Argosy-Sarasota Students/Former Students

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by dst10spr97, May 24, 2005.

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  1. dst10spr97

    dst10spr97 New Member

    I registered for my first class yesterday and it starts next month. It is a blended course so I will have to go on campus (Business Research Writing). I got a list of hotels and other travel information, but I am not sure which hotel to choose. Also is it better to fly into Tampa or Sara/Bradenton?

    Anybody on the board that has taken classes at the Sarasota campus or is currently at that campus, care to recommend a hotel and travel tips. Of course I have never been to Sarasota.

    Also I know the weekend will be intense being in class all day. But will I have any time for pleasure, and is there a beach nearby where I could possibly go to read? I love the water (being from Michigan) and hate that I am landlocked in Atlanta :)
     
  2. DrEJK

    DrEJK New Member

    Sarasota

    Hi -- I worked in the Argosy U. system office in my former position, so I traveled to all of the AU campuses regularly. My favorite place to stay (which was also fairly inexpensive) was the AmericInn in Sarasota. It is *much* nicer than it may sound -- great rooms, good breakfast, good staff, and very convenient to campus. They also have an AU discount rate, but you have to ask for it when you book.

    BTW, my favorite restaurant in the area is called Sugar & Spice. It is Amish-influenced cooking, and the atmosphere is peaceful and beautiful. I *highly* recommend it, particularly the desserts. There is an Amish section in Sarasota that has other great restaurants, including Yoder's (not as great in atmosphere, but equally good food and a tad more authentic).

    Regarding airports, since you are in Atlanta you may want to fly to the Bradenton/Sarasota airport -- it is small and you can park very close to the terminal -- coming from Chicago I hated changing planes (and usually running) in Hartsfield, but that isn't an issue for you. As larger airports go, I like Tampa as well, and the drive from Tampa to Sarasota is really lovely in places. It is less than an hour (as I recall) from Tampa to Sarasota. Usually the flights are much cheaper to Tampa. On the whole I'd recommend Tampa, but it is also nice to get off the plane and be almost in town. There are many fewer rental car choices in Brad/Sar airport as well.

    Regarding beaches, you have your pick, though they are a ways from campus. It is generally best to drive along the coast and find which are less busy, as it varies, but you should have no problem finding a reasonably uncrowded and nice one, depending on the time of day.

    Best wishes to you -- I think you'll enjoy the AU experience -- I know a bunch of the business deans/faculty there and it is a good program.
     

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