November

Since the advent of smart phones and portable tablets, some days it feels downright impossible to escape the demands of the voicemail, text and email notifications buzzing in our pockets. From television to Twitter, the modern world can often feel like it's full of noisy distractions, but the good news is this: every tech device has a "Power Off" option—and we have the power to utilize it.

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.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at Nathan Benderson Park - a premiere rowing and recreation facility in Sarasota County. Join Michael and Travis Taaffe as they talk about their sport and what it means to have this facility in Sarasota.

Easy ways to spend a day with your family on Siesta Key — one of Sarasota County's many beach vacation destinations.

Looking for something unique to stuff those stockings? Check out Sarasota’s one-of-a-kind markets for vintage clothing, jewelry and home décor.

No sooner has the table been cleared of Thanksgiving dinner and the leftovers shuffled into tupperware containers when Black Friday deals beckon and the holiday shopping season goes full throttle.

For those whose goal is to find that truly one-of-a-kind gift, the month of December holds a treasure trove in Sarasota County, one just needs to know where to look.

North Port offers lots of spots where kids—and adults—can get out and play

For five years running, North Port, in Sarasota County, has been named a Playful City USA community by the nonprofit KaBOOM!, which works to ensure that children have plenty of places and ways to play.

It's always hard to think of good, creative holiday gifts for your loved ones. Instead, try exploring for some great holiday gifts and while you're out and about, enjoy some festive happenings around town.

We've all been there at this time of year: it's a few weeks before the holidays, and you're still scratching your head at what to give to your family members for the holidays. Try exploring some of the shopping districts in Sarasota County and while your out enjoy festive events and activities around the area.