It doesn't get cold very often in sunny Sarasota, but when temperatures do occasionally drop to what we Sarasotans consider frigid, there are plenty of fun indoor activities to keep you entertained. When it's too chilly for the beach, get cozy at intimate taverns and live jazz performances, do some good old fashioned shopping or pick up some goodies for a relaxing and warm night in.
All That Jazz
This winter, the Jazz Club of Sarasota hosts weekly afternoons of jazz at the Bayfront Performing Arts Center (803 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota) and the Glenridge Performing Arts Center (7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota). "Jazz at Two" features two hours of music (2-4 p.m.), with new performers at each date. Admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for Jazz Club members.
Support local high school music students at the High School Jazz Festival on January 30 at the Sarasota High School Auditorium (1000 S. School Ave., Sarasota). The day-long event (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) is just $5.
For a detailed list of winter events and beyond, visit www.jazzclubsarasota.com.
Shop On
Skip the winter coats and put that Christmas money to better use by picking up some light sweaters or other new duds appropriate for the Sarasota weather at one of our many shopping destinations.
Check out one of Sarasota's newest stores, Juno and Jove (100 Central Ave., Sarasota), a quaint spot downtown featuring both men's and women’s fashion, as well as home decor, that is both luxurious and progressive--the store offers natural fabrics, fair trade products and items that support vegan and environmentally-friendly lifestyles. Visit www.junoandjove.com for more information.
If you're spoiled by Sarasota's usually year-round warm temperatures and prefer to stay inside for extended periods of time, you can find everything you fancy under one roof in Sarasota's shopping malls. Make a day of it at Westfield Southgate (3501 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota) or Westfield Sarasota (8201 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota). Both have the essentials--department stores like Macy's and a variety of retail destinations for the whole family. Both malls have restaurants and Westfield Sarasota also houses an extensive food court and movie theatre. For store listings, visit www.westfield.com.
Good Eats
Cooler weather is as good of a time as any to eat--and what better excuse to stay inside and grab a corner table at a place like MacAllisters Grill & Tavern (8110 Lakewood Main St., Bradenton)? The restaurant, which offers a rarely-found Scottish golf theme, was recently voted one of the top three best local restaurants. Feast on some hearty winter grub like burgers and steaks. Go to www.macallisters.com for more information.
Have a night cap at Haye Loft, the definition of "cozy" at Longboat Key's Euphemia Haye (5440 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key). Even though it's just a hop, skip and jump away from beautiful Longboat Beach, the Haye Loft offers up a warm hideaway with all of the comforts of home. Sip on some hot coffee and get some dessert while live musicians set the mood. Visit www.euphemiahaye.com.
While on the topic of restaurants, now may be a good time to start scoping out your Super Bowl spot. Grab the friends and fam and watch some football at Buffalo Wild Wings (4067 Clark Rd., Sarasota). With trivia games and all the mouthwatering menu options to make you feel like you're at your very own Super Bowl party, you can't beat this classic wing stop (www.buffalowildwings.com).
Local favorite, the Sports Page Bar & Grille (1319 Main St., Sarasota) has a big-screen TV and 14 other TV sets to accommodate a large crowd. The full bar and lounge stay open until 2:30 in the morning, so you can celebrate your team's win long after the game has ended.
Stay In
Sometimes on a cold winter night, there's nothing you'd rather do than stay inside the heated comfort of your own home or hotel room. If you're going to stay in, you might as well be entertained. Warm up with a bottle of red wine or some scotch and cigars from BK Wine & Spirits (1319 Main St., Sarasota). The spot also has free wine tastings on Fridays from 5-7 p.m.
If you simply can't stay inside, you don't have to venture far--and you can still keep warm. Stay at the Lido Beach Resort (700 Ben Franklin Dr., Sarasota) and take your pick from three poolside Jacuzzis.
