Ray Collins

3 weeks ago | suncoastpost.com | Ray Collins

When you live in beautiful Sarasota, invariably you wind up giving a lot of tours to visiting friends or clients. I want to share with you the loop I do—starting from the north:*I first point out the 1928 Ringling Museum at 41/University—and the fact there is no admission charge on Mondays for most of the complex. *Turn right and head west to Bayshore to see some beautiful mansions, Jungle Gardens and take Indian Beach Road back to 41.

1 month ago | familybeautiful.com | Ray Collins

How to Give a Tour That’ll Make You Fall in Love with the City All Over AgainWhen you live in Sarasota, one thing is inevitable: sooner or later, you’re going to be hosting out-of-town guests. Whether they’re friends, family, or potential clients, they’ll all want the same thing—a grand tour of paradise. Luckily, you don’t need to stress. Here’s my tried-and-true Sarasota loop, a scenic, story-packed journey that blends history, glamour, and just the right amount of kitsch.

1 month ago | suncoastpost.com | Ray Collins

People in New York and Los Angeles sometimes condescendingly refer to the rest of the country as the ‘fly-over states.’ I guess you could say people in Tampa Bay and Sarasota have referred to Palmetto also as an area where there’s no reason to stop. All that changed last October when the Palmetto Marriot Resort & Spa opened next door to the Manatee Convention Center and the Riviera Dunes Beach Club on US 41. My wife, Erin, and I recently checked in on a Saturday afternoon for a 3-day weekend.

2 months ago | familybeautiful.com | Ray Collins

A great new option between Tampa/St. Pete and SarasotaBy Ray CollinsPeople in New York and Los Angeles sometimes condescendingly refer to the rest of the country as the ‘fly-over states.’ I guess you could say people in Tampa Bay and Sarasota have referred to Palmetto also as an area where there’s no reason to stop. All that changed last October when the Palmetto Marriot Resort & Spa opened next door to the Manatee Convention Center and the Riviera Dunes Beach Club on US 41.

2 months ago | familybeautiful.com | Ray Collins

When I had an opportunity to host an informercial on South Beach during Spring Break, I admit I had mixed emotions. But my concerns about being put in the middle of a mosh pit of college kids were eased when the producers told me we were recording it at the iconic Fountainebleau Hotel. This was the place made famous by Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, as well as major motion pictures like “Goldfinger.”  The high-end steakhouse here is called “Prime 54” in honor of the year the resort opened.