2023

Enjoy the beaches of Sarasota County in a new light by visiting during wintertime

There are many things that are destined to be together and create a dream team – peanut butter and jelly, pumpkin pie and whipped cream, movies and popcorn. Others are a less obvious match, such as figs and bacon, string cheese and apples, pigs and litter boxes. For me, one of the perfect matches of the world fits in this latter category. Originally not considered to meld, but when experienced, it’s a dream: the beach and winter.

Interested in traveling more environmentally? Explore the natural wonders of Sarasota County like a true adventurer

Mindful travelers are more privy than ever to the importance of responsible travel—looking to offset their carbon footprint while still fulfilling their wanderlust to new destinations. If you love traveling to natural areas, conserving the environment, learning about the local ecology and biodiversity of a place and improving the well-being of the local people, consider these environmentally-friendly tours and activities.

The Newtown African American Heritage Trail honors Sarasota's trailblazing civil rights activism

The Newtown Alive trolley tour leaves no stone unturned in celebrating over a century of African-American history in Sarasota.

Garden lovers should plant themselves at these Sarasota County spots

Some people have green thumbs and can grow almost anything they plant. And other people—like me—are notorious plant killers who appreciate the beauty of gardens cultivated and cared for by folks who know how to wield a trowel and pruning shears. Whether you’re a grower yourself or just never met a flower you didn’t want to photograph, there are lots of spots in Sarasota County where you can get into the garden and admire the plant life that can sprout in these parts.

Sarasota County’s barrier islands offer a diverse landscape of beaches and experiences to try along the Gulf of Mexico

With nearly 40 miles of shoreline, Sarasota County is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each with its own unique characteristics. Depending on what you want to do—from sandcastles to surfing to shopping and more—you will want to choose your beach wisely. Here’s a list of local beach “awards” to help give you an idea of which one is the right choice for your vacation.  

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, so it’s no wonder Sarasota has become a great go-to place to play! 

Parks, community centers, and private recreation facilities around Sarasota County host drop-in play, allowing visitors to enjoy a good game along with the locals while on vacation year-round.

Enjoy these relaxing locales—perfect to shut off and reset for a digital detox

More time spent outside equals more self-care, more quality conversations, more insightful thinking, more wildlife spotting, more quality hangs and laughs with loved ones—without distracting games or the urge to scroll on social media. 

Start the new year off right with a detox of health-giving drinks and dishes at these local eight eateries.

The beginning of the new year marks our hopeful fitness goals and declarations of healthier living, cleaner eating and maybe losing a few newly gained holiday pounds! Luckily, Sarasota County's health-focused cafes and eateries are growing as fast as the locally sourced farm produce many source their ingredients/foods from.