March

A visit to unassuming Nokomis proves it's the ideal place to venture in search of fresh fish and outdoor adventures without the crowds of the adjacent cities

"No shirt, no shoes, Nokomis!"

Have fun with food at these local classes and demonstrations.

A great way to get to know a place is through its food. And Sarasota has all kinds of delicious delicacies to explore, from fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf of Mexico to Amish-made peanut butter pies.

To take your tasting experience to the next level, sign up for one of the cooking classes or demonstrations offered at many restaurants and other spots in the area. You’ll not only get to sample local eats but also learn some tips and techniques to take the flavors home with you.

Try these fresh and local date-night dinners in the city of Sarasota

For my date nights, I'm always looking for an intimate place that not only has amazing food, but food that I can't cook at home. And when visiting somewhere, it's always nice to support local business and try local fare; the spirit of the region shines through the food and the people who prepare it with knowledge and love. Sarasota boasts many amazing restaurants that fulfil this criteria.

Looking for something special to plan a trip around? Consider the one-two combination of Sarasota County's Gulf Coast beaches and one of these great events this spring.

Sometimes you need a reason to take a vacation in the spring. It's that not-quite-yet-summertime-but-beautiful-weather sensation. The winter holidays are long gone, and there's been some long hours put into the office. The compromise: a long weekend centered around an fun event. It's a perfect choice that's just enough to tie you over until a longer summer vacation.

Choose your adventure in this laid-back coastal community

Ever wonder what it might have been like to vacation in Florida in decades past? Then you'll want to head to Englewood, a place that oozes Old Florida, small-town charm. You won't find lots of Med Rev mega-mansions and sprawling strip malls here. Instead, you can stroll a compact, historic downtown and enjoy the community's well-preserved natural side.

Here are three ways to get out and explore Englewood, whether you're into retail therapy, wildlife spotting, or spending time in the surf.

Heading to Sarasota County with your family? Read up on our guide and get some great ideas to make sure the whole family has a good trip!

Flowers are blooming and birds are chirping; school teachers are breathing a sigh of relief ... Ah, yes, spring break is in the air, and summer vacation is right on its heels. For kids and parents, this combination of unbeatable weather and newfound free time means the timing couldn't be better for vacations and family outings.

True confession – I cannot dance and I strongly dislike country music. So one would assume that Sarasota's most popular line dancing establishment, The White Buffalo Saloon and I would be destined to clash. But it was my friend's 30th birthday party and I like her, so I slapped on some jeans and a smile and joined the party.

Explore the unknown quiet nature of the city of Sarasota on Phillippi Creek

It’s a vacation conundrum. You came to Sarasota County looking for water, for nature, for a little adventure. The plethora of establishments advertising paddleboarding catches your eye, but the idea of attempting it for the first time in front of an audience of beach spectators stirs a bit of panic.

Discover the wonderful, colorful botanical gardens of Sarasota County.

Lush, tropical and awe-inspiring, Sarasota's botanical and succulent gardens have been drawing spectators for decades.