2017

Lucious, mouthwatering, red strawberries. Juicy, sweet citrus. Vibrant red and tasty tomatoes.

Hungry yet?

Produce becomes the star of the show in Florida in the winter—and you’re in luck because there are plenty of places to find these items in-season in Sarasota, grown from local sources.

From reptiles to flowers to interactive art, three Sarasota attractions – Mote Marine, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and Ringling Art Museum - feature new exhibits to wow the senses, open the eyes, and arouse oohs and aahs. Each exhibit changes our perceptions, allowing us to experience something old in a new way.

There are several specialty food resources in the Sarasota area to satisfy a multitude of cultural backgrounds, and you don’t have to look hard to find them!

We all have favorite dishes - many that even connect to our ancestral roots. Some celebrate special occasions, others simply provide comfort when we’re feeling down. As for me, I’m French Canadian, so when I especially want to feel connected to my roots, I enjoy corton (tender pork pate), pea soup with ham, or tortiere (savory meat pie). How about you? What connects you to your heritage?

If you visit Sarasota County (or live here) and want to catch a fish, consider hiring a fishing pro!

Enjoy some juicy tomatoes this summer while in Sarasota

During summer, many of us savor lighter, fresher meals – including salads and garden vegetables. Especially delicious are slices of vine ripe tomatoes. Luckily local restaurants incorporate fresh summer tomato dishes into their menus to celebrate the season. We’ve compiled some ideas on where to enjoy these garden-fresh delicacies, and have added a special bonus recipe to try while you are here.

​Where to find the best cup of coffee (and doughnut to match) in Sarasota

Surf fishing is a fun way to catch fish, and Sarasota County’s miles of pristine shoreline offer plenty of opportunities to do just that.

Henry David Thoreau once wrote: “Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not the fish they are after.” A fitting sentiment as we delve into the topic of surf (shoreline) fishing.

Summer is a great time to enjoy floral-scented, lovely-tasting exotic fruits.

When you hear the words ‘tropical fruits’ what do you immediately think of?  I usually conjure up images of mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and coconuts.  And for some strange reason, I also think of LifeSavers®. . .

Meet the Shark Brothers of North Port: Sean and Brooks Paxton

At a young age, brothers Sean and Brooks Paxton became enamored, actually obsessed, with sharks after watching the 1975 blockbuster movie JAWS. The film depicts a coastal New England town terrorized by a great white shark that is hunted down by a sheriff, a marine biologist and a crusty boat captain.