Meanwhile, across the street at Pastry Arts cafe, Wednesday night is the weekly open mic. Here the lights are brighter, the baked goods are legendary, and the coffees are local. Musical styles are as diverse as the selection of bands and singer/songwriters in this live music town.

If you want to shake out your workday stress with a spin around the dance floor, Mattison’s City Grille, on the corner of Main and Lemon rocks on Wednesday nights (and every other night!).

A bit off the beaten track, but very popular always for live music, is J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe on Old Packinghouse Road, one block east of Cattleman, just south of Palmer Blvd, in Sarasota. The OPC has live music six nights a week, starting around 7PM. The food is hearty, the setting is funky Old Florida, and the crowd ranges widely in age from old timers to Boomers to kids.

Not only do we need to find places to put all our stuff, but sometimes we need experts to help us organize, pack, sell, and ship it. This comes up a lot for families whose elderly parents move to assisted living facilities or decide to go back up north to live closer to their grown children and grandchildren.

We noticed recently that a locally owned self storage complex–City Storage--has grown up on 10th Way (just north of 10th Street, east of Orange Avenue) just north of downtown Sarasota. It offers an unusual variety of storage solutions including household, office, boat, RV, and auto storage and parking. In addition to the storage space, there’s U-Haul rentals, and a logistics service that packs and ships large equipment and artworks.

For boating enthusiasts, the City Storage is particularly useful, since it’s a straight shot down to the 10th Street Boat Ramp at Centennial Park on Sarasota Bay (Tamiami and 10th Street). Along the way is a convenient gas station for fueling up on the way to the boat ramp. City Storage really wants to work with local boating customers and is offering special local rates. There are no contracts, no fees, and there’s a washdown area, and workstation area with electric service.

Another special perk is that City Storage will pick up and deliver your  household or business items to and from their storage facility on 10th Way. So you don’t have to worry about loading or driving a truck. This is really good news if you’re out of town and trying to empty out a relative’s residence in Sarasota.

If you’re looking to acquire excellent quality, gently-used finds, check out Encore! and More on Main Street in downtown Sarasota (between Lemon and Pineapple Avenues). One side of this well-merchandised shop offers women’s clothing and accessories–including handbags, jewelry, and shoes. The other side displays furniture and home decor, including lamps and artwork. The volunteer staff is helpful and friendly. Sales at Encore! and More support the Women’s Resource Center of Sarasota County.

On Orange Avenue, in the Burns Square shopping district, the Woman’s Exchange is a very popular emporium of everything from furniture to china, glassware, lighting, rugs, artwork, jewelry, clothing and more. Proceeds from your purchases here help  provide high school and college scholarships, as well as grants to art affiliated cultural organizations in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Whether you’re visiting Sarasota or living here, there are convenient and fun solutions to all of your “stuff-related” challenges!

First stop was a delish dinner at Simon’s Coffeehouse, the popular and healthy Sarasota restaurant on Tamiami Trail just south of Constitution Blvd. We tried basmati vegetable curry, fresh rare salmon, and fish tacos, and all satisfied.

Then we were off to hear The Joneses play a set and host the weekly Friday open mic at Hot Diggity Dog on Swift, just south of Ashton. Hot Diggity Dog is a unique little dog ‘n burger Sarasota restaurant with a small stage in the dining room, where The Joneses swung with their rockabilly favorites and hosted various local talent singing and playing harp onstage with them. The crowd and players grew over the course of the evening, but we left early to check out the downtown Sarasota scene.

On the corner of Main Street and Lemon Avenue, in downtown Sarasota, Mattison’s was hopping, as usual, although a bit chilly in the dancing area, as the plastic wind-barriers had not been deployed. So we peeked in at The Vineyard on Main Street, where a solo musician played a soulful and peppy set for listeners seated in the cozy club chair area in front.

Hillview Street in Southside Village was buzzing, with a crowd at the Five O’Clock Club. Thinking that was enough rambling for one evening, we headed home, only to find out that we’d missed the uber-event of the night, the Haiti Relief Party at Blase Cafe in Siesta Village. Lots of dancing and good cheer to be had there, according to our eyes-on-the-scene. Oh, well. Next time we’ll check more carefully for a full line-up of happenings beforehand!

Next, to your right, notice the bookcase full of charming wood sculptures depicting various yoga poses. Some just look graceful, others look gravity-defying.

In the jewelry cases are sterling silver and gemstone bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings, each one distinctively styled and crafted. Look up and admire the soft and colorful shawls behind the counter. Turn around and stand becalmed by a raft of Buddhas in various sizes.

Everyone likes to gently tap the giant gong and listen to the sonorous boom it makes. Or try swirling an implement around inside one of the “singing bowls”.

