Shell Road Sign

Small Beach Access Paradise Exists on Siesta Key’s North End

Shell Beach – One of Sarasota’s Hidden Treasures A slice may be generous, let’s say a sliver of beach access exists on Siesta Key’s north end and is known only to those who have achieved true local status...or those lucky enough to have stumbled on it from Trip Advisor. The sliver is named Shell Beach and arrived at via none other than Shell Road. If you’re entering the Key from…
Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach Vacation

Siesta Key Beach Vacation! Ready for your Siesta Key Vacation? We're sharing a few of our favorite ways to spend vacation time at the beach - the #1 beach as ranked by Trip Advisor users.   First things first. If you want to fuel up for the day head over and grab an iced coffee and breakfast at Another Broken Egg. They open at 7AM so go early, avoid the crowd.…
Siesta Key Crystal Classic

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is Just Around the Corner!

Have you heard of the annual Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival on Siesta Key? It’s an amazing weekend event which showcases the immense talents of a variety of sculpture artists, known internationally for their stunning work. We have Sarasota local and Master Sculpture, Brian Wigelsworth, to thank for inciting the Siesta Key event for the first time back in 2010. The competition now brings over 60,000 tourists to the…

Altez Vacations Explores Sarasota Breweries

There’s no question that Sarasota has a formidable presence when it comes to the craft brewing scene. In addition to its robust art, architecture and cultural offerings, the beer scene has exploded over the past decade and continues to dominate night life and the city social scene. What’s even more impressive about the Sarasota beer scene is the fact that you can walk in most markets and gas stations and…

Things to do on a Girls Trip to Sarasota, Florida

Things to do on a Girls Trip to Sarasota, Florida By: Susan Finch From: Must Do Visitor Guides Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Sarasota is the perfect place for a weekend of fun with the girls to bond and kick up your heels. Surrounded by breathtaking Keys, white sandy beaches, and plenty to do; the Sarasota area is the perfect playground for a bachelorette party, girls getaway, or friend reunion. https://youtu.be/fSg5ws93MWU…

The Best Summer Vacation Day – Bend, OR

Get out and explore Bend, Oregon for one of the best vacation days ever! 9:00 AM Wake-up and smell that fresh mountain air! That’s right, you slept until 9:00, because you’re on vacation, and sleeping-in, is a vacation thing to do. But, you don’t want to sleep in too much because sleeping the vacation away isn’t on the agenda for this trip. You wake-up fresh and excited to go because…

Exploring Robinson Nature Preserve

The Robinson Nature Preserve is one of Bradenton’s best kept secrets. It’s a beautiful space if you love the outdoors and want to step out of the local city scape for an afternoon of family fun. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are offered by reservation with Surferbus. Group camping is available by calling (941) 742-5923 in advance.   The expansive 600+ acre salt marsh is home to abundant wildlife including water…

Our Favorite Pasadena Breakfast Spots

Pasadena sits in the San Gabriel Valley and began as a resort town in the late 1800's. It's been known for hosting well-to-do easterners during the winter, and most notably, the annual New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade followed by the Rose Bowl Game. It's home to the Greene and Greene Gamble House and pays tribute to the craftsman era through the preservation of its landmark district, Bungalow Heaven. The…
The RIngling Museum

Tips for Visiting the Ringling Museum of Art

Tips for Visiting The Ringling Museum of Art The Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of Florida and has a wonderful collection of artworks in a purpose built gallery. This was the legacy left by John and Mable Ringling, who made their fortune in the early 20th century as part of the famous Ringling family circus. However, your admission gives you far more than this wonderful art…
Black and White artistic photo of a dancer

Altez Vacations Explores Sarasota Performing Arts Favorites

Sarasota offers a wide variety when it comes to performing arts opportunities across the city. There are a number of options ranging from dance and musical theatre, to live music, comedy and dramatic art performances. There's something for everyone due to the breadth, depth and immense talent in the area. We recommend a few of our favorite, well-known venues below and hope you will enjoy them during your Sarasota vacation experience.

Altez Lifestyle Explores Sarasota Outdoors

Sarasota Florida has a variety of options to choose from when it comes to the desire to live outdoors. Warm temperatures and sunny days provide a beautiful backdrop for nature walks, fishing, water activities, and bird watching. Here are a 3 of our favorite ways to enjoy Sarasota outside! 1. Myakka State Park is one of Sarasota’s most visited ‘natural’ attractions. Myakka river spans a 58 mile stretch and consists of…
Mote Marine Aquarium

8 Rainy Day Activities in Sarasota

8 Rainy Day Activities in Sarasota By Vanessa Caceres Don’t let rain get you down during your visit to Sarasota, Florida. There’s still plenty to do in and around the city. Just choose any of these eight destinations for a unique or fun experience. Visit the Ringling Museum of Art This property was once home to circus founder John Ringling and his wife Mable. You can make a full day…
The Aerie

Altez Vacations Explores Dillsboro, North Carolina

If you're in western Carolina and looking for an authentic, small town experience - we recommend a day in Dillsboro. This beautiful small town sits just west of Sylva, and is close to attractions such as the Smoky Mountain Parkway, Waynesville, and the well known 'bigger' city hub, Asheville. The village lies along the banks of the Tuckasegee River and is host to quaint shops lining the streets appearing untouched since their 1800's…
Hidden along the southern end of Siesta Key beach is one of the best water sporting areas on the entire west coast of Florida

Point of Rocks, A Hidden Jewel on Siesta Key

Hidden along the southern end of Siesta Key beach where white sand meets the sea wall is one of the best water sporting areas on the entire west coast of Florida.  It is called Point of Rocks and is aptly named because it is at this location that beautiful rock formations meet the shore line creating a fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and exploration heaven.   Point of Rocks is the only…

TODAY Show names Sarasota “Unexpected Memorial Day Place to Visit”

Do you have your Memorial Day plans ready? If you know anything about the best places to travel to for Memorial Day weekend, then you know that Sarasota/Siesta Key is the place to be, and the TODAY Show with Megan Kelly, would agree. Sarasota was recently highlighted by the TODAY Show as one of the 4 Unexpected Places to Visit During Memorial Day Weekend by Travel director for Travel +…

The ‘Almost’ Guest Blog

One of the things we love about our work is the ability to meet a variety of people. We are so grateful to cross paths with the lives of thousands who are either traveling or looking for rental assistance for their own home. We especially enjoy keeping in touch and hearing about their travels after the fact. We love to know their favorite (and not-so-favorite) spots, what they cherished most…

Blue Ghost Brewing

Going to a brewery in downtown Asheville on a weekend can be a little bit hectic sometimes. Thankfully, the local craft beer scene has been expanding into the outlying towns. In just a few weeks we’ll be able to sample craft beer made in Fletcher, about 15 minutes south of Asheville. Blue Ghost Brewing Company’s 1.5 barrel system is all in place, their TTB permits should be complete this week,…

Where to eat in Sarasota, Florida

I’ve lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area my entire life. While we have the #1 beach in the U.S.A., we also have some killer places to eat. My boyfriend, Andrew, and I love trying local restaurants. We cook a majority of the time, but we really like to go out for breakfast on a day off or try a new sushi place on date night. If I had a friend visit…

Diving In

Need an adrenaline rush? How about walking away from your career? Or planning and being married in 30 days? Or selling your home and moving across country with a dream and a dime? If you’re really nuts, try all three together. If you need a change. If you are ready to dive in. If you are stagnant, stuck, or relatively uninspired; and If you are not working to express your…