Life After Golf------IN SARASOTA

A glance through this week’s issue of Sarasota Magazine’s Weekend Insider reminds us of the vibrancy of our area. So much to do and see! Golf may be your main attraction, but variety is the spice that keeps life interesting. So after 18 holes, here are a few ideas for your Valentine’s weekend.

· If you’re a runner, join 2,000 of your running buddies for the fourth annual ABC7 Sarasota Grouper Marathon early this Sunday morning, Feb. 15. The race begins and ends at the Ringling Museum.
· View designer elegance at its finest on Siesta Key as the Sarasota Orchestra Association’s Designer Showcase kicks off Friday the 13th. Eighteen of the area’s top designers have created enchanting spaces in two condominiums in the new Summer Cove development, located at the old Summerhouse Restaurant.
· Love luxury cars? Ferraris and Exotics on St. Armands kicks off a weekend of fun, starting the party at the Rectrix Aerodrome on Friday, displaying the four-wheeled works of art on St. Armands Circle, and including fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club.

And don’t forget to treat your Valentine to something special. Here’s an idea: why not pick up a gourmet picnic from Whole Foods, toss a blanket into the trunk, and take your love on an old-fashioned picnic? You could start with a drive up and down one of our lovely keys—Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key—so many beautiful island drives to choose from! Stop at one of the nature parks or one of the off-the-beaten-track beaches so prevalent in Sarasota’s barrier islands. Breathe in the sea air, toss a crumb to a sea gull (never mind—that creates a mess!), pick up one colorful shell as a remembrance, and cherish the time together.

Happy Valentines’ Day from your Sarasota and Casey Key luxury real estate specialists, Nick Herron and Kathleen Herron with The Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group. Call 800-789-6580 or email Nick for more information on Sarasota real estate, waterfront homes, and golf course living.

The Heart of Sarasota’s Cultural District
800 N Tamiami Trail, #412, Sarasota, FL
$495,000
MLS #A3896138

Great split floor plan in this spacious and bright condo right in the heart of Sarasota's cultural district. Alanari at Rosemary Place is one of the newest buildings in this coastal city in South West Florida. Top of the line luxury appointments and plenty of gracious amenities are offered in this building. Close to waterfront, downtown shopping and restaurants. Sarasota could be your home town!

Golfers just want to play golf—and Sarasota is the place!

"…in spite of everything else, people want to play golf," PGA of America's Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka told reporters recently at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center. He said that despite the recession, golfers are still golfing consistently.

Sarasota golfers know this is true. But why? I recently asked my golfing friends why they love golf. Here are some of their answers.

Why I love golf:
1. Every shot is a challenge.
2. It’s competitive—I’m always trying to improve my game against my friends and myself.
3. I love sports—and this sport is easy on my knees and shoulders.
4. Wildlife, wide open spaces, lots of green grass and nature’s beauty.
5. Quality time with my friends and the chance to socialize at the club afterwards.
6. The first drive of every hole is like a brand new chance for doing something great.
7. The unhurried pace—it’s what retirement’s all about.
8. Requires concentration—so my mind gets a break from everything else.
9. The equipment—I love to get a new club.
10. The sweet feeling after a good shot.
11. Everything!

So why do you love golf? Or does that just about say it all?

For golfers, there’s nothing like living in a golf course home. A short walk or drive to the club, and then 18 holes of bliss—every day, if you’re up for it. Nick and Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group, RE/MAX Alliance Group, are ready to locate your ideal golf course home. Call the Herron Group at 941-308-6714. If you would like more information on golf course homes, country club amenities, or waterfront properties in the Sarasota, Florida area, email Nick Herron today!

Featured golf course home (click for a virtual tour):
158 Montelluna Drive, Venice
Reduced: $447,000
MLS #A351132

Wonderful Venetian Golf and River Club home with course views of second hole signature sand traps and green. Great outdoor living on lovely enlarged lanai, salt water waterfall lagoon style pool, spa & fire pit. So many upgrades: lighted tray ceiling, herringbone wood floors in the master bedroom, large ceramic tile on the diagonal in the living area, surround sound & extra speakers, granite kitchen counters, central vacuum, paver drive & lanai. Great room concept—The Correggio—with side load garage. Golf membership available at reduced rate! Call 941-308-6714 or email Nick Herron today to plan when you can move in!

Just Sold at Venetian Golf & River Club

Waterfront Home in Venice, FL Sold

After showing our buyers from Tennessee, the Founders Club, Prestancia, Laurel Oak Estates, they purchased a beautiful waterfront home in Venetian Golf & River Club in Venice. These customers were looking for a second home, golf course property to purchase for their future retirement. 197 Portofina, built in 2007, has over 4900 sq.ft.,
4 bedrooms, den and 5 1/2 baths. The listed price was $1,175,000.

After decorating their Venice golf course home, these new Floridians plan to lounge on their lanai overlooking the lake and disappearing edge pool as well as enjoy the Venetian's championship golf on signature gold course. Other amenities available at Venetian are a beautiful club house with one main and two private dining rooms, lounge, pool/spa, outdoor kitchen with huge entertaining area, day spa and fitness center. There are six tennis courts, two resort pools, nature walk and a canoe launch.

Currently, the Sarasota MLS lists over 80 homes for sale in this Sarasota golf course neighborhood. Prices range from $249,900 for a two bedroom, two bath villa to over $1 million for an estate home with over 3,000 sq.ft.