The Ultimate Insider's Guide

Insider's Guide 2017 Plus: 20 eco-adventures at Myakka River State Park.

In this issue:

Arts & Entertainment

Insider's Guide 2017

A Look at The Ringling's New Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion

A new pavilion showcases this popular medium—and will be free to visitors.

11/30/2017 By Kay Kipling

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Things to Do With Kids

Sarasota has plenty for kids to do.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Local Theater

The region’s theaters offer a world of family-friendly experiences.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

MTV's Siesta Key Shines a Light on Local Nightlife

Millions of Americans now know about some of Sarasota’s most popular nightspots.

11/30/2017 By Megan McDonald

Insider's Guide 2017

Cuban Guitarist Renesito Avich Livens Up Sarasota

Arvich plays the national instrument of Cuba—a tres guitar—all over Sarasota.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Only in Sarasota

Only in Sarasota: Segway Tour, Downtown Sarasota

Years after their prime, these scooters are still rolling.

11/29/2017 By John Pirman

The Handmades' Tale

Local Makers Find a Market on Etsy

Sarasota artisans are creating everything from stationery to pottery to soap to clothing for customers all over the world.

11/28/2017 By Megan McDonald

Best of Sarasota

Insider's Guide 2017

The Insider's Guide to Sarasota 2017

See Sarasota like a local.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

The Ultimate Guide to Myakka River State Park

Let's go exploring.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Eat & Drink

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Nightlife

Sarasota keeps things going way into the night.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

Sarasota's Barbecue Scene is Smokin' Hot

There's a restaurant for every kind of 'cue lover in Sarasota.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fashion & Shopping

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Shopping Resources

Here's where to spend some green

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

Five Great Vacation Souvenirs

Take home a little Sarasota.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

The Insider's Guide to Historic Downtown Venice

Venice draws throngs to its charming shops and restaurants.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Shades of Glory

Trend Report: Six Cool Pairs of Sunglasses

Step up your look with these super-cool sunnies.

11/29/2017 By Heather Dunhill

Home & Real Estate

Dear Real Estate Junkie

Questions About Buying a Sarasota Home? Our Real Estate Blogger's Got Answers

Home-obsessed Robert Plunket answers your questions about finding the home that's right for you.

11/30/2017 By Robert Plunket

Island Time

Your Guide to Sarasota's Barrier Islands

The island life is close and all around.

11/29/2017 By Su Byron

Escape to Old Florida

When is a Trailer Worth $300,000? When It Comes With a View and an Iconic Way of Life

This is not your grandfather’s mobile home.

11/29/2017 By Robert Plunket

News & City Life

Mr. Chatterbox

The Strange Stories of Sarasota's Senior Celebrities

What do you do when you’ve been in the public eye for years, and then the spotlight starts to shift? If you’re like many aging celebrities, you move to Sarasota.

11/29/2017 By Robert Plunket

Standing Their Ground

Florida is Tough Terrain for Gun Control—But Local Activists Keep Trying

The Sarasota chapter, of which Carol Rescigno is the president, is the Brady Campaign’s only active one in the state. By contrast, California has 28 chapters and even Texas has three.

11/29/2017 By David Hackett

Dear Marie

Remembering Marie Selby

An ode to the woman who gave us Selby Gardens.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Travel & Outdoors

Insider's Guide 2017

Famed Lippizzan Stallions Train in Myakka City

Lipizzan stallions are renowned for their muscular bodies and graceful moves.

11/30/2017 By Stephanie Hagan

Insider's Guide

Your Guide to Sarasota Beaches

Our beaches are the real stars of Sarasota.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

The Drum Circle is a Siesta Key Beach Institution

Siesta’s Drum Circle offers free-flowing fun at sunset.

11/30/2017 By Pam Daniel

Insider's Guide 2017

Our Beaches are a Prime Nesting Site for Endangered Sea Turtles

Our beaches are a prime nesting site for endangered sea turtles.

11/30/2017 By Ilene Denton

Insider's Guide 2017

Insider's Guide: Outdoor Resources

In Sarasota, there's plenty to do outside—from biking to water sports to festivals.

11/30/2017

Insider's Guide 2017

Meet the Threatened Florida Scrub Jay

The population has declined 90 percent since the turn of the last century.

11/29/2017 By Rick Morgan

Insider's Guide 2017

Sarasota Bay Explorers Voyages Reveal Mesmerizing Marine Life

Sarasota Bay Explorers’ 40-foot covered pontoon boats launch daily two-hour eco-tours.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

Where and How to Camp at Myakka River State Park

From barebones basics to rustic comfort, find your site in the park

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Some Lucky People Don't Just Work at Myakka—They Live There

“Your back yard is the park."

11/29/2017 By Susan Burns

Into the Wild

Five Great Ways to Navigate Myakka River State Park

Walk, paddle, ride, boat.

11/29/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

What to Look For on Myakka's Canopy Walkway

The walkway is one of the park's most popular attractions.

11/29/2017 By Ilene Denton

Into the Wild

Volunteers from All Over the Country Help Keep Myakka Running

Some are locals who sign up for a few hours or days a month; others—mainly retirees—come in their campers from all over the country and live in the park for months on end.

11/29/2017 By Pam Daniel and Kay Kipling