I had this idea a couple of weeks ago to get a little guide up about our area. For this, I extended from St. Pete (which is about 30 minutes north of me) and down to Sarasota (which is about thirty minutes south of me). I love these girls! And know you will too. Hope you enjoy exploring our area (:
Jordan of my southern mommy // instagram
Location: Palmetto, FL
How long have you live there? 6 years
What do you love about your area? I live in a small historical town a few blocks from my husbands childhood home. I love the small town feel, but we are also close to so much. We live right off of the Manatee River and are about a 15 minute drive to Anna Maria Island, one of the top beaches in the world.
Favorite Restaurants: Skinnys- A dive bar with delicious burgers and ice cold beer on AMI
Island Time- live music and the BEST lobster mac and cheese!
The Columbia in Ybor City- SANGRIA SANGRIA SANGRIA
If someone were to visit what’s the one thing they should do? Take a boat ride out to Egmont Key and watch the sunset
Best beach in the area: North Shore of Anna Maria Island. Bean Point
Best beach accessories and favorite sunscreen: I could name off a ton of things, but these are must haves! Parachute Beach Blanket , Beach tent , Wagon
Most instagrammable spot: Beer Can Island- so much driftwood!
Favorite Place to shop: Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island and St. Armands Circle
Sarah Hunt of So Sarah Hunt (Instagram // facebook)
Location: Sunny St. Pete!
How long have you lived there? We moved from Dallas 3 wonderful years ago!
What do you love about your area? The abundance of sunshiney days (they don’t call it the “Sunshine City” for nothing!), seeing the ocean every day, dolphins sightings, palm trees everywher, laid back vibes and friendly people.
Favorite Restaurants: Annatta, Locale Market, Paul’s Landing at The Vinoy
If someone were to visit there what’s the one thing they should do? Go to the beach, of course! Then shop along Beach Drive, look for manatees and see the boats down by the marina.
Best beach in the area: That’s a tough one – it depends on what you’re in the mood for. We like Pass-a-grille Beach because it’s close by and laid back, and Anna Maria Island because it has unique beach town charm and beautiful blue water.
Favorite beach accessories and fave sunscreen:
My HoneymoonHats personalized hat, HoneymoonHats straw beach tote , Supergoop sunscreen , Diff sunnies
Most instagrammable spot: The Vinoy Hotel! (It’s pink!) and The Don Cesar Hotel at St. Pete Beach (also pink haha)
Favorite place to shop: Ship Chic/Boaters Republic for everything you need for beach life for the whole family. Canvas boutique for cute trendy pieces & special events.
Mandy from Momma Mandy ( instagram // twitter // facebook )
Location: Bradenton, FL
How long have you lived there?
My whole life! 39 years
What do you love about your area?
Ahhhh this is so hard to answer! From the beaches to the Manatee River. I have always loved being outside and nature. Our area provides so much beauty with boating, beaches, and hiking preserves. We truly live in paradise. And the weather isn’t bad either 😉
Favorite Restaurants:
Owen’s Fishcamp
Duffy’s Tavern
Shake Pit
If someone were to visit there what’s the one thing they should do?
Paddleboard through Robinson Preserve
Best beach in the area:
Anna Maria Island Beach
Favorite beach accessories and fave sunscreen:
Most instagrammable spot:
Beach
Favorite place to shop:
Location: Sarasota
How long have you lived there? I’m a native! 😉
What do you love about your area? I love the gorgeous beaches and the fact that we live an endless summer paradise! The downtown area is so charming and holds many cute cafes, historic buildings, and a beautiful marina. Sarasota also has an incredible amount of arts and culture that makes it the jewel of the west coast of Florida. You can experience world class opera, symphony, theater, ballet and circus productions, spend a day wandering through dreamy floral and banyan lined paths in the botanical gardens, or take in exquisite art exhibits at Ringling Museum!
Favorite Restaurants: Chart House for great food and the perfect sunset view, Boca Kitchen for a downtown, trendy urban feel (order the sweet potato gnocchi), Shore Diner for fun patio dining and local made fare, Crab & Fin or Owen’s Fish Camp for fresh seafood and a visit to Morton’s Market for a mid-day snack, to pick up food for a beach picnic, and the best bakery items!
If someone were to visit there what’s the one thing they should do? Aside from a beach day, a visit to any of the main attractions like Selby Gardens, St. Armand’s Circle (great shopping/dining), Mote Marine Aquarium, or Ringling Museum would make for a memorable visit!
Best beach in the area: Siesta Key has the most incredible sugar-like white sand, but Longboat Key is best if you want to get away from the crowds.
Favorite beach accessories and fave sunscreen: I’ve learned to keep a beach bag like this amazing tote in my car with some of my essentials so I’m always ready for an impromptu beach escape! As someone who has spent many days on the beach, I am picky about sunscreen and try to protect my skin as much as possible. This one is my absolute go-to! It offers great sun protection while still allowing you to get some color, it smells amazing, and blends into your skin quickly! Don’t forget to protect your lips! This chapstick has saved mine time and time again. I’m never without a cute beach towel, a pair of oversize sunnies (I always get compliments on this pair!), a good book, and a bottle of this after sun which keeps my skin hydrated and makes my tan last!!
Most instagrammable spot: There’s so many it’s hard to choose! The soft pink halls, historic architecture, and marble chevron floors of Ringling Museum and Ca’d’ Zan Mansion are iconic and perfect for photos!
Favorite place to shop: Mostly online. Some of my favorite sites include Rachel Parcell, Club Monaco, Revolve, Nordstrom, Go
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