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There’s no better place to spend time with your sweetheart than sunny Sarasota! How can you say “I love you” during your stay? Let us count the ways…

Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, wooing a Valentine, or scheming to surprise your partner "just because" — Sarasota is a great place to plan out a unique and thoughtful date that'll charm your darlin'.

Make a Map to Your Heart

Here’s how to spend an entire day – morning ‘til night – in the hip and growing neighborhood on the fringes of downtown Sarasota.

Few neighborhoods in Sarasota have seen a rapid overhaul the likes of the Rosemary District. Once a small, quiet offshoot of downtown, the Rosemary District has seen huge growth of new businesses, new public art, revitalized parks, and infrastructural updates over the past 10 years—bringing in a vibrant food, arts, and social scene with plenty of selections for everyone’s preferences.

Want to learn how to weave with recycled materials? How about trying your hand at a fun painting technique called ‘acrylic pour’? Or learn how to use chalk paint? Or take classes to play the ukulele?

Maybe you’re looking for hand-crafted soap, felt flowers, essential oils, vintage clothes, a beautifully rendered fish mount, local honey, intuitive readings, or hand-made jewelry?

For those who yearn for unique, expert and sometimes quirky small business experiences, the budding sector of Limelight District on the fringes of downtown Sarasota more than delivers. 

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.  

This Sarasota neighborhood near Siesta Key is a local favorite full of surprises and international culture

Gulf Gate is a hidden jewel in south Sarasota with a unique collection of restaurants and shops that celebrate global traditions. In one day, visitors can travel from Mexico to Sweden, Poland to England, Korea to Hungary, and many places in between. Teeming with small businesses, Gulf Gate is an amazing way to travel the world without leaving Sarasota County.

We asked members of the Sarasota County tourism industry to share some of the additional policies and procedures they've added for customers in response to the pandemic.

Learn more about these Black-owned restaurants, tours and other businesses on Florida's Gulf Coast

Chaz 51 Steakhouse

Chaz 51 Steakhouse is a foodie destination offering high-end cuisine to challenge even those with the most discerning tastes. The selections prepared by owner Chef Charles Amherst seek to excite the palate with his combination of Southern hospitality and fine dining, including scrumptious surf & turf entrees that have made this Venice restaurant a community jewel.

Here are some of the best areas to stay outdoors while browsing our dozens of locally owned shops and unique products

Check out some special holiday deals and discounts for travelers who want to visit Sarasota County this winter season.