Tucked away on the gulf coast just south of Sarasota, Englewood is often overlooked as a getaway destination. That's probably why its beaches are so quiet and relaxing. But here's a heads-up -- it has been "discovered."

TripAdvisor.com puts Englewood, Florida, in the number 2 spot on its 2009 list of the top 10 Emerging U.S. Travel Destinations.

The beaches close to Englewood are fantastic and straddle the border between Sarasota and Charlotte counties. All are located on a barrier island called Manasota Key. Here's a quick description of the beaches:

Manasota Beach - This public access beach is located several miles south of Venice's Caspersen Beach Park at the western terminus of Manasota Beach Road, accessed from State Road 776. This is a natural beach with few buildings on the shore -- just a few understated homes well-concealed behind the native beach vegetation. This is a great beach for a long, quiet walk. It has lifeguards, food concession and covered picnic tables. Parking is free. (Sarasota County)

Blind Pass Beach - This one is a favorite of mine. It's on a sharp curve on Manasota Beach Road about halfway between Manasota Beach and Englewood Beach. Trees and vegetation are thick above the beach and it's a great beach for a long walk. Across the street is a large sand parking area, nature trails, a canoe launch and playground equipment.  This beach lacks lifeguard protection, and there is no food concession. Restrooms are provided and parking is free. (Sarasota County)

Englewood Beach (Chadwick Park) - Unlike Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach, Englewood Beach is in an area with a lot more activity and is located in Charlotte County where State Road 776 crosses Lemon Bay. Restaurants and small businesses are across the street and residential neighborhoods and small condominiums stand in stark contrast to the greenery just to the north in Sarasota County. This well-maintained beach park facility has a boardwalk along the beach, restrooms and covered picnic shelters. There is no food concession, but there are nearby restaurants. This beach is not protected by lifeguards. (Charlotte County)

Stump Pass State Park - This state park beach is located at the southern tip of Manasota Key and has a mile of undeveloped beach stretching all the way to Stump Pass. On the other side of the pass is a tempting view of the northern tip of Palm Island. The park has restrooms, but no lifeguard and no food concession. There is a park entrance fee. A long, quiet beach and nature trails are the highlights of this state park beach. (Charlotte County)