No matter how often you travel or the extent of your vacations, often the best trips are ones that are close to home. I was reminded of this recently when I sent one of my team members (and her DDs) to experience 3 days of beach, sun and fun in Sarasota at the Longboat Key Resort and Club. The drive to the other side of the state is about 4 hours, so I thought it would be a good time to test my theory of backyard vacations.
I hear from many busy parents who vacation close to home, not only for the convenience of a car ride to reach a vacation spot, but the savings on airfare, car rentals and the ability to bring much of their own “stuff” – particularly with little ones in tow. Mary and her daughters raved about the trip. Here is the first in a series of reports back from the west coast (of Florida!).
The view from our room.
From the Longboat Key Club & Resort (a fabulous experience by itself) to the tours of local businesses, a lunch aboard a beautiful yacht and a spa day (yes!), the trip definitely reminded me that there are many fabulous destinations close to home. We often think of a vacation as boarding an airplane and going out of state, when options are available within an easy driving distance (now that my children are a bit older and can handle car rides over 30 minutes). After an almost five-hour car ride across Alligator Alley, a stop for dinner and many conversations later, we were thrilled when we checked in to our room with a view! The girls wanted to explore at 10 o’clock at night, but sanity and tiredness prevailed, along with a full agenda ahead of us exploring Sarasota locations and the resort itself.
My oldest daughter loved the tennis clinic; we got to watch from a lovely cafe!
We love resorts with lots of things to do and the west coast beaches are definitely different! The girls loved hunting for seashells, and we found several beautiful shells that now grace a glass bowl in our house – lovely mementos from our trip. We visited the Ringling Museum, Mixon’s Groves, a botanical garden and area attractions that kept us busy and entertained.
While we were comfortable in a regular room, the club offers vacation villas, suites and much more. The museum and other activities will be covered in future posts.
Remember to look in your own backyard for fabulous family trip destinations, and if your vacation plans involve the west coast of Florida, you have to experience Longboat Key Resort & Club. http://www.longboatkeyclub.com/Resort/
Florida Residents – for a last minute getaway this weekend, enjoy 10% off lowest rates available through September. Book on-line by using promo code FLRES or call 888-237-5545.
BSM Media enjoyed this media FAM trip, including accommodations, some meals and activities.
