Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Thumbs up Hyatt Regency Sarasota

When hubby and I decided to take the kids on a mini-vacation, I begin researching the Sarasota area.  There are many nearby beaches (Siesta Key, Lido Key, and Longboat Key) which offer white sand and blue water. However, after researching hotels online for a few hours, I found many of the hotels on the beach were either outdated (think 1970s) or out of my budget ($400 a night). 

So I began looking in the city itself.  I was pleased to find the Hyatt Regency Sarasota.  It had a great pool, shuttle service to the beach and St. Armand's Circle, and the right price!  I also used my AAA card to score 2 free breakfasts!

Well, we stayed there this week and were very pleased!  Here are a few pictures:


Pink lemonade in the lobby each afternoon:

The kids loved the "bay window" in our standard room:

 Rooms are inspired by the bright and airy designs of Lilly Pulitzer:

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Shopping in St. Armand's Circle

Ahh, a piece of heaven on Earth...upscale shopping on the beach!!  What more could a girl ask for!?

This little area is outside of Sarasota, Fla. the kids and I both loved shopping and eating here.  There's a mix of local boutiques and great restaurants, with plenty of free parking too.

Lilly Pulitzer dressing room:

My new agenda (just came out)!!:

Lunch at Blue Dolphin cafe:

Key West Hammock Shop:

AND MY FAVORITE, Fanta Sea:

Have you ever been to St. Armand's Circle?  What's your favorite shop?

Lido Key Beach, My Favorite

Many tourist think of the Destin and Panama City areas when they hear "white sand and blue water" but the west coast of Florida is just as beautiful!