Val and Ross' Guide to Sarasota
Arts and Entertainment
Sarasota is a haven for the arts. Visual arts, music, theater...so many venues, large and small, to choose from! We are just barely scratching the surface here. For the latest happenings around town, check out Sarasota Magazine, SRQ Magazine and the local Herald Tribune newspaper (all of which have online editions).
The grounds and the museum spaces of the once private estate of John and Mable Ringling, are steeped in Sarasota history. Walk the gardens, visit the two art galleries, the circus museum and/or tour the Ringling estate Ca' d'Zan. Special events and educational programs are offered regularly. Check the happenings calendar at www.ringling.org
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Музей мистецтв Джона та Мейбл Рінґлінґ
5401 Bay Shore RdThe grounds and the museum spaces of the once private estate of John and Mable Ringling, are steeped in Sarasota history. Walk the gardens, visit the two art galleries, the circus museum and/or tour the Ringling estate Ca' d'Zan. Special events and educational programs are offered regularly. Check the happenings calendar at www.ringling.org
Years in the making, the Sarasota Art Museum is housed in what was the old Sarasota High School. The gallery spaces are wide open and incorporate a number original building materials within the new, contemporary design. Exhibits change regularly and are displayed on three floors of light-filled gallery space. Check out the lovely café which offers courtyard seating. www.sarasotaartmuseum.org
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Sarasota Art Museum
1001 S Tamiami TrailYears in the making, the Sarasota Art Museum is housed in what was the old Sarasota High School. The gallery spaces are wide open and incorporate a number original building materials within the new, contemporary design. Exhibits change regularly and are displayed on three floors of light-filled gallery space. Check out the lovely café which offers courtyard seating. www.sarasotaartmuseum.org
A Black-Box theater experience. Get close to the acting/action as Urbanite Theatre brings storytelling to the forefront in this intimate, communal theater space.
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Urbanite Theatre
1487 2nd StA Black-Box theater experience. Get close to the acting/action as Urbanite Theatre brings storytelling to the forefront in this intimate, communal theater space.
At the corner of 10th and Orange in Gillespie Park, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) was recently featured in the Arts section of the NY Times.
This non-profit theater company produces professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience.
See the performance schedule at https://westcoastblacktheatre.secure.force.com/ticket#/
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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
1012 N Orange AveAt the corner of 10th and Orange in Gillespie Park, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) was recently featured in the Arts section of the NY Times.
This non-profit theater company produces professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience.
See the performance schedule at https://westcoastblacktheatre.secure.force.com/ticket#/
If you are looking for a little something fun and different on a night out, head to McCurdy's comedy theater. Drinks and appetizers (but it's not about the food here) are served at cabaret style seating. Upcoming acts are listed on their website. www.mccurdyscomedy.com
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McCurdy's Comedy Theatre
1923 Ringling BlvdIf you are looking for a little something fun and different on a night out, head to McCurdy's comedy theater. Drinks and appetizers (but it's not about the food here) are served at cabaret style seating. Upcoming acts are listed on their website. www.mccurdyscomedy.com
Food scene
There's so much to offer the food lover here in Sarasota. We are touching on only a few of our favorites. Check out Sarasota Magazine for a great list of local eateries and/or check in with us for recommendations.