The owner of this Sarasota shop travels all around the world to bring these treasures to Pineapple Bay. All we have to do is open the door and step inside. Easy, interesting, and fun.

Having spent a lovely afternoon at the Sarasota Opera Open House, my husband and I took a walk down to Marina Jack’s.  Marina Jack’s is located in the marina, overlooking Sarasota Bay, downtown and the Gulf of Mexico, beyond that. We found a table out on the patio and had ordered our drinks. As I sat sipping my Pinot Grigio, I noticed that a building on the horizon appeared to becoming nearer. Okay, a mirage, maybe, my eyes playing tricks on me. (Hadn’t had enough wine at this point.) I closed my eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the sun, a slight, cool breeze and the sounds around me. Upon opening my eyes again, I found that the building was getting nearer. My husband said, it looks a floating church, as we finally got a full view of  this odd structure with a silouhette of a small steeple and spire.
 
For the first time, the Floating Chapel on the Bay, was pulling up to the dock by Marina Jack’s and it was a sight to behold. We were soon drawn to the boat and Jill, the owner,was more than happy to let us take a peek inside. The chapel has an impressive cathedral ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows with pew seating for 100 guests. And you guessed it, this unique chapel is available for weddings, renewal of vows, memorial services. You name it!
It was a wonderful end to another great day in Sarasota.
 
The Chapel’s home port is located in the historic village of Cortez, Florida. If interested contact: www.weddingsonwater.com; jill@weddingsonwater.com; Telephone: 941-379-7327.

The $3/mile fee can be very affordable if you plan to go out on the town with a group. There’s no upcharge for extra people in the van, so that’s quite a deal. Great idea when you need a designated driver for a night out in downtown Sarasota, St Armands Circle, Siesta Key, etc. Or if you know seniors who need transportation — especially after dark, when older eyes have more trouble seeing the road. Or for a shopping excursion to Ellenton or a ride to the airport.

To reserve a ride, call Holly Wall at 941.879.7739.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010: ShelterBox is responding to the scenes of destruction in Haiti. A ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) with members from the USA and the UK are on their way to Haiti right now.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island of Haiti at close to 2200GMT on Tuesday, January 12th. Initial reports state that hundreds of people are feared dead while thousands of people have been left homeless.

ShelterBox personnel are doing everything they can to ensure immediate aid reaches the people of Haiti, but they need your help!

Please make a donation now at ShelterBox USA or call 941.907.6036.

Since its inception in 2000, in Lakewood Ranch, FL, ShelterBox has provided shelter and dignity following over 100 disasters in more than 63 countries, bringing the organization to the forefront of international disaster relief. ShelterBox instantly responds to earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. In many cases, “ShelterBoxes” have made the difference between life and death.

Monday, January 11, 2010: For the few hardy souls freezing at the Sunday Drum Circle yesterday afternoon on Siesta Beach, the famous crystalline sands of Siesta might just as well have been snow!

With a brisk wind adding to the chill factor, it felt like winter, for sure. Who says Florida doesn’t have seasons?

Nevertheless, the smudge stick burned quietly inside a small ring of palm leaves, three determined drummers pounded away, a valiant dancer swirled and twirled with a sword balanced on her head, and groups of black-leather-clad bikers in town for Thunder by the Bay weekend gathered around to see the famous sunset ceremony. They seemed to be best-vested for the cold, with their heavy boots, leather chaps and studded jackets.

The world famous Siesta Beach Drum Circle takes place every Sunday afternoon, year round, and lasts until a little past sunset. Drummers set up their various percussion instruments along one edge of a very large circle in front of Siesta Beach Pavilion. Gradually, a crowd gathers, several people deep, around the periphery of the circle. Inside the circle, kids, grownups, and grownup-kids(!) dance, sway, twirl hula hoops, shake rattles, belly dance, and improvise to the steady tribal beat of the drums.

There’s often a jester walking around and encouraging people to let go of their concerns and join the dancing in the circle. But it’s really up to you. You can watch or participate according to your mood of the moment. Sunset is a daily ritual on Siesta Beach, and the Sunday evening Drum Circle makes it even more special.

Belle de Jour in Sarasota FL

Belle de Jour, formerly located in Burns Square, has moved to 1465 Main Street in downtown Sarasota (in the space formerly occupied by Lemon Tree). Belle de Jour offers women’s clothing and accessories with color and flair.

It’s worth a trip to this shop to discover fashion basics that fit comfortably and feature imaginative details that evoke “Where did you get that?” responses from your friends and acquaintances. The color palettes are fresh and classy, fun yet sophisticated.

There are expressive jewelry items to accessorize each outfit, many designed by local artist Peg Ryan, whose eye for proportion and accent lends splash and finish to the fashions at Belle de Jour.

See more about Belle de Jour at: Shopping in Sarasota FL

Belle de Jour on Main Street in Sarasota