Travel blogger, Liz Vee, got in touch to tell us about her recent holiday in Sarasota, Florida. Liz has her own blog on her accessible travelling experiences. We really appreciate her guest blog here on BBS – we try to cover as much as we can but the world is an awfully big place! Take it away Liz.
Anna Maria Island is a great place to vacation. It has the feel of a tropical destination with the accessibility of the States. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Anna Maria is a small island with amazing beaches and local flair. I vacationed here two years in a row and have loved it each time.
Here are my top 6 activities that I would recommend to fellow wheelchair users travelling to the Sarasota area:
1) The Beaches: Anna Maria Island beaches are gorgeous. Narrow sands offer proximity to the clear blue ocean and beautiful views. The sand is also very compact and allows electric wheelchairs to drive relatively easily over (have someone strong there to push you out just in case!).
2) Ringling Museum: This sprawling estate was once home to the Ringling family of the Ringling Circus. The property offers beautiful gardens, a historical museum of the circus, the Ringling’s personal mansion, and an art exhibit. I would recommend a private guided tour of the fully accessible mansion itself. Overall, I would plan to spend an entire day to explore these grounds.
3) Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: These well maintained gardens would leave even the most enthused botanist impressed. The area includes many gardens, a green house, a Tea House, and the Christy Payne Mansion. I especially loved the koi pond with waterfall. Pathways are well paved for easy rolling.
4) Mote Marine Laboratory: Florida is well known for its immense aquatic life and their dedication to conservation. This aquarium is geared towards those who would be interested in learning about the research and conservation efforts of the facility. Therefore I would not deem this a “flashy aquarium”. That being said, I could not tear myself away from watching the playful manatees. Try to catch the talks that the keepers give on the care of the animals. Push your way to the front of the crowd for the best spot!
5) Tijuana Flats: Now before you scoff at the thought of eating at a Mexican chain restaurant, hear me out. These restaurants are dedicated to freshly prepared foods, at a great price. I could not believe the portion sizes, and how delicious my dinner was. The tortilla chips and fresh made salsa is a must!
6) Ellenton Outlets: I love shopping at outlets in the States for their great deals on brand name clothing and accessories. Ellenton Outlets are no exception. There is something for everyone here and I could spend multiple days browsing such stores as Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. The only downside is that there are no automatic doors on each storefront. However, it is a busy place and many were willing to hold doors for me.
Liz Vee is a Canadian university student who loves to travel. For a more complete description of her trip to Sarasota and other numerous trips, check out www.wheelchairaccessibletravels.com