I recently spent a week in Siesta Key, Florida with my family. Siesta Key is a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota and the Siesta Key Beach was recently named the top beach in the U.S.A. My family has been vacationing in Siesta Key ever since I was a baby, but this was my first time back in over a decade.

My time in Siesta Key was extremely low key. Days were spent at the beach or pool reading books, drinking American IPAs (Sierra Nevada! Kona Brewing Co.!) and just straight up relaxing. We spent one morning in downtown Sarasota, a quaint urban centre of pastel-toned buildings, retro neon signs, and manicured palm trees. In the evenings we often took Johnny's Free Ride - a free taxi service that often uses golf carts - to and from Siesta Key Village, a colourful, charming beach town on the island with lots of unique shops and restaurants. I especially enjoyed an Asian-inspired seafood dinner at The Cottage, Big Olaf's for ice cream, and Blasé Café for cocktails and live music. Back in our end of the island, Clayton's is a local grille house with amazing food, and Anna's Deli offers traditional deli "surfer" sandwiches that are deliciously simple and taste just like home.

I love the Floridian way of life on the Gulf - taking it easy, enjoying each other's company, and eating well. I am already longing for my next trip back to Siesta Key.