October

Connect with nature at Sarasota County’s many parks and gardens

Whether you like lush, tropical parks or neatly manicured gardens, there’s plenty of green space in Sarasota County where you can get outside and enjoy our diverse natural environment.

Check out seven local shops for unique Sarasota County shopping, featuring items you won't find elsewhere.

Leave behind the generic gift cards and unearth one-of-a-kind gems to gift for your friends — from antique trinkets and Florida furnishings to gourmet treats and worldwide goods. Make room in your luggage and check out seven places only found in Sarasota County:

See what catches your eye while exploring Sarasota County’s shopping scene

Looking to give your credit card a workout? There are plenty of places in Sarasota County where you can browse and buy everything from high-end handbags to beachy souvenirs.

Visit Sarasota County is the public-private partnership that promotes tourism for all of Sarasota County. Learn more about who we are and how we keep visitors coming, businesses open, and residents employed all year long. 

Tourism: Sarasota County’s Top Industry

Sarasota County has it all: stunning beaches, lively festivals, a vibrant arts and culture scene that rivals big cities, outdoor adventures for every taste, a variety of shops and restaurants to explore, and attractions for all ages. 
 

Be sure to tiki it up before or after the beach with a piña colada (or two)

Tiki bars, often in their own kitschy ways, are reminiscent of exotic paradises. It should come as no surprise then, that Sarasota, an exotic paradise in itself, is scattered with them. 

Enjoy our fun tips for enjoying stone crab: a rich, Gulf Coast of Florida delicacy

Considered to be one of the most delicious crustaceans of the world, stone crab season in Sarasota has our mouths watering! Running from mid fall until late spring, residents and tourists alike can enjoy this seafood delicacy, which has a consistency similar to Florida lobster, but with a distinctive "richness of flavor" that makes it a favorite.

Florida agriculture has developed its niche by bringing early season blueberries to market. Learn about where you can purchase and pick blueberries in the area.

The Historic Downtown Village of Sarasota provides hands-on, kid-friendly creativity with the no-planning-or-cleaning relaxation that vacation demands

Sarasota is a city of creativity.

Stone crab is a true Florida delicacy. Learn more about the crab and crabbers that search for the delicious species.

In what seems a lifetime ago, my husband and I owned a marina shipstore in Nokomis. It was a busy dock on the Intracoastal Waterway that had a long history of serving local fishing legends. We sold fuel, bait, snacks, beer and ice (all must-haves on the water) to commercial fishermen, recreational anglers, rental boaters and families, and it was a great experience.