Story by Ken Panton
Photography by David Lewis Taylor

Long weekend getaway destinations in Florida can offer everything from the lively to the sedate. Longboat Key, located on Florida’s southwestern coast is an exceptionally natural community, graced with wide beaches and complimented by fine art venues, historical attractions, shopping, excellent dining, and a multitude of outdoor activities. For anyone leaving the cold Northeast or the fast paced cities like, London, New York, or Mexico City the first requisite activity to achieve the Longboat Key state of mind is to watch the stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, and revel as the tensions and pressure of worlds away evaporate.

We recommend flying on Delta Air Lines to Sarasota: their numerous and easy connections make travel to Sarasota, or Tampa, seamless and efficient. For an oasis of tranquility the tropically landscaped Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort is a perfect home away from home. In the evening the Lattitude’s Beach Café offers fine dining and it is a favorite of locals for special occasions, by day guests can enjoy dining on the beachfront deck, overlooking the pool and waters of the Gulf. Request room 530, as the views are breathtaking. The Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort is located near all the area’s interesting attractions, with educational, enriching, or recreational activities close at hand.

The Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the nations few remaining private marine research laboratories and the exhibits, aquariums, and educational displays emphasis the local marine life and their fragile ecosystems. The Ringling Estate and Museum is a must visit spot for history aficionados and art, architecture, and nature lovers. The 66-acre estate overlooks Sarasota Bay and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art houses the legacy of their collections. The museum has expanded to include over 21 galleries of European paintings, Cypriot antiquities, Asian art, American paintings, and contemporary art. Fully restored in 2002, Cà d'Zan, the waterfront mansion home of the Ringling’s, is open for tours and the grand appointments are nearly fit for a king.

Live like the locals – dine at one of the premier longstanding hot spots, Harry’s Continental Kitchen, where local flavor is served along side exceptional cuisine. Acclaimed by Zagat’s as a “Top Restaurant in America” and an eight-time recipient of Florida’s Golden Spoon Award, Beach Bistro “Floribbean” cuisine is not to be missed. Remember to arrive hungry, as the portions are large and the menu overwhelmingly tempting. Visits to the area must also partake in the decadent dessert bar presented nightly at The Haye Loft – the selections are delectable! There is so much more to see and do in Longboat Key, Florida.