"Let's go to the beach tomorrow." That's what I told my daughter in between her two 12-hr. night shifts as an E.R. nurse, Friday and Saturday. She wasn't scheduled to work Sunday or Monday, so I decided we'd also spend the night. Now, where to go? That was easy--Lido Key! It's only a 2.5-hr. ride from Orlando; I prefer the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean any day!
Lido Key is an island in Sarasota County, Florida, right next door to better-known Siesta Key, home to Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice Winner, Siesta Beach. We had been to both islands before, but I have always preferred the quieter Lido Key. Though I hadn't made reservations, I headed to Lido Beach Resort, and hoped that they had a room. We had stayed there before, and were pleased with the accommodations. We were in luck; they had a room, and it was right next to the beach and pool area. |
We dumped our overnight bags in the room, changed quickly into our swimsuits, spread on some sunscreen, and headed out to the beach. My favorite activity to do while lounging--reading. My pick for the weekend--Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult. If you haven't read it, you should. I enjoyed all the twists! Check out the yellow and white striped towel on the lounge chair in front of me. The hotel supplies these to guests; that meant we could use the ones we brought as pillows! I didn't want to leave the beach, but both of us were hungry, since we didn't have breakfast or lunch before we left the house. So, we went back to the room, unpacked our few things, showered, changed, and then started walking towards St. Armands Circle. |
First, we saw a condo (image on left) for sale. Doesn't hurt to dream! I'd love to live right across the street from the beach! Then, we saw a single home (photo above) for sale. Ah, now I think I'd like that one instead. We continued walking along the small coastal road and then turned right towards St. Armands Circle. Our stomachs were growling! This statue greeted us as entered the circle; the woman looked like she might have hunger pains too! |
St. Armand's Circle is a mixture of cute little shops and restaurants. We glanced in a few windows, but quickly maneuvered around the circle looking for the ideal spot to eat!
I'm originally from Maryland (synonymous with blue crabs); when I saw this sign, I knew we'd found our place. The server informed us that the menus were printed daily; seafood was fresh!
We couldn't pass up the jumbo lump crab cakes at Crab & Fin. Though quite delicious, they weren't as good as ones we've had in Maryland, or those that my husband makes! While eating, I kept my eye on the time, since we wanted to see the sunset.
We weren't the only ones on the beach on this gorgeous evening in March. So many things about that evening bring a smile to my face. Being with my daughter, seeing other families watching such a beautiful event, walking through the birds standing on the beach, and then watching them all fly up into the air together. Awe-inspiring, relaxing, soothing, happiness inducing!
The next morning we had breakfast on the outdoor patio of the Lido Beach Resort at the Cafe Lido. We split the Crunchy Cinnamon Swirl French Toast and Lido Omelet. Now, back to the beach!
Lido Beach Resort has a 300-ft. private beach and it was fairly empty when we arrived. We picked lounge chairs at the end of the long row, and then enjoyed the view.
Before we left we had to try out the adult pool (yes, there was also one for families). The couple there before us, left before we even got in the pool, therefore "Welcome to our private pool!"!
We had a wonderful worry-free time. Though I am all about planning ahead of time for a trip, sometimes the ones that are spur-of-the-moment can be just as memorable. And when a woman stops and asks if she can take a picture of the both of us--even more memorable! Thank you!
What was your favorite spur-of-the-moment trip?
Where do you go to be worry-free?
Let me know in a comment below!
Where do you go to be worry-free?
Let me know in a comment below!