Archive for the ‘Top 10 Lists’ Category
Posted by John Butzko on September 1, 2010
Get out and enjoy this Labor Day weekend. You earned it.
Celebrated since September of 1882, Labor Day is a longstanding observance dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the American workforce and the contributions they have made to the prosperity and well-being of our country. It also signifies a long weekend for many to ring in the unofficial end of summer, complete with family outings, barbecues and more.
As with all holidays and special occasions, the greater Sarasota area is filled with events and activities to entertain residents and visitors–and you deserve it. Here are our top 10 Labor Day weekend activities taking place in the Sarasota area:
1. Labor Day Family Picnic at the Point – Bring the whole family for a day of fun at Historic Spanish Point, the premier outdoor museum. This Monday, September 6, starting at 9:00 am, just $10 per car load gives your family access to 30 acres of shady nature trails, scenic boardwalks, historic buildings, rich gardens, bay breezes and more, with plenty of picnic tables at a variety of interesting locations throughout the museum. Bring a Frisbee or baseball bat and balls and play on the Lychee Field near one of the largest butterfly gardens in the area, or take in some sunshine right next to the cool waters of Little Sarasota Bay overlooking Casey Key. Sorry no grills or pets. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with no site admittance after 4:00pm. Visit HERE for more information.
2. Labor Day All Day Celebration – Looking for a delicious brunch complemented with live music on your extra weekend day? Blu Smoke Island Grill and Bar is offering an all-you-can-eat-and-drink Holiday Weekend Brunch starting at 9am and ending at noon on Monday, September 7. Stay for the pig roast from noon – 4 pm and live reggae on the from 2-6 pm. Go HERE for more information.
3. 5th Annual Selby Instructors’ Summer Showcase – This Monday, September 6, enjoy an annual exhibit and sale showcasing the work of many of Selby’s talented art instructors, giving you a preview of the fun and interesting experiences waiting at the Gardens every week. Come see this exhibit and be inspired to sign up for classes taught by these talented artists and instructors. Many of the works will also be available for sale. Cost: Included in admission to Gardens. More information is HERE. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 24, 2010
Walk above the trees at the Myakka Canopy. Photo courtesy of 511enews.com.
Beyond the crystalline waters, world-class beaches and swaying palm trees lies a rarely discovered world involving historical significance, cultural importance and natural exploration. It is among these unique charms that one truly discovers what our area is all about, and why those of us who live here are fortunate to call this slice of paradise home.
Here are the top 10 fun facts and places off the beaten path here in the Sarasota area:
1. Burns Court – Nestled away in downtown Sarasota, in the middle of historic Burns Square, is a small raspberry-colored theater that many people consider a landmark of the surrounding area. After opening its doors in 1993, Burns Court Cinemas has continually proven to be the best place around to find first-run, hand-picked foreign language, independent, and art films. Fun fact: Money Magazine has called Sarasota the best small city in the U.S., and has named Burns Court one of the best places to live in Sarasota. Click HERE to see what’s playing today.
2. Myakka Canopy – One of only about a dozen worldwide where you can walk along the treetops, the Myakka Canopy Walkway puts you 25 feet above the ground and extends 85 feet through the tree tops above the Myakka floor. Fun fact: Completed in June of 2000, it is the only one in the world in a subtropical forest. Click HERE for more information.
3. Paul Rudolph Houses - Take a rare look into one of Florida’s most influential architects and view the early residential works of Paul Rudolph, which were widely published at the time of conception and played a significant role in the culture of mid-twentieth century American design. Fun fact: Rudolph’s Sarasota time is now part of the period labeled Sarasota Modern in his career. Learn where to find them HERE. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 17, 2010
Updated and Enhanced: The new michaelsaunders.com is designed with a focus on your needs.
After months of rigorous planning, meticulous development, thorough testing and scrupulous user feedback, Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to announce the launch of its new web site, michaelsaunders.com. An entirely updated version of the award-winning web site we first introduced in 1995, the new site is home to a new level of user features and upgrades specially designed to provide the compelling neighborhood content, market data and advanced property search capabilities buyers and sellers have come to depend on for their real estate needs.
As you already have experienced a taste of the new site to find this blog, this is your chance to learn more about the exciting results brought about by its technological makeover. Keep in mind, we have a few more tricks up our sleeve that are yet to come. So, here are the top 10 features of our newly launched web site:
1. Instant Market Data – While traditional data sources rely on months-old market data, we now provide users with a clear view of current conditions provided by Altos Research, an award-winning company that monitors millions of properties in order to deliver the most comprehensive database of local market conditions available. Select your area of choice and learn up-to-the-minute market information.
