Beach Getaways 2008 - (Page 8) travel file SUNSET RITUALS by Lisa M. Moten The Sunshine State Says Goodnight Nothing beats the sight of a spectacular Florida sunset. Beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, of course, have front-row seating for nightly sunset-inspired rituals, though any place with an unimpeded westward view will do. It’s all a bit primal, this practice of worshipping the sun, but rarely does it disappoint. Just be careful when viewing, particularly with cameras, and do not stare directly into the sun. Remember, sunglasses give only partial protection from the sun’s rays. Mallory Square, Key West. Photo courtesy of FloridaKeys.com, Photo by Bob Krist. The Cabana Club Restaurant Pensacola Beach Sunsets in The allure of white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters St. Pete Beach combined with breezy, laid-back sophistication makes Pensacola Beach one of Florida’s true treasures. Strategically positioned, Pensacola Beach shows off views of the sunrise on one side in the morning, and glorious sunset panoramas on the other at night. Locals and visitors often gather on the waterfront deck of places like the Cabana Club to enjoy the vibrantly colored sunrises and sunsets. Situated on a marina in Little Sabine Bay, this is an ideal place to relax and watch the boats pass by, all while enjoying the nearly 360degree light show. www.cabanaclubpbeach.com Bradenton Beach Bradenton Nothing caps off a relaxing day spent at beautiful Bradenton Beach like watching the sunset. It is customary for locals and vacationers alike to flock to the beach each evening, find the perfect place to relax and count until the sun sinks into the balmy Gulf waters. Each evening’s setting is a delightfully unique experience, depending on the tides, winds, clouds and weather. www.flagulfislands.com visitors. In this weekly tribute to Mother Nature, one might see children and Earth mamas dancing and twirling with feathers; sometimes men dance with swords and fire. And anyone can join in. www.sarasotafl.org Sunsets at Pier 60 Park Clearwater Beach Located near a wide array of shops, restaurants and beach concessions, Pier 60 Park is one of Clearwater Beach’s top-rated attractions. This event was inspired by the sunset-watching rituals in Key West’s Mallory Square. The region is filled with white-sand beaches; this venue is host to a nightly four-hour festival that begins two hours before sunset and ends two hours after. The exciting, colorful array of jugglers, magicians, entertainers and artists brings a carnival atmosphere to the pier. Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival, 727-434-6060 www.sunsetsatpier60.com St. Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille This part of St. Pete Beach is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. Locals and visitors in-the-know gather nightly at The Hurricane, a popular beachfront restaurant, though any beachside spot will do for a view of the sunsets. The rooftop deck is the prime gathering spot to catch a 360-degree view of the Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway, set afire by vivid sunsets. If you’re hungry, their grouper sandwiches or peel-and-eat shrimp will sate your appetite. During high season, the Hurricane sets the sunsets. 807 Gulf Way, 727-360-9558 www.thehurricane.com Sanibel Island Sunset rituals take on a highly celebrated yet low-key flavor on this lush island. First-comers traditionally plant themselves in their favorite spot or walk the beach in anticipation. Others head out on sunset cruises. Some make their way to three small, man-made islands along the island’s causeway, arm-inarm with camera, tripod and someone special. www.fortmyers-sanibel.com Mallory Square Key West Mallory Square, an outdoor marketplace and entertainment complex, is located at the Key West waterfront. For years It has been the scene of the world’s most entertaining (and famous) sunset ritual. Every evening like clockwork, people gather in Mallory Square to watch magnificent sunsets and take part in the famous waterside tradition, which includes an eclectic mix of magicians, jugglers, artists and street vendors selling hand-made goods in a lively party and street-theater atmosphere. www.mallorysquare.com Sandbar Restaurant Anna Maria Island At the Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island, sunsets are serious business. During ritual sunset dining, visitors head out to tables on the deck to observe the nightly spectacle. The very moment the sun sets, the hostess rings the bell mounted on the deck, guests go wild with applause and the table that guessed the exact time of the sunset without going over wins. 100 Spring Ave., 941-778-0444 www.groupersandwich.com Siesta Key (above) Sarasota Every Sunday evening an hour before sunset, locals (some dressed in gypsy garb and smelling of patchouli) gather just south of the main pavilion for a ritual reminiscent of the days of ‘60s love and flower power. Beating drums, buckets or other contraptions to keep time, this drum circle ritual has become a mainstay of Siesta Key’s culture and is popular among locals and For more on Florida sunsets, key the search term “sunset” into VISITFLORIDA.com. Not only are there stories about sunsets, but more than 100 photos. 8 VISITFLORIDA.com/beaches http://www.sarasotafl.org http://www.floridasgulfislands.com http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com http://www.cabanaclubpbeach.com http://www.thehurricane.com http://www.mallorysquare.com http://VISITFLORIDA.com http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com http://www.groupersandwich.com http://VISITFLORIDA.com/beaches
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