Longboat Key is a barrier island community snugly surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Sarasota Bay on the east. Retirees love the key, and when snowbirds show up for the winter, the approximately 8,000 residents swell to 20,000.

The median income for a household in the town is roughly $100,000+ and housing includes an attractive mix of condos, townhouses, and luxury waterfront estates. It’s surprising how many worldwide have heard of this small haven with its gorgeous Coquina Beach,
culinary excellence, full service marina, and recreational options.

The Longboat Key Club and Resort are joined by other premium accommodations such as the Sandpiper Inn and the Hilton Longboat Key Beachfront Resort. The Longboat Key Club alone offer fabulous amenities such as 45 holes of championship golf, world class tennis
facilities, a marina, six casual-to-fine dining restaurants, state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, and even luxury wedding facilities and planning services.  Family fun involves activities such as boating, fishing, jet skiing, golf, shopping, and arts/culture venues.

Three of the most popular eating establishments include the Lazy Lobster, the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, and Maison Blanche Restaurant. I will mention several can’t-miss main courses for each restaurant. For the Lazy Lobster, as one would expect, the fresh lobster is unmatched. Also praised highly are the seafood gumbo, the pan-seared seafood entree, and the crab-stuffed shrimp in puff pastry. The Dry Dock is known for its fresh red snapper, bruschetta grouper, lobster tacos, and the crab corn chowder.  Maison Blanche customers raved about the asparagus soup, the roast suckling pig, the short ribs, the lobster risotto, and the apple tart.

If you stay long enough in Longboat Key to explore the area further, you will find Sarasota proper right next door. If you recall, Sarasota has previously been named the “Best Small City in America” by Money Magazine. Its beachfront has also been ranked as one of the top ten U.S. beaches to visit. Arts and cultural activities include the Sarasota Film Festival which draws top performers and directors in the film industry to the area every year.

As many Longboat Key vacationing families have discovered, Elite Family Care provides a highlight for their stay. Parents are able to have some time away from the kids for at least one evening while warm, well-screened babysitters give the kids a super-fun evening of their own.  For more information:  EliteFamilyCare.com