July

Remember to respect the Florida wildlife and native sea life and keep a safe distance when viewing them in their natural habitats.

Alligators

Alligator season peaks in May. Alligators live in most of Florida's ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. The height of alligator mating season is in May, when mature male gators often find their way into residential pools in search of female gators. They're plentiful and feisty this time of year, so give them plenty of space. Always stay clear of baby alligators, whose mothers are often close by.

Explore and encounter some local flora and fauna at these popular Sarasota County attractions

Where can you pet a string ray, feed flamingos, see rescued tigers and raptors, and play among 100-year-old banyan trees? In Sarasota County, of course. The area is home to several attractions that showcase the area’s wild side and offer all kinds of memory-making experiences and Instagram-worthy photo ops.

Mark your calendars now. Every month there is a reason to get out and celebrate in Sarasota County.

From the moment she realizes that we’re approaching a paw park, my 10-month-old pug, Cali, has trouble holding still. By the time we hit the parking lot, she is whining impatiently and attempting to claw her way out of the car window. We live in a downtown Sarasota apartment and while we take Cali on numerous long, interesting walks every day, she’s always on a leash. At the paw parks, Cali runs wild. She bonds with her four-legged friends through traditional body sniffing. She has so much fun that she often sleeps the whole ride home.

Pristine beaches, vibrant circus culture, boutique shopping and fine dining are a few of the first things that spring to mind when most people think of Sarasota, but for quilting enthusiasts, the area is attractive for a reason that others usually overlook.

With more than 700 members spread across three quilters' guilds, a dozen independently-owned quilting shops throughout the county and yearly events that draw thousands of attendees and participants, Sarasota and her surrounding cities have become popular travel destinations and seasonal homes for quilters across the globe.

For decades, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, affectionately nicknamed "The Purple Cow," was the most flamboyant critter on the bayside stretch of Sarasota's North Tamiami Trail - but these days, it's impossible to ignore the giant, fluorescent pink flamingos who have moved in down the street. Two 1,200-pound metal flamingos beckon from the roadside, flanking the entrance to the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, a one-of-a-kind addition to Sarasota's colorful art scene.

Authentic adventure, valuable education and environmental stewardship are the pillars of ((ecko)) travel, a new nonprofit ecotourism project by the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida.

Take a culinary tour of the destination to experience great views and eats.

So many restaurants, so little time. That’s what travelers to Sarasota County might lament when faced with all the delicious eating and drinking options the area has to offer.

That’s why food tours are such a great way to check out the local dining scene. Tour goers get to visit several restaurants over the course of a few hours, trying out house specialties while learning more about the eateries and the area.