Putting a Spotlight on the Limelight District

Anchored in an edgy creative arts scene that includes mouth-watering eats, hand-crafted treats and local hotspots with distinct services, there’s always something fun and interesting going on in the Limelight District.  

As a destination, the Limelight District packs more than 100 businesses into a curious and smart blend of goods and services aligned to a single mission: To be Sarasota’s location of choice for artists, makers, and innovative curators providing a vibrant and enriching experience for those working and visiting the area.

With year-round educational events, neighborhood parties and art openings aplenty, you’ll want to bookmark the businesses within the Limelight District, just so you don’t miss anything.  

You’ve never been? Grab your walking shoes, a bike or pack the car with friends and family. Finding the Limelight is easy. Look for Lime Street in Sarasota and cruise along using the Limelight District Map. Most of the studios and galleries are open on Thursdays and weekends, but it’s good to check for openings and events before you go.  

Photo taken by Rita Mann

You’ll know you’re going in the right direction when you spot the district’s signature lime green color on local signs and in storefronts, sculptures, and course, the iconic old green truck parked at The Bazaar at Apricot & Lime.  So don’t delay – get your lime on today! 

A few Limelight District businesses to get your journey started: 

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

Bazaar performer, taken by Rita Mann

As an Indie Indoor Market and an anchor to the Limelight District, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is a delightful extravaganza designed to be a place where vendors could showcase talents, wares and provide a fun experience for shopper who might enjoy learning something too. For a truly unique shopping experience, The Bazaar is home to more than 40 vendors selling art, collectibles, plants, jewelry, clothing, food and one-of-a-kind treasures. There’s plenty to fill your senses and shopping bags.  

A hop-and-skip away from downtown and you’ll feel you’ve been transported. Mid-day live music conjures the ambiance of a local vacation. A stroll along the stalls and spaces of The Bazaar will make you feel like you’ve landed in a remote and distant land - in Sarasota style. 

Hamlet's Eatery

Photo courtesy of Hamlet's Eatery

When your bags are full or you simply need reinforcement to continue your spree, grab vegan (or not) bites at Hamlet’s Eatery, a food truck permanently situated in the festive courtyard of The Bazaar. For a taste of the theatrical, pull up a seat under the shaded pavilion or at table to get some Sarasota sun. 

Situated in a music-filled courtyard at The Bazaar, you can order delicious and inventive treats as a nibble or full meal. The rotating menu of vegan (or not) dishes include a Bard’s Breakfast, the Hamlet Burger and Romeo Tacos. be sure to check their website for hours, event offerings or menu changes.

The Makery

If you’re looking for a way to indulge in art, look no further than The Makery, a do-it-yourself pottery and art studio providing inspirational space and artful guidance and instruction. The Makery caters to beginners, kids, and anyone who loves to make.  

Kids can try their hand at the potter’s wheel, canvas or an array of other art forms. Create a turtle in resin, no problem! Make a bowl for your mother’s birthday? Absolutely! The Makery has workshops to meet most needs. From homeschool, afterschool or birthdays and group events, you’ll find it at this Limelight District studio, located at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime.   

Sarasota Honey Company

Who doesn’t love honey? Especially when it’s carefully and sustainably crafted by a company recognized as environmentally and socially responsible. Situated in The Bazaar at Apricot & Lime, the Sarasota Honey Company stands out as a family-owned and community-driven Apiary Company. All of the honey at Sarasota Honey Company is harvested from hives situated in urban areas in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.  

Sarasota Honey Company takes great care of its bees and its people. Each hive location produces a distinct honey flavor based on its specific environment. The end result is an artisan honey product that is not pasteurized or blended between locations.  Honey doesn’t get any better (or healthier) than this!  

With a commitment to invest in community education and the employment and training of individuals with specialized needs, the Sarasota Honey Company is a local gem worth celebrating in the Limelight District.  

Sun King Brewery

Just a few steps north of The Bazaar is Sun King Brewery. The family-friendly Sarasota brewery brews small-batch craft beers, including some award-winning styles. Enjoy an intimate tap room of high-top tables lining the big glass windows, allowing a peek into the brewing machinery and production. 

Grab a few cans to-go or fill up a growler to take with you to a dinner party and share. Out back, enjoy patio games and fresh air mingling under the hanging lights. Sun King also hosts Dan Apizz' Man – New Haven-Style Pizza food truck just outside its doors from Tuesday to Friday and on Sundays.

Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Galleries & Creative Academy​ 

What began as a dream by two visionary co-workers and friends has blossomed into a hugely successful key anchor of Sarasota’s Limelight District. Elizabeth Goodwill and Barbara Gerdeman founded Creative Liberties with the notion to support “Artists Helping Artists.”  

In a very short period of time, Creative Liberties has grown to include studios and a gallery, a Creative Academy and an Artist in Residence program. At the Academy, enjoy various classes to get your creative juices flowing, including a weaving class, rock painting, recycled journaling, acrylic painting and more. 

With more than 35 individual artists represented at any one time, when the galleries throw open their doors for an event or party, locals and visitors alike throng to mix and mingle with painters, potters, sculptors, jewelry makers and performance artists. One particular event that’s famous among locals is Gaze and Graze. Ticketed participants are ushered by trolley to GAZE at the art in multiple galleries around town while they GRAZE on small plates provided by local restaurants.  

With nibbles, adult refreshments and music, there’s no better place to be than Creative Liberties on sultry evenings in Sarasota. For gallery hours and a full listing of artists, classes and events, visit their website. 

Shopping & Local Services

For shopping and local services, the Limelight District delivers on so many fronts. You’ll find everything from rare mid-century modern furniture and art at Braden River Antiques and local kombucha maker, Boombacha Komcucha to construction expertise, rug cleaning services, groceries at the Sunflower Market and more. 

So next time you’re planning a visit to Sarasota County, take a peek at the Limelight District to see how it’s evolving near the heart of downtown.