![Boat parking at The Crow’s Nest in Venice [Photo: Lauren Jackson]](/sites/default/files/styles/popular_stories_teaser/public/2023-import/The-Crow%2527s-Nest-cropped__OPT.jpg.webp?itok=ycs37M-O)
Discover the wonderful, colorful botanical gardens of Sarasota County.
Lush, tropical and awe-inspiring, Sarasota's botanical and succulent gardens have been drawing spectators for decades.
2017
Traveling need not be agonizing! Arrive with time to spare using the Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT) 511 Traveler Information System.
Motorists traveling through and around Sarasota County, as well as other Florida destinations, can take advantage of a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) program called 511 Traveler Information System.
The program is designed to help inform travellers with information about crashes, congestion, construction and more on all of Florida's interstates, toll roads and major metropolitan roadways.
We've compiled a list of five things visiting young professionals will love about Sarasota.
We've all heard the stereotypes: Sarasota County is a retirement community; there's nothing here for young people; everything cool is in bigger cities. I'll admit, when I first came here, I had some of these same concerns. But after I arrived, it didn't take long to realize how much Sarasota County has to offer young professionals.
Looking for something to do tonight?
You've spent a leisurely day at the beach. You've perfected your tan and you're ready to take your beach glow out tonight. Your ideal evening must compliment the fantastic day you've had. And you've got high standards for your nights out. You want pretty drinks, fun people, and great entertainment. Luckily, you're in Venice, Florida where finding fun is easy. But just in case you need a little help, we've got a few starting points for you.
Take part in a watersport and enjoy one of the activities that makes this Florida outdoor destination unique.
A jet skiing adventure on the bay, a kayaking tour through the swamplands or a fishing excursion on the Intracoastal Waterway—these are all part of the Florida outdoor experience which, in Sarasota, is particularly unique.
The new Englewood Beach Waterfest celebrates the community's coastal connections
Englewood has long drawn folks interested in fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities. A new festival, Englewood Beach Waterfest, will celebrate the community's liquid assets with activities ranging from educational exhibits to powerboat racing.
There are several ways to top off a juicy, fresh fish filet. Check out some of our favorite ones.
Florida’s Gulf coast offers many varieties of tasty fish and, as a fishing gal myself, I’ve caught my share. But even if you don’t catch them yourself, they can easily be found during their peak seasons in Sarasota fish markets, all filleted and ready to cook at home.
Smoked fish dip is a classic appetizer you’ll find in many of the restaurants on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Sarasota is not only a haven for fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood, with many local restaurants serving the fresh catch right from the sea, but there’s also a special appetizer that is a perfect starter to your meal.
Now is when Florida’s citrus is ripening on the trees dotting the landscape with colorful orange and yellow hues, and reminding us of our state’s bounty. These reminders give us special reason to add citrus to our holiday menus.
Enjoy intimate encounters with animals of all types at Jungle Gardens, an animal menagerie and show extravaganza
Pop quiz – who's nearly 80 years old, has been to Folsom Prison, and performed on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1950s? Johnny Cash? Nope. It's Frosty, the 79-year-old unicycle-riding cockatoo at Sarasota's Jungle Gardens. An animal encounter and show extravaganza, Jungle Gardens gives an up close and hands on approach to birds and reptiles, with bonus mammals thrown in for fun.