August

If you are into the bars, pubs and little-known restaurants, you'll love these secret spots in Sarasota County.

In Sarasota County, we cheers to our wonderfully weird, off-the-beaten-track bars, and pubs. We revel in its character: the hip-hop hookah bar, a craft beer bar disguised in a fade white house, or a dimly lit pub with mouthwatering beer cheese. If this type of dive is your scene, check out my favorite selections:

Get back to nature with a drive along River Road – an “old Florida” journey of wide-open expanses.

If you’re heading to Wellen Park or CoolToday Park in North Port, there’s a good chance you’ll take the River Road exit off Interstate 75. And if you do, you’ll find yourself on a stretch of road with plenty of detours for an “Old Florida” style outdoor adventure.

Sea grapes, commonly found around Sarasota and Venice beaches, can be made into a delicious jelly! Go exploring and try our sea grape jelly recipe from Authentic Florida.

Sea grapes grow all along Florida’s coastline, especially in Sarasota. Distinguished by large heart shaped leaves, woody stems, green and purplish berries, sea grapes are synonymous with Florida’s coastal landscape. But did you know the grapes can be made into delicious jelly? 

Don't let the final days of summer go to waste – check out some of the summer theater performances and art exhibits on display and your favorite west coast of Florida venues.

Art often has a vital role in defining the culture of a community -- so it's no wonder that Florida west coast destination Sarasota County is known as the cultural coast thanks in large part to its numerous spectacular art and theater venues. And as the hot, heavy and humid Florida summer sizzles, you'll be glad they are all indoors -- no sunscreen needed!

From spas to yachts, and resort wear to hors d’ourves, Sarasota offers an abundance of upscale accommodations, shops and things to do

If there ever is a time to indulge and truly embrace the luxury lifestyle, it’s on vacation and during a holiday. Put them together and there’s no excuse not to go all out. Perhaps it’s for a special day, a special gift, a special someone, or just because, Sarasota’s got you covered. Go ahead, you’re on vacation and you deserve it.

Summer is a great time to enjoy floral-scented, lovely-tasting exotic fruits.

When you hear the words ‘tropical fruits’ what do you immediately think of?  I usually conjure up images of mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and coconuts.  And for some strange reason, I also think of LifeSavers®. . .

Meet the Shark Brothers of North Port: Sean and Brooks Paxton

At a young age, brothers Sean and Brooks Paxton became enamored, actually obsessed, with sharks after watching the 1975 blockbuster movie JAWS. The film depicts a coastal New England town terrorized by a great white shark that is hunted down by a sheriff, a marine biologist and a crusty boat captain. 

If you are looking for a sumptuous dessert that combines the flavors of Florida with a classic sweet treat, this Authentic Florida Orange Cheesecake recipe may be ideal for your table.

Enjoy the fun of gathering the ingredients by visiting local Sarasota farmers markets or local grocery stores (stocking seasonal citrus in the winter).

When baking this tasty dessert, savor the fresh aromas that will flow through your kitchen. You’ll swear you have been transported into a Florida orange grove.

Tours combine your favorite activity with knowledgeable experts that enhance the experience. Whether you’d like to go on an active adventure or an easy-going excursion, these tours are a great way to spend the day.