We had the best time in Florida over spring break! It was a different kind of vacation for us this year. The college and high school breaks for our kids didn’t match up so we decided to make the most of the long weekend over Easter to bring our crew together. It took six separate flights to get us all into Florida, but we did it! I was worried about this being over the top–flying everyone to Sarasota for just a few days–but I’m so glad that we did. There is nothing like having your kids away and all to yourself!
Even though our time in Sarasota was short, we stayed at a lovely hotel and had some great meals out that I want to share with you.
Where We Stayed
We were pretty last minute in figuring out our spring break plans, so we were thrilled to be able to get rooms at The Westin Sarasota, a property that opened in the last five years or so. I swear this hotel seems close to everything–about 10 minutes from the Sarasota airport and just about anywhere else you might want to go. We weren’t in Sarasota long enough to check out the beaches, but The Westin had a great, family-friendly pool with great food and bar service. Even though the hotel was at capacity while we were there, the pool never felt overly crowded and the surrounding area was always very clean. I think our only disappointment was the hotel’s restaurant–Evoq. Because we were traveling on Easter Sunday, we opted to have breakfast at Evoq before leaving for the airport. The service was so slow and the food wasn’t very good. Our sweet server was incredibly apologetic and did her best to make things as good as they could be. I only share this negative because there are many better restaurants for you to try when you’re in town.
Where We Ate
Coffee
Annie and I started each morning with a walk to a nearby coffee shop. We love to do this when we’re in a new city to get in a few steps and scope out the neighborhood. While in Sarasota, we visited Project Coffee, Breaking Wave, and Kawha Coffee and they were all wonderful. Each coffee shop has a very different vibe and that made trying all of them a lot of fun.
Breakfast/Lunch
Crisp Waffle Company : This may have been our favorite breakfast in St. Armand’s Circle. I think this little walk-in waffle place was opened in the last year by some retired friends. The waffles are made to order and are a must when you’re in town!
The Breakfast House: If Crisp Waffle Company has the best waffles, The Breakfast House had the most incredible pancakes. It was another restaurant with a diverse menu where everyone in my family left happy.
Toastique: Annie and I popped in here one afternoon after some time in the sun and we were blown away. Annie had the freshest avocado toast and I ordered the most delicious–and unforgettable–dragonberry bowl. So good! I would go back to Sarasota just for that bowl!
Dinner
Made: Don’t be fooled by the bar vibe of this restaurant. The food is so amazing that we went there two nights in a row! The first night we were so hungry when we arrived that we ordered their “disco fries” when they seated us. It was the best tasting basket of French fries, topped with shredded pork, pickled jalapenos, and melted cheese goodness! For dinner, I had fish tacos that were served on homemade corn tortillas. The next night, I ordered their Nashville hot chicken sandwich that I’m still thinking about. My husband and boys ordered the burgers with their homemade cheesy tots and they were big fans.
Owen’s Fish Camp: Owen’s Fish Camp can NOT be missed! While they don’t take reservations, they have the most amazing outdoor space with live music, drinks, and appetizers you can order while you wait. We put our name in about 5 p.m. and thoroughly enjoyed our wait time–people watching, tasting lobster rolls, and listening to a local band. We waited about an hour and then were seated on their covered porch that may have been the best seat in the house. I opted to order the Camp Basket that was an assortment of fried amazingness and I enjoyed every bite. If we’re ever back in Sarasota, we will absolutely go back!
Island House Tap & Grill: On our last night, we had dinner in Siesta Key and discovered that’s where all the spring breakers were. But we were able to take cover at the Island House Tap & Grill and we all had the best tacos. Great food, relaxed vibe.
Ice Cream
Olaf’s Siesta Village: When there is a line winding around the ice cream shop, you know that ice cream must be good…and it was! Olaf’s serves ice cream made locally in Sarasota and had the most amazing selection of flavors to choose from. Absolutely worth the wait (even though they kept the line moving!).
Sarasota, we loved you! We can’t wait to come back.
Have you been?
xo,
