Blog articles from Sarasota/Longboat Key

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3 New Gulf Coast Florida Resorts Coming to Opal
Prepare to pack your bags for the Gulf Coast of Florida. Because it’s soon to be the home of Opal’s three newest and – dare we say? – most novel properties. Read More
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7 Fun Facts About Maine You Never Knew
Maine is the first state to see sunlight daily, but did you know exact spots vary year-round? Or that, after lobsters and blueberries, potatoes are also one of the state’s leading exports. If you think you know Maine, it might be time to brush up on your knowledge. Read More
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Best Florida Vacation Destinations
The quest for the best Florida vacation destinations is a common inquiry – and deeply researched topic – among our guests. So we did the legwork to deliver these curated selections tailored to various travel interests. Read More
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Best Rooftop Bars on the Eastern Seaboard
If you’re looking for rooftop bars along the eastern coast of the US, we have six worthy waterside picks in Opal destinations, from Bar Harbor, Maine, down to Key West, Florida. Read More
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10 Experiences to Level Up Your Next Opal Escape
Opal Collection resorts and hotels are more than just luxurious places to lay your head. From private chef-led culinary events to hands-on outdoor adventures you’ll be raving about for years to come, here’s how our collection can craft and connect you to indelible experiences that discerning travelers covet. Read More
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Whether you're planning where to go next or what to do on an already‑booked vacation, discover the travel destinations with Opal

10 Reasons to Visit Sarasota, Florida

While the circus may be its cultural signature (and there’s nothing wrong with that), there’s more to Sarasota than just Ringling and trapeze art. 1. Pristine Mid-Century Architecture Few realize that Sarasota is home to some of the country’s finest examples of mid-century modern architecture. Architectural enthusiasts that are in… Read More

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Bloody Mary drink festival

Save the Date: 2015 Drink Festivals

The typical brewfest or wine event gets a fresh makeover at these events in OPAL destinations. Photo © The Bloody Mary Festival February Clearwater Beach Uncorked [Clearwater Beach, FL] It’s a beach party not to forget: Two days walking barefoot through Florida sands,… Read More

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OPAL Collection Weddings

The Opal Seaside Florida Weddings Guide

White-sand beach weddings are a part of every Opal hotel experience. They also, however, offer some experiences brides won’t find anywhere else in Florida. Stress-Free Zone Along the Gulf of Mexico in Naples, Edgewater Beach Hotel helps you find some inner-Zen before the ceremony in its Serenity Suite. Overlooking the… Read More

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Pier-60-at-Clearwater-Beach

6 of the Best Fishing Piers in Florida

Some of Florida’s best fishing spots aren’t landbound or only accessible via boat; they’re hovering on stilts and piles at the edge of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. On the Gulf Coast of Florida Long-Cast & Slow-Reel Fishing [Sarasota, FL] Recently undergoing a 1.4… Read More

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OPAL Wine Events

Two Times the Wine Pairing at Opal Resorts

Wine lovers are rejoicing along Florida’s Gulf Coast and in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Why? Just ask the organizers of two of the year’s biggest wine pairing events: Lake Placid Lodge Executive Chef Truman Jones on the Gastro Getaway and Director of Food and Beverage Bob Weil at The… Read More

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dream vacation

Our Picks: Vacation Ideas For Movie Lovers

Plenty of vacation ideas across the map have caught 15 seconds of fame in movies, but these OPAL destinations figured front and center in classic films. Photo © Alcon Entertainment Great Expectations [Sarasota, FL] By the late 1990s, John Ringling’s Ca’ d’Zan was in… Read More

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