Q: Hi! I'm staying at Longboat Key, and I'm looking for something to do that is near the Sarasota area. I was thinking of some kind of water sport or parasailing. Thanks! -- Molly

A: Sounds like fun, Molly. I'm not familiar with any of these types of companies in the area, so here's what I would do if I were looking for them (and in fact have done this for my out-of-state travels).

First, check with the hotel where you'll be staying. Many hotels work with local businesses to let guests know about all kinds of activities they can do while they're in town. The hotel may even make a reservation for you if it's necessary -- and you may get a discount or coupon through the hotel.

Also check with the local chamber of commerce. Many COCs have their own Web sites and information about their members. Luckily for you, Longboat Key's Chamber of Commerce Web site offers a categorical search tool (click on "Members"), where it's easy to look up watersports-related companies. Even if a city's COC doesn't have a Web site, if you call, the COC will likely send you brochures about the area that will help you plan your trip.

Another great tool is an online Yellow Pages directory like the one at Yahoo!. Here, you can look up companies by type in just about any location. This is where I found some watersports-related companies in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

As long as you're in the area, why not see the wilder side of Florida? Around the Bend Nature Tours offers a variety of tours in which you can explore barrier islands, Indian mounds and other areas, and Ray's Canoe Hideaway on the Manatee River will guide your exploration of the river and other paddling trails.

Hope these ideas help.

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