Today I decided it was worth using points to make an adventure of the day in Sarasota. Pack an overnight bag and drive to downtown for lunch with a new friend at Duval’s on Main Street for a delicious lunch.Then head to my wonderful acupuncture doctor for a treatment, won’t tell you for what…but if you want her name reach out!

Next checkin to the Art Ovation Hotel – a Marriott Hotel which allows me to use my points. A beautiful hotel in downtown with lots going on. In my room is a sketch pad with lots of sketches and the opportunity to leave my own and/or play a ukulele.

Next off to Visit Sarasota County Tourism board’s annual event for National Tourism Week recognition. The event was held in the Ringling Museum Courtyard. Ringling Museum is celebrating their Centennial this coming year.

Every year they recognize another amazing figure in Sarasota. This year – Maestro Victor DeRenzi who is retiring from a 44 year career at Sarasota Opera. His acceptance speech was humorous and gracious. An award much deserved!

From this event, back to valet my car at the hotel and walk to the Sarasota Opera House for the year-end concert of the Sarasota Youth Opera. The parents and grandparents filled the seats along with opera fans and donors. A fantastic performance by children from the ages of 8-18!! The voices are incredible 🎶🎶🎶

Back to the hotel to visit the roof top pool bar. A Cuban band is playing with some people dancing and others listening and ordering food. I had never been up here before and it is quite nice. I really should take more time to enjoy what our city has!available. Time to get out more!!

Tomorrow morning, breakfast at Diest Watch then to my gym to workout, ans a haircut appointment before heading home. Decided to blog this a mini-adventure 🌴☀️🏖️