As I write this blog post, I'm thinking back to a few days ago when I was literally showing condos in Paradise. Longboat Key, Florida is one of my favorite communities in Sarasota Florida and one of my favorite places on earth.
Longboat Key is a 9-mile barrier island just north of Sarasota Florida. It's flanked by the Gulf of Mexico on the West Side and Sarasota Bay on the East side. Here's a map
Starting at the South end of the Key, you have the Longboat Key Resort. Behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club, you'll find a variety of condominiums as well as ultra luxury single family homes that line the Gulf of Mexico.
Some of the amenities in having a membership at the Longboat Key Club are
- 45 Holes of Championship Golf
- Two Driving Ranges with Complimentary Range Balls
- 38 Har-Tru Tennis Courts
- Four restaurants from Casual to Elegant
- Private pristine beach and pool with complimentary cabanas, umbrellas and towels provided by the beach service staff
- Fitness Center and Spa use included in each level of Membership
- Open 7 days
- Weight Training
- Expanded fitness programs
- Personal trainers for individual training program
- Licensed massage therapists
Also on the South end of Longboat Key and East of Gulf of Mexico Drive, is Country Club Shores. This community was built in the 70's and in the old Florida Ranch style. Most of the homes are located on man made canals that lead directly to Sarasota Bay. Many of the older homes are being renovated or completely knocked down and brand new homes built. Many of the newer homes in this neighborhood and especially those directly on the Bay are worth millions. Homes in this neighborhood range in price from $600,000 to $7,000,000.
Mid Key, you'll find mid-rise condos on both sides of Gulf of Mexico Drive and the farther north you go, the lower they get. There are some new condo developments rising mid-key and they are all luxury condos starting at $3 Million. Positano on the Gulf is one such condo.
And Wicker Beach is another
Longboat Key North End
Restrictions for how high a building can go, are in place and therefore, the North End of Longboat Key remains as charming as it was many many years ago. Here you'll find the historic Longboat Key Village. One of my favorite places in this part of Longboat Key is the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. They offer classes for young and old alike and always have a nice gallery of art to view or to buy.
For places to eat, you just can't beat Longboat Key. Here are a few of my favorites:
Euphemia Haye This is classic food in a casual atmosphere. You've gotta try it! You'll have to eat dessert upstairs. They won't serve it to you downstairs! Yummm!
Harry's Continental Kitchen Wonderful gourmet food in a nice, casual old Florida setting. They have a stand up bar and across the street is Harry's deli.
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill I love this place for its expansive Bay view. It's a casual restaurant where you'll get fresh fish and great hamburgers. You can eat inside or out. It's called the Dry Dock because that's exactly what it is. You can dry dock your boat here! It's fun to watch them pull the boats off the racks!
If you like nature, then head over to the Joan Durante Community Park. You'll find paths for walking and ponds for reflecting. A quiet place where you can become one with nature.
If you love to shop, then you can head to nearby St. Armands Circle where you'll find many fine boutiques, salons, day spas, gift shops and restaurants. Have an ice cream at Kilwins or head to Tommy Bahamas for a cool mojito!
There's also some shopping on Longboat Key. There's a great gourmet market if you want to eat in.
And at Avenue of the Flowers, there's plenty of shopping!
Then, there's boating. If you love to boat, or just watch the boats, Longboat Key is the perfect setting.
So, relax and enjoy your home on Longboat Key, or just settle in for a nice long vacation!
White, Sandy Beaches, sunny skies and that warm Gulf of Mexico breeze makes Longboat Key and unforgettable place in Paradise.
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