Holiday Events

Who says winter has to be cold? Here on Florida's southwest coast we have the same holiday festivities, without the gloves and boots.

Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion: December 1, 2011 - January 2, 2012.

Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees: December 1 - December 7, 2011.

Holiday Night of Lights, St. Armand's Circle: December 2, 2011

Sarasota Holiday Parade: December 3, 2011. 7 p.m.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens 10th Annual Holiday Lights: December 6 - 24, 2011. 7 p.m.

Holiday on Parade: December 7, 2011. 5:30 p.m.

Siesta Key Holiday Light Tour: December 8, 2011. 6:30 p.m.

SRQ Trolley Holiday Tour of Lights: December 8, 2011. 6:30 p.m.

25th Annual Sarasota Boat Parade of Lights: December 10, 2011. 6 p.m.

Miracle on 34th Street, Van Wezel: December 13, 2011. 7:30 p.m.

Lights in Bloom, Sarasota's Selby Gardens: December 16, 2011. 6 p.m.

Kenny G 2011 Holiday Show, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: December 17, 2011. 8 p.m.

Holiday Photos with our Santa/Chanukah Pup: December 20, 2011. 3 p.m.

1st Annual North Port Snow Festival: December 23, 2011. 2 p.m.

Sailor Circus' 2011 Holiday Spectacular, PAL Sailor Circus Tent: December 27, 2011. 2 p.m.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center: December 28, 2011. 7:30 p.m.

Fun Fall Happenings in Southwest Florida

Fall is here. While our temperatures don't normally 'fall' here in Southwest Florida, our events heat up.


11/1/2011 Penguin Island Exhibit at Mote Aquarium, 10:00 a.m.
Repeats daily until February 29, 2012
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
For more information: www.mote.org

Huey Lewis and the News Soulsville Tour, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
For more information: www.vanwezel.org

11/2/2011
Free Yoga On Siesta Key Public Beach, 9:00 a.m.
Repeats weekly on Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat until December 31, 2011
Location: Siesta Key Public Beach

11/03/2011
Seussical, 8:00 p.m.
Repeats daily until November 6, 2011
Location: The Players Theatre

11/4/2011
Music On Main, Lakewood Ranch, 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: Main St. Lakewood Ranch FL

11/5/2011
Madama Butterfly, Sarasota Opera, 8 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Location: Sarasota Opera House
Host: Sarasota Opera

24th Annual Downtown Venice Art Festival, 10 a.m.
Location: Downtown Venice

21st Annual Sarasota Bluesfest, 11 a.m.
Location: Ed Smith Stadium Complex

Sunnyside Village's 6th Annual Holiday Bazaar, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Sunnyside Village Community Center

11/6/2011
SECA Car Show at Southside Village, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Southside Village at Hillview Street
Host: Southside Village Business Association

11/7/2011
Live From Downtown - It's Friday Night, 6:00 p.m.
Repeats until December 2, 2011
Location: Downtown Sarasota
Host: Downtown Sarasota Alliance

11/10/2011
Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sandsculpting Competition
Nov. 10-14, various hours
Repeats daily until Mon Nov 14 2011 .
Location: Siesta Public Beach Pavilion

Bleus, Brews and Schmooze- Gulf Coast Cheese Fest, 6 p.m.
Location: Polo Grill and Bar

11/11/2011
11-11-11 Marathon of Sarasota, 11 a.m.
Location: Whitaker Gateway Park

11/12/2011
23rd Annual St. Armands Art Festival, 10 a.m.
November 12 - 13, 2011
Location: St Armand's Circle

Sarasota Medieval Fair, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Sarasota County Fair Grounds

11/19/2011
Harvest Festival and Craft Fair, 9 a.m.
Repeats daily until November 20, 2011
Location: Mixon Fruit Farms
Host: Mixon's Fruit Farms

Hispanic Latino Festival 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Sarasota

3rd Annual St. Andrews Scottish Festival11, 6:00 p.m.
Location: MacAllisters Grill & Tavern

14th Annual Great Teddy Bear Run, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Twin Lakes Park

11/20/2011
The Wedding Village, A Bridal Show, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Sarasota Municipal Auditorium

11/26/2011
Light Up Siesta Village, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Siesta Key Village

11/30/2011
Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees, 11:00 a.m.
Repeats daily until December 7, 2011
Location: Powel Crosley Estate

Fun Halloween Happenings in Sarasota

Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest - October 15 - 31, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free admission, and free parking. Activities for the whole family, pony rides, free hay rides, face painting, moon bounce, 40 foot slip n slide, Glob of Death, Torres Family Circus for free and more!
Location: Fruitville Grove, 7410 Fruitville Rd.
Information: www.fruitvillegrove.com or 941.377.0896

