Longboat Key - Sarasota, FL Boating & Lunch at Mar Vista

There are so many fun family activities to do year round in Sarasota that the hard part is just deciding on one.  I am blessed to have two wonderful young kids and a loving wife who find fun and adventure in everything we do.  They have helped me discover the beauty of Sarasota and helped me explore all the wonderful things this area has to offer.

Yesterday we embarked on an early morning boat trip from Roberts Bay to the Jewfish Key sandbar on the north tip of Longboat Key.  As we crossed the North Bridge on Siesta Key, we could see Bird Key to the west and the bay-front mansions of Cherokee Park and Harbor Acres to the east.  Marina Jacks and the scenic downtown area were visible as we crossed under the John Ringling bridge.  Now in a very calm Sarasota Bay, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center was in view among towering downtown condos.  As we sped north, with the cool wind in our face, the Longboat Key shoreline was to the west and the Sarasota mainland to the east.

Jewfish Key is located on the northeast tip of Longboat Key.  The natural sandbar, to the west of the key, is a haven for week-end boaters seeking to explore, relax and swim in a natural paradise.

Aerial shot of beautiful Jewfish Key from the northwest.

 The gang now on the sandbar getting ready to look for hermit crabs, seashells & other treasures.

 A quiet moment between father (me) & son.

Swimming and relaxing around the sandbar. North Longboat Key Bridge on the background.

After roaming the sandbar we worked up quite an appetite and it was time for lunch.  A quick boat ride to the north tip of Longboat brought us to Mar Vista Restaurant .  Originally built in 1912 and located in the heart of the Longboat Village, Mar Vista is not to be missed.  We lunched in the outdoor covered deck overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay.  The grouper sandwich and coconut shrimp were excellent and the service was friendly and attentive.  Great food and great service in a scenic bay-side setting.  All in all, another wonderful day in paradise.

If you would like to make Longboat Key your home or are looking to buy or sell a property in this area, please give me a call at 941-928-8892.  As a 37 year resident of Sarasota, with over 25 years of real estate experience, I am well qualified to help you find your home in paradise.  Click here to see Longboat Key Real Estate or explore my website for for more information on Sarasota: www.SarasotaRealEstate.com