Owen's Fish Camp is always fun. It's also good eating. Be prepared to wait, or arrive early to get seated (they do not take reservations). Local fish, made just right, in an atmosphere that is lively and uniquely "fish camp". Live music, drinks and appetizers nightly in the camp backyard, makes waiting for your table a part of the entertainment. https://owensfishcamp.com/
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Owens Fish Camp
516 Burns CtOwen's Fish Camp is always fun. It's also good eating. Be prepared to wait, or arrive early to get seated (they do not take reservations). Local fish, made just right, in an atmosphere that is lively and uniquely "fish camp". Live music, drinks and appetizers nightly in the camp backyard, makes waiting for your table a part of the entertainment. https://owensfishcamp.com/
Plant-based coffee house and café. Offers exceptional coffee drinks and hands down the best avocado toast around. A great place to meet up and sit with friends or meet some locals, at this light, bright and busy establishment. https://www.projectcoffee.us/
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Project Coffee
538 S Pineapple AvePlant-based coffee house and café. Offers exceptional coffee drinks and hands down the best avocado toast around. A great place to meet up and sit with friends or meet some locals, at this light, bright and busy establishment. https://www.projectcoffee.us/
Hole-in-the-Wall neighborhood sandwich shop at the corner of 10th St and Goodrich Ave. You could easily miss this popular spot, ope weekday for lunch only. Incredibly popular with locals. Take a sandwich to go...they're awesome.
Maximillian's Cafe
1695 10th StHole-in-the-Wall neighborhood sandwich shop at the corner of 10th St and Goodrich Ave. You could easily miss this popular spot, ope weekday for lunch only. Incredibly popular with locals. Take a sandwich to go...they're awesome.
Head to Louise's shop for lunch (Mon-Sat 11am-3pm) and stay a while to shop her amazing selection of cheeses, wines, cookbooks, chocolates and speciality foods.
Making a special dinner at the house or looking for something to bring as a gift? This is a great spot to find that something special.
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Artisan Cheese Company
550 Central AveHead to Louise's shop for lunch (Mon-Sat 11am-3pm) and stay a while to shop her amazing selection of cheeses, wines, cookbooks, chocolates and speciality foods.
Making a special dinner at the house or looking for something to bring as a gift? This is a great spot to find that something special.
State Street is home to one of the city’s best bars, but it also crafts excellent food. During one recent dinner, the cioppino, made with a spicy tomato and fennel base and stuffed with mussels, shrimp and fresh fish, took our breath away. Not in the mood for soup? The restaurant also makes one of the city’s best burgers and some terrific salads.
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State Street Eating House + Cocktails
1533 State StState Street is home to one of the city’s best bars, but it also crafts excellent food. During one recent dinner, the cioppino, made with a spicy tomato and fennel base and stuffed with mussels, shrimp and fresh fish, took our breath away. Not in the mood for soup? The restaurant also makes one of the city’s best burgers and some terrific salads.
Although there is an excellent Shore location on St Armand's Circle, the newest location, at the northern tip of Longboat Key, is well worth the trip out to the beach.
Built with tiered seating, every diner has a view of Sarasota Bay. The location, and the space, are spectacular. And the food is good, too!
You may want to time your visit to Shore on LBK so you can walk onto Broadway Beach (just across Gulf of Mexico Dr) to watch the sunset.
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Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway StAlthough there is an excellent Shore location on St Armand's Circle, the newest location, at the northern tip of Longboat Key, is well worth the trip out to the beach.
Built with tiered seating, every diner has a view of Sarasota Bay. The location, and the space, are spectacular. And the food is good, too!
You may want to time your visit to Shore on LBK so you can walk onto Broadway Beach (just across Gulf of Mexico Dr) to watch the sunset.
Lila’s plant-based cooking is a welcome stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Main Street. Flavor-filled and creative for vegetarians, but everyone will find something to like here.
Check out their sister restaurant for wood-fired pizzas just up Main Street. Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar https://lucilesrq.com/
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Lila
1576 Main StLila’s plant-based cooking is a welcome stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner on Main Street. Flavor-filled and creative for vegetarians, but everyone will find something to like here.
Check out their sister restaurant for wood-fired pizzas just up Main Street. Lucile Pizza and Wine Bar https://lucilesrq.com/
French bakery and café on Main Street with indoor and outdoor dining. Popular menu items at C’est la Vie are quiche, crepes, croissants and sandwiches made on freshly-baked bread.
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C'est La Vie
1553 Main StFrench bakery and café on Main Street with indoor and outdoor dining. Popular menu items at C’est la Vie are quiche, crepes, croissants and sandwiches made on freshly-baked bread.
