February

With a variety of local cafes and craft roasteries, it's up to you to pick your favorite caffeine fix in Sarasota!

Although the aroma of freshly brewed coffee speaks a universal language that is recognizable to most people, true coffee connoisseurs know that the difference between a good cup of coffee and a great cup of coffee is a vast one. Luckily for java fiends, Sarasota has a variety of independent establishments—from cozy, casual coffee shops and local cafes to sophisticated espresso bars.

Why let Sarasota's beautiful weather and sunshine go to waste because of a budget vacation? While fun isn't always wallet-friendly, free vacations aren't impossible. So splurge on the hotel, or even the airfare, because you can experience all of those (not quite) free vacations anytime of year. Also, vacations aren't just for visitors anymore. Yes, even us Sarasotans enjoy a vacation every now and then ... but why break the bank when paradise is right outside our front doors?

Siesta Beach is regularly named a top beach in the U.S. and the world for good reason. The renovated beach has a new expanded parking lot, a pedestrian esplanade, updated concessions, and of course, the some of the whitest sand in the world. The beach isn’t the only highlight of Siesta Key, however, the shops and bars at Siesta Village and the nearby one-of-a-kind rental properties make a vacation at Siesta Key an unforgettable experience

Less money may mean less spending, but it doesn’t have to equal less fun. Sarasota has many ways for visitors to explore and make long-lasting memories, even without a lot of padding in their pockets.

Let’s count the ways to have fun for free or nearly free in Sarasota County. Here are 20 things you can do with $5 or less.

1. Spend the day at the beach.

Consistently named in TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice™ top beaches year after year, come see why this island oasis has remained at the top of the list since 2015.

Fine dining, farmers markets, breweries and much more. Dining in Sarasota County isn’t just another meal, it’s an adventure of culinary tastes.

Sarasota County is home to award-winning chefs and 21 Zagat-rated restaurants. Beyond fine dining, however, is a treasure trove of culinary experiences. Enjoy fresh produce from a Farmers Market, or pick right off the vine at a hydroponic farm.

Here are five places away from the beach in Sarasota County with a little bit for the parents, a little bit for the children, and a whole lot of happy for everyone.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 

For Adults

From August 22 to 24, the Fabulous Independent Film Festival at Burns Court Cinemas in downtown Sarasota honors diversity in the community with three days of some of the best independent cinema in the world.

Enjoy for out-of-the-box romance ideas for visitors in Sarasota County.

Spring comes early in Florida. Even in February a bright yellow sun in the clear blue sky warms orange groves glistening with fruit. Honeybees buzz about pollinating the orange blossoms. Birds flit from tree to tree, gathering twigs for their nests.

Valentine's Day is almost here, and with inspiration from the birds and bees, we've created four "romantic dates" for you – all with an authentic Florida twist.