2. Enhanced Property Search – In conjunction with our striking new “Gallery” display feature, our simple, straightforward search function includes property information delivered directly from MLS.
3. Just Listed – Be among the first to identify new listings available in your area of choice. Located on our home page, our Just Listed option delivers the most recently listed properties on MLS with full information and mapping capabilities.
4. Best Opportunities – A smashing success on our former site, we would be remiss to discontinue our popular Best Opportunities feature, showcasing the area’s most aggressively priced properties. Also located on our home page, this option brings you to the forefront of the greatest local values in real estate.
5. In-Depth Neighborhood Information – The new michaelsaunders.com features neighborhood pages combining real estate listings with high definition community video tours, local business reviews, a library of area photos, and much more. Basically, each neighborhood now has its own website complete with the information to serve your needs.
6. Local Real Estate News and Advice – Designed as your homepage source for gaining market knowledge and advice, our Local Real Estate News and Advice section is your command center for comprehensive real estate information. Tabs include Video introductions to areas, a snapshot of recent posts to The Saunders Blog, a link to sign up for our informative monthly newsletter, and access to the Michael Saunders & Company Newsroom—where you can learn more about our recent transactions and company news.
7. The Saunders Blog – Since you’re reading this post, you already understand the value of The Saunders Blog—an inside look at the real estate market from the professionals. Besides our enlightening and endearing top ten lists, the content on The Saunders Blog are treated to a wealth of real estate news and information from up-close video interviews with Michael Saunders herself and some of the company’s department managers to weekly neighborhood reports and informative articles. You can also sign up HERE to receive new blog posts to your email.
8. Connect to Agents – It is no secret that our agents are the best around. Discover the difference when working with a Michael Saunders & Company agent by accessing them directly through our Agents link. Here, you can search for a particular agent or find one by entering certain criteria that matters to you, such as language preference or office location. Or send us a message, and we can match you with the perfect agent best for your needs.
9. Open Houses – Before taking a driving tour of your open houses, chart your course online with our interactive Open House section. Here, you can view the week’s open houses by photo, area or map, then access a wealth of property details to further match your needs, including mortgage calculations, neighborhood videos and photos, agent contact information and more.
10. Your Feedback – Your satisfaction is important to us, so we want our website to be as accurate and user-friendly as possible. On the bottom right-hand side of each page you will notice a small red triangle. Simply click on this triangle to rate your experience with any page or supply feedback for any issues that you may encounter. Your feedback is important, as it helps make michaelsaunders.com better every day.
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Posted by John Butzko on August 10, 2010
Romantic or casual? Discover your favorite dining spot in Sarasota.
The Sarasota area offers an array of dining choices, covering all corners of the world in terms of styles and flavors. As longtime area residents and people about town, our agents and branch managers have sought, savored and selected the preferred dining spots they enjoy sharing with guests, clients and family alike.
So here—in no particular order—is the second sampling of a multi-part series highlighting some of our favorite Sarasota-area restaurants:
• VIZEN Japanese Cuisine – Located at 6559 Gateway Avenue in Gulf Gate, VIZEN Japanese Cuisine comes as the preferred choice for Main Street agent Tammy Garner. Housed in contemporary décor, VIZEN presents its guests with fresh sushi and an assortment of interesting dishes using a combination of great herbs, vegetables and meats selected by the owners/chefs. Chef Masaki “Matsu” Matsunae brings over 20 years of experience creating authentic Edo-style recipes mixed with a bit of French influence fusion to please sushi lovers. Tammy suggests making reservations. Smart casual attire required. Click HERE for more information.
• Mediterraneo – With its convenient downtown Sarasota location, Mediterraneo is named as the favorite area dining spot by Main Street agents Kim & Michael Ogilvie. With a casual yet chic style and a combination of consistent great northern Italian food, Mediterraneo offers a real “big city” atmosphere and the friendliest staff in town to keep Kim & Michael going back for more. “We feel like one of the family with complimentary rosemary flat bread right out of the oven and oftentimes a Limoncello to cap off the evening. Our favorite maître de and the boys from Milan are engaging and entertaining. So passionate are they about their beloved futbol, once there were tears whilst taking our wine order as the Italian team was upset in the World Cup and the lad just had to excuse himself and return to take our order.” It’s also perfectly located for a pre-movie meal. Visit HERE for more information. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on August 3, 2010
Treat your furry friend to a day at one of our area paw parks.
