Weekend getaway: Sarasota

The West Coast isn't just for old people anymore.

Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

By Jessica Sick

Though technically I wasn't born here, I think I can safely say I'm from Miami. I've lived all but the first three years of my existence here, after all. That said, with the exception of one trip to visit my aunt in Ft. Myers and a random afternoon in Naples, I've never been to the west coast of Florida. Just like Miami Beach residents scoff at crossing the causeway, I feel the same way about crossing I-75. So when I decided to check out Sarasota (after locating it on a map), I was ready for old people, lights out at 8 p.m. and the $8.99 never-ending pasta bowl at the Olive Garden. Here's what I found instead.

Eat
Downtown Sarasota is super cute -- artsy residential cottages mixed in with mom-and-pop stores, trendy office buildings and hidden-away restaurants. Score fancified Southern cuisine at 5One6 Burns. So off the beaten path even our cab driver need to look at our Google map, you'll know you're there when you see the huge Banyan tree. They're all about organic and sustainable here, whether it's the food or the wine. Order a bottle of Oregon's AtoZ to go with downhome comfort food like sweet corn fritters and baby back ribs with white mac and cheese. There are also plenty of tasty options along Main Street. Before heading to the beach, stop in at Sarasota News and Books for reading material and picnic goodies.

Drink
After a late dinner (so much for my 8 p.m. lights out theory), I was surprised to find bars open at the ungodly hour of 11 p.m. Bands were playing, people were boozing. In fact, on average watering holes keep their doors open until 2 a.m. If you're a beer drinker -- meaning you appreciate a good one, not that you play a mean beer pong -- then check out the Cock and Bull Pub. An old celery barn, this cozy spot serves up an intoxicating 600 beers with over two dozen on tap. If you want something a little more beachy -- something that screams "I'm on vacation" - watch the sunset while sipping an umbrella-garnished cocktail at the Lido Resort's Tiki Bar.

Play
Often cited as one of the best beaches in the U.S. by many authorities on beaches, Siesta Beach is all white sand and warm Gulf waters. Yeah, yeah, you live in Miami, you already have a beach, why drive across the state to go to another one? Because a) you won't step on a syringe, b) the sand feels like soft powder under your feet, not crushed up glass and c) it's something different. I even saw some Amish people taking a dip. Warning: Siesta isn't like South Beach, where public parking is plentiful. Condos and hotels suck up most of the oceanfront property, so there's only one lowly public parking lot. Either go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, with patience or in a cab. I'm not an "attractions" kinda person, but I would hit up the Ringling Bros. Museum as well. Plus, during the month of September for the city's 30 Days of Discovery promotion, for which area attractions such as the Mote Aquarium will be offering 2-for-1 admission.

Sleep
Many hotels are also participating in the 30 Days of Discovery promotion, which means mad discounts. At the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, for example, rates start at $149.99 and each reservation comes with a $50 American Express gift card. The hotel just received a $20 million renovation, which included new fluffy beds, iPod docking stations and 32-inch flatscreens in all the rooms and fancypants new restaurant Currents. For those flying in from out of town (or those just looking for a change of auto scenery), Enterprise Rent-a-Car is offering 50 percent off weekend rentals in Sarasota.

For more info on Sarasota and the city's 30 Days of Discovery program, visit www.sarasotafl.org/30_days_of_discovery

Published: 9/08