On St Armand's Circle, Blu Kouzina is authentic Greek cuisine, using only the best, freshest ingredients. Everything they make is fresh and carefully chosen...from olive oil, to fish, to veg and cheese.
Blu's staff is food and wine knowledgeable. Sit indoors for a view of the open kitchen, or outside to people watch on the circle.
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Blu Kouzina
25 N Boulevard of the PresidentsOn St Armand's Circle, Blu Kouzina is authentic Greek cuisine, using only the best, freshest ingredients. Everything they make is fresh and carefully chosen...from olive oil, to fish, to veg and cheese.
Blu's staff is food and wine knowledgeable. Sit indoors for a view of the open kitchen, or outside to people watch on the circle.
Classic steak house.
Food, atmosphere and wait-staff are excellent. High-end dining.
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Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
35 S Lemon AveClassic steak house.
Food, atmosphere and wait-staff are excellent. High-end dining.
Looking for the local gourmet market? Head to Morton's in Southside Village. In house bakery, meat and fish, along with specialty and prepared foods.
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Morton's Gourmet Market
1924 S Osprey AveLooking for the local gourmet market? Head to Morton's in Southside Village. In house bakery, meat and fish, along with specialty and prepared foods.
Open all year long, the Saturday Farmers Market (7am to 1pm) Sarasota, is walking distance from the house.
Local food and craft vendors line multiple blocks along Lemon Ave and State Street, creating a pedestrian friendly walk through downtown.
There's plenty to eat and drink, so come hungry and bring your shopping bags. There is something for everyone at this open market.
Be sure to check out my favorite produce stand....Wordon Farms. You'll know it by their gorgeous sunflowers.
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Sarasota Farmers Market
North Lemon AvenueOpen all year long, the Saturday Farmers Market (7am to 1pm) Sarasota, is walking distance from the house.
Local food and craft vendors line multiple blocks along Lemon Ave and State Street, creating a pedestrian friendly walk through downtown.
There's plenty to eat and drink, so come hungry and bring your shopping bags. There is something for everyone at this open market.
Be sure to check out my favorite produce stand....Wordon Farms. You'll know it by their gorgeous sunflowers.
Whole Foods is centrally located downtown and is our go to market when staying at 7th Street. It is an easy walk if you are just picking up a few items and also has a covered parking garage if you’re driving and plan to load up on supplies. In addition, you will find Publix markets near by, one on Tamiami (41) and their largest local store at Bay St.
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Whole Foods Market
1451 1st StWhole Foods is centrally located downtown and is our go to market when staying at 7th Street. It is an easy walk if you are just picking up a few items and also has a covered parking garage if you’re driving and plan to load up on supplies. In addition, you will find Publix markets near by, one on Tamiami (41) and their largest local store at Bay St.
Just a few blocks from the house....centrally located in the heart of the Rosemary District, Turmeric opened its doors in October 2022. Serving delicious iconic and inventive Indian cuisine for both dine in and take out....Spot on with their goal "to bring to life some of the most iconic dishes from the rich culture of India, with our unique twist."
Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill
Just a few blocks from the house....centrally located in the heart of the Rosemary District, Turmeric opened its doors in October 2022. Serving delicious iconic and inventive Indian cuisine for both dine in and take out....Spot on with their goal "to bring to life some of the most iconic dishes from the rich culture of India, with our unique twist."
Exploring Sarasota
Beaches, trails, gardens, neighborhoods, here's a guide to exploring Sarasota on foot, scooter, bike, or kayak...
Sarasota is a vibrant, welcoming city. What I love is that its large enough to overflow with offerings, but small enough to comfortably navigate and explore. We recommend exploring not just the beaches and bay front, which are well known and spectacular, but the neighborhoods, as well. Downtown, the Rosemary, Gillespie. Laurel, Payne, Paver and Ringling Park neighborhoods, Southside Village...each area has a unique character and most are walkable. It's a great way to get to know the city, its history and who lives, works and plays here.
