Last month I told you about my foodie finds during my 2026 winter on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Now that I’m officially back in New Jersey, I want to share highlights of new finds (and some repeats) I experienced during my second snowbird season in Sarasota.
From the Arcadia Rodeo to a Yankee spring training game in Tampa, plus Sellby Gardens, Siesta Key beach days and morning walks under sunny skies, my boyfriend E and I had many fun-filled days.
My boyfriend E and I went to a Yankee spring training game in Tampa
An afternoon at the Arcadia Rodeo
I learned about the Arcadia Rodeo when one of our houseguests wanted to go to Arcadia to do some antique shopping. It’s a small town about 45 minutes from Sarasota. Who knew that it is actually called the “Antique Capital of Florida” for its Main Street antique shops. (Note: Just don’t go on a Monday like we did when most of the shops are closed.) The town is also famous for the historic Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo.
“OMG, the Arcadia Rodeo happens the week before we leave. We have to go,” I said to E. Tickets are not inexpensive for this premier stop in the rodeo circuit on the east coast. The cost: $200 for two seats.
Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is a popular annual event in Arcadia, Florida
Was it worth it? Yes, yes, yes. We chowed down on hot wings and macaroni and cheese at the food trucks. (Sidebar: No wonder E had to have emergency surgery to remove his gallbladder a few weeks later!) E bought me a Western hat. Then we watched the professional cowboy and cowgirl athletes compete atop their horses to lasso the bulls in record times.
There’s big money in rodeos. The top 12 can participate for a $350,000 prize later in the year. If an athlete goes on to Las Vegas Nevada the biggest prize is $16 million.
Catching the New York Yankees in spring training
The New York Yankees have their spring training in Tampa. This year we decided to take a drive up to Steinbrenner Field to see a game. It was an enjoyable few hours. Not all prime players took the field but we did see Aaron Judge in action — much closer than at Yankee Stadium. It was also nice to see the field team throw out foul balls to the fans. There was such camaraderie among attendees — several came from New York and other states.
Steinbrenner Field in Tampa is home to Yankee spring training games
Tickets were less than a regular season game, but not cheap. We spent $200 for two tickets, plus $20 parking, and food. Food is less expensive at Steinbrenner Field than a major league stadium. (Note: Don’t purchase a parking pass in advance, it’s a scam. You can pay $20 for parking when you get there. Leave extra time to get to the stadium as lines are long to park. And make sure you remember landmarks so you can find your car after the game.)
A peaceful pause at Selby Gardens
Marie Selby Gardens in Sarasota is an award-winning botanical gardens. In 2025, USA Today ranked it one of the Top 10 Botanical Gardens in the United States. Its Downtown Campus is composed of 15 acres located on Sarasota Bay.
I especially wanted to see the 10th Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition: Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement. If you know Calder’s abstract artwork and mobiles then you will be impressed with how the landscapers incorporated them with nature. Calder’s fascination with the circus from his studies of performers and animals at the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1925 is also on display — appropriate as Sarasota became the winter home to Ringling and today The Ringling campus is a prominent cultural attraction in the city.
Alexander Calder is the showcased artist at this year’s winter Selby Garden special exhibition
The Calder exhibition is on view through May 31, 2026.
Soaking up the sun at Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach ranked Best Beach in the U.S. for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. They liked the quartz-crystal sand which doesn’t get hot, soft turquoise gulf waters and endless sunshine. Thankfully there wasn’t any red tide this year.
The only issues with Siesta Key Beach are the crowds. While there are always spots available on the cool sand, I recommend if you plan to go to Siesta Key beach that you go early in the morning, as the parking lots fill up quickly. Or take an Uber!
Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in the United States
If you can’t find parking at Siesta Key, another lovely beach is Longboat Key Beach or Lido Beach (parking here can be tough too as it’s near Armand’s Circle, a busy shopping and dining area).
Admire a sunset
Whether you’re on the beach, in your backyard or even driving in your car, sunsets in Sarasota are the best. No matter where you are it’s a great way to stop, slow down, and breathe.
This beautiful Sarasota sunset was photographed from the car
All in all it was another lovely snowbird stay in Sarasota. While I may not agree with Florida politics, you truly cannot beat the Sarasota climate during the winter months. As my body parts near 70 they cannot handle snowstorms anymore. They are much better shoveling sunshine.
Judi
