SARASOTA
 

i FELL IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE WHO LIVES IN SARASOTA FOR SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR. WHAT IS THERE TO DO THERE IF ONE DOES NOT PLAY GOLF?

Lots of shopping, art galleries, live theatre (the Asolo is a top rated regional theatre), opera, ballet. Visiting a couple of museums, gardens, and houses. There is the beach of course, tennis, boating, and lots of bars for drinking. And of course the same kinds of leisure activities that are available in any city. What exactly are you looking for? I'm always a little curious when people say "there is nothing to do" in a certain place, what exactly it is they are looking to do -- not that you said that, of course.

the main thing to do is turn off you all Caps >)

well, they do have something called an ocean around there, you know. They actually have a decent small ballet company. So it's a bit more cultural than some cities in terms of what is available in the arts.

I also wonder what you would do in any city? It's not that different as Sarasota is a decent enough size to have the usual activities, and some that aren't (like the ballet and the beach).

Actually Christina, there is no ocean near Sarasota. The Gulf of Mexico is NOT an ocean. You'll often get blank stares from locals if you refer to the Gulf as "the ocean".

Well if you are in love supposedly you have one activity in mind at least.

Have you ever heard of Stand Up Paddling (SUP). I have a friend who lives in Sarasota who is nuts for it.

I also have relatives who grew up there and none of them golf. I didn't even realize Sarasota was big on golf and I've been there a bunch of times.

I've seen those paddlers. We winter in the area and it is a great one, recently voted a top city to retire to. Culture, shopping, water sports, eateries, Whole Foods store, beautiful bayside parks, several keys for beaching, no lack of options and so visually beautiful.