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Sarasota
Sarasota is a vibrant, welcoming city. What I love is that its large enough to overflow with offerings, but small enough to comfortably navigate and explore. We recommend exploring not just the beaches and bay front, which are well known and spectacular, but the neighborhoods, as well. Downtown, the Rosemary, Gillespie. Laurel, Payne, Paver and Ringling Park neighborhoods, Southside Village...each area has a unique character and most are walkable. It's a great way to get to know the city, its history and who lives, works and plays here.
Sightseeing
Gillespie Park historic district is a great place to explore on foot. Each block has its own character, mostly a blend of older Sarasota bungalows and new, contemporary homes. The front gardens on 6th Street, the colorful painted homes of 7th St, etc.....each block forms the fabric of this downtown neighborhood.
Just around the corner from our home, the park (Gillespie Park, named after Sarasota's first mayor) sits at the center of the neighborhood. Walk the tree-lined pathway around the park and be sure to stop by the pond to view the wild looking Muscovy ducks. Park amenities include the off-leash dog run, basketball and tennis/pickleball courts, as well as fitness stations located along the walking path.
Take a different street to and from the park as you walk, and
you'll get to know the neighborhood...and the neighbors.
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Gillespie Park
Gillespie Park historic district is a great place to explore on foot. Each block has its own character, mostly a blend of older Sarasota bungalows and new, contemporary homes. The front gardens on 6th Street, the colorful painted homes of 7th St, etc.....each block forms the fabric of this downtown neighborhood.
Just around the corner from our home, the park (Gillespie Park, named after Sarasota's first mayor) sits at the center of the neighborhood. Walk the tree-lined pathway around the park and be sure to stop by the pond to view the wild looking Muscovy ducks. Park amenities include the off-leash dog run, basketball and tennis/pickleball courts, as well as fitness stations located along the walking path.
Take a different street to and from the park as you walk, and
you'll get to know the neighborhood...and the neighbors.
A visit to Selby Gardens is a must-see on my list. This private garden, donated to the city, is a botanical paradise.
Selby Garden specializes in the display and cultivation of epiphytes (bromeliads, orchids, etc...). Take your time walking the gardens, stand under the canopy of an enormous Banyan tree, take in the views of Sarasota Bay.....benches are strategically located throughout the grounds. It's hard not to feel peaceful and at one with nature in this magical garden setting. www.selby.org
A second campus was recently added in South Sarasota...Historic Spanish Point.
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Ботанічні сади Марі Селбі
1534 Mound StA visit to Selby Gardens is a must-see on my list. This private garden, donated to the city, is a botanical paradise.
Selby Garden specializes in the display and cultivation of epiphytes (bromeliads, orchids, etc...). Take your time walking the gardens, stand under the canopy of an enormous Banyan tree, take in the views of Sarasota Bay.....benches are strategically located throughout the grounds. It's hard not to feel peaceful and at one with nature in this magical garden setting. www.selby.org
A second campus was recently added in South Sarasota...Historic Spanish Point.
Just a 45 minute drive from downtown, Myakka River State Park is a "must experience" on our list. Miles of nature trails, an elevated walkway in the tree canopy and amazing bird watching, can easily fill more than one visit.
Take the guided boat ride to get up close and learn about native plants and animals, including the North American alligator. Rent bikes and ride the scenic road around the park.
Myakka State Park is a distinctly Florida landscape that's worth a trip inland.
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Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Just a 45 minute drive from downtown, Myakka River State Park is a "must experience" on our list. Miles of nature trails, an elevated walkway in the tree canopy and amazing bird watching, can easily fill more than one visit.
Take the guided boat ride to get up close and learn about native plants and animals, including the North American alligator. Rent bikes and ride the scenic road around the park.
Myakka State Park is a distinctly Florida landscape that's worth a trip inland.
