Alligator Alley, Sarasota, St Armand's Key and Historic High Springs Florida - Pt. 2



Lido Beach, SARASOTA, FL


Armand's Key is the perfect place to visit if you don't have a lot of time.  The "downtown", is basically a circular main street, with a circular"square", with cute little outdoor cafes, shops, boutiques, and art galleries surrounding the "square".  The square is really Circle Park, and it has 80 beautiful bronze circle plaques with the name of each of the Ringling Brothers (it's off of John Ringling Causeway), and other circus performers, as the town was developed by Mr Ringling himself!!   We found that on the weekends the "square" is full of white tent and friendly vendors selling their one of a kind art pieces, clothing accessories, and yummy treats!!  Just a block away is the beach, with white cornstarch sand, and turquoise blue waters!!  We were able to walk the whole "downtown", walk through the little "fair" at Circle Park, and still make it over to the beach, in just a couple of hours!!  The little town is adorable.  It is obviously a nice, upscale town, but it is unpretentious and inviting!  The kids really enjoyed seeing the interesting shops along the way, and were blown away by the great beach!!


This San Diego artist was amazing to watch!!  I wrote down his name and the name of art gallery, but now I can't find it! If you know who he is, or the name of the gallery where he was working, please comment!!



 While making your way by the shops you'll notice many eating spots.  From restaurants with adorable outdoor eating areas, to hotdog shops and ice cream parlors.     Christopher really liked
this little guy!! :)










One of our favorite shops was the "tube dude" store.  Created by artist Scott Gerber after his business went under, these welded sculptures just put a smile on your face!!
 
And for every few tube-dudes sold, Scott Gerber donates one in order to keep the "smiles" coming!   You will spot these happy little guys all over Armand's Key, as well as on the "mainland" of Sarasota. If you'd like to  know more, here's a link to a great article: "Tale behind Tube Dude".   I REALY want one!!!  :)                               




            Something else you'll notice on Armand's Key are the statues of Greek and Roman Mythology.  Here you'll spot Diana and Zeus and Neptune among others.  There are over 30 of these gorgeous sculptures!!  The statues are truly beautiful and apparently they were brought over by John Ringling himself  in the early 1900's because he felt that it was important to have real art in Sarasota!!

I think that what we loved the most about Armand's Key was the fact that, even though there was so much to see and do, from the shops, art galleries, and cafe's on "Main Street", to Circle Park, Lido Beach and the serene and inspiring garden of St. Armand's Key Lutheran Church, everything was within easy walking distance.  Really, I cannot stress enough how walkable and pleasant the "exploring" was in this little
 town!!  Another thing that we noticed was how friendly and pleasant everyone was!  For some reason in South Florida people are usually in a hurry, or just not very patient.  We found the people to be very kind!  And to me, THAT makes the "place" as much as anything else.  So kudos to Sarasota and it's lovely residents!!  We'll definitely be back!! 


And last, but certainly not least, St. Armand's Key Lutheran Church!  Actually, depending on where you park, this is the first thing you see as you enter the little "downtown" area!  Their is a perfect little public Garden adjacent to the church.  The kids really enjoyed it!












Click here to read Part III where we visit Historic High Springs, FL.