11 Ways to Spend Your Labor Day Weekend

In most places across the United States, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of a short-lived summer. Here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it means there are just a few more weeks of balmy 90 degree temperatures before the climate cools to the luxurious 70's. Nevertheless, we don’t need an excuse to fire up the grill, take a dip in the pool and enjoy a fabulous event or two – so we have rounded up 11 of the best ways to spend your Labor Day weekend in Sarasota and beyond:

Reel in the Catch of the Day Florida’s Gulf Coast is renowned as a fisherman’s paradise. You’ll find a plethora of locations to cast your line on the Gulf, Bays and Intracoastal Waterway, filled with a variety of fish – from snook to snapper. This Labor Day weekend, consider picking a spot along the Venice Jetty, where you’ll often find some competition for the catch of the day in the form of playful dolphins. Be sure to obtain a fishing license before angling in the area – visit HERE to find out how.

 Enjoy a Pioneer Party On Labor Day, September 1^st, Englewood’s two week “Pioneer Days” celebration comes to a close with the 58^th Annual Pioneer Days Parade, kicking off at 9 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Church. The agents of Michael Saunders & Company's Englewood office will be there, and they will be running an exciting drawing to win a sunset cruise!  Be sure to stop by for your chance to win. There’ll also be plenty of fun activities and events over the weekend (August 31^st-September 1^st) including the highly anticipated Cardboard Boat Races – which you can read about in our previous blog by clicking HERE. Get Sandy No list of ways to spend a weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast would be complete without mentioning our pristine beaches. From secluded and serene to active and bustling, you’ll find the perfect place to build your sandcastle. Of course you could take a trip to Siesta Key, but this Labor Day, why not explore one of the lesser known beaches in the area? Find out some of the best spots in our previous blog by clicking HERE.

Celebrate Country Style The 2^nd annual Country Fest takes place at Snook Haven in Venice this Labor Day, with four live bands to provide the soundtrack to your day. Enjoy some southern style cuisine at the waterside restaurant before kicking back to enjoy the show. Visit HERE for more information. Tee Off With a stunning array of championship golf courses to choose from, Labor Day is a great time to perfect your swing. Semi-private and public courses are found throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties – click HERE to explore a directory and find your fairway.

 Set Sail The Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s (SSS) 67th Annual Labor Day Regatta takes place August 29^th – 31^st and draws hundreds of competitive sailors from across the U.S. and Canada. Activities include five separate race courses, live music, barbeque, refreshments and an awards ceremony. Register your boat and take part for $60 – $100, or sit back and take it all in – it’s free for spectators. Online registration, including the official Notice of Race and detailed information, can be found on their website, or at the club. Unfold your Picnic Blanket Summer and picnics go together like fresh strawberries and cream, so dig out your picnic blanket and take a trip to The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. There are several benches in beautifully scenic spots along the park’s Eagle Point Trail, and the surrounding area offers amazing opportunities to view wading birds, manatee, dolphin and other wildlife.

Shop ’til you Drop Put your hard earned cash to good use at one of the many fabulous shopping and outlet malls in the area, including Southgate Plaza, Ellenton and the boutique stores at St. Armands Circle. Kathryn also has some fabulous shopping recommendations for downtown Venice, which you can read about HERE. There are great sales on for Labor Day, so it’s an excellent time to pick up a bargain or two. Or three. Plus, you’ll get some practice in for when The Mall at University Town Center opens in October! Grill and Chill Why not host a gathering and spend this Labor Day weekend with family and friends? Try out a new recipe, make a playlist of your favorite summer tunes and enjoy the extra day to relax. This spicy watermelon and avocado salad from one of my favorite food blogs would be a delicious addition to your menu.

  Music on Point Historic Spanish Point’s summer concert series comes to a close on Saturday, August 30^th, with music from the local Gator Creek Band. Bring your lawn chair and a blanket and enjoy the sounds beneath the stars. Food and beverages will be available, and admission is $5. For more information, visit HERE. How will you be spending your Labor Day Weekend?