Airport
Fly right into Sarasota. You can get one-way flights directly into SRQ, the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, from many locations. Airlines include Air Canada, Air France, AirTran, Alitalia, Delta, JetBlue, KLM and US Airways. The airport offers complimentary WiFi and massage chairs to help you catch up and relax while waiting for your flight. Even locals can enjoy the airport. Grab a Starbucks and watch the planes take off. www.srq-airport.com
Burns Court
Take in an indie flick at Burns Court Cinema. The theatre, known for its showings of independent films and its annual film festival, is nestled away on a quiet street in downtown Sarasota. In addition to the typical movie fare of popcorn and sodas, Burns Court serves up coffee and gourmet treats and even has an outdoor seating area. Operated by the Sarasota Film Society, a nonprofit organization, Burns Court also holds events and provides education through film. http://filmsociety.org
Cock & Bull
Boasting one of the largest beer selections in the area and once rated among the best beer bars in the country, the Cock & Bull Pub provides a cozy atmosphere for beer lovers and beyond. Cock & Bull offers what they call a "rural pub experience" that channels European bars with its warm interior, clusters of tables and comfortable sofas while remaining all-American with its outdoor area, consisting of picnic tables and, oftentimes, a bonfire. The pub holds beer dinners and also offers pub grub. With 40 rotating draughts and 100 bottles, as well as a "Beer Bible," the Cock & Bull certainly knows its specialty. Pick something new off its giant chalkboard, which lists most everything it has to offer. www.the-cock-n-bull.com
Drum Circle
Let it beat at the Siesta Key Drum Circle, a weekly gathering of both locals and visitors celebrating peace, love, music and the beauty of Sarasota. Each Sunday, the sounds of drums (and tambourines, triangles and various percussion instruments) resonate through the main area of Siesta Beach, just before sunset. Bring a drum and join the circle, dance inside it or pull up a chair and watch the fun. The drum circle provides an outlet for local businesspeople to let loose, families and friends to relax and visitors to experience one of the most legendary and original pieces of Sarasota.
Espresso
A good coffee shop can be hard to come by and while we all know the benefits of grabbing a shot of espresso or a quick cup on the go, coffee houses can provide quiet, cozy spots to catch up with friends, read a book or study over a latte. Sarasota is home to several. LeLu's is surf-inspired coffee house and martini bar in lively Siesta Key Village. It provides a laid back yet luxurious setting for an early espresso or late night drink. A former Sarasota favorite, Sarasota News and Books, is now Media on Main, an Apple reseller that still sells books. The spot's old cafe served up life-changing mochas, which you can still get, along with wine and other treats at Media on Main's Cafe Palm. The tried and true Starbucks has locations all over Sarasota. The location at Honore and Clark has a great deal of comfortable indoor seating and outdoor tables and all Starbucks locations are now offering free WiFi. www.lelucoffee.com, www.mediaonmain.com
Frozen Yogurt
Frozen yogurt, or "fro yo" as it's called, has been a trend for years, and rightfully so. It's healthy, tasty and refreshing and Sarasota has plenty of it. Enjoy nonfat flavors like green tea and chocolate with toppings ranging from the usual (blackberries, mango) to the exotic (blood orange, lychees) at local favorites, Sunni Bunni and Whiteberry. Located on Bay Rd., Sunni Bunni's smoothies are mouthwatering, such as the PB&J Bunni, a delectable combination of plain frozen yogurt, strawberries, honey and peanut butter chips. Located on Main St., Whiteberry also has cupcakes so fruity and light, they're like the muffins you never had. www.sunnibunni.com, www.whiteberryusa.com
G. Wiz
The hands-on science museum G. Wiz provides fun for the whole family. With science and math-inspired exhibits that are both fun and educational, it'll intrigue you, amuse you and make you think. www.gwiz.org
Haye Loft
Longboat Key's Euphemia Haye is a romantic, fine dining restaurant with a more casual upstairs lounge and dessert room. Haye Loft has live entertainers, such as talented pianists, and plenty of places to sit and relax. In addition to cocktails and coffee, the loft serves up appetizers and some entrees from the downstairs restaurant. The highlight, perhaps, is the dessert selection. The pies, such as the lemon meringue, are as enormous as they are delicious. www.euphemiahaye.com
Indigo
Hotel Indigo is a modern boutique hotel in Sarasota's Arts district. Part of an award-winning, small national chain, the hotel prides itself on its seasonal changes and summer cottage feel. Its location is prime, located near downtown Sarasota, and its colorful common areas and restaurants, like coffee spot The Golden Bean and trendy restaurant Phi, offer plenty of options for visitors. www.srqhotel.com
Jetty
The Jetties in South County make for a breathtaking and unconventional stroll on the beach or a convenient fishing spot along the blue waters of the Gulf. Both North Jetty Park, located on the southern tip of Casey Key, and the South Jetty in Venice also attract surfers and boaters.
