Destination: Sarasota

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Mar. 15, 2011
By LINKS Magazine

Located just south of Tampa along Florida's Gulf coast, this city attracts plenty of visitors with a vibrant downtown scene full of upscale shops, restaurants and cultural attractions that complement a large boating center and miles of beaches on a string of barrier islands.

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WHERE TO PLAY

Heron Creek Golf & Country Club: Located south of town, the 27-hole complex by Arthur Hills features three challenging nines. Creek course is the most popular and difficult combine it with Oaks if you only have time for 18.

Legacy Golf Club: The 7,067-yard layout is perhaps the area's king of upscale daily-fee courses, fitting since Arnold Palmer designed it. Memorable holes include the 11th, which has a dual fairway that offers the option of driving the green, and the 151-yard 17th, which has a water-surrounded green complex known as "Arnie's Island."

Oak Ford Golf Club: Located in an 850-acre preserve, the 27-hole facility offers a round in natural surroundings of live oaks, pines and an abundance of wildlife. Play the Myrtle-Palms combination for the best 18-hole round.

WHERE TO STAY

Lido Beach Resort: Sitting along the sand in Lido Key, the property has a tropical atmosphere. The residences consist of suites in the tower and more-casual accommodations in the main building. Opt for a beachfront suite.

Longboat Key Club & Resort: With more slips in its marina (291) than rooms (218), the resort is a perfect place to drop anchor. There's also plenty of golf with many of the 45 holes routed along the Gulf of Mexico or Sarasota Bay.

Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota: Occupying a prime downtown location, the resort is a perfect base from which to explore the area. Guests can stay on the property for a meal at Verona, or they can play the off-site Ritz-owned golf club designed by Tom Fazio.

WHERE TO EAT

Beach Bistro:As the name indicates, Anna Maria Island eatery offers water views to go with the steak and seafood selections. Proprietor Sean Murphy opened a second Bistro at the Concession Golf Club, which also has one of the area's best courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin.

Libby's Café + Bar: It's hard not to fill up on Grandma Libby's biscuits at this family-run bistro in Southside Village, but save room for the varied seasonal menu consisting of selections made with ingredients from gourmet-source farms.

Michael's on East: With a piano bar, the Sarasota institution offers an old-school atmosphere of class and refinement, while the eclectic menu offers numerous memorable choices like its signature sea bass, prime steak and lobster dishes.

WHERE TO LIVE

The Founders Club: With just 262 residences on a 700-acre property, there is never any danger of overcrowding on the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course.

Rive Isle: Boaters will love living at this property, which offers private docks that provide access to the Gulf of Mexico.