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

Spanish moss swaying under the oaks on a canopy road is an iconic image of The South. While some Floridians believe the moss is detrimental to the trees, the University of Florida IFAS explains it typically does no harm. "Declining trees with abundant moss are probably declining from some other factor, not the moss." If your tree has dead branches laden with moss, contact an arborist to identify what might be the cause of the tree's stress. If your tree is healthy and you like the look of the moss, there is no need to remove it. If you would like the moss removed, the task should be completed by hand (and if up high, by professionals)..

The screen was serenely framed in silhouetted trees and a late summer sunset. (And the green glow of a Publix sign across the highway.)

When Miranda was growing up, a favorite pastime was heading to the drive-in movie theater in Delmar, Iowa. While there were as many as 4,000 drive-ins in the U.S. during the 1950s, today there are only 350 (7 of them are in Florida). This summer we decided to re-live the experience with a trip to the Ruskin Family Drive-in.

Ruskin isn't far from Sarasota, but this theater transported us to childhood memories and a much more rural crowd.

It was a very easy 40-minute drive from the heart of Sarasota. Gates opened at 7:30 and the movie started shortly after 8:15. It allowed us plenty of time to get situated before the show. One benefit of the drive-in is that the $7pp admission buys viewing of a double-feature. That's far less than the $10 per movie at standard indoor theaters.

There was a mix of setups: picnic blankets, camp chairs, truck bed viewing and vehicular retreats.

We were skeptical about the heat and bugs, so brought pillows and blankets to transform the vehicle interior into a comfy cab. That did mean running the car & air conditioner during most of our stay. It was easy to agree that a return visit during cooler weather would be ideal.

While the outside of the building's nothing to look at, the concession interior retains a charming color palette.

We wanted to get the full experience, so planned to purchase dinner from the concession stand. It was (microwaved) corn dogs for our group. We also paid the $5-per-vehicle charge to bring in our own snacks. On our next visit, we'll likely reverse this - hit the Publix across the street for a picnic with pre-made subs before the movie begins, then visit the concession stand for some fresh buttery popcorn to enjoy during the shows.

It's much more low-key than a trip to the Regal Hollywood, and less luxurious than dinner-and-a-movie at Cinebistro - but all in all, this was a fun and inexpensive way to see current box office films.

Nearby or Similar Considerations

The Hob Nob Drive-In is an outdoor diner. Window service at your car isn't available.

Part of what drove our decision (see what we did there with the drive-in theme?) to feature the Ruskin theater was a brainstorm about what paired well with Sarasota's oldest diner, Hob Nob. Located on the corner of US 301 and 17th St, it's easy to pass without giving consideration. But you should think again. After more than 60 years in business, they've perfected diner food - burgers, melts, chicken tenders, and, of course, milkshakes! And the super casual outdoor seating makes this a great place to stop if you've already been outside in the summer heat (yard work? beaching? literally just walking across any parking lot to get to your car...). This restaurant is a must-visit for any Sarasotan!

Such. Yummy. Classics. The Hob Nob burger and a patty melt.

Learn more about our Home Watch services, Florida homeownership, and activity ideas in and around the Sarasota area on the Coastal Haven website. For additional photos and information on this month's featured attractions, follow our Facebook or Instagram accounts.