Scott Fais, Florida On A Tankful
Want to feel like you're on vacation without driving too far from home?
Well not too far away in Sarasota awaits a sleepy strip of shore that's known for recharging the soul.
"It's about the quality of life and getting up in the morning and seeing the water," said Jeff Jansson, a businessman.
"We feel like we live in paradise," said Judy Hangartner from Sarasota.
On the Gulf Coast, you'll find distinct district known for its split personality.
"We came here to get a look around the shops and get some lunch," said Carol Vallantyne, who was visiting from Scotland.
In Sarasota, St. Armands Circle features fine dining streetside, along with shopping and a relaxed atmosphere.
"Music, fine dining, art. We enjoy coming here to the Circle," said George Gutarra, a visiting New Yorker.
While just a short walk away from the circle awaits another world.
"The best part for me is the beaches five minutes away," said Gutarra.
Today, Lido Beach sports a new vibe.
"Our motto is ‘Come back to paradise,’” said Jansson. “This use to be a great beach 20 years ago. It fell by the wayside. Siesta Key got all the glamour. This one will be even better."
After making a career in New York, Jansson traded the concrete canyons for the coast.
Renting beach chairs and umbrellas is his new day job. It’s one he's not advertising to preserve the shore.
"Nobody knows it's here,” said Jansson. “It's quiet. You can walk here in the morning and there is no person on the beach. It's beautiful. The water is crystal clear. The water is 84 degrees today."
The pace on the beach is slow. It’s perfect for young architects to get busy on their next project, and nice for the lifeguards keeping watch.
"From the little tiny ones to my mom and dad are 83 years old and they love to come out to the beach," said Hangartner.
Besides the view, another benefit is the where you leave your car. Parking on the Circle and at this beach is always free.
"And it should always be free," said Jansson.
Together, these two worlds make a great day out for the entire family.
By the way, renting two chairs and a giant umbrella will cost an average of $20.
For more travel adventures with Scott Fais, go to Central Florida On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 300. Select Entertainment/Travel and then scroll over to Florida on a Tankful.
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Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle
What:
Good window shopping, unique dining and a day at the beach all rolled into one.
Where:
Just off the coast in Sarasota
Hours:
Stores and eateries along St. Armands Circle are open 7 days a week during traditional business hours.
Lido Beach is accessible from 6 a.m. to sunset.
Daily Admission:
Free
Circle and Beach Parking:
Free
Info Line:
(941) 388-1554
Circle Address:
There is no “hard” street address for the Circle. It is a giant roundabout, with shops along the curbs. Basically, you travel on the Ringling Causeway over Sarasota Bay to St. Armands Circle.
When using a GPS device, type in this address:
411 St. Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236
Beach Address:
Lido beach is a 30 second drive or an easy walk from the circle. The beach runs along Ben Franklin Dr.
When using a GPS device, type in this address:
400 Ben Franklin Dr
Sarasota, FL 34236
Latitude and Longitude:
Circle Longitude & Latitude: (27.321068559926985, -82.57729768753052)
Beach Longitude & Latitude: (27.312670533708403, -82.57712602615356)
Parking:
Parallel parking around the Circle: Free
Beach Lots and Street Parking: Free
Web sites:
St. Armands Circle Info: http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/
St. Armands Circle Map: http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/map.cfm
Lido Beach: http://www.bestbeaches.org/lidobeach/
Central Florida Directions:
Expect about a 2 hour, 15 minute drive when using downtown Orlando as a reference point.
From your park of Central Florida, hop onto Interstate 4 headed west for Tampa.
Take exit 9 to merge onto I-75 South. Signs will read toward “Naples.” Expect a 51-mile trip south on I-75 with a drive time of 45 minutes.
Take exit 210 to merge onto Fruitville Rd/S.R. 780 West. Signs will read toward “St Armands/Sarasota.” Continue to follow Fruitville Road for 6.5 miles and 12 minutes.
Turn left at north onto the “Tamiami Trail.”
Turn right at North Gulfstream Ave. Also know as John Ringling Blvd and State Route 789
Continue to follow John Ringling Blvd/S.R. 789 for 2.3 miles or 4 minutes.
Welcome to St. Armands Circle! You’ll know you’ve arrived because it will feel like driving in Paris.
To visit Lido Beach:
Turn right at second street on circle, go 2 blocks to Lido Beach, around the bend to the right. Park along the street or follow Ben Franklin Drive south to the public parking lot on the right.