Keys
Siesta Key is perhaps the best known of Sarasota's keys--it's home to the softest and whitest sands in the world, found on Siesta Beach. Each key has something different to offer, but each provides beauty and tranquility. Lido Key is known for its mangroves, a favorite among kayakers, a quiet beach and nearby St. Armands Circle, a destination for shoppers and diners from all over the world. Longboat Key is luxurious and private while Casey Key, also primarily private, boasts an old Florida feel and is known for being home to famous writer Stephen King. Manasota Key is a South County gem whose beach provides the perfect escape.
Live Music
You can enjoy live music throughout Sarasota, from the patio at Mattison's City Grille downtown to the Gator Club and the 5 O'Clock Club, which offers live music every night. Siesta Key Oyster Bar (or SKOB, as locals call it), has live music on its deck and Sharky's in Venice has island music that will make you feel like you're in the Caribbean...or, even better, right here in Sarasota. The music goes beyond the bars and restaurants, though. The famous Sarasota Opera offers moving performances for those visitors looking for refined elegance and a classic form of entertainment. www.mattisons.com, www.5oclockclub.net, www.gatorclub.com, www.skob.com, www.sharkysonthepier.com www.sarasotaopera.org
Mojito
The refreshing drink, which has enjoyed a great deal of popularity in recent years, can be found across Sarasota in settings appropriate for indulging in something ice cold and summery. As it feels like summer nearly year-round in Sarasota, patrons can enjoy a pitcher of mojitos on the patio of Columbia Restaurant in St. Armands Circle or on the rooftop of Ceviche, which offers a spectacular view of downtown. Both have some of the best mojitos around and Ceviche also offers up unusual varieties, including a very special ginger mojito. In case you have yet to try one, you should know a mojito is a traditional Cuban drink that contains white rum, sugar cane, sparkling water or club soda, lime and mint. www.columbiarestaurant.com, www.ceviche.com
Nightlife
Yes, we have one. Downtown Sarasota's nightlife includes upscale spots like the new Ivory Lounge on Main Street--a South Beach-inspired club with affordable cocktails and respected DJs. The Loft is a new upscale club on Fruitville, just off 75. On the more casual end, the Gulf Gate neighborhood is packed with bars that, while casual, are too nice and welcoming to be called dives, and Siesta Village is home to Daiquiri Deck, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, The Hub and Beach Club, just to name a few. All stay open late into the night and attract large crowds of beachgoers, visitors and locals ranging from middle-aged regulars to young college students visiting home. www.ivorysarasota.com, www.horsefeathersgrill.com, www.daiquiridecksiestakey.com, www.beachclubsiestakey.com
O'Leary's Tiki Bar
Come by boat, car or on foot to enjoy Sarasota's waterfront Tiki bar. O'Leary's is located right at the marina. The small, casual spot is definitive of a tropical paradise and it serves up appetizers, salads, sandwiches and refreshing drinks like pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris and a delightful blend of the two--a Miami Vice. www.marinajacks.com
Parasailing
Get a view of the Gulf like no other--from up in the sky. Parasailing is a popular watersport in Sarasota and rightfully so--Siesta Key Parasailing is open everyday. They take out flyers of all ages for single, double or triple flights. Take off from the back of the parasailing boat and soar high above the sparkling waters of Sarasota. www.siestakeyparasailing.com
Q
While often challenging to come up with something to represent the letter "Q" in an A-Z list, it's not that difficult for Sarasota. Sarasota's airport code, SRQ, earns it the affectionate nickname "the Q" among young locals. Fun tourist tip: casually refer to Sarasota as SRQ and locals may think you're one of their own.
