March

Need-to-know tidbits about the friendly Florida manatee.

“Come on, Tommy! Let’s follow it!” My husband and his best friend from Chicago are kayaking down Phillippi Creek when a dark shadow appears feet from their vessels. About the size of a sofa, it’s definitely larger than their Hobies. Hesitantly, Tommy follows along, keeping a slight distance behind his guide and the creature. Hours later, enjoying a beer back on safe land, our guest quietly inquires, “So, are those, um, meat eaters?” It was only then that I realized he had no idea what they were accompanying.

For health-conscious diners eating out can often be a challenge, but not in Sarasota.

Sarasota has a wide selection of restaurants that cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, but want to enjoy fresh healthy cuisine created by chefs who specialize in the artful fare, you’re in the right place.

To help guide you through a selection of fresh food eateries, here are some choices for your next “eating green” dining experience:

When desire strikes to cook seafood at home, check out these Sarasota-area resources.

Living in our coastal community affords us opportunity to enjoy delicious seafood on a year-round basis.  And as I see it, there are pretty much three options for procuring that delicious seafood:

The City of Venice has an interesting history—and there are lots of ways to learn about the native people and early settlers of this area.

Visitors to Venice today might be charmed by its leafy green spaces, Mediterranean Revival architecture, and historic downtown filled with independently owned boutiques and restaurants. But they might be surprised to find out that Venice was laid out by a pioneering American city planner, and that they’re walking along the same streets where military cadets once marched, World War II soldiers once relaxed, and elephants once paraded.

Traveling with a pet? Get prepared with our guide on this critter-friendly destination offering plenty of options for accommodations.

New trolley tours show off Sarasota’s noteworthy architecture at the Center for Architecture Sarasota

If you become enamored of Sarasota during your first visit here, you’re not alone. “People tend to come to Sarasota and just fall in love with the whole picture, like a first date that went really well,” says Harold Bubil, who was the real estate editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for two decades. “But to get beyond that first date, you really need to get to know a person a little better. And I think understanding our architecture helps people know Sarasota better.”

Tartines are a delicious (and easy) way to enjoy fresh, ripe tomatoes.

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.

Bertha Honore Palmer is credited for having inspired the world’s first brownie.

Bertha Honore Palmer was a force to be reckoned with in both Chicago and Sarasota. 

Her life in Chicago during the Gilded Age was that of privilege. She and her husband Potter lived a high society lifestyle, one that afforded her opportunity to dedicate time and energy to women’s and cultural issues.