On the water
Live Music by the Bridge: Casey Key Fish House, by Boat or by Car
At the north end of Casey Key, beside the old swing bridge, a tiki bar with live music and a dock out front. One of our favorite afternoons on the water.
The BigTree Blog
Stories From the Gulf Coast.
Beaches, culture, kids adventures and local favorites near our homes in Siesta Key, Sarasota and Cape Coral. New stories every week.
Sarasota
The Famous Kissing Statue on Sarasota's Bayfront
Unconditional Surrender, the 26-foot sailor and nurse by the bay, recreates the most famous kiss of 1945. Here is the story.
Siesta Key
The Return of Midnight Pass: Siesta Key's Wild South End
Closed for 41 years, reopened by two hurricanes in 2024 and now here to stay. The remarkable story of Midnight Pass.
Kids and family
Selby Gardens With Kids: Rope Bridges, Orchids and a Rainforest
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Sarasota Bay has a children's rainforest garden made for climbing, exploring and splashing.
On the water
Dock and Dine: Boat-Up Bars and Restaurants Along the Gulf Coast
From Longboat Key to Venice, the waterfront spots where you can tie up, grab lunch and get back on the water.
Travel tips
How to Book a Vacation Rental Direct, Safely
More travelers are booking direct with hosts. Here is how to do it with confidence, and the red flags to watch for.
Kids and family
A Siesta Beach Day With Little Kids
Lifeguards, a playground, a gentle slope into the water and sand that stays cool. Siesta Beach might be the easiest beach day you will ever have with toddlers.
On the water
Boat Clubs on the Gulf Coast, and the Club That Started in Sarasota
Love boating but not boat ownership? How boat clubs work, and why Freedom Boat Club calls Sarasota home.
Travel tips
Flying In: Sarasota (SRQ), Tampa (TPA) or Fort Myers (RSW)?
Which airport is best for Siesta Key, Sarasota and Cape Coral? Drive times, routes and when Tampa is worth the extra miles.
Siesta Key
Siesta Key vs. Clearwater Beach: Which Gulf Coast Beach Should You Choose?
Two of Florida's most famous beaches, about 90 minutes to two hours apart by car. How they compare on sand, crowds and things to do.
Kids and family
Sarasota With Kids: Our Family Bucket List
Gardens with rope bridges, sharks and sea turtles, a miniature circus, bike trails and alligators. The best kid-approved outings near our homes.
Sarasota
Rainy Day? 10 Things to Do in Sarasota When It Pours
Florida showers usually pass quickly, but when they do not, here are our favorite indoor plans.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral: Canals, Burrowing Owls and Sanibel Shells
Over 400 miles of canals, the biggest burrowing owl population in Florida and some of the world's best shelling nearby.
Kids and family
Stars and Manatees: The Bishop Museum With Kids
A science museum, a planetarium and a manatee rehabilitation habitat, about half an hour north of our Sarasota homes.
Kids and family
Planning a Group Trip for 10 or 12: How to Find the Right Vacation Home
Family reunions, friends' getaways and milestone birthdays. How to choose a home that works for a big group.
Wellness
Easy Health and Wellness Habits for a Relaxing Beach Trip
Sun, water, movement and a little less screen time. Small habits that help you feel your best on vacation.
Siesta Key
The Sunday Drum Circle on Siesta Beach
Every Sunday near sunset, drummers and dancers gather on Siesta Beach. Everyone is welcome.
Kids and family
Alligators and Treetops: Myakka River State Park With Kids
One of Florida's oldest and largest state parks, with a canopy walkway above the trees and gators sunning on the riverbanks.
Travel tips
Vacation Rentals With a Private Pool: Five Questions to Ask Before You Book
Is it heated? Is it screened? Is it really private? What to check when "private pool" is at the top of your list.
Sarasota
Our Favorite French Bakery Is Right Around the Corner in Gulf Gate
Warm baguettes, buttery croissants and challah worth planning a morning around. Why Ooh La La French Bakery is our first stop.
Travel tips
Staying a Month or More? What to Look for in a Long-Term Rental
Snowbird season, a remote-work winter or time between homes. The questions to ask before you book a monthly stay.
Kids and family
Biking the Legacy Trail and Other Family Rides
A flat, paved rail trail through woods and wetlands, plus easy beach rides on Siesta Key. Sarasota is made for bikes.
Lido and St. Armands
St. Armands Circle: Shops, Gelato and a Little Circus History
A roundabout of palm-lined shops and restaurants between Sarasota and Lido Beach, with a story that goes back to John Ringling.
Travel tips
Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Sarasota and Siesta Key: What to Know
Bringing the dog? Where pets are welcome, which beaches allow dogs and how to make the trip easy for everyone.
Wellness
Why Good Sleep Is the Secret to a Great Vacation
Rest is the whole point of getting away. A few simple habits help you sleep deeply and come home truly recharged.
Kids and family
The Ringling for Kids: A Miniature Circus and a Bayfront Palace
John Ringling's 66-acre estate has a mansion, an art museum, banyan trees to climb under and the world's largest miniature circus.
Siesta Key
Longboat Key vs. Siesta Key: Quiet Luxury or Island Energy?
Two barrier islands, two very different vacations. How Longboat Key and Siesta Key compare for beaches, dining and things to do.
Lido and St. Armands
Lido Beach and Lido Key: Sand, Mangrove Tunnels and a Quieter Pace
Just past St. Armands Circle, Lido Key offers wide beaches, nature trails and a kayak trail through mangrove tunnels.
Travel tips
What to Pack for Florida's Gulf Coast, Season by Season
Sweaters in January? Rain jackets in July? A simple packing guide for Siesta Key, Sarasota and Cape Coral all year.
Sarasota
Saturday Morning at the Sarasota Farmers Market
Fresh citrus, local honey, flowers and breakfast from the food stalls. Here is how to do downtown Sarasota's Saturday market like a local.
Kids and family
Sharks, Sea Turtles and Manatees: Mote Aquarium With Kids
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a working research lab with an aquarium attached. Kids get to see real science in action.
Siesta Key
Anna Maria Island vs. Siesta Key: Which Island Is Right for You?
Old Florida charm and a free trolley, or famous white sand and a lively village? An honest comparison of two Gulf Coast favorites.
Siesta Key
Reveille and Taps: The Daily Flag Ceremony at Beach Access 2
Every morning and every sunset, neighbors gather at Siesta Key's Beach Access 2 to raise and lower the flag. It is one of the island's most moving traditions.
Travel tips
The Vacation Rental Amenities That Actually Make a Trip
Forget the long checklists. These are the features guests thank us for again and again.
Siesta Key
The Ancient Story Behind Siesta Key's Cool White Sand
Siesta Key's sand started its journey in the Appalachian Mountains. Here is why it is so white, so soft and so cool under your feet.
Siesta Key
Choosing a Beach House on Siesta Key: What Actually Matters
Walk to the Village or bike to the sand? Hot tub or bigger yard? A quick guide to picking the right Siesta Key rental for your group.