Section: Simply Sarasota

The Charms of Our Farms

Sarasota/Bradenton is coveted for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultural venues. And if you want to get down to earth, there's no better place than here.......more

Polo: The Sport of Kings

Mention polo, and most people conjure up images of Prince Charles, wealthy aristocrats and fine-bloodline ponies. The common folk tend to associate polo with the rich jet-setting life played out in the international media. Not here in Sarasota. But for the beauty of the sport, champagne......more

Pet Friendly Resorts in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota has not only earned its moniker as the "Cultural Capital of Florida," it could easily lay claim to the "Canine Capital," as well. This city by the bay on the west Florida coast is replete with pet friendly parks, restaurants and resorts,......more

Sunset Cruises in Sarasota, Florida

One of the most dramatic ways to experience a Sarasota sunset is aboard a cruise. There are several to choose from, and all afford opportunities to witness the area’s sea life, blazing sunset and opulent waterfront mansions. Whether you prefer a party boat, dinner cruise or......more

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Sarasota Under 5 Dollars *** By Elana Galerman

A down economy may mean a decline in spending, but it doesn’t have to equal a decline in fun. Sarasota has many ways for visitors to explore and make long-lasting memories, even without a lot of padding in their pockets. Let’s count the ways to have fun......more

Sarasota’s Golf Resorts Entertain Non-Golfers

Gracious greens, softly undulating fairways, tranquil waters… it’s no secret that Sarasota’s resorts boast some of the lushest links in the country. Longboat Key Club and Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort offer gorgeous championship courses that challenge golfers from novice......more

A Horse of a Different Color

They change color, twine their tails together and look more like mythical beasts than fish. Wondrous creatures, seahorses have enchanted children of all ages for centuries. Mote's Seahorse Conservation Laboratory provides the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these quirky critters. Learn about......more

Sailing Sarasota

Sarasota is a sailor’s delight. Dolphins leap along side starboard and port, and manatees lumber in our tepid waters; exotic birds nest on mangrove islands and scamper along sandy beaches. Our picturesque gulf, bays and inlets are perfect for dropping anchor, and reveal the secrets of......more

In Search of the Silver King

The old salt saying goes, “the bluer the water, the bigger the fish.” It’s not just a catchy line, and nowhere is it more evident than Southwest Florida. With waters ranging in color from radiant turquoise to royal blue, the mighty tarpon has been migrating here......more

Don’t Just See the Circus, BE the Circus!

ANYONE can fly through the air with the greatest of ease at the Tito Gaona Flying Trapeze Academy - I’m uncoordinated, non-athletic, and let’s just say my muscles and cardiovascular system have been on vacation for about a year. Oh, and I just turned 50. But Tito......more

Finding Nemo

If you liked Finding Nemo, you’ll love finding Mote. It delivers all the drama and color that captured your imagination in the fun fish tale, but here, it’s real. Colorful reef fish, toothy sharks and sensational sea turtles swim right before your eyes. You can actually......more

Forgotten Florida

Nestled amid the glitzy high-rises on Longboat Key lies Forgotten Florida; The Sandpiper Inn. An anachronistic single-story resort perched on the Gulf, the intimate enclave is a step back in time… to when innocence prevailed and nature ruled. I have a passion for wildlife, but also for......more

Brunch Anyone?

Brunch (brunch) n. [Colloq.] a meal that combines a late breakfast and an early lunch According to Webster’s, “brunch” is a noun, but common usage suggests otherwise and we’ve been brunching for more than a century. Englishman Guy Beringer coined the portmanteau (combination of words) in 1895......more

Fresh, Not Frozen

Every Saturday morning, a farmers' market blooms along Lemon Avenue at Main Street. Colorful umbrellas and tents pop up before 7 a.m., the stands underneath bursting with organic produce, fresh cut flowers, beautiful bromeliads and orchids, homemade cookies and an imaginative array of arts and crafts.......more

Lite Bites

When you're hungry for quality but not quantity, savor a myriad of morsels at Sarasota's award-winning restaurants. Sampling hors d'oeuvres, antipasti or tapas is a playground for the palate and easy on the purse in any language.......more

Hot Dog Digs

The hot trend in travel is for resorts to cater to pets as well as their owners, and Sarasota overlooks no "de-tail" while leading the pack. In this pet-friendly paradise, every dog has its day, whether it's uptown, downtown, beachside or bayfront. Here's the scoop on......more

Lasting Impressions

Art appreciation may be subjective, but at The Bijou Café, the reviews are always unanimous. For more than 20 years the restaurant has elevated food to fine art status, presenting award-winning fare with universal appeal. In an industry with a national success rate of just 15......more

Nautical and Nice

There may be no better way to work up a healthy appetite than by spending a sunny day cruising our shimmering waters, inhaling the salty sea air and feeling the constant caress of balmy breezes.......more