st armands small business saturday shopping

Where to Shop Local for Small Business Saturday

Nine hyper-local shopping districts (with dining options, too!) to support Small Business Saturday this November.

We've all heard of Black Friday and even Amazon Prime Day these days. We're well aware of the fantastic shopping deals they provide and one-day-only sale prices. However, in between those two days is another special day to shop, and that's Small Business Saturday – aimed at celebrating artisan makers and independently owned shops to further support small businesses during the busiest shopping time of the year. 

Should you find yourself in Sarasota County for the last Saturday of the month this November, there are at least nine shopping districts/neighborhoods of mostly local storefronts and boutiques—as well as local restaurant and dining options within these walkable areas to keep you fueled up for a full day of shopping! Cheers to finding that killer holiday gift for your Secret Santa. 

Shopping Districts
1.
St. Armands Circle
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Lido Key

St. Armands Circle is an enchanting roundabout and island shopping center on Lido Key.  Its fine shops and restaurants is set in a tropical paradise right off the scenic John Ringling Boulevard. Renowned for its continental flair and flavor, the circle is a super fun, open-air experience for window shopping (or actual shopping) the dozens of different storefronts all the way around.

Grab a bite here: Columbia Restaurant, Shore, Daiquiri Deck, Cha Cha Coconuts

Be sure to check St. Armands Circle website, or business sites, for the most up-to-date information surrounding closures due to Hurricane Milton.

2.
Southside Village
Libby's is one of several locally owned stops in the Southside Village

South Sarasota

Teeming with small businesses along Osprey Avenue, Southside Village (also known as Hillview) is a little hidden jewel in south Sarasota with a unique collection of eclectic shops and places to eat. Pop in and out of chic clothing boutiques, thrift stores, gourmet markets, trendy home decor stores, art galleries, jewelry stores and more. 

Grab a bite here: Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie, Morton's Gourmet Market, Gecko's Grill & Pub

3.
Downtown Sarasota
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Sarasota

Shop, dine, enjoy and explore all downtown Sarasota has to offer along Main Street, Palm Avenue, First Street, Lemon Avenue and more. Browse the stores that catch your attention or enjoy window shopping! Specialty shops galore, a foodie’s paradise, beautiful art galleries and so much more! 

And, since the Sarasota Farmer's Market is every Saturday, Small Business Saturday will have a whole new meaning downtown for dozens of local vendors and artisans set up with an array of home goods, plants, hand-knit bags and baskets, organic body care products, original art, silver and gold jewelry, candles, coastal decor and so much more. 

Grab a bite here: Duval's Fresh Local Seafood, Cask & Ale, Circo, A Sprig of Thyme, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill, Organic Farmer's Table

4.
Historic Burns Court District
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Downtown Sarasota

On the outskirts of Downtown Sarasota, Historic Burns Court hosts its own artsy, secluded vibe along Pineapple Avenue. With stylish women's clothing boutiques, antique and thrift shops, mercantiles, design ateliers, cafes and floral shops, Burns Court is a lovely afternoon jaunt to procure some new, exciting local items while admiring sidewalk art and murals. 

Grab a bite here: Il Panificio Pizzeria, First Watch, 1592 Wood Fire Kitchen & Cocktails, Tamiami Tap

5.
Historic Downtown Venice
Venice Avenue

Venice

On both sides of Venice Avenue as well as the parallel Miami Avenue, you will likely have your hands full of bags strolling up and down these two streets. A hundred independently owned shops and boutiques line the avenues of the quaint Historic Downtown Venice, where you can find unique gifts, art, decor, men and women's apparel and many more interesting finds. 

That Saturday, as luck would have it, you'll also have the chance to shop around the weekly Venice Farmers' Market. Aside from the fresh produce and baked breads, secure a few gifts from vendors selling artisan items such as handmade soaps, pet accessories, shark tooth jewelry, cigars, fine art and photo prints, holistic skincare products and much more. 

Grab a bite here: Ristorante San Marco, Cafe Venice Restaurant & Bar, Crow's Nest Marina Restaurant, Fins at Sharky's

6.
Siesta Village
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Siesta Key

Just off Siesta Key's famous beach, stumble upon quaint eateries, shops and boutiques, which offer everything from beachy clothing, footwear, bathing suits, coastal souvenirs, kitschy gift items and more. This walkable and picturesque stretch of Ocean Avenue is a stone's throw from the sand and a longtime shopping and dining staple after a long day at the beach.

Grab a bite here: The Old Salty Dog, Blasé Cafe / 3.14 Pi, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, Cafe Gabbiano, Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar

7.
Waterside Place
Women sitting on the grass at Waterside Ranch

Lakewood Ranch

Further inland from the beaches and keys, find the quaint lakeside retail district of Waterside Place and its very walkable outdoor mall. Here, you'll find local boutiques of Florida-native provisions, women's apparel, jewelry and outdoor gear for sale. A great place to stop and have lunch, meet Lakewood Ranch locals and enjoy the sunshine with live music under the pavilion. 

Grab a bite here: Kore Steakhouse, Forked at Waterside, Good Liquid Brewing, Agave Bandido, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House

8.
Dearborn Street
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Olde Englewood Village

Over in Englewood, Dearborn Street is another great downtown place to roam down the road. Discover all sorts of places you might like to make your new haunts. Great thrifting, antiquing, coastal souvenir shopping and fun Old Florida hangouts await you down on the artsy street of Dearborn.

Grab a bite here: Mango Bistro, Farlow's on the Water, Landy's Restaurant, The Dearborn Coffeehouse& Bakery, Englewoods on Dearborn Restaurant

9.
Limelight District
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A hybrid of small business makers, creators, live music and pop-up art shows, The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime remains the hub of this budding arts sector. Limelight District's indoor indie market is the perfect place to shop hyper-local finds from 40+ vendors—there to showcase their talents, wares and provide a fun experience for shoppers. Find everything from original art, collectibles, artisan gifts, clothing, jewelry, honey, plants and so much more. 

Grab a bite here: Hamlet's Eatery (onsite), Sun King Brewery (food trucks outside Wednesday-Saturday), Amore Restaurant, Siegfried's Restaurant & German Biergarten