The Ultimate Insider's Guide 2018

Explore our best beaches, arts, family adventures, shopping, nightlife and more! Explore our best beaches, arts, family adventures, shopping, nightlife and more!

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

The Giving Sea

Read an Excerpt From Jack E. Davis' Pulitzer-Prize Winning The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea

"The Gulf" won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize in history, for a distinguished and appropriately documented book on the history of the United States.

11/29/2018 By Jack E. Davis

Eat & Drink

Super Grouper

Looking for a Great Grouper Sandwich? Here's How to Find One

Many restaurants aren't actually using real grouper.

12/05/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

High Five

An Out-of-Town Food Critic's Go-To Restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee

Tampa Bay Times food critic Laura Reiley shares her favorite local spots.

11/30/2018 By Laura Reiley

Fashion & Shopping

Treasure Hunter

Jan Holman’s Sea Hagg Sells Nautical Salvage From Times Gone By

“Everything has a story and there’s much magic in what I do,” Holman says. “It almost feels like this place has a life of its own.”

12/03/2018 By Susan Burns

Fashion

Winter Fashion 2018: City Chic

Trendsetting fashion on the Art Ovation Hotel rooftop.

11/29/2018 Photography by Mark Farmwald Styled by Lesley Webber

Health & Fitness

Super Sunscreens

Five Sunscreens Dermatologists Swear By

Don't let a day go by without applying your 'screen.

12/03/2018 By Heather Dunhill

Home & Real Estate

Homes With a Past

Nine Houses That Define Sarasota's Architectural History

And they're all for sale!

12/01/2018 By Robert Plunket

News & City Life

What I've Learned

What I've Learned: Dr. Judith Shank Shares Her Career Trajectory

Nurse, physician, health care reformer and arts supporter Judith Shank always says “Yes.”

12/03/2018 By David Hackett

Welcome Back!

Three Big Projects That Are About to Change Our Region

Susan Burns sees three big projects about to change the region.

12/03/2018 By Susan Burns

Save the Apes

Southwest Florida's Center for Great Apes Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary

The Wauchula sanctuary is home to 52 chimpanzees and orangutans.

12/03/2018 By Dyllan Furness

Insider's Guide 2018

What to Do With Kids in Sarasota

These fun options will delight the whole family.

11/30/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Heat Index

Five Fun Facts From Discover Sarasota Tours About What Makes Our Town Special

Discover Sarasota promises it offers fascinating insight into Sarasota's rich cultural past.

11/30/2018 By Ilene Denton

The Shaper

Expert Surfboard Maker Juan Rodriguez Shapes a Living and a Life From Catching Waves

“People in general want to be a part of something. Surfing is tribal.”

11/30/2018 By Cooper Levey-Baker

It's Here!

Finally Approved, Huge Civic Project The Bay Begins With a Linear Park

Phase 1A is expected to be completed in 2020.

11/29/2018 By Ilene Denton

Travel & Outdoors

Only in Sarasota

Only in Sarasota: Seagulls on Siesta Beach

Native seagulls are easily summoned with any small, tasty offering.

12/03/2018 Illustrations by John Pirman

Tickled Pink

Everything You Need to Know About Flamingos

Does anything say “Florida” more than the flamingo?

12/03/2018 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide

Your Guide to Sarasota Beaches

Get to know these local treasures.

11/30/2018 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2018

How to Take Advantage of Sarasota's Great Outdoors

Let's see what's out there.

11/30/2018 By Ilene Denton

Go Wild

Desperate to Get Back to Nature? These Five Camping Experiences Suit Any Outdoor Enthusiast

Whether you're a camping novice or a tried-and-true pro, you've got options.

11/30/2018 By Su Byron

The Giving Sea

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Jack E. Davis on the Gulf of Mexico, History and Hope

Before Davis, no one had told the story of the Gulf.

11/29/2018 By Isaac Eger