Today I am going to drive down through the islands to little Lido Key to have lunch at St Armands Circle. Charlie's Crab is one of my favorite meeting places for lunch. The food is beautifully and imaginatively served and tastes delicious. After lunch we will walk round to Kilwins for some of their home made icecream and some handmade delights to take home. Favorite flavor? vanilla of course, smothered with walnuts and butterscotch sauce.

The shops and galleries on the Circle make time fly by. It is quite easy to while away a morning browsing through clothes, jewellery, watches, home accessories and art. Window shopping here is my idea of heaven, especially as there are plenty of excellent restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream sellers to provide sustenance. All this just 20 minutes drive from Anna Maria Island. Cross the bridge and travel down through Longboat Key. It's a great day out.