[Freeda]

I got a PM asking about one of my past posts talking about St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, and how it provided an outlet for my love of shopping, especially shoes; and she was asking for info about it; so for others who don't know about this very wonderful go-to place, I thought I'd post here the info I gave her.

St. Armand's Circle is west of Sarasota near the ocean; and would probably take about 2 1/2 hours to get to if you drove straight from here on the I-75to the Sarasota exit. (I'm guessing because we always go a different way, as explained below). It is a wonderful shopping area; and has several great shoe stores plus lots of clothes, dining, art galleries, and home/other shopping. I love to go there. If you do a web search I'm sure there are websites about St. Armand's Circle.

The way we always go to St. Armand's Circle is the more scenic route, where we first go along the ocean down Gulf Blvd through Clearwater/St. Pete and then go across Skyway Bridge (I-275 S) and then at/near Bradenton go west to get back on the Gulf Road/Blvd, which takes you right along the ocean, through beautiful Long Boat Key, etc, and then eventually you end up at St. Armand's Circle. It takes longer, maybe at least 3 hours total (but along that route you would probably stop to look at other things, as well) that way, but we often do this when we're spending the night somewhere on the trip.

One of my favorite shoe stores is Jolie's Goody Two Shoes; but there are others, also. Be sure to eat at the Columbia Restaurant if you go.

You'll love it.