While our gorgeous coastal area provides plenty of fun for those who enjoy the outdoors, fine dining, world-class shopping and some of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere, there are also a number of recreational spots designated and built especially for Fido to get his exercise and socialize with style. After all, it’s important to keep in mind the old saying, “If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise.”
So, here are our top 10 places to take your pooch, including beaches, trails and parks where dogs are allowed, but do not feature fenced leash-free play areas. Remember, some locations require leashes, others don’t, so be sure to check the rules before you go.
1. 17th Street Paw Park – Located in north Sarasota, this expansive dog park features acres of grassy and wood-chip-strewn play space for pooches. It provides plenty of room for off-leash play, shade/shelter, pick-up bags, and agility equipment for large dogs. Hours are dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park are baseball, softball and soccer fields, a snack bar and restrooms. Call 941-861-9830 for more information.
2. Lakeview Paw Park – Located next to Lakeview Elementary School off Proctor Road at 7150 Lago St., Sarasota, Lakeview Paw Park offers a cool, shady oasis on hot summer days. This 26-acre park features a picnic shelter, playground and restrooms. Open from dawn to dusk. Adjacent to the paw park is an area with a jogging and fitness trail, restrooms and picnic tables. For more information, call 941-861-9830. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on July 27, 2010
More than just gorgeous, world-class beaches, the Sarasota area boasts a range of exceptional dining options.
With choices ranging from innovative fine dining establishments to quaint waterfront hideaways bursting with Old Florida charm and everything in between, Sarasota is truly food-lover’s destination set to find its way onto America’s culinary map. Our vibrant city adores unique dining concepts and treasures its tried and true mainstays that have provided delectable food and fun for generations of visitors and residents. No matter what the craving, you can guarantee there is a menu to be found in the Sarasota area that does it and does it well.
As longtime area residents and people about town, our agents and branch managers have sought, savored and selected the preferred dining spots they enjoy sharing with guests, clients and family alike. So here—in no particular order—is the first sampling of a multi-part series highlighting some of our favorite Sarasota-area restaurants:
• The Casey Key Fish House – Laidback and relaxed, the Casey Key Fish House offers casual waterfront dining with an “Old Florida” feel in mind. A favorite spot of Longboat Key South agent Deborah Beacham, the restaurant is located just over the north bridge at Blackburn Point to Casey Key. Here you will find fresh seafood served daily from 11:30 am to 9 pm. Owner Jimmy Von Hubertz and Master Chef Willie Tia present terrific food served with warm hospitality. There are daily lunch specials—Deborah’s favorite lunch is the Caesar salad with grilled mahi—and customers rave about the ahi tuna, Bouillabaisse and almond snapper dishes available on the more extensive dinner menu. There is an outdoor section where dogs are allowed (well mannered, of course), so Deborah’s poodle is always welcome! Boat docking available. Learn more HERE.
• Madfish Grill – With a dinner menu offering a selection of Caribbean-inspired cuisine from starters and tapas to seafood to salads and sandwiches, Madfish Grill is a favorite of Siesta Key Branch Manager Debbie Judge. Located at 4059 Cattlemen Road in Sarasota, this locally owned spot serves great cuisine lending itself to the islands and a selection of great steaks. Plus, the bar area is a great place for a lively evening. Fun fact: the restaurant was a bank at one time and the private room is the old vault! Learn more HERE. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on July 20, 2010
Our gorgeous beaches are full of fun things to do. Just be sure to keep it safe.
With the recent endorsement by the renowned Dr. Beach ranking Siesta Key Beach as the country’s number 2 beach—using 50 criteria including water quality and temperature, cleanliness, weather, sand, safety and facilities—residents and visitors alike flock to the surf and sand to enjoy the pristine natural beauty found only on our acclaimed shores. In fact, there’s a good chance there are plenty of sun worshipers there now. You can see them HERE.
While a day at any of our gorgeous beaches offers the perfect blend of fun and relaxation, there are many things to consider to help keep your trip safe and trouble free. From sun safety to recognizing surf conditions and everything in between, here are our top 10 tips for beach safety:
1. Learn to Swim – Everyone should know how to swim, but also remember that swimming in the Gulf is often much different than swimming in a pool. Waves, currents and tides can quickly become overpowering. Do not overestimate your swimming ability. Contact your local American Red Cross, YMCA or recreation department for information on swimming lessons in your area.