Halloween Fun for the Sea Monster in Us All - October 21, 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Delight your inner sea monster just in time for Halloween at Mote's Night of Fish, Fun and Fright. Buoys and ghouls of all ages can discover creatures from the deep in a safe and fun trick-or-treat zone and explore Mote's haunted house, "Shipwreck on City Island." Guests can also unearth shark teeth in "Coffin Creek" and enjoy deep sea delights in the "Diner of the Dead." Mote is also inviting our favorite mateys, the Anna Maria Privateers, for a pirate invasion during this year's event. And don't miss our signature underwater pumpkin carving in our spooktacular shark habitat! Tickets are $6 per person if purchased before Oct. 19. Tickets at the door are $10 per person ($8 for Mote Members). Children younger than age 4 get in free.
Location: Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Information: www.mote.org or 941-388-4441

9th Annual Goblin Gathering - October 21, 6:30 p.m.
Manatee County Parks and Recreation is celebrating the 9th Annual Goblin Gathering at G.T. Bray Park. Bring the family out and join in the costume contest, face painting, hayride, bounce houses, and 18' inflatable slide. In addition, several local businesses will be participating by passing out "treats & sweets" to participants, providing a safe alternative for children to trick-or-treat. Concessions will be available.
Location: 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton
Information: www.mymanatee.org or 941.742.5923

Pup-kin Festival - October 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Human Costume Contest Come in Costume or Bring Photo of your Best Halloween Costume, $5.00 Donation Entry Fee, 1st 2nd and 3rd Prizes, Judging is @ 5:00 pm All photos must be in on 10-22-11 by 4pm. *Trick or Treating *Raffles *Bake Sale *Refreshments *Cat Scratch Punch
Location: Humane Society of Sarasota County
Information: http://www.hssc.org/ or 941.955.4131

3rd Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival - October 28 - 30, 12 - 10 p.m.
Expected to attract 30,000 Festival Goers. There will be live music, hayrides, face painting, a large variety of cuisine, and tons of games & activities to amuse all ages. Among other things, a costume parade, pie-eating contest, Not So Scary Haunted House and Safe Trick or Treating will also add to the festive atmosphere. Halloween night will be the lighting and unveiling of a wall of approximately 10,000 - 15,000 jack-o'-lanterns donated by our community and local schools. The Grand Finale allows the tradition to continue and will benefit All Children's Hospital Foundation
Location: Sarasota County Fair Grounds
Information: www.SarasotaPumpkinFestival.com or 941.706.7605

Boo Run - October 29, 8 a.m.
Come join us at Lakewood Ranch's Boo Fest 2011 for the Boo Run. The Boo Run is a 5K run, but don't worry you can also walk. In the spirit of Halloween, costumes are much appreciated. It is $30 to register Online and $30 to register on Race Day. Awards: Three Deep for Each Age Group, Best Adult Costume and Best Child's Costume. So come on down to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for a fun, festive Saturday activity.
Location: Westgate Shopping Center
Information: www.bgcofmanatee.org or 941.761.2583

The Beach Club at Siesta Key Launches New Website

RVA launches a new Beach Club at Siesta Key website www.beachclubatsiestakey.com. With numerous new features, which include: an online booking engine, local attractions to help our guests plan their Siesta Key vacation, photo gallery with HD, professional photography and a special offers selection that will help our guests maximize their vacation budget.

White-sand quartz beaches combined with a beautifully decorated, modern resort creates a chic beach destination on Siesta Key. Adorned in eye-pleasing neutral tones, each unit has a splash of greens and turquoise – perfectly coordinating with the striking hues of the Gulf of Mexico. The Beach Club at Siesta Key offers studio, one- or two-bedroom units, just steps from the Siesta Key beach. Each unit features a full-size kitchen with stainless steel appliances, private washer and dryer, large flat-screen LCD TV’s, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access and iPod docking stations.

To inquire about The Beach Club at Siesta Key, 6732 Sarasea Circle, Sarasota, FL 34242, call 866-355-2170. Visit our website at www.beachclubatsiestakey.com.

RVA Siesta Key offers numerous homes, condominiums and resort-style properties on or near Siesta Key beaches. Other RVA vacation rentals include: Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island and Venice. Each vacation rental is fully furnished and vacation ready. For more information log onto www.rvafl.com or call 800-237-9505.

About RVA
RVA, is one of the nation’s leading vacation rental companies in Southwest Florida. RVA is the largest management company of vacation condominiums, homes and resort-style properties on Florida’s west coast, based on a portfolio of over 300 units. The Southwest Florida inventory includes premier beach destinations like: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice.

RVA Acquires The Beach Club at Siesta Key

Siesta Key, FL (July 18, 2011) – RVA, one of the area’s leading vacation rental property management companies of vacation condominiums and home rentals, has been named property and resort manager of The Beach Club, located on Siesta Key, Florida.

The Beach Club at Siesta Key is decorated in eye-pleasing neutral tones; each unit has a splash of green and turquoise – perfectly coordinating with the striking hues of the Gulf of Mexico. The Beach Club offers studio, one- and two-bedroom units, just steps from the Siesta Key beaches. Each unit features a full-size kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, private washer and dryer, large flat-screen LCD TV’s and iPod docking stations. The property boasts beach access just steps away as well as a heated swimming pool and hot tub.

