Dreary gray skies and biting winds. Cars that won't start, heating bills that won't stop, and that nagging ache in your back from shoveling snow off your driveway. These are some of the reasons you need to get away from what we Sarasotans refer to simply as "up North."

Sunshine. Balmy breezes, swaying palm trees, and pelicans diving for their dinners over gentle waves of green and blue. Tropical drinks sipped in cabanas overlooking miles of white sand, tasty seafood delivered straight from the boat, and a nightlife that ranges from operatic highlights to jazzy jams to dancing 'til you drop. These are some of the reasons you need to get away to Sarasota.

Get the picture? Millions have before you. Spend a week, or two, or three in our city and along its barrier islands, and you will definitely not want to go back.

Who would want to leave behind those sunrise (or sunset) beach walks, the great boating waters, the lush green golf courses or the banyan-shaded groves of our botanical gardens? Not to mention-though we will-the cultural and entertainment opportunities provided by our 10 local theaters, dozens of art galleries, film and music festivals, opera and ballet companies, symphony orchestras, and world-class performing arts hall and art museum.

Our inviting shops and boutiques, offering everything from designer clothing and jewelry to seashell souvenirs, could persuade you to stay an extra few days all by themselves. And with literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from, it could take you all year just to work your way through the first half of the alphabet.

Obviously, one visit won't be enough. But you've got to start somewhere. Find your own reasons to visit. We'll offeryou dozens more to stay.