- April 18, 2024
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In the age of social distancing, it's tricky to know when you can go outside and when you can't. It's a good rule of thumb that you should minimize trips past your front door and see other people as little as possible.
The good news is that you can still venture past your front door, and though access to places like Greer Island, Quick Point Nature Preserve and public beaches are taped off, there are plenty of spots where you can snag a few minutes of solitude and fresh air. Here's where you can go to do that.
Take a trip past Mote Marine for one of Longboat Key’s premiere vistas. City Island is a relaxing peninsula where a walk along its sandy shore can give you a pristine look at Sarasota in all its glory. It’s a quick but relaxing trip, and the breeze will make you feel better immediately.
This park has a winding walkway that shows off all of Longboat’s wetland vegetation, and has a few rest stops that allow you to step out and enjoy the ocean breeze. Plus, the foliage overhead will keep you cool as you explore. It might be April, but it’s still going to get hot.
If you’re more suited to an area with concrete, Bayfront Park has a nice long stretch that goes near the water and some Florida foliage as well. This spot in particular is good for exercise, a necessity in this isolated times. Put on your running shoes or cycle over and put in some work along the water.
This often-overlooked miniature nature space is right across from the Town Hall and has plenty of seating, chirping squirrels and sneaking lizards. Just give the bench a good wipe-down with one of your precious Clorox wipes before you sit and take in the outdoors.
If you're lucky to still have access to the beaches of Longboat Key via a private entrance, take full advantage. There may not be this few people to share the sand with ever again, so enjoy a nice long walk with only the seabirds as companions. Take care to maintain social distancing as sunset approaches and more folks venture out to see the sights.
If you're not one of the lucky few with still-existent beach access, but you find yourself missing the water, stroll out to the public pier on Linley Street in the Village. The width of the wooden platform allows for about two groups to comfortably enjoy the ocean breeze while maintaining social distancing.
The church has signs reminding folks who enter the grounds to remain six feet apart, but it's rare to see another human. There are plenty of plants and hanging orchids out front of the church to admire, and the solitude and sound of burbling water will help take your mind off things. A short path leads you through the church's garden.
