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It's a picture-perfect morning on Southwest Florida's Venice beach, as the cloudless royal blue sky meets the far-off horizon. The emerald-green Gulf of Mexico gently laps onto the sandy shoreline, and a few barefooted beachcombers are off in the distance, searching for the discarded teeth of the ocean’s infamous hunters.
The sugary, white quartz sand and the Gulf Coast waters that stretch all along Siesta Key are reason enough to visit the Siesta Key public beach when vacationing in Sarasota County, Florida.
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.
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.
The Gulf Beach Resort Motel has been on Lido Key since the 1950s, making it the oldest hotel on the island. Learn more about the resort in our video!
The 66-acre-grounds of The Ringling is itself an exhibit. The grounds feature the largest collection of Banyan trees in Florida, as well as a variety of other exotic trees. Sprawled throughout the grounds are a number of gardens as well, including the Mable Ringling's Rose Garden.
Designers, architects and simple admirers have long-tried to create structures and buildings that compliment Sarasota County's natural wonder.
Easy ways to spend a day with your family on Siesta Key — one of Sarasota County's many beach vacation destinations.
Have fun with food at these local classes and demonstrations.
A great way to get to know a place is through its food. And Sarasota has all kinds of delicious delicacies to explore, from fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf of Mexico to Amish-made peanut butter pies.
To take your tasting experience to the next level, sign up for one of the cooking classes or demonstrations offered at many restaurants and other spots in the area. You’ll not only get to sample local eats but also learn some tips and techniques to take the flavors home with you.