2. Good Conditions – Check surf conditions before you enter the water. Make sure no warnings are posted and no warning flags are up. (Red flag = swimming is prohibited. yellow flag = dangerous conditions, green flag = low hazard, purple flag = dangerous marine life.) Find out the water temperature and tide schedule. Observe the water currents. Rip tides can appear normal. The best advice if you’re caught in a rip tide is to remain calm and swim parallel to the shore. Try not to let the tide carry you out, but definitely do NOT swim against the tide.
3. Swim Near A Lifeguard - Statistics indicate that it is safer to swim on beaches with lifeguard services. Lifeguards are trained not only in injury prevention, but also in emergency response. Should anything go wrong at the beach, a lifeguard can help make the difference between life and death. Areas without lifeguard protection may also be areas that have hidden dangers such as sudden drop-offs, currents and weeds all which can endanger your safety. Visit HERE to find area beaches with lifeguards.
3. Hold the Booze - Approximately 50% of catastrophic injuries (including drowning) involve alcohol consumption. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your judgment, balance, and coordination. Alcohol affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm. Alcohol can make you take risks at the beach that could lead to serious injury or death, so avoid alcohol when swimming at the beach. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on July 6, 2010
Follow these tips for a greener clean in your home.
Cleaning your home might be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be toxic, too. Unfortunately, most of the conventional cleaning products we all grew up with contain chemicals that have questionable environmental and health implications. Many cleaners also contain unnecessary antibacterial agents that can actually make bacteria stronger and more resistant to antibacterial drugs.
Since awareness of these harmful cleaning agents has spread within the last several years, there are now plenty of natural products and methods that keep a house clean and fresh-smelling without the noxious side effects. So, go green when you clean with these top 10 tips for green cleaning:
1. Less is More – Dilute your cleaning supplies according to instructions and use only what’s needed to get the job done.
2. Avoid “Antibacterial” – The antibacterial and anti-microbial ‘cleaners’ that many people think are necessary don’t clean hands better than soap and water, and also add to the risk of breeding “super germs,” bacteria that survive the chemical onslaught and have resistant offspring. The FDA has found that antibacterial soaps and hand cleansers do not work better than regular soap and water, and should be avoided.
3. Check for Certified – Label claims aren’t always true, so make sure you are buying certified green cleaners. Cleaning supplies certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo meet green standards. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on June 29, 2010
The Sarasota area offers a number of Independence Day events. Find the right one for you!
Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It’s a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag. To commemorate the event, the Sarasota area is brimming with a number of exciting events sure to make July 4th weekend special for all ages.
With such a significant celebration just a few days away, you may find it best to start planning your weekend now. Here are the top 10 Sarasota-area events for this Fourth of July:
1. I’m on a Boat! – It may just be the right time to purchase that boat you always wanted. Why not check out some of the latest makes and models at this year’s 9th Annual St. Armands Boat Show? The event takes place on Sunday, July 4 from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm at St. Armands Circle. Click HERE for more information.
2. Garden Party – Come celebrate the birthday of our country at the beautiful Selby Gardens Tropical 4th of July Celebration. Tickets are $15 for Gardens’ members, $18 for non-members and children 11 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online beginning June 15 and will also be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gardens’ Welcome Center entrance. Festivities start at 6:00 p.m, and will include a patriotic attire contest, live music by Yesterdaze, an all-American cookout, and nighttime fireworks. Visit HERE for more information.
3. A Festival of Fun – Spend your Fourth of July downtown with music, pony rides, carnival rides, great food, street performers and fireworks with the DSA Flag Fest Sarasota & Fireworks. Admission is free, and the event starts at 4pm. Visit HERE for more information. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on June 22, 2010
This summer, set your sights to the sky.
The blue skies above beckon your attention. This summer, set your sights beyond the solid ground under your feet and take advantage of the fresh summer air above. Explore the limits of the sky, and gaze upon the sparkling stars that shine from the distant heavens. The weather is right to step outside. It’s up to you to get the most of it.
Here are our top 10 ways to take your fun to the air and enjoy your summer:
1. Skydiving – Face your fears and find yourself plunging safely from a perfectly working airplane, all in the name of fun of course. Suncoast Skydiving offers you the chance to perform a tandem skydive, which is with two skydivers, both the student and the instructor, harnessed to the same parachute system. You will free fall at speeds of up to 120-mph and enjoy breathtaking views during your canopy ride. The experience of a lifetime! Click HERE for more information.
2. Star Gazing – Looking for something a little less exciting than skydiving? On a clear night, thousands upon thousands of stars can be seen in our sky. Why not take a loved one, or a night alone, to the beach to gaze upon the grandeur of sparkling stars? (more…)
