Most of my posts are about pleasant things -- with the occasional rant about things that perturb me!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Sunset (Sarasota FL)


We are all waiting for the sun to go down





Ana Maria Island (Gulf Coast of Florida)


Ana Maria Island is a very small island right near Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida.  The beaches are beautiful, white sand and clear water - it's very pretty.  You can drive the entire island in less than an hour.  I had a nice day here.  There are a lot of old Florida homes and historic towns.


I have GOT to find a way to live here!


A great blue heron enjoying the day - like me!



He joined the other sunbathers!



Her seagulls were well-trained!


Beautiful egret



Beautiful view


A cool motel



Beautiful beach no matter where you stop on the island



This was an area right off of the Bradenton Bridge (hence Bridge Street).  There were cool shops and restaurants, as well as a pier with an incredible view of the bay.  It's a nice area to walk around and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather!




Nice shops


Cute - made from a coconut




More Bridge Street


This guy lives the good life!



Oooooh, I loved this little trailer park.  The trailers were so cute and old Floridaish.  It was such a well-kept park and right on the water.  



THE BEST!





Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy (Sarasota FL)

While in Sarasota, Florida, I visited the Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy.  I really enjoyed this place.  It was (technically) free to get in; but, they do ask for a donation ($5).  It is well worth the 5-bucks!  I enjoyed walking around the gorgeous gardens, and looking at all the whimsical art.  


You canNOT miss this place.  The giant flamingo (above) sits right by the parking lot.  Then, it has all these adorable flamingo lawn ornaments in front of it.  I never knew it existed until I was driving by one day and saw the flamingos.  They were calling me to come in!



There is lots of art inside the building.  It is exactly what it should be:  Whimsical!



A local artist



Even the employees are whimsical!


The grounds are positively beautiful.  That was my favorite part.  Everywhere you look, there is something unique and cute - not to mention all the beautiful flowers and foliage!






I LOVE this place!



Be sure to walk around the parking lot.  There are a lot of statues and more beautiful flowers!


This is a rare Bat Flower.  I was here December 2014, and it was open.  Be sure to seek it out if you visit here.  It's very unique.