2022

The captain spotted the school of tarpon swimming parallel to the beach, 100 yards from shore.

"Wait until I give the signal to cast," he told the angler. "You may only get one chance."

The large, thick-bodied fish, often referred to as "the silver king of game fish," run south along local beaches every spring. But for some reason, the tarpon linger a little longer in the shallow waters off this barrier island.

After you’ve hit the beach, try these other spots where you can cool off and splash around

When you want to make a splash in Sarasota County, our beaches are always a great place to start. But beyond the sandy shoreline you’ll find lots of other places where you can dip your toes or dive right in for some watery fun.

Florida’s Fresh Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake

It’s Florida blueberry season and an ideal time to bake a Fresh Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake. Sarasota’s Farmers Markets and grocery stores are now showcasing Florida’s petite berries picked and delivered daily.

While blueberries have grown wild in Florida for hundreds of years, it is only in the last several decades that farmers began commercially cultivating the crop. With a growing national consciousness in healthy eating, blueberry production in Florida has climbed significantly.

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.

There is some great BBQ places in town you won’t want to miss!

Summer is almost here and the official barbecue season is kicking into full swing.

Sarasota has some serious barbecue pit masters who artfully cook up a wide range of styles including North Carolina, Georgia, Kansas City, St. Louis, Texas, Alabama – and all are ready to make your next barbecue meal “finger licking good.”

There is a wide range of options for barbecue from restaurants to roadside stands, farmer’s markets to brew pubs.

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:

For a bit of escape from real life, visit a tiki bar to be magically whisked away amongst its chill vibes, cool drinks, soothing tunes and breezy atmosphere. In Sarasota, a tiki bar is always nearby.

Few things scream Florida vacation more than a tiki bar. The palapa overhead, the cool drinks in hand, the salty breeze drifting through the open-air venue – the combination is a tropical trifecta perfect for tourists and locals alike who are searching for that calming escape that the tiki always provides.

Discover More Sarasota County Trip Ideas

Picture a vintage Florida postcard. Think mid-20^th century. Fill your mind with images of 1960’s motels, swimming pools, and of course, bathing beauties. The Sunshine State, America’s playground, became a destination for tourists and new residents who flocked to Florida in the 20^th century. Reminders of those eras, as well as the natural areas that existed before newcomers arrived, are evident in North Port.

Sarasota’s abundant beaches, coves, bays, and creeks, are the perfect place to hop on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Meander silently and slowly, like an ocean-dwelling ninja, so the fish don’t dart, the birds don’t fly, and the sea mammals come say hi.