November

Six reasons to step off the beaten track as meetings and events return

As we begin to get the pandemic under control, the common thinking is that smaller regional meetings will be the first to return. One benefit for planners is the chance to explore destinations and venues that they hadn’t considered before.

Whether it’s a beach getaway, mountain escape, or small-town retreat, small destinations have a number of benefits in synch with the new goals of social distancing and avoiding big groups:

An ideal location in Florida for when the time is right

A good laugh in Sarasota isn't hard to find at some of the area's established institutes for comedy acts (and art).

Mark Twain once said, “Telling the truth is the funniest joke of them all.”

And if truth be told, a good laugh in Sarasota isn’t hard to find. The city has numerous venues that offer open-mic nights where local comedians are sure to tickle your funny bone with some great material.

Sometimes you need to add some pizazz to your vacation clothes, so here are some favorite local shops where you can update your Florida fashion.

We’ve all been there.

You may need more than one weekend to explore the many farmers markets and downtown gatherings in Sarasota County.

Looking for fresh produce, artisan baked goods, the finest flowers and unique art? Then look no further than one of the farmers markets found right here in Sarasota County. At any time of year, the area’s commitment to supporting local food and craft vendors is evident at these vibrant markets. 

The farmers market offerings in Sarasota continue to expand over time. Here’s the skinny on some of the area’s most popular farmers markets.

Sometimes it seems as if Sarasota's sunshine gets all the credit for the city's reputation as a top leisure destination. However, Sarasota by moonlight offers a vibrant nightlife, including a plethora of Sarasota nightclubs and bars, as well as opera and theatre shows. In this city, there's plenty to do after dark - all in a casual, Florida-chic atmosphere that lets every moment feel like vacation.

There are more than 300 known species of bird that are local or migratory to Southwest Florida. One of the best locations to view many of these species is in North Port, Englewood and Venice!

Sarasota County is nationally recognized as one of the premier birding areas in the country. Here there are more than 300 known species of local and migratory birds attracted by Southwest Florida’s temperate climate, unique wetlands and forested habitats.

The greater Sarasota area attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the white beaches, cultural amenities, and great restaurants. Within the city limits of Sarasota is Pinecraft, a small working neighborhood that draws some of the area's most unique and special snowbirds – members of Amish and Mennonite orders who flock to our winter haven, escaping the harsh weather of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other northern states.

Spending a Saturday morning at the Sarasota Farmers' Market has been a downtown tradition since 1979, and attendees cross county lines to take part in it.

From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. all year long, about 85 vendors gather along Lemon Avenue, between First Street and South Pineapple Avenue. They sell homemade pastas, apparel, jewelry, herbs and produce from local farms, as shoppers fill their canvas totes and wheelbarrows with fresh ingredients for weekend meals.