The start of 2012 brings with it a new year of skywatching, and lunar enthusiasts are gearing up for a stunning lineup of full moons. But, where does the tradition of full moon names come from?

Full moon names date back to Native Americans of a few hundred years ago, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. To keep track of the changing seasons, these tribes gave distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred.

There were some variations in the moon names, but in general, the same ones were used throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England, continuing west to Lake Superior.

European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names. Here is a list of all of the full moon names, as well as the dates and times for 2012: (Unless otherwise noted, all times are given in Eastern Standard Time.) Jan. 9, 2:30 a.m. EST — Full Wolf Moon. Amid the cold and deep snows of mid-winter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. January’s full moon was also known as the Old Moon or the Moon after Yule. In some tribes, this was the Full Snow Moon, but most applied that name to next month’s moon.

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For the past 20+ years we have been spending our vacation at the Turtle Beach Resort. We drive from Michigan with our dogs, who are always welcomed. In all the years we have never had any problems with the Inkeepers or their staff, they make you feel like you are at your second home. We have met a lot of very nice and interesting people while staying at the resort. Our first year there was no pool, kayaks, or canoes since then the owners have turned the grounds into a true vacation paradise. Over the years we have stayed at just about every cottage on the grounds. Our first one was the Country Cottage it was also the in-laws favorite who would say to their daughter on our last day of vacation “don’t forget to book for next year” The last several years we have been staying at my favorite the Jasmine or the wife’s the two bedroom Key West. Which ever one you choose you will not regret it. With the Intracoastal on one side and the Gulf on the other, with it’s beautiful sun sets on the beach you can’t help but feel like you are truly in paradise. If you are thinking of spending your next vacation in Florida do your self and the family a favor and spend it at the jewel of Siesta Key The Turtle Beach Resort. J.W. Show less
Liked: Rooms, Service, Location, Value

Our guests in the Country Cottage checked out this morning, they are from Miami. “This is exactly what we needed”. Their first time to Siesta Key and she said many of there friends asked why here? Why Turtle Beach Resort? They were suggesting big cities and fancy high end hotels for an exciting weekend. They specifically researched what they wanted and we delivered it to them. The hustle and bustle they experienced was watching the sanderlings gather on the sandbar from their waterfront deck… the dolphins arcing through the water as they passed by… oh… and those flocks of seagulls diving for dinner… no sounds of traffic and bustle but the owl hooting, the morning doves singing and the woodpeckers tapping… the fishing line was dropped from the deck and dinner was filets on the grill. An evening walk to Turtle’s for Happy Hour and a sunset stroll with the most beautiful sunsets. The scents from the bay breezes and flora fill the air… tranquil, mind clearing and a soulful time away…

Turtle Beach Resort and Inn was featured this fall as a” favorite coastal spot for laid back luxury”. All our cottages and suites offer private patios with hot tub spas, kitchens and use of all kayaks, canoes, bicycles, fishing and beach gear. Sarasota Bay is as smooth as glass, the weather has warmed up, time for an island getaway…a href=”http://turtlebeachresort.com/?attachment_id=1135″ rel=”attachment wp-att-1135″>

We are offering our low summer rates for all January stays. 941-349-4554

Time to start making those plans for Valentines Day. Give a romantic getaway just for the two of you and escape with your sweetheart for some personal time.

Turtle Beach Resort and Inn offers private suites and cottages all with private patios with large hot tub spas and kitchens.The resort offers many amenities including complimentary use of kayaks, canoes, bicycles, beach and fishing gear. Canoe down Sarasota Bay to “Secret Beach” for a romantic picnic and swim, take a bike ride down the island and explore the lush tropics and wildlife, stroll the beach at sunset and drink some bubbly in the bubbles of your own private hot tub.

Romance is in the air, reserve a 3 night stay in the month of February and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and a discount 5-course gourmet dinner package to Miguels Restaurant on Siesta Key.
For more information call 941-349-4554.

A recent guests comments on their stay with us…

My wife and I are retired Sarasota locals and were driving around one Friday morning, just touring Siesta Key Turtle Beach area. We thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun some weekend to stay in a ‘getaway’ cottage by the water.” So….we checked out a number of places of potential interest and discovered Turtle Beach Resort.

