For some, it’s a song from Rascal Flatts, “Cool Thing“
A little Sarasota moonlight
Driftwood fire burnin’
For us, it’s a place to Walk (a lot), to Shop (supporting the locals), and to Dine (with LOTS of delicious options)!
First, a little area History. The oldest documented reference to the area is found on a sheepskin Spanish map, from 1763, with the word “Zarazote”.
Girl Power: Bertha Palmer (Bertha Honoré Palmer) May 22, 1849 – May 5, 1918. Beginning around the start of the twentieth century she was the region’s largest landholder, rancher and developer, known to have purchased more than 90,000 acres in what is now Sarasota County. A well known socialite, and philanthropist in her time, her success was impressive – especially since women did not win the right to vote until 1920!
Male Competition: Also arriving in 1910, Owen Burns (October 31, 1869 – August 28, 1937) became the largest landholder within what is now the city limits of Sarasota; he also founded a bank, built bridges, developed landmark buildings, and constructed a few waterfront mansions. Most important to boaters – he dredged the harbor, using the soil to create more waterfront property!
Sarasota Yacht Club
This is for SCYC Past Commodore Greg Rocque – looking forward to the remodel!
Also for PC Greg Rocque, the Sarasota Yacht Club understands a grand lobby!
PLUS, they have a wine room, Commodore Kim, this would be great at SCYC!
Say hi to the resident mascot, a great white heron.
We returned to Blue Dolphin Cafe in St Armand’s Circle for a delicious breakfast, followed by some very successful retail therapy. Shoppers, there are over 100 stores and dining options in the circle, not sure where to go first? Check out this color-coded map!
To Buttercup’s annoyance, this pelican continued to dive nearby, making a great splash with every catch of fish.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Downtown Sarasota
We walked with David B. and Gail B. around the 15-acre botanical garden, which included a Display Conservatory – think greenhouse – with a sweet Bonsai. For more details, see Gail Bernstein’s next blog!!
Here’s another angle for Zach.
Bird Key Yacht Club, Sarasota
Although the club is in the midst of a massive construction project (don’t worry, there will be no columns in the dining room), the marina is still welcoming to transients. Our timing was perfect as we were invited to join the monthly Grill and Chill! Delicious swordfish, chicken, salads, and more!
Hi to new followers, Bird Key Yacht Club members, and dockmates, David and Kathy Tucker, enjoy the water!!
The second night at Bird Key we ate on board. Grilled Tuna Steaks ‘ala Tonto’s Reward. Thanks Chef Gail B. for another delicious meal.
sunset by Capt Rick
One more comment about Bird Key – Buttercup did not appreciate the construction zone view – but she did seem very busy barking at the myriad of workers!
Shout out to Family
Hello to Mija Alisha and her cousin Joe Buckendahl, enjoying the Long Beach, CA Grand Prix.
And, for my brother Sam, this week the AK Straleys are celebrating the annual slush cup in Girdwood, AK – think Polar Bear Plunge on skis and snowboards! Too cold for Capt Rick, for sure.
Oh Hey Sideways! Looking Good!
Special Message to Mark Cardone – Get better, brother from another mother, all the way better, soon. XoXo
Celebrating Milestones: Toasting the April birthdays and anniversaries!
Next Up: Bradenton Yacht Club followed by Tampa Convention Center.
See you soon Tom and Faye at St. Pete Yacht Club!
Exhale on the Water 