Traveling in the near future? Be sure to grab a copy of US Airways magazine, which features a 46-page spread on our beautiful city and its cultural richness.
Here is an excerpt:
One of the key attractions of Sarasota County has been, well, its keys — six barrier islands that lie between the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. With 35 miles of wide, white beaches, it’s little wonder they attract visitors from around the world. Perhaps the most popular among them is Siesta Key, whose powdery beaches of ground quartz were ranked No. 1 in the United States by coastal scientist Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach.” Siesta is arguably the place to watch the sun set into an impressionist palette of gold, orange, and pink. Not to be forgotten, Longboat Key offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere, where beachfront communities, resorts, and top-notch dining abound, while Casey Key is a quiet enclave of multi-million-dollar homes. Nature lovers appreciate the trails and pine forest on Lido Key and the remoteness of Manasota Key, and divers delight in the abundance of shark’s tooth fossils off the stretch of Venice Beach.
Venice is one of many areas in Sarasota County that has some of the world’s best saltwater fishing. Of course, the inland areas offer large populations of trout and other freshwater fish. The Myakka River provides a front seat to observing wildlife, such as alligators and ospreys, from an airboat. The Oscar Scherer State Park is a favorite of hikers and campers, and Mote Marine Laboratory’s aquarium tours give up-close glimpses of dolphins, manatees, and more.