“We are very excited to welcome The Beach Club to our resort inventory,” said Trevor Hind, Vice-President/Chief Operating Officer. “With Siesta Key beach being named as the #1 Beach in the United States for 2011 by Dr. Beach, we have seen an increase in demand for the area and we are confident The Beach Club will please even the most discerning traveler. The Beach Club is a great addition to our existing inventory and is sure to set a new standard of accommodations and service on Siesta Key.”

To inquire or make reservations for The Beach Club, 6732 Sarasea Circle, Siesta Key, FL, call (800) 237-9505 or visit www.beachclubatsiestakey.com.

RVA Siesta Key offers numerous homes, condominiums and resort-style properties on or near Siesta Key beaches. Other RVA vacation rentals include: Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island and Venice. Each vacation rental is fully furnished and vacation ready. For more information log onto www.rvafl.com or call 800-237-9505.

About RVA
RVA a ResortQuest® Affiliate, is one of the nation’s leading vacation rental companies in Southwest Florida. RVA is the largest management company of vacation condominiums, homes and resort-style properties on Florida’s west coast, based on a portfolio of over 300 units. The Southwest Florida inventory includes premier beach destinations like: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice.

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Siesta Key Beaches Named the Best Beach in the United States

Siesta Key, FL (May 27, 2011) – Siesta Key beach earns the number one spot in the 20th Annual Top 10 Beaches in the United States by Dr. Beach, Dr. Stephen Leatherman. Siesta Key has been a constant on the Top 10 Beaches in the United States for the past three years, last year taking the 2nd spot with the year previous at the 3rd spot. This continual increase in recognition for the beach is largely attributed to its powdery, white sand made up of crystal quartz which keeps the sand cool even on the sunniest Florida day. Unlike most beaches, when the Siesta Key sand is packed near the water’s edge, you can easily jog, ride your bike or push a stroller. Siesta Key has been a staple for locals and vacationing guests alike for its pristine conditions, easy access and complimentary amenities.

Dr. Beach bases his selection each year on a 50 criteria process, including water and sand quality, as well as facilities and environmental management, as part of the National Healthy Beaches Campaign (NHBC). The NHBC is dedicated to creating a balance between the recreational use of our nation’s beaches and maintaining the environmental quality and safety of this prized resource.

RVA, a ResortQuest® Affiliate, vacation rentals offers numerous homes and condominiums on or near Siesta Key beaches. Other RVA vacation rentals include: Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Anna Maria Island and Venice. Choose to stay in a five-bedroom estate on the beach, a bayfront condominium or a resort-style property. Each Siesta Key vacation rental is fully furnished and vacation ready. For more information log onto www.RVAFL.com or call 800-237-9505.

About RVA, a ResortQuest® Affiliate
RVA a ResortQuest® Affiliate, is one of the nation’s leading vacation rental companies in Southwest Florida. RVA is the largest management company of vacation condominiums, homes and resort-style properties on Florida’s west coast, based on a portfolio of over 300 units. The Southwest Florida inventory includes premier beach destinations like: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Sarasota, Siesta Key and Venice.

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Sarasota Circus Experience

What do you get when you mix the “Greatest Show on Earth” and warm Gulf waters? A vacation you will never forget. Sarasota and her Islands are rich with circus history – from the John & Mable Ringling Museum to the Circus Ring of Fame -- no “Big Top” is left unturned in the “Cultural Capital” of Southwest Florida.

Add to your circus vacation experience, at the Elephant Pool home, in Sarasota, Florida. This four-bedroom, three-bath home features a pool shaped like an elephant. The original owner, who envisioned the elephant, actually managed a circus act and had the artistic pool created for the enjoyment of his children and friends. Connect those facts with the area’s deep roots in the entertainment past time, and you have a vacation spot with a local twist. For a limited time, when you book the Elephant Pool Home between now and September 30, you will receive the following package:

- Two (2) complimentary adult tickets to The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art
- Two (2) complimentary $25 gift certificates to The Blue Dolphin Cafe on St. Armand's Circle

With the release of Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattison’s new movie, Water for Elephants this April, this is the perfect time to explore the rich circus history Southwest Florida’s coast has to offer.

Call 800-237-9505 to book the Sarasota Circus Experience!

Disclaimer:
Terms & Conditions: Must mention booking code INT 8CE at time of booking. Seven-night minimum stay required; and must be consecutive. Offer valid on reservations booked by 9/30/2011 for stays between 5/1/2011 and 12/14/2011. Limit two (2) $25 gift certificates to The Blue Dolphin Cafe and two (2) adult tickets to The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art per reservation. Complimentary items received at check-in. This promotion cannot be booked online and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Valid on new reservations only. Promotion subject to availability.