We met Dave (the owner) who was proud to show us several of the accommodations, all of which are located on the water front. We were literally “blown away” by the facilities, and decided then and there to book a nice place for that very weekend. We are spontaneous sorts of people!

It turns out that the mini-resort is a slice of “old Florida” style reminiscent of Tommy Bahama-like appointments, but that allusion doesn’t do justice to the creative, subtle artistic appointments in each cottage. And then there is the totally private outdoor hot-tub in a small secluded lanai with each cottage, perfect for secret romantic interludes.

The rooms are impeccably maintained, clean and comfortable, with everything provided to meet one’s needs. There is also free use of kayaks, bicycles, spinning rods/reels (all in excellent condition). Of particular note were the several small artful groupings of outdoor chaisse lounges, chairs, tables strategically placed for private conversational areas in addition to chairs and benches on the docks/piers for fishing or whiling away restful time by the water.

The area is so successfully designed for privacy of guests that we only saw two other people at any one time in our area over a three-day period, despite the fact that there were many guests checked in at the time. So…..no crowds here, friends.

For top notch dining, ask Dave about the nearby Miguel’s and Bella Roma restaurants…..which are two of the finest dining spots in the Sarasota area.

We will definitely be back. Parenthetically, we had no complaints about this place at all, and we are picky travelers.

Stayed December 2011, traveled as a couple

Siesta Key is buzzing with visitors all celebrating the New Year. Turtle Beach Resort and Inn is full and abuzz with guests, some longtime friends and many new aquaintances. Lots of families and children and dogs as well. Romance is in the air at the Inn, many couples sharing the time off with each other, rejuvenating, sunset walks on the beach, champagne and hot tubs…

We are having postcard weather, the fish are biting, many are canoeing and kayaking and just chillin’ out on the hammocks and lounge chairs…

Many have called and asked about fireworks so we thought we would share this event with you: New Year’s Eve Midnight Fireworks Show
at Marina Jacks, 2 Marina Plaza – Bayfront Park.

We want to wish all a very happy and healthy 2012! And to ring in the New Year we are offering our low summer rates for all stays for the month of January.

Sarasota, known as the cultural coast of Florida offers a vibrant art scene to residents and visitors alike. Innkeeper, Gail Rubinfeld and husband David recently opened a gallery on Siesta Key, the only art gallery on the island.The Gallery at Turtle Beach Resort features the work of Gail and her identical twin sister Miri Rosenfeld along with Elliott Rodgers, the twin’s father: a family rich with talent.

Gail Rubinfeld was inspired by her identical twin sister to become a professional artist. She has sold many of her prints and originals and donates a percentage of all sales of artwork to “Ma‘agan, The Jerusalem Support Center For Those Affected by Cancer”, in memory of her twin sister, Miri.

Gail graduated from Pratt Institute. Her work encompasses abstract collage, and also oil painting portraits, figures and landscapes. “I create paintings that capture a moment in time, a physcological portrait of a figure or face, that strips the person down to it’s essence. There is a spiritual connection in capturing the image with immediacy and drawn lines. I transform and manipulate this quiet moment onto canvasses with paint,print, and collage to form new images, either colorful or monochromatic. I often work in multiples, a reflection of being born a twin, channeling my twin’s artistry.” Gail works from her Florida studio and her art is in private collections in the United States, Israel, UK and Switzerland. Her artwork has helped create a permanent home for “Ma’agan” where Miri’s art work is on display. The Gallery is open daily 9-5 or by appointment by calling 941-349-4554

The Gallery at Turtle Beach Resort 9049 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, Florida

Ring in 2012 at The Inn at Turtle Beach Resort. We still have a few one-bedroom suites and studios available at our special low rates. Studios range from $260-$300 nightly and the one bedrooms range from $330-$365 nightly. Each suite has a private patio with a private hot tub spa and kitchen. Guests have complimentary use of the kayaks, canoes, bicycles, beach and fishing gear…

Spend a lazy day swinging on the hammocks overlooking the lagoon or paddle off to secret beach for a romantic picnic. The sunsets on Turtle Beach are the best on the island. The fish are biting and there are over 220 species of birds to discover… For your reservation call 941-349-4554!