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In November, 1911, the Seaboard Air Line Railway started carrying passengers from Sarasota to Venice via an extension. In 1927, the Venice Train Depot was built, drawing even more folks who were anxious to live in the Venice area, establish businesses, and simply enjoy the coastal community.
Clyde Butcher, a world-famous photographer, is one of Sarasota County’s most well-known residents.
He’s a large man in a cowboy hat, with a full Santa Claus beard and eyes that twinkle behind wire-frame glasses. Looking constrained as he sits at a small desk in his Venice office cubicle it’s obvious this is not a man who spends his time indoors.
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Amid the new construction and tropical vibes of Sarasota, lies a neighborhood unlike any others found here. Instead of Island-inspired pastels or stark modernity, brick and patina exude an Old World charm. The Burns Court community—spanning only a few blocks down Orange Ave, Pineapple Ave, and Burns Ct—fills a much-needed niche, one that brings visitors to a time and place where charm, pride and friendliness surpass mass production or speed.
The creative spirit of Sarasota seeps into its every nook and cranny, including unique playgrounds where kids can enter a rainforest, ride a train, or join the circus.
Get a head start on your New Year in the Sarasota sunshine with activities so fun, you won’t realize they’re (shh) exercise.
Whether you’re here on vacation, for a sporting event or a business trip, or just passing through, you can find something to do every time of day on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Here are 50 of our favorites:
Traveling with a pet? Get prepared with our guide on this critter-friendly destination offering plenty of options for accommodations.
When it's time for a vacation, plenty of people like to plan trips the entire family can enjoy—and for lots of us, family includes our furry four-legged friends. If you wouldn't dream of leaving Fido at home during your trip to the sunny Gulf Coast of Florida, we've got the dish for you on traveling with pets in Sarasota County.
Art-centric Sarasota County abounds with places to view art, make art, and purchase art.
Sarasota is very much an arts- and culture-based city. Perhaps it’s the area’s rich history, could be the inspiring beauty of the beaches, or possibly the vibe of the location leads to a relaxed creative outlet. Regardless of the reasoning behind the art-centric attitude, the result is a small city bustling with art venues* - places to view art, to make art, and to purchase art. Often all it takes is a strolling walk and an open eye; but for a clearer direction, look no further.
Brunch may originate from combining breakfast and lunch, but what it means is extended conversations, savoring good food, and being in the present. So where to go to find the perfect slow Sunday starter in Sarasota?
Looking for spectacular views, Gulf breezes, and crafted drinks and eats?
Then come on down—or should we say, up—to Sarasota’s rooftop bars.
The Sarasota area has welcomed a growing number of rooftop venues. Visitors are attracted to the great views and atmosphere; for hotel-based rooftop bars, the pools that are located right beside the bars make for a great combo. And there’s no better way to take in Sarasota’s ever-changing skyline than from the top of a roof.