Spend some time on the water while you are here. It's a magical way to experience the bay and the gulf. There are a number of kayak rental outfitters. Here's a couple of our favorites....
If you are heading on to Longboat Key, check out The Happy Paddler. www.happypaddler.com
Closer to downtown, Liquid Blue on Lido is a great option. www.liquidblueoutÓtters.com
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Liquid Blue Outfitters - Sarasota Kayak Adventures
200 Taft DrSpend some time on the water while you are here. It's a magical way to experience the bay and the gulf. There are a number of kayak rental outfitters. Here's a couple of our favorites....
If you are heading on to Longboat Key, check out The Happy Paddler. www.happypaddler.com
Closer to downtown, Liquid Blue on Lido is a great option. www.liquidblueoutÓtters.com
The Legacy trail was a former train route purchased by the county as corridor open space for habitat preservation and public recreation project. Decades in planning and construction, it currently includes about 22 miles of walking and biking trails .
With the ribbon-cutting ceremony March, 2022 the final segment of The Legacy Trail North Extension was officially opened. You can now travel on the full length of the trail from Payne Park in downtown Sarasota, south all the way to Venice! Visit
www.friendsofthelegacytrail.org for more information.
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Legacy Trail
Legacy TrailThe Legacy trail was a former train route purchased by the county as corridor open space for habitat preservation and public recreation project. Decades in planning and construction, it currently includes about 22 miles of walking and biking trails .
With the ribbon-cutting ceremony March, 2022 the final segment of The Legacy Trail North Extension was officially opened. You can now travel on the full length of the trail from Payne Park in downtown Sarasota, south all the way to Venice! Visit
www.friendsofthelegacytrail.org for more information.
With the first phase of The Bay Park now completed, Sarasota has a spectacular new public space to enjoy! From the house you can walk 6th Street (Blvd of the Arts) west and arrive at acres of public walking trails, kayak rentals, open space, a playground, and more...A beautiful spot to stand or sit by the water and take in a sunset. Look for daily free offerings, like yoga in the park, music, etc...
The Bay Sarasota
655 N Tamiami TrailWith the first phase of The Bay Park now completed, Sarasota has a spectacular new public space to enjoy! From the house you can walk 6th Street (Blvd of the Arts) west and arrive at acres of public walking trails, kayak rentals, open space, a playground, and more...A beautiful spot to stand or sit by the water and take in a sunset. Look for daily free offerings, like yoga in the park, music, etc...
The closest beach to our neighborhood is also one the most beautiful in the area. Crystal clear Gulf waters on a wide, powdery-sand beach. Lido beach offers a long stretch of beach for walking, sitting, swimming, etc...Sunsets here are magical.
A walk off the beach places you directly at the center of St Armand's Circle, overflowing with shops and restaurants.
Lido Beach
The closest beach to our neighborhood is also one the most beautiful in the area. Crystal clear Gulf waters on a wide, powdery-sand beach. Lido beach offers a long stretch of beach for walking, sitting, swimming, etc...Sunsets here are magical.
A walk off the beach places you directly at the center of St Armand's Circle, overflowing with shops and restaurants.
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Restaurants in Season
The Sarasota restaurant scene can get very busy in season. While there is usually a nice bar or lovely walk to take while you are waiting for your table, you may want to think ahead and book a table (especially on weekends). We often decide to cook/grill at home on weekends and head out to eat during the week, when it's not quite as busy.
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Bike and Scooter Rentals - VEO
A new rental programs was introduced into the Sarasota downtown area in March of 2022. Veo Sarasota equipment can now be spotted on almost every corner. What a great, gas-free way to travel around town! www.veoride.com/sarasota for info.
For longer-term beach cruiser bike rentals try:
https://lidobikerentals.com/ a web-based self-service rental option
or
Lapp's Bike Rentals at (717) 629-2594 (no website...old school Amish establishment in the Pinecraft neighborhood of Sarasota)