2017

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.

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.

Take a Dip

Smoked fish dip, traditionally accompanied with Saltine crackers, is a tasty prelude to a dinner of local seafood made from the freshest catch.

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

Sarasota County is a place for the muses. There's plenty of places to capture an iconic moment with a brush in a canvas in the area.

To the modern-day Monet, Sarasota is a heavenly muse.

Summer in Sarasota means different things to different people: the beach; family getaways; long, lazy afternoons escaping the heat; easy reservations at restaurants, and best of all -- a special menu of performances and festivals at the area's celebrated arts and culture venues. The temperatures may be rising, but so are the opportunities for music, opera, dance and theater lovers from around the world.

Sarasota Orchestra

Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-4252

After watching the final sliver of sun disappear below the Gulf, visitors to Sarasota County shouldn't hole up in their hotel rooms to wait for the next warm beach day. Whether you're a dance-floor devotee, a cocktail aficionado, or a live music junkie, Sarasota's nightlife will keep you up well after the sun goes down.

Ranked no. 1 in well-being by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Sarasota County is a great place to visit, work and live.

Never fear, you're never boat-less on Casey Key

It's the first thing you'll notice when you visit Casey Key. The water is gorgeous. One glance and you'll imagine yourself sailing, paddling, catching big fish, but then you'll remember—you don't have a boat.

Never fear, you're never boat-less on Casey Key. In fact, the hardest part about getting out on the water here is deciding how you want to do it. Want to sit under the sails as you glide along the water? Fly above the boat in a parasail? Or take a unique sunset tour? You can do it all right here on Casey Key.