Try out the area's many sports

Do you play tennis or golf? Do you like to swim? Do you kayak or scull? Are you a not so human-powered boater? Maybe you would like to complete in one of two Longboat Key Triathlons the sprint in May or the international distance in October—this island paradise has it all. If you would like to watch the pros play, there is the Sarasota Open. The Longboat Key Challenge is a competitive event for kayakers, scullers, paddle boarders growing in popularity.

Whether the facilities are private or public, the experience is first class. Check out the Longboat Key Club & Resort and its 20 Har Tru courts at the Tennis Gardens or its 45 holes of championship golf. And the town's Longboat Key Public Tennis Center offers 10 soft clay courts.

Just off island, professional baseball's Baltimore Orioles complete their spring training in Sarasota and Bradenton hosts the Pittsburgh Pirates providing a great opportunity for islanders to experience live pre-season, pro games.