Florida Back Roads: Sarasota to Clermont
This past Christmas was packed full of driving for me. It was a journey of sorts. I needed to pack in loads of family and I wanted to stay off major highways. This gave me a chance to discover more of Florida and add more counties to my list.
I started off on Tamiami Trail by Ringling School of the Arts. Destination: Clermont.
Sarasota
I’ve spent a load of time in Sarasota in the last five years. My kids are there and they live near downtown. They have a very vibrant downtown. My favorite store is Pixie Dust. A lovely metaphysical store filled with loads of goodies and gifts. Plus you can get a chair massage or a regular massage, readings and attend a host of events.
Here is a good article on fun things to do.
Basically the ride was was two roads. 301 north then 50 east. There were some areas of traffic and lights but mostly the roads were rural at 50 mph. It took me about 45 minutes more than driving on the highway.
So I started out in Sarasota (Sarasota County) and drove north thru Bradenton. I drove over the Manatee River into the town of Palmetto. Now entering Manatee County, Florida,
Driving into Palmetto
Here are some things to do in Palmetto
You have to pay attention to signs and go right on 301 towards Ellenton. You will drive past the I75 exist if you changed your mind and hop on the highway.
Continue on 301 and drive through Parrish.
Next County Hillsborough. Here is some photos of Thonotosassa.
Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County
Thonotosassa, Hillsborough County
Fl
Accessible on this road was Lake Manatee State Park and
Hillsboro River State Park
Pasco county
Zephyrhills/
Dade city
Dade city
WITHLACOOCHEE STATE TRAIL
Webster, Florida
Made it to Lake County!
Three hours
115 miles
Here are some other Back Roads. If you are leaving from the Treasure Coast and going to the west coast:
Florida Back Roads: The Florida Cracker Trail
Then you could come back Orlando this way:
Florida Back Roads: 441 South from Orlando
