it's always sunny in florida
When we think of Florida, we usually think the best spots are Miami to party or Orlando to hang with a mouse. During a quick trip to visit family, I made it a point to discover more of what Florida had to offer on it's west coast. West coast is the best coast, am I right?
Nokomis Beach Drum Circle - On Wednesday and Saturday nights an hour or two before sunset, you'll find local families and friends swarming the beach with their hula hoops, hip scarves and beverage of choice (milk or beer) circling a pack of 20+ drummers. People and animals (I saw a parrot dancing with its owner) dance for the sunset while the drummers bang the drums in unison. As the sun starts to drop, everyone looks out to the horizon while the drum beat matches the pace of the descent. Made me feel like I visited the 70s for a few hours. It's an experience.
Nokomis Groves - Orange season is generally from October to February. If you happen to miss it, fear not because Nokomis Groves is serving up orange ice cream all year round. Yum, yum, yum!
Selby Gardens - What was once a lavish estate is now 8 acres of beautiful public botanical gardens right on the water in Sarasota. It is the only botanical garden in the world that specializes in epiphytes, or plants that grow on other plants, but aren't parasitic. A good example of an epiphyte would be an orchid. You can also venture into their small museum showcasing a few silk screen prints from Andy Warhol until the end of June '18. Note, they are very strict on their rule of no photography as soon as you walk through the door of the museum.
Ringling Museum - The Ringling Museum was at one time called Ca’ d’Zan and was home to John Ringling, one of the five brothers of the Ringling Circus. Today the grounds not only pay tribute to the history of the Ringling Circus, but they also hold a massive collection of fine art within what looks like a Venetian palace. You could spend the whole day here if you wanted to as there is so much to discover and see.
Island Breads - My friend called her the bread lady when she texted me at 7:30AM suggesting we pay her a visit around 9AM that Saturday morning. Her real name is Kristi Meyers and she is the genius behind the secret gem called Island Breads, a micro bakery on Davis Island in Tampa. She sends out a newsletter letting her fans know when the next batch will be ready and what's on the menu. The location of the micro bakery is within her home and as I arrived around 9:30AM, I understood why the experienced folks pre-ordered their favs. Her menu is always changing with the season and sells quickly. When I was there I was welcomed with smiles and mouthwatering raisin breads, croissants, scones, granola, honey etc.
Posies - As I walked out of Island Breads with a huge grin ear-to-ear and mouth half full of a croissant, I was greeted by a fabulous lady and an adorable vintage flower truck. Picked up some fresh peonies and was on my way. Could this day get any better?
