After a weekend getaway to the Gulf coast, I am fully rested and relaxed – at least for a few more days. 😉 My first solo trip was honestly better than I thought it would be. As a surprise to no one, I ultimately didn’t go with any of my initial thoughts. After poking around Orbitz, figuring out where I could use the hotel credit I had on my account, I found a great deal at a hotel in Osprey.
Had I heard of Osprey before? No. But considering the price came out to under $100 per night, I figured it was worth exploring, especially because it was close to Sarasota, one of my first thoughts on where I’d go, as well as right next to Venice, which I’ve only heard good things about. Early Friday afternoon, I gassed up the car and headed south. Here’s what I did:
Day 1: Osprey, Florida
Since I couldn’t check into my room at Casey Key Resorts – Mainland, I figured out some things to do in the area beforehand. But first things first – I needed to pick up a tripod. I found this one at Target, which I picked up in Sarasota on my way there.
Side note: if you are solo traveling, you need a tripod or selfie stick! No stranger would have the patience I did to take a dozen different photos of myself, and this one came with a handy remote. It took a little figuring out, but I got pretty good with it by the end of the trip.
I then made my way to Oscar Scherer State Park. This is right off the Tamiami Trail, and it was absolutely lovely. I hiked the Lester Finley Trail and South Creek Nature Trail to Lake Osprey before looping back to my car and heading to the hotel. Once I checked in, I was able to relax a bit and grabbed dinner at Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen downstairs. Since it was Friday night, and they had live music playing, it was busy, but I managed to get a table and enjoy a flatbread before heading back to my room for the night.
Day 2: Venice, Florida
I don’t get to sleep in much anymore, so I enjoyed a decadently slow wake up! I was in bed until about 10, when I finally decided I needed to eat. Fortunately, downtown Venice provided plenty of options – plus, my friend Emily (you might remember her from the cactus incident in Arizona) had given me a ton of recommendations. I ultimately wound up at Croissant & Co, which was absolutely the right choice. I got apple and apricot croissants, which were so good, I’m drooling while typing this. The line should tell you it’s worth the stop!
I ate my pastries in Centennial Park, which was also where I parked – the downtown area was quite busy, but there was ample parking here – and then I meandered around. Michael Biehl Park had a nice mural with fountains, while the Venetian Waterway Park made for a lovely walk. Ultimately, my favorite spot was Venice Beach. It was about a mile from downtown, so I walked there. Definitely a great way to warm up on a chilly day, especially because I basically had the beach to myself!
From there, I got back in the car and placed an order to-go from Pinchers, a Florida-based seafood restaurant. I got a blackened grouper sandwich with crab and corn soup, which was warm and filling. So filling in fact, I only ventured back out to grab dessert for dinner from Crystal Cream Rolls! Locally owned, this was a great stop for a sweet snack. I quickly swung by Publix for some breakfast snacks, then headed in for the night.
Day 3: Myakka River State Park
It’s been a minute since I’ve visited Myakka River, but it left such an impression (see here), I knew I needed to make my way back. Since I had to check out by 10, it was the perfect excuse to get some hiking in. I, of course, made my way through their Canopy Walkway, but I also enjoyed the nature trail and Fisherman’s Loop before heading out for lunch.
While I considered swinging by St. Armand’s Circle, after Megan’s glowing recommendation, I ultimately decided I’d rather stop somewhere on the way home. After all, I needed to get my afternoon pump in! I stopped at Station 400 – the Lakewood Ranch location, though I’ve also been to the downtown Sarasota one – for a delicious helping of bacon and caramel pancakes before making my way home.
Some places I didn’t visit on this Gulf coast getaway, but that were recommended to me or I found in my research: Blackburn Point Park, Monty Andrews Arboretum at West Blalock Park, and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
For additional restaurant recommendations, you could also try:
• Rosebud’s Steak and Seafood House in Osprey
• Casey Key Fish House in Osprey
• A Good Day Cafe in Osprey
• Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis
• Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shop in Nokomis
• Sharky’s On The Pier in Venice
• The Soda Fountain of Venice in Venice
• Cafe Bagel in Venice
• Ciao Gelato in Venice