St. Armands Circle
Crossing the long line of the Ringling Bridge from downtown Sarasota and passing the slips of the Sarasota Yacht Club, a strolling shopper’s paradise unfolds before you at the famed St, Armands Circle. Here luxury boutiques, fine dining, ice cream shops and café’s make for a full experience whether you are shopping for a special something, wanting to relax, dine or pick up some souvenirs for home. Designed by circus magnate and early “Sarasotan” John Ringling, St. Armand’s Circle and the surrounding residential neighborhood were intended to attract the wealthy visitor and winter resident, but here there is something for everyone, regardless of liquid assets. If you are lucky, you can enjoy one of many art fairs, car shows or activities in the inner circle at St. Armands where Italianate statuary and the Sarasota Circus Hall of Fame share the park area.
With the beach only a stone’s throw away, you can shop until the witching hour at the end of the day and stroll down to Lido Beach where sunset aficionados, like fine wine connoisseurs, savor each color that emerges during a typical Sarasota sunset.
Not interested in shopping? With just a quick drive to South Lido Key for some serious beach picnicking or north to world famous research and education center, Mote Marine Laboratory at City Park, you’ll find ways to relax seaside, kayak in the mangrove trails, pet a starfish or even grab a burger at the New Pass Grille if you want a bit of old Florida.
