Ah, Friday! Finally an evening to be home before 8pm, have dinner with the BOY, and sit my exhausted butt on the couch to watch Pitch Perfect. Oh, and blog about our weekend trip to Sarasota! One week ago, the BOY and I boarded a plane for the sunshine state. We had a slight complication as the BOY got a flat tire on the way to the airport. Luckily, we were close enough to swing back home to switch cars.
However, my car (having spent the night of the snow storm outside) was buried under thick, heavy snow. We hurried to clean off my car and move our luggage. I hate feeling late for the airport, so I definitely had a knot in my stomach as I drove us to O’hare.
We made it no problem and a 20 minute delay seemed like nothing compared to all of the cancelled fights throughout the country so I felt thankful to be boarding the plane. I alternated between reading and snoozing while sipping on my Starbucks. We landed, caught a cab to our hotel which was only 10 minutes away, and checked in.
As we walked into the hotel, we were greeted by two of my close high school friends. I love how life works out that way! They were heading out to the beach as we were heading up to our room to change out of boots and winter gear and into shorts, tshirts, and sunglasses. We walked a few blocks into downtown Sarasota which had plenty of options for lunch. It wasn’t until we were seated outside at a little café ordering lunch and a cocktail that I finally exhaled and FELT like we were on vacation. I knew it was going to be a relaxing few days!
We had a nice mix of down time and wedding festivities ahead of us. I spent Friday afternoon catching up with friends by the pool at our hotel.
By 5pm, I was eager to get in a run before sunset. I laced up my tennies and headed for town. Last minute I decided to turn onto a large, steep bridge over to Bird Key making my way all the way to St. Armand’s Circle.
I made it home super sweaty (when was the last time I ran in the heat?) and with enough time to shower and watch the sun set from our balcony.
The BOY made us a dinner reservation at a place on the Marina overlooking some ginormous yachts. We both love seafood and Sarasota is definitely the place for fresh fish. Afterwards, we attended a cocktail hour hosted by the bride and groom. It was wonderful to catch up with some old friends, and we were home and in bed early after a long day. Saturday night was the wedding, but we had the day to spend at the beach. We hitched a ride to Siesta Key to bury our toes in the white sand.
We found the perfect sand bar to wade in the crisp water looking for seashells. After which, we lounged in the sun under a clear blue sky enjoying the warm weather and eclectic mix of company.
It was amazing to see people biking on the beach, and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t jealous!
After the most enjoyable day, we had just enough time to fight the crowds back into town, grab a quick bite to eat (fish tacos and truffle fries), and shower before the wedding.
When you combine a beautiful evening, with a stunning hotel, and an amazing couple, it can only be described as magical. The wedding was personal and sincere, and I was so happy to be part of this special event!
Cocktail hour took place in the garden at sunset. A truly breath taking scene!
The BOY and I enjoyed the entire evening and were actually the last to leave the wedding : ) After midnight, as the wedding guests retreated to the bar, a few of us made our way to the hotel pool and hot tub. Needless to say, I awoke the next morning with frizzy hair and wreaking of an over-chlorinated pool. The BOY and I had no plans for Sunday, so we took a taxi out to Lido Beach.
We took a long stroll down to the end of the beach overlooking Long Boat Key enjoying another spectacular day!
From the beach, we walked a few blocks to St. Armand’s Circle. After Friday’s run, I was eager to get back. Per our taxi driver’s recommendation, we ate lunch at Columbia Restaurant. The Spanish food was incredible and possibly the best meal we had all weekend! With an afternoon Indiana game ahead, the BOY suggested cocktails and basketball.
He didn’t have to ask me twice to spend Sunday Funday with a Mojito in the sun! We got back to our hotel with enough time for a dip in the pool and nap before one last seafood dinner with the bride and groom and a few of their friends who had also stayed the extra night in Florida.
Monday morning came way to quickly. I pulled out my running shoes for one last 70 degree winter run. This time, I stayed along the bay. There is just something about running along the waterfront that I love! By the time I came bounding back into the hotel room, the BOY was starving and ready for breakfast.
We had a fresh and filling breakfast at the Toasted Mango leaving more than enough time for one last swim.
Do I even need to tell you how hard it was to leave all of this and pack up for the airport???
But sadly we did! Our weekend was so bright and wonderful. The BOY and I had some time to relax, and we returned feeling rejuvenated and already talking about our next vacation! I’m hoping that just looking at these pictures will keep me warm through the last few weeks/months of winter.
