Suncoast Memorial Day Happenings! The weather is beautiful. The skies are sunny. The water is warm and there are plenty of happenings around town. There are numerous Memorial Day offerings whether you are looking for a formal ceremony or a relaxed experience with friends and family. Get outdoors, gather with friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Suncoast community while honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. There are…
Siesta Key Beach Vacation! Ready for your Siesta Key Vacation? We're sharing a few of our favorite ways to spend vacation time at the beach - the #1 beach as ranked by Trip Advisor users. First things first. If you want to fuel up for the day head over and grab an iced coffee and breakfast at Another Broken Egg. They open at 7AM so go early, avoid the crowd.…
Whew! This year of change has kept us on our toes and forced us to zero in on our most precious priorities, values and commitments. We find ourselves needing space to process, release and unwind more than ever. The Altez Vacations team recently asked a group of Florida and California guests of 2020 to share general thoughts on how they believe vacations have changed over the last 9 months. The number one…
Welcome to the new normal. The onset of Covid-19 has produced tremendous fluctuation in our daily, hourly and even moment-to-moment lives. We are facing an unprecedented global event which has swiftly flipped communities and businesses upside-down. Some people are completely out of work and out-of-business. Yet, when able, communities are supporting businesses which remain open, in an effort to support the livelihood of those lucky enough to be employed. We are witnessing despair…
Have you heard of the annual Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival on Siesta Key? It’s an amazing weekend event which showcases the immense talents of a variety of sculpture artists, known internationally for their stunning work. We have Sarasota local and Master Sculpture, Brian Wigelsworth, to thank for inciting the Siesta Key event for the first time back in 2010. The competition now brings over 60,000 tourists to the…
There’s no question that Sarasota has a formidable presence when it comes to the craft brewing scene. In addition to its robust art, architecture and cultural offerings, the beer scene has exploded over the past decade and continues to dominate night life and the city social scene. What’s even more impressive about the Sarasota beer scene is the fact that you can walk in most markets and gas stations and…
The Robinson Nature Preserve is one of Bradenton’s best kept secrets. It’s a beautiful space if you love the outdoors and want to step out of the local city scape for an afternoon of family fun. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are offered by reservation with Surferbus. Group camping is available by calling (941) 742-5923 in advance. The expansive 600+ acre salt marsh is home to abundant wildlife including water…
Pasadena sits in the San Gabriel Valley and began as a resort town in the late 1800's. It's been known for hosting well-to-do easterners during the winter, and most notably, the annual New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade followed by the Rose Bowl Game. It's home to the Greene and Greene Gamble House and pays tribute to the craftsman era through the preservation of its landmark district, Bungalow Heaven. The…
15 Things Your Housekeeper is Missing Housekeeping and overall cleanliness can make-or-break a vacation rental guest experience. An unkempt home can result in poor guest satisfaction while going above and beyond standard expectations of cleaning may help bring a guest experience to the next level. Cleaning for a vacation rental is far different than cleaning a home for someone who is a full-time resident, and your housekeeping crew should know the…
Sarasota offers a wide variety when it comes to performing arts opportunities across the city. There are a number of options ranging from dance and musical theatre, to live music, comedy and dramatic art performances. There's something for everyone due to the breadth, depth and immense talent in the area. We recommend a few of our favorite, well-known venues below and hope you will enjoy them during your Sarasota vacation experience.
Sarasota Florida has a variety of options to choose from when it comes to the desire to live outdoors. Warm temperatures and sunny days provide a beautiful backdrop for nature walks, fishing, water activities, and bird watching. Here are a 3 of our favorite ways to enjoy Sarasota outside! 1. Myakka State Park is one of Sarasota’s most visited ‘natural’ attractions. Myakka river spans a 58 mile stretch and consists of…
If you're in western Carolina and looking for an authentic, small town experience - we recommend a day in Dillsboro. This beautiful small town sits just west of Sylva, and is close to attractions such as the Smoky Mountain Parkway, Waynesville, and the well known 'bigger' city hub, Asheville. The village lies along the banks of the Tuckasegee River and is host to quaint shops lining the streets appearing untouched since their 1800's…
Oddly enough, it can be hard to get in the relaxation mindset sometimes. Once we arrive to our vacation destination, our 24/7 work culture has a hard time getting out of work mode – and some of the research suggests in can take up to 7 days to do so. Yikes! If you're looking to relax and dig into the essence of your destination spot, enjoy these easy tips for…
Need an adrenaline rush? How about walking away from your career? Or planning and being married in 30 days? Or selling your home and moving across country with a dream and a dime? If you’re really nuts, try all three together. If you need a change. If you are ready to dive in. If you are stagnant, stuck, or relatively uninspired; and If you are not working to express your…
