Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Siesta Key Farmers Market—one more reason why we call this area home.

There’s something fresh and revitalizing about a farmer’s market. Maybe it’s the colors—everywhere you turn, you see vibrant greens, a rainbow of fresh-cut flowers, and the rich browns of specialty coffees and hearty breads.

Perhaps it’s the people-watching. It’s entertaining, actually, to see the all-natural, sun-browned hippy over there, or the grandmother trying to reign in the busy toddler, or the spry lady with the red hat pushing a doggy stroller. It’s like a garden of people in the farmer’s market.

Of course, it’s also the vendors. The muscled guy hauling another crate of organic watermelons. Or the talented musician strumming a guitar and selling his latest CDs.

People, colors, vendors, food! Ahh, the sights and sounds and smells are wonderful. And the Siesta Key farmer’s market in the Davidson Plaza in Siesta Key village tops any other for three reasons: location, location, location! Where else can you start your market morning with a walk on the beach? Every Sunday from 8 to noon, vendors sell, visitors shop, residents smile, dogs wag, children laugh, and organic abounds. Can’t beat it.

The Siesta Key farmer’s market is one more reason (and we have a lot of them) why we love this area. Just last week as we cruised down the Intracoastal Waterway off of Casey Key, we had one of those moments. You know, the kind of moment when you realize—for the hundredth time—that you live here. Even after 20+ years, we still get those moments, especially when nature is showing off. The warm sun, a pair of egrets diving for fish, the warm Florida breeze, a view of Sarasota’s barrier islands…it just doesn’t get any better.

If you’re ready to have one of those moments—when you realize, “we live here!”—call or email Nick Herron or Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information. We specialize in beach-to-bay waterfront properties in Siesta Key, Casey Key, Nokomis, Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and all of the surrounding areas. Prefer a golf course home? We’ll show you some incredible values. Call Nick or Kathleen today at 800-789-6580 or email Nick Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group for more information.

See you at the market!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Old-World Charm—Right Here in Sarasota


In 1930, ten acres of a swampy Sarasota banana grove were purchased by a man named David Lindsay, who hoped to create a botanical garden. With help from a friend who owned a plant nursery, he began transforming the land. Together they planted thousands of tropical plants and dug out waterways, creating an incredible landscape. People started showing up to walk through the gardens, and David began charging 10 cents admission.

In 1940, Sarasota Jungle Gardens was officially opened to the public and has been a popular attraction ever since. Now a home to exotic animals, the park features a tropical bird show, reptile show, the chance to mingle among bright pink flamingos, and so much more. If you’ve never been, you’ve got to make the time. Jungle Gardens is particularly popular for the ages on either end of the human spectrum—young children who haven’t been tainted by visits to bigger and flashier parks and older folks who take the time to smell the flowers. Its old-Florida charm is a rare and treasured experience. You can’t even put Jungle Gardens and other amusement parks in the same sentence—this place has absolutely nothing in common with the polished and crowded likes of Busch Gardens or Disney.

The old-world delight of Sarasota Jungle Gardens is just one of the reasons our area is such a delight. If you live in Sarasota, Osprey, Venice, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, or Longboat Key, treat yourself to some of the unique natural beauty of our town. You can never get enough of walking the pristine beaches, but if you add in visits to places like Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and the Ringling Museum and grounds, you’ll fall in love with Sarasota and her islands all over again.

Visitors, are you ready to relocate? Call Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. This rare team is ready to help you find the perfect place to call home on Florida’s west coast and Sarasota’s barrier islands including Siesta Key, Casey Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and anywhere in between!