April

Learn something on vacation through taking a class or a workshop.

If you're anything like this writer, you breathed a sigh of relief when you closed your algebra textbook for the last time—or perhaps it was "The Canterbury Tales" that did you in—and back then, you wouldn't dream of spending your summer vacation in a classroom if you could help it.

It's that time of year when Sarasota gardens are reaching full bloom and the waters are warming up for summer swimming—and that means Mother's Day must be just around the corner.

Treat Mom, Grandma or that special guardian figure in your life you wish to say, "I appreciate you for all that you do" to the best that Sarasota has to offer this coming Mother's Day weekend.

Learn how ‘Citizen Democracy’ is working, right here in Sarasota.

Have you ever seen the big blue sign at Island Park that says “Welcome to the Sarasota Bayfront” with two hands superimposed with a map, referencing something about Sarasota’s “Sister Cities”? And have you ever wondered what that was all about? 

Turns out it’s something very special.

You said yes and now is the time to plan your dream wedding in Sarasota

Congratulations! Planning a wedding is an exciting time and you have a lot of decisions to make.  Visit Sarasota County is here to help you along the way as you prepare for your special day.

Pinecraft has a lot to offer in great food and hand-made goods. A cultural hub of Amish and Mennonite activity, Pinecraft has now expanded with a full-service hotel in the Carlisle Inn Sarasota Hotel & Conference Center.

The sun and the sea aren’t the only things I’ve grown to appreciate about Sarasota as a relocated Midwesterner.

As a relocated Midwesterner, I can appreciate Florida in a way the native-borns cannot. I refuse to become blasé – every dolphin, every Siesta sunset, every shark tooth is a miracle. My first 23 years were in Wisconsin and it was my now husband who lured me to the Sunshine State. While of course I miss the apple-picking, snow days, soft grass, and Summerfest, there are plenty of things I truly love about Sarasota as a former thick-blooded Sconnie, such as:

Everyday ways to ensure our area remains healthy, enjoyable and viable.

There are several national celebrations coming up that draw attention to our environment. June 5 is World Environment Day, and June 8 is World Oceans Day — opportunities to highlight natural resources, learn how to to preserve those resources, and participate in ways, no matter how small, to ensure longevity of the place we call home.

Visitors come to the Sarasota area for a variety of reasons – the award-winning beaches, world-class restaurants, top-notch arts and culture – or just to relax. But almost everyone makes time to shop, whether it’s to have a keepsake from their wonderful vacation or to appease someone who was left at home.

If you don’t know where to begin to find unique mementos, don’t worry. We’ve done some of the legwork for you.

While visiting Sarasota County farmers markets this month, pick up some delicious, in-season beets to make this healthy salad at home OR check out one of many local restaurants with beets on the menu.

As kids, we may not have been fond of beets when they showed up on our dinner plates, but I’m sure as we’ve aged, many of us have gotten over our aversion to these ruby-colored wonders.