March

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. 

There are several retail districts and ways to spend a day browsing and buying in Sarasota. 

Grab your bag and a pair of comfortable shoes: It’s time to go shopping. Whether you’re looking for stylish swimwear or hip home decor, you’ll find plenty of stores in Sarasota County with must-have merchandise. When you’ve had your fill of sun, sand and surf or simply prefer to find the local shopping center over the local beach, here are a few ways to spend a day filling your retail therapy cup. 

Looking for something to do tonight?

You've spent a leisurely day at the beach. You've perfected your tan and you're ready to take your beach glow out tonight. Your ideal evening must compliment the fantastic day you've had. And you've got high standards for your nights out. You want pretty drinks, fun people, and great entertainment. Luckily, you're in Venice, Florida where finding fun is easy. But just in case you need a little help, we've got a few starting points for you.

Those in the know will not always wish to share their secret beach spots so liberally — lest they become common and crowded — but we’ll let you in on a few of Manasota Key’s secrets anyway.

Manasota Key is a beautiful beach and eco destination south of Sarasota and Venice, where you can explore rarely beautiful and tucked away sections of beach and eco-habitat without the hassles of a well-hyped beach; no overcrowding, difficulty parking, and not even any of the occasionally long waits typical of busier beaches’ diners/bars for your po’ boy sandwiches and margaritas.

Sarasota is not only a haven for fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood, with many local restaurants serving the fresh catch right from the sea, but there’s also a special appetizer that is a perfect starter to your meal.

Enjoy intimate encounters with animals of all types at Jungle Gardens, an animal menagerie and show extravaganza

Pop quiz – who's nearly 80 years old, has been to Folsom Prison, and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s? Johnny Cash? Nope. It's Frosty, the 79-year-old unicycle-riding cockatoo at Sarasota's Jungle Gardens. An animal encounter and show extravaganza, Jungle Gardens gives an up close and hands on approach to birds and reptiles, with bonus mammals thrown in for fun.

One of the most popular shopping and dining districts on the Gulf Coast in St. Armands Circle, but the area has much more to experience. Check out five spots on St. Armands, Lido and Longboat key you'll want to stop at for a photo.

Preserving precious moments in photographs is one of the best ways to capture your Sarasota vacation. Need to find some extra special photo opportunities?

Here are a few to help preserve some of Sarasota's ultimate snapshots: