Sarasota and the Circus World. John Ringling is also known as the Circus King, once President of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

The mansion, now turned museum, reflects the extravagant taste of John and his wife, Mable. Every room has a different theme and lavish items from all around the world. After the mansion’s tour, stroll through the gardens and enjoy the views of the Gulf.

Tip: Ca’ d’Zan docent-led tours at the Ringling Museum are scheduled throughout the day (timed entry), and its price varies depending on how many floors it includes. Click here for more information about Ringling Museum Admissions and Tours.

There’s also an excellent restaurant on-site, Muse.

Forgot to share a delicious dinner I had a few weeks ago at Muse @TheRingling. It is missing the wine pairing and the lemon bar, which were also great. The menu was from @VisitSarasota Savor Sarasota, but you can still find these items on the menu. pic.twitter.com/OY3L1ip8St

— Sheila Berrios (@goldenagetrips) June 26, 2019

Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Did you knew you can wake up and have breakfast to this view at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota? Jack Dusty is the on-site restaurant and one of the best places for breakfast in the Sarasota area. Can’t wait to go back.

A post shared by Golden Age Trips (@goldenagetrips) on Jun 24, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

If the last picture still didn’t convince you, check out the list of Best Luxury Hotels for Boomers 2018, where I talk more about why The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is one of the ultimate weekend experiences in the area.

Are you looking for other romantic places to stay in Florida? Don’t miss a list of the Most Romantic Hotels in Florida.

Enjoy a Picnic

Photo by Agence Producteurs Locaux Damien Kühn on Unsplash

If you want to impress your significant other, order a cheese and charcuterie box from Artisan Cheese Company in Downtown Sarasota. Choose a lovely spot to eat & drink, and enjoy!

See and buy some flowers at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

View of the Sarasota Bay from the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Take some time to visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Its collection of bromeliads and orchids is one of the biggest in the world, and the views you have of the Sarasota Bay from the garden cannot be beaten. There is always something going on, from art displays to exciting lectures, so keep up to date by clicking here.

What are the most romantic things you like to do in Sarasota? Leave us a comment!

Don’t Forget to Share & Pin!

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Who am I?

My name is Sheila Berrios-Nazario, and I’m based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. However, I’m originally from Puerto Rico, where I lived for 23 years. During my travels, I’m always looking to explore the culture (especially the food & wine), history, and picturesque areas of a destination.

As a Florida resident, I get all the thrills and adrenaline I need during theme park visits, but outside of them, I prefer traveling ‘superager’ style. ‘Superagers’ look further than a typical cruise and are on the hunt for travel experiences that immerse them in the culture and activities of their destination, but without forgetting to enjoy some leisure time with a hint of luxury.

What can I do for you or your brand?

I can deliver content that your audience will engage with, and content they’ll talk about.

Sponsored Hotel Stay Example: Villa Cofresi Hotel – Feeling Like a Tourist at Home

Additionally to Sponsored Posts, I offer the following services:

Custom Content Creation

Brand Ambassadorship

Social Media Campaigns

Sweepstakes, Contests, Sampling

For an updated Media Kit, please Click Here to Download. Media Kit includes Social Media Numbers, Website Audience, and Image Portfolio. (Updated on September 28, 2020)

Are you convinced or need a little more convincing?

Contact me: sheila@goldenagetrips.com

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