The holidays have always been about what we can do for others in all sorts of ways, but with that altruism often comes chaos, exhaustion, and maybe even an emotional breakdown or two. Fortunately, all “good” things do come to an end, and when the new year finally makes its pristine appearance, it is time to do things for you for a change, and if sandy beaches, warm temperatures, and sunny days sounds good to you, a journey to Sarasota should be in your future. This guide to serenity, warmth, and comfortable adventures in our RentTheKeys vacation sanctuaries will be the perfect way to kick off your new year.
Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival, January 26 through January 28, J.D Hamel Park
Although you are very much invited to join us as soon as the ball drops over Times Square and before the last sip of champagne has been sipped, real life may make you wait until the end of the month to start your 2024 in Sarasota, and that is ok. The Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival has been coming to town for 9 years now, and it is something we look forward to for the remainder of the new year! It offers sweet seafood, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, live music, arts, crafts, and did we mention sweet seafood? There will also be vegetarian, meat, side dishes, and even sweeter desserts, but we promise you this: If you do nothing else this year, sampling the savory taste of seafood that has until only recently been swimming around in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you will be able to consider 2024 the most successful year of all!
What to Do on a Cold Day in Sarasota
For our snowbirds flying in from cold weather states and countries, you may be worried about how cold it will get and what can be done on a cold Sarasota day, and we are here to tell you, it rarely gets cold in our coastal town! If the temperatures do drop, as they may upon occasion, guests can take their adventures inside with visits to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, located at 5500 N Tamiami Trail and offering 60,000 square feet of a rotating collection of the coolest classic cars you have ever seen. And know that when the sun comes out from behind whatever clouds it is hiding behind, it will be warm enough to enjoy a sunset walk on the white sand beaches of Sarasota and surrounding areas.
A Walk in the Park
The weather is destined to be gorgeous during your winter stay in Sarasota, making a walk in the park an absolutely perfect idea. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens offers two locations, a downtown Sarasota campus (1534 Mound Street) and their historic Spanish Point campus (401 N Tamiami Trail in nearby Osprey), providing a peek into the natural side of Sarasota. Also offering a Butterfly House and a stunning collection of orchids, the gardens bring peace and joy to all who visit. Bayfront Park (5 Bayfront Drive) is a beautiful park located on Sarasota Bay and providing picnic space, playground, wonderful walking trails, and views that you will never forget.
A Cultural Exploration of Sarasota
Sarasota offers more than paradise like natural surroundings it offers a thriving cultural landscape that even includes the Sarasota Opera. Located at 61N Pineapple Avenue, the opera’s winter season begins in February, but your kickoff to 2024 doesn’t have to start at the strike of midnight. These talented performers will be performing Carmen, starting February 17 and will be a highlight of your getaway. If you are here earlier, however, the Sarasota Art Museum located at 1001 S Tamiami Trail is a worthy substitute offering free days on the second Sunday of every month. And of course, the circus compound which includes the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Ca’d’Zan, and a historic theater that was constructed in Italy in 1798 and dismantled and transported to Sarasota in the 1930s.
Sarasota Farmers Market, N Lemon Avenue, Saturday Mornings
Not every adventure has to be grand events and a visit to the Sarasota Farmers Market is the perfect example of the more low-key fun you can have during your stay in our hometown. Spend a leisurely Saturday morning meandering down cobbled streets, exploring the wares offered by local sellers, including arts, crafts, foods, even flowers and mystical treasures. Life is happier when you move at a slower pace, and the moments spent at the Farmers Market will be ones meant just for you.
Comfortable and Relaxing
Beautiful adventures can take place every day in our RentTheKeys vacation sanctuaries. Reserve your favorite escape today and start out your new year on the right foot! Book apartment rentals in Florida Keys here.
