It’s Summertime in Sarasota, FL

June is here and it’s time to relax and enjoy the summer! While the temps lately have felt more like August already, it’s easy to feel the summer vibes and start partaking in everything our Suncoast has to offer. I’ve compiled a list of my top 5 things to do in the summer (now that the snowbirds have flown the coop).

Savor Sarasota: June 1-14 is the Savor Sarasota promotion. You can find deals at many restaurants in the Sarasota/Manatee area. Two course lunches for $16 and three course dinners for $32 at some of the most popular restaurants in the area. This is the perfect time to try someplace new. You can find a complete list of participating restaurants at savorsarasota.com.  Many places extend the specials past the June 14th date – so take a look.

Walk the Ringling Bridge (early). As you know, the days heat up pretty fast around here. But the sun is up pretty early too––so take advantage. Drive and park your car at Bird Key Park and take an early morning trek across the Ringling Bridge. It’s not a long walk and the views are spectacular. If you’d like a longer walk, head all the way into St. Armand’s Circle and grab a coffee at Starbucks or a healthy smoothie at The Green Zebra.

Sarasota Farmers Market. On Saturday mornings starting at 7 am, you can take a leisurely stroll down Lemon and 1st Streets and grab a coffee, a pastry or some organic juice as you shop the vendors. The advantage to the summer market is that it is WAY less crowded than during the season. Yes, there are fewer vendors to choose from, but I love the more relaxed atmosphere and quieter pace. It is important to note, too, that many of the produce vendors close down in late June, due to their growing season. It’s still worth a trip, though, for the year-round vendors.

SUP––Stand up Paddle Boarding. This is on my bucket list and I really want to try it this summer. Rentals and lessons are available at numerous locations around Sarasota. Prices start at $35 for a 2 hour rental. You can SUP at Bird Key as well as Longboat, Island Park, and Ken Thompson Park-City Island. Contact Juliana at 941-281-0215 for more information on this popular sport that is also an excellent workout.

After you’ve worked up a sweat in the heat, there is no better way to cool off than with a Hyppo popsicle. HYPPO is located on St. Armands Circle. It’s easy to spot the bright orange awning on the street. Stop in and you’ll be amazed at the variety of unique and delicious flavors. These are not like any store-bought popsicle you’ve ever had. Flavors like the Elvis (my favorite)—a banana and peanut butter pop, or Blueberry Cinnamon (my second favorite!). If you’d like to “double dip”, they will dip your pop in chocolate for an extra buck! Stop in and try––you won’t be disappointed.

So, get out there and try some of my tips. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Have a great summer!

Photos from unsplash and hyppo website.