Travel | Sarasota, Florida

December 12, 2019

I love traveling! It’s a great way to create memories and explore places I have never been before! I was so excited when I was contacted to travel to Sarasota, FL for a collaboration with ALLEGIANT AIR! Blaine couldn’t come because of the short notice with his job, but also with 4 kids in activities someone needed to hold down the fort. I asked Niña to be my +1 which meant this was going to be a GIRLS TRIP! WOOHOO!!

Guess what?! Allegiant Air now has a direct flight from from Des Moines, IA to Sarasota, FL! This is exciting because many of us in Iowa can now escape the cold weather and head to Sarasota at an affordable price!

We flew out on Saturday, November 23rd. They had activity books for the kids and donut holes available for passengers before boarding the plane. Niña and I made sure to grab some donuts. 😉

3 hours later, we arrived in Sarasota, Florida! They even gave out these cookies once we got off the plane!

The moment we stepped outside, I couldn’t help but say how perfect the weather was! WOW!

We stayed at the HYATT REGENCY RESORT in Sarasota.

Below is the view from our hotel room! PERFECTION!

We ate at EL MELVIN for dinner since we were both craving some Mexican food.

OMG… their chips and salsa as well as these steak tacos were delicious!! My mouth is watering just looking at this photo!

After dinner, we walked around downtown Sarasota.

We even spotted a Christmas tree! 😀

HYATT REGENCY has complimentary bike rentals so we took full advantage. We went on the trail near the resort. Niña did more of walking than biking…HA! The view was spectacular!

I have to admit, we were getting HANGRY by the time we got done riding bikes. We decided to eat at MANDEVILLE BEER GARDEN. It had a cool vibe and in the front of the restaurant they had seating and bags to play!

The food was finger licking good. I’m actually surprised there were not very many people there. This place should be BUSY! If you’re in the area, head to Mandeville Beer Garden! So worth it!

Even though Niña and I were having a blast in Florida, I still missed my kids and husband. I FaceTimed them twice a day!

Blaine was texting me lots of photos of him and the kids! 😀

My INSTAGRAM friends recommended a lot of places when they found out we were in Sarasota. BOCA was one of the restaurants that many recommended!

After walking in there and then eating the food, we now understand why many of you recommended this restaurant! They had great service too!

On our last day, we decided to head to Siesta Key where many of you suggested to go! We had breakfast outside at the SUN GARDEN CAFE.

With locally grown produce, farm fresh eggs, and artisan food from around the world, I can see why this place is an Award Winning Breakfast and Lunch Cafe!

Niña and I then walked around Siesta Key Village. There were lots of shops and restaurants!

Then it was time to head to Siesta Key Beach!

Niña and I didn’t bring our swimsuits to the beach, but that’s ok! I loved walking along the beach and enjoying the beautiful view. It was so peaceful!

**FLORAL TOP** | **WHITE JEGGINGS** | **SWEATER** | **BLACK JEGGINGS**

The white sand, you guys!! This beach is breathtaking!

We couldn’t leave Siesta Key without heading to BIG OLA F for ice cream!

I may not have busted out my swimsuit at the beach, but I did at the resort pool!

Niña and I had a blast! To have a better idea of how our trip went, go check out these VIDEOS. We ate a lot, laughed a lot, and made lots of memories! Our resort, the restaurants, the perfect weather, the beautiful white sand beach, and the friendliest people we’ve met makes Sarasota one of the best places I’ve been to! It may have been our first time in Sarasota, but it’s definitely not the last! I already told my husband that I want to head there next year with our family of six!