Our hotel has an included beach club with a 9 hole putt-putt course, pickle ball courts, life-size chess and other games, a walk in infinity-edge pool, food and drink options, and more! The beach club has multiple golf-cart shuttles, is walkable, and drivable!
Our hotel has a gorgeous rooftop restaurant and bar! View the menu at the below link! (perks of staying in the room block)
Head to the beach at Siesta Key to soak up the sun before or after the wedding shenanigans.
Sneak up to Anna Maria Island and check out the beach market at Coquina beach or spend time at Holmes beach searching for seashells.
Head out to Myakka River State Park to catch a view of hundreds of Alligators and other Florida Wildlife.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, affectionately also known as just “Jungle Gardens”, is home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles and other reptiles – many of them rescued or donated – including Florida’s noted pink flamingos. All nestled within 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails.
Mote Marine is a fantastic aquarium that is home to sharks, sea turtles, manatees, otters and other amazing sea creatures.
Lisa Goss (mother of the bride) works at the Ringling College of Art and Design and because its students are so gifted they have rotating art installations. Sarasota Art Museum and its attached galleries are a catalyst for appreciation and understanding of the art of our time. As a platform for education, exposure and experimentation, the gallery inspires new ideas and new ways of being through an endless rotation of transformative, relevant, and pioneering exhibitions and programs designed to elevate and empower all by cultivating discerning visual thinkers and ethical citizens.
Right next door to the Powel Crosley Estate, is the Ringling Museum. The Ringling is one of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Its unusually diverse collections—art, circus, history, architecture, performance, gardens—reflect its unique origin story. At the heart of that story is circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable, and their shared desire to make Sarasota a world-class destination.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Bishop interprets the region from the Pleistocene to the present. Highlights include fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants, the Montague Tallant collection of prehistoric and early post-contact archeological artifacts, and the Environmental Hall focusing on Florida’s ecology and biodiversity in the Pine Uplands and Riverine Galleries.
With 15 miles of trails, this park provides solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. Oscar Sherer is a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail, making this an important place for the surrounding community and a worthwhile stop for travelers. John (The bride's father) actually has his home office here as well!
The preserve consists of 682 acres that is a mix of preserved mangrove, tidal marsh, and former agricultural lands which have undergone an incredible transformation to coastal wetland habitat. Often, Jared and I bring our Kayaks and Paddle boards here and paddle all throughout the park and out into the bay.
This is where much of the wedding plotting took place! Jared, my mom - Lisa, dad - John, and I all sat tucked in the little cafe deciding on fun aspects to include in the wedding. The entire Goss family frequents this spot! Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provides 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history.
The St. Armands Circle Association has been servicing the merchants and visitors of St. Armands Circle since 1965. St. Armands is home to many shops, restaurants, car shows, boat shows, art festivals, and holiday events, and is one of the first places Bella took Jared while visiting Florida!
Head to the University Town Center area for shopping, food, and all sorts of other activities such as Tiger Woods' golf bar PopStroke!
Bella's Favorite is Jack Dusty. Located in downtown sarasota, this spot is perfect for lunch or a hot dinner date. Taking its cues from the local area's maritime traditions, this signature seafood restaurant in Sarasota showcases fresh local ingredients, craft microbrews and cocktails with downtown marina views.
Jared's favorite is Swordfish Grill. Every time we venture down to Anna Maria Island from Riverview we have to stop here for some "Bang Bang Shrimp" and a Pina Colada. Like a jewel hiding in the mystique of the Cortez Fishing Village, the Swordfish Grill is right on the Sarasota Bay, creating a place that initiates relaxation and a laid-back ambiance.
Lisa's (MOB) favorite is Beach House. This restaurant is the perfect mix of beachy and fancy. Located on Anna Maria Island, this is a moderately priced restaurant serving great seafood both indoors and outdoors.
John's Favorite is Woody's River Roo. They Combine An Outstanding View With Live Music, Tiki Bars, FUN And Delicious Florida Inspired Cuisine Into The Roo With A View! Woody’s offers a little of everything. Specializing in Fresh Seafood and Savory Burgers. The restaurant serves well-loved Florida bar fare like coconut shrimp, grouper bites and shrimp baskets, plus a large selection of beers and tropical drinks.
Jordan, Jacob, and Lisa (MOG) all cast a vote for the fan favorite Columbia. Every time Jared and I have a visiting friend we take them to either the St. Armands location or the Ybor City location up in Tampa. For more than 117 years, the Columbia Restaurant has served Spanish-Cuban cuisine to the state of Florida, using family recipes and tradition.
Joe is a man with simple yet classic tastes. You can't go wrong with a chicken basket from Popeyes - every time he visits he swings by the Riverview location!
Jade's favorite is a restaurant that is perfect for both lunch and dinner and brings a french flare to Florida! You can enjoy croissants, mille-feuilles and other breakfast dishes, but also duck with orange sauce, scallop risotto and beef bourguignon... Not to mention the weekend concerts and, every month, a wine tasting based on a region of France.
Audrianna's favorite is a small cafe in Sarasota famous for its breakfast goodies. From their mouthwatering German pastries to their aromatic coffee blends, every bite and sip is crafted with love and passion. Mama G's creates more than just delicious treats; they foster a sense of community, bringing people together through their shared love of good food and genuine connections.