From August 1 through December 31 (before beginning the annual craziness of spring’s seasonal migration), Cannons is offering 25 percent off their rates to stay in one of only four one- or two-bedroom cottages, each not more than a delightful 100-yard barefoot stroll to a wide, private beach directly on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

Fully appointed but with an “old Florida” ambiance, Cannons By The Sea Cottages are a welcome relief from the usual, i.e. hotels, condos and resorts. Here you’ll find privacy, cooling breezes, clear, star-filled nights and the true relaxation you’re craving.

There’s really no place quite like it. Nearby are world-class restaurants. Florida’s leading attractions are an easy drive for a full day of fun. The fishing is second to none. And you just saved 25 percent! Book your beach vacation now. Call Cannons By The Sea Cottages at 941-383-1311.

While I’m sure it has lovely sand, we weren’t crazy about the accommodations we found and we heard the island was really overcrowded, so we decided to book a stay on Longboat Key where we found Cannons by the Sea Cottages, a group of four one- and two-bedroom bungalows that we fell in love with. We were so close to the Gulf of Mexico we could hear the waves at night. The beach was spectacular, right out our front door, wide and very private, and there was always a gentle breeze. The Gulf could not have been more beautiful, clear and blue, the color of Windex.

My husband and I spent our time shelling and relaxing while the kids played in the water, discovered all kinds of sea creatures and built sand castles for hours on end. It was so convenient to be able to walk the short distance to our cottage to escape the sun for a while, catch a nap or read another chapter while lazily swinging in our hammock. Longboat Key has some truly great restaurants and we sampled one or two, but we loved having our own kitchen, and that allowed us to eat whatever and whenever we wanted. And it saved us a lot of money. We’ve already reserved our cottage for next year and can’t wait to go back. Siesta Key may be number two, but to us, Cannons by the Sea Cottages on Longboat Key Florida is number one!

written by guest:  Susie Schweppe

Ever thought of a beach vacation rental right here in your own back yard?  Summer on Longboat Key here on the west coast of our lovely state is absolutely beautiful. It’s the season of no crowds, empty beaches, off-season rates, no lines at our restaurants, really great deals and the most gorgeous sunsets money can’t buy.

St Armands Circle is one of the many places to visit during your time here on Longboat Key and offers succulent burgers at Tommy Bahamas, luscious home made chocolates and ice cream at Kilwins and an abundance of shopping choices for the ladies. There’s even a tobacconist for your favorite cigar aficionado.

Close to Cannons by The Sea you’ll find a wealth of fine dining at the Beach Bistro, Harry’s Continental Kitchens and Euphemia Haye, to name just a few.

Let’s face it, we Floridians know how special off-season is (as much as we love to see our winter guests arrive, it’s also great to send them home!) and we’d love to share our favorite season with you.

Cannons by The Sea Cottages offers you and your family fun-filled beach vacation rentals. Small, intimate, and directly on an expansive, stunning Gulf of Mexico beach, our cottages are a taste of “Old Florida.” Pack up the kids, the sand buckets, beach balls and an umbrella and make Longboat Key your summer vacation destination.

Need ten reasons to stay ?

1)  We are located on the beautiful tropical island on Longboat Key.

2)  Our beach cottages are located directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

3)  Our white sandy beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, great for long beach walks.

4)  Rental boats and fishing supplies are located right across the street at Cannons Marina.

5) Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is nearby and a fun spot to take in the our local sea life including manatees and dolphins.

6) Fine dinning like Euphemia Haye and Harry’s Continental Kitchen, shopping and bicycle rentals are just minutes away.

7) We are  25 minutes from Sarasota international Airport.

8) Cannons By The Sea is an estate-sized parcel that allows for your privacy during your holiday.

9) Many of Sarasota’s cultural activities and performances like The Sarasota Opera, The Sarasota Ballet and the Ringling Museum are 20 minutes away.

10) Sunsets on Longboat Key are not only amazingly beautiful, but also they are much more positive for your health then the evening news.

So go ahead, get your honey and make your plans to visit us here on beautiful Longboat Key. You will be pleasantly surprised!

Our aim is to provide you with information on the Sarasota/Bradenton/Venice, Florida area.

We will feature the beach communities of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Sarasota and Siesta Key Florida.

Did you know that Siesta Key in Sarasota County was the number #3 slot for American’s Best Beaches in 2008 as ranked by Dr. Beach?

Check back frequently to discover the latest things that you can look forward to while on your beach front vacation.

Come on down, the sun is warm, the water is beautiful and we are in a really good mood!