2020

MURRAY-032316-SARASOTA-TSM-5904 F_0.jpg

Grabbing a blanket and packing some PB&Js makes for a simple beach picnic, but what if you want to get a little more creative?

Your dream picnic can be just as magical as the ones you see on TV. Sarasota's scenery makes it simple. Enjoy a long picnic lunch in the sunshine or a quiet picnic dinner at sunset. All you need to do is make a few preparations along the way.

2020
June

baseballPic__2017Opt.jpg

From Little League to Major League, Sarasota hits a home run with baseball players and fans with its ample baseball fields, venues, and events

In this topsy-turvy latitude that is Sarasota, the season for frolicking outdoors is just beginning rather than ending. While much of the country is preparing to cut back their bushes and bust out the sweaters, we on the Gulf Coast are venturing beyond the confines of our air conditioning and going outside to play. So grab your mitt, slop on some sunscreen, and head to one of the many venues for this All-American pastime.

2020
February

NEWringlinggrounds012916_023__2016Opt.jpg

Sarasota remains a leading tastemaker in Florida's Midcentury Modern, Mediterranean Revival, and contemporary architecture scene.

Getting acquainted with local architecture is a great way to explore the history of Sarasota and to get a taste of the 'Florida lifestyle' of a bygone era—before the days of residential air conditioning.

2020
February

121613RinglingMuseum2CREDITEddieKirsch__2017Opt.jpg

In search of coastal cuisine, cultural attractions, and enough sunshine to cure their lingering polar-vortex blues, a couple heads south for a week in Florida's cultural capital.

Key West is colorful and Miami is flashy, but when it came to planning a weeklong Florida vacation, my boyfriend and I didn't hesitate: Sarasota was our destination.

2020
June


Myakka State Forest

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.

2020
October

Hidden-In-Plain-Site---Art-Center-Sarasota-1__2017Opt.jpg

Art Center Sarasota, though often overlooked by visitors and Sarasota County residents, boasts provocative exhibitions from international artists. The building is one of the city's oldest cultural attractions but one of it's most active present-day establishments as well.

2020
June

Marietta-Museum-of-Art-and-Whimsy-1-cropped_0.jpg

For decades, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, affectionately nicknamed "The Purple Cow," was the most flamboyant critter on the bayside stretch of Sarasota's North Tamiami Trail - but these days, it's impossible to ignore the giant, fluorescent pink flamingos who have moved in down the street. Two 1,200-pound metal flamingos beckon from the roadside, flanking the entrance to the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, a one-of-a-kind addition to Sarasota's colorful art scene.

2020
July

KeyCulinaryTours030316_1_2017Opt.jpg

Take a culinary tour of the destination to experience great views and eats.

So many restaurants, so little time. That’s what travelers to Sarasota County might lament when faced with all the delicious eating and drinking options the area has to offer.

That’s why food tours are such a great way to check out the local dining scene. Tour goers get to visit several restaurants over the course of a few hours, trying out house specialties while learning more about the eateries and the area.

2020
July