Sarasota & Oscar Scherer State Park

When we were here two years ago, we said we had to come back.  What a great campground, along the South Creek in the town of Osprey.  Great campsites, lots of activities, and the best part is the Legacy Bike Trail which is accessed at the back of the park.  The Legacy is an 11 mile rail to trail ride that took us up to the Walmart for shopping, but better....south down to Venice.

But first we rented a car for a few days to check out downtown Sarasota and the barrier island in the Gulf.  First stop the Saturday Farmers Market; plus a bonus of a nice art show to wander.  Morey loved the food from the Empanada stand for a breakfast supplement!  And then of course we bought some veggies, and lunch at a deli.

Then off to Longboat key, checking out the beaches, then dinner at the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill where we enjoyed fresh Grouper and Stone Crabs.  Oh, and down here in Florida instead of remote controlled Seagulls, they have remote controlled Pelicans.  Push the correct button, and they land on the dock piling.....WOW.   

Biking on the Legacy Trail become a daily activity for us.  Especially when our friends, the Zamostnys joined us.  Trips included a ride down to the town of Venice, and of course, a stop in town for a raspberry soda! Then there were a number of bike rides down to different beaches, and exploration of the barrier islands.

Two rides to Casey Key Fish House, and Morey had to order a Tom Collins for old times sake.  And we passed the Venice Train Station many times, and stopped for a tour -  Built 80 years ago, recently restored, and for 30 years the winter home of the Barnum & Bailey Circus....Unloaded the rail cars right at the station; even the elephants!

Can't forget an unforgettable stop at Walts Fish Market, a fun and great eating fish place.  All in all, a great couple of weeks here.