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Whether your clients seek an exquisite dining experience or a laid-back Tiki Bar ambiance, Sarasota County's culinary scene promises an adventure of culinary tastes.

From award-winning chefs and Zagat-rated restaurants to vibrant farmers markets and local boutiques, the dining scene caters to every palate.

Sarasota County boasts 21 Zagat-rated restaurants and 11 recipients of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, including Bijou Garden Cafe, Sage, and Maison Blanche. The area is home to over 40 vegan restaurants, ensuring a diverse culinary experience. Visitors can explore the region's rich food culture during Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, offering fixed-price, multicourse meals from popular restaurants in the first two weeks of June.

Beyond fine dining, Sarasota County's culinary landscape includes 14 breweries and four distilleries, featuring the acclaimed Siesta Key Rum. Food & Drink Festivals, such as the 23rd Annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off and the 16th Annual Sarasota-Manatee Originals' Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, add festive flair to the culinary calendar.

Dive into the highlights of Sarasota's restaurants, from the romantic Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key to Café L'Europe on St. Armands Circle, recognized as Sarasota Magazine's Best Elegant Restaurant. Michael's on East stands as the city's only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant, securing its 32nd consecutive award in 2022. For a taste of the unconventional, explore Tiki Bars like Bahi Hut, Casey Key Fish House, and O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill, all celebrated on Trips to Discover's Best Tiki Bars in Florida list.

Delicious Finds

Your clients can choose their perfect coastal haven in Sarasota County, home to six barrier islands and over 35 miles of pristine coastline. 

Longboat Key, with its rich history and outdoor allure, invites visitors to uncover the past and relax by its shores. Lido Key, just a bridge away, boasts three distinct beaches, luxurious shopping, and historic architecture. Siesta Beach, renowned for its crystal-quartz sand, stands out as a TripAdvisor Top Beach, complemented by the vibrant Siesta Key village. 

Casey Key exudes a laid-back charm with million-dollar homes and North Jetty Park, while Venice-area beaches, like Caspersen Beach, cater to nature lovers with hiking trails and shark teeth treasures. Manasota Key provides an Old Florida retreat with quiet beaches and Stump Pass Beach for immersive nature exploration.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the wonders of Sarasota County, with highlights like the Celery Fields' new micro forest, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' 20,000 living plants, and the 37,000-acre Myakka River State Park, Florida's first state park. Cyclists and pedestrians can traverse the 18.5-mile Legacy Trail, while wildlife enthusiasts can seek out shark teeth on Caspersen Beach or enjoy the dog-friendly Brohard Paw Park.

As seasons change, Sarasota County offers a plethora of activities. In spring, capture the beauty of nature walks and bird migrations at Celery Fields or the Venice Area Audubon Rookery. Summer invites beachfront adventures and water fun, from shark tooth hunts to cooling off at Bayfront Park's Children's Fountain. Fall provides quiet days for kayaking beneath mangroves and exploring picturesque drives on Longboat Key. Winter's balmy weather beckons outdoor enthusiasts with cycling along the Legacy Trail and mesmerizing waterskiing shows.

Beaches & Nature Abound

From historic performing arts venues to avant-garde galleries, this area is a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

The iconic Ringling legacy extends beyond the circus to include a renowned art museum and a cutting-edge college of art and design. With over 7,000 seats for diverse performances, Sarasota is a stage for theatrical, dance, cabarets, concerts, and national touring acts. The Sarasota Art Museum stands as the region's premier contemporary art destination, while Downtown Sarasota captivates with its vibrant public art scene, from murals to whimsical bikes.

Immerse your clients in the arts with over 20 annual festivals, including the prestigious Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts. Venues like Venice Theatre and Towles Court Artist Colony showcase the global appeal of Sarasota's artistic offerings.

For those seeking a cultural journey through history and heritage, Sarasota County spans nearly 12,000 years of captivating stories. From prehistoric Florida to circus traditions, civil rights activism, and the unique Amish community in Pinecraft, every facet is celebrated and cherished.

Explore the rich history with attractions and tours offered by the Historical Society of Sarasota County, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Historic Spanish Point Campus, Historic Trolley Tours, The Ringling Museum, Newtown Alive! Tours, Historic Downtown Venice, and the Newtown African American Heritage Trail – the southernmost point of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.

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From the most family-friendly beach in Florida, Siesta Key Beach, acclaimed by Southern Living magazine, to exploring state parks and paddling through mangrove tunnels, Sarasota offers an array of activities for an unforgettable family vacation.

Discover educational and entertaining experiences at Marie Selby Gardens' Butterfly House, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, and the historic Venice Train Depot. Enjoy kid-friendly shows from Sarasota Youth Opera, Venice Teen Improv Troupe, or Florida Studio Theatre, where learning seamlessly intertwines with entertainment.

Sarasota's rich circus heritage adds an extra layer of excitement, making it the "Circus Capital of the World." Explore the renowned Ringling campus, featuring the Ca’ d’Zan mansion, the art museum, and the Ringling Circus Museum. Stroll through St. Armands Circle to witness the Circus Ring of Fame.

Tito Gaona’s Flying Trapeze Academy & Flying Fantasy Circus in Venice offers an opportunity for kids of all ages to experience the thrill of becoming a trapeze artist.

Family Getaway