Ranola
Both inside and out, Hotel Ranola, located right in the heart of downtown, channels a New York City apartment building--old yet updated on the outside and modern, cozy and glamorous on the inside. It's no wonder, as it was originally built as an apartment hotel in 1926. Small and chic, the boutique hotel has just nine units that truly look and feel like home. The large rooms feature luxurious beds, full kitchens and modern decor and amenities, like iPod docking stations and plasma TVs. It's surrounded by art, culture and entertainment options available in downtown Sarasota. www.hotelranola.com
Siesta Beach
Siesta Beach is the #1 beach in the country. Just ask Dr. Beach, who agrees that Siesta's soft, white sand earned it the very top spot on the 2011 list of best beaches in America. Siesta regularly graced the list, but now you’ll find us in the first slot, where we belong. Infamous for having the finest sand in the world, Siesta Beach provides a quiet, relaxing escape in some parts and a lively beach-going experience in others. Stop by the main part of the beach for a snack at the pavilion, a game of beach volleyball or Sunday's drum circle. Further down, find a serene spot to relax, walk by the water or just dig your toes in the sand. You can even climb the rocks further down the beach to get to a more private area or just feel daring as you stand on the narrow rock stairs, looking down at the lightly crashing waves. www.drbeach.org
Towles Court
Considered a hidden gem of Sarasota, Towles Court is an artist colony near downtown. Just south of Main Street, you'll find galleries, artists' studios, gift shops and Old Florida-style homes. You can grab a bite to eat, take an art class or purchase an original piece. Towles Court also hosts Third Friday Art Walks, a series of events featuring studio and gallery openings, where refreshments and music are provided. www.towlescourt.com
USF
The University of South Florida (USF) is one of the top research universities in the country, with locations in Tampa (the main campus), St. Petersburg, Lakeland and, of course, Sarasota. The Sarasota location just recently got its own campus, a quiet and beautiful spot near the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport. Its convenient location and prized programs, such as its hospitality and business programs, make it a great spot for commuting students that prefer to live at home, people that are interesting in continuing education and those seeking a personal and intimate learning environment with a big university name. The lovely grounds are a nice sight to see, even for visitors. The outdoor courtyard provides a quaint spot to read or relax and the giant bull sculpture displays the school's pride. The USF Bulls football team was ranked #2 in the nation in 2007. www.sarasota.usf.edu
Veg
Finding a vegetarian eatery, let alone a restaurant with vegetarian and vegan options, can be a daunting task not only in small towns, but big cities. Sarasota solved that problem with the trendy and conveniently located new restaurant Veg. Located in Gulf Gate, near shops, bars and other restaurants, is this veg and vegan-friendly spot that also serves seafood for those seeking something extra that's still healthy and refreshing. www.vegeatery.com
Warm Mineral Springs
Healing waters await you at Warm Mineral Springs, an oasis of relaxing, mineral-rich water located in North Port. The spring produces 9 million gallons of water daily and produces a new fresh body of water every two hours. Its mineral content is the richest of any spring in the country. www.warmmineralsprings.com
Xerophytes
A xerophyte is a type of plant that generally grows in dry climates. A cactus is an example, but a more Florida-friendly type of xerophyte is a bromeliad, which can be found in Selby Gardens. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens take over 9.5 acres along Sarasota Bay and are home to some of the world's most awe-inspiring rare tropical plants. Selby Gardens also features a conservatory and butterfly, bamboo and tropical fruit gardens. Its bromeliads are plentiful and you can learn how to identify them on the Selby Gardens website. www.selby.org
Yoder's Pie
Yoder's is a restaurant in Sarasota's Amish neighborhood. Its comfort food is loved by locals and visitors alike, but its pies are what make it truly legendary. The fluffy peanut butter cream pie is a customer favorite unlike any other. Other pie varieties include chocolate peanut butter, coconut cream, fresh strawberry, rhubarb, Southern pecan, black raspberry, apple, egg custard and many others. Yoder's even has a to-go window where you can get whole cream pies or what is essentially a serving of pie in a cup--less crust and lots of fun. Yoder’s also opened a conveniently located marketplace at Westfield Sarasota (known locally as Sarasota Square Mall). They serve all of the pies, deli sandwiches and more and also sell baking products, snacks and fresh produce. www.yodersrestaurant.com
Zombie Pub Crawl
The Zombie Pub Crawl is a new, annual pre-Halloween tradition. Zombie enthusiasts gather for a mid-October pub crawl in Gulf Gate, dressing as the undead and getting the party started early. www.sarasotazombiepubcrawl.com
*G. Wiz (G), Warm Mineral Springs (W) and Selby Gardens (under X) offer two-for-one admission during 30 Days of Discovery, which takes place every September. www.30daysofdiscovery.com
