As a Home Watch provider, we want each of your return trips to Sarasota to feel as refreshing as the first. Our "Piece of Paradise" newsletters provide a brief glimpse into Florida homeownership, followed by a featured activity for your next visit.

Homeowner Insight

Of course we strive to be a resource for our clients before and after they depart for the summer. The "Closing Your Florida Home" webinar, hosted this Tuesday March 19 by the University of Florida Extension, will also be a great resource for our clients.

Electric bikes offer a new take on two timeless activities: riding bikes and watching sunsets.

We took it as an opportunity for a date night, but another customer shared that it was his third tour in as many weeks - his "go to" entertainment for visiting guests (and apparently he frequently entertains guests!). Whatever the occasion, we recommend an electric bike ride with Endless Summer Eco Tours.

Who can deny how inviting this looks?

The tour group met behind the Crescent Beach Market on Siesta Key. The owner, Derek, provided an overview of how to operate the bikes and then we were off.

Pretty basic setup: one button to increase the assistance level, one button to decrease it, and a bell to let others know you're riding in their direction.

While our group's 14 riders probably spanned in age from 25 to 60 years, we're told the bikes are friendly well beyond that range. (Heads up, Mom and Dad, we'll likely be testing out this claim on your next visit!)

The tour included some basic talking points at several locations on Siesta Key.

This wasn't the most narrated or informative tour we've taken in the Sarasota area. That's a good thing, because too much script would have taken away from the opportunity to appreciate the awesomeness of the experience. The smooth and easy ride, the award-winning beach, the setting of the sun - it's not meant to be interrupted with words!

A picture of owner Derek, taking a picture of his customers.

There was one other feature of the tour that we'd be remiss not to highlight: Derek. He and his co-guide were 100% dedicated to five-star customer service. From learning names to taking/sharing photos to engaging through humor and sprinkling in a few surprises, he definitely earned our endorsement.

Not going to spoil one of the surprises by explaining what's happening here... but it figures that Ben won this challenge without even entering to play.

Logically, our return path was quite dark after the sun had set. Not to fear! The e-bikes are equipped with a headlight. This made the tour feel like a two-for-one experience: the pinky golden hues of the evening sun during the ride out, and the sparkling lights of the Siesta Key skyline on the ride back in.

You can see the glow from the headlight about 10 feet in front of this rider..

Nearby or Similar Considerations

Electric biking not your thing? Try an electric boat! In all honesty, we didn't even know Sarasota had this option - adding it to our to-do list PRONTO. What we really wanted to share this month is that Sarasota has been named the "Best Date-Night City" in the United States. Whether it's biking or boating or beaches or burger joints, get out and have some fun with someone you love!