Best of Sarasota
Best of Sarasota

Our annual celebration of the people, places and businesses that make Sarasota exceptional—voted on by our readers. From dining and shopping to services and experiences, this is the definitive guide to locals' top spots.
Nominate Your 2026 Favorites!

Quick Links

Top Doctors Directory

Top Dentists Directory

Best of Sarasota 2025

2026 Featured Doctors

2026 Featured Dentists
Eat & Drink
Eat & Drink

Your insider's guide to Sarasota’s food and drink scene, from standout restaurants and buzzy new openings to chefs, cocktails, and dining trends shaping the way we eat and gather.
Sip, Savor, Repeat

Quick Links

View all

Best Restaurants

Editors' Picks

Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Food News

More Food & Drink
Gouda-Bye

After More Than 14 Years, Artisan Cheese Company Is Closing

Owner Louise Converse says sales have fallen 40 percent this year, making it impossible to keep the beloved Rosemary District cheese shop afloat.
Home & Real Estate
Home & Real Estate

A curated look at how Sarasota lives, including real estate news, exceptional homes, design inspiration and the professionals redefining luxury and livability in our region.
Step Inside

Quick Links

View all

On the Market

Real Estate News

Architecture & Design
The Hot New Neighborhood

The Limelight District Is the Next Cool Place to Live

This gritty up-and-coming neighborhood is filled with manufacturers, secondhand stores and affordable housing. Bob Plunket takes us on a tour.
News & City Life
News & City Life

Local news, profiles, and lifestyle features that capture the pulse of our community and the people shaping it.
Stay in the Know

Quick Links

View all

Politics

The Environment

Business

In Their Own Words
Suncoast Searchlight

New College Neighbors Head to Mediation Over Disputed Campus Master Plan

Six residents from in and around The Uplands are questioning whether the college followed state planning requirements and adequately considered public input and relevant data.
Arts & Entertainment
Arts & Entertainment

A front-row seat to Sarasota’s vibrant cultural scene. We cover theater, visual arts, music, festivals and the creative forces that make our city a cultural destination.
See What’s On Stage

Quick Links

Books & Talks

Music

Performing Arts

Television & Film

Visual Arts
Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

From 9/11 commemorations to comedy, disco dancing, mini wrestling, night running, horse handling and live theater, here’s what to do in Sarasota and Manatee this week.
Travel & Outdoors
Travel & Outdoors

Explore the places and experiences locals love most. From hidden gems and outdoor adventures to weekend getaways, celebrate Sarasota’s natural beauty and sense of discovery.
Find Your Next Adventure

Quick Links

Editor's Picks

Outdoor Activities

Road Trips
Night Lights

Photo of the Week: Sarasota After Dark

"From above, you can really see just how beautiful and vibrant Sarasota is at night," says photographer Damon Powers.
Magazine
Magazine

Browse current and past print issues, explore our digital flipbooks, and dive deeper into the stories that define our award-winning publication.
See What’s Inside

Quick Links

Past Issues

Subscribe

Contact Us

Advertise

Request a Sponsorship

Sponsored Content
Current Issue - September 2026
Guide to Giving
How a new wave of wealth, younger philanthropists and rising needs are transforming the future of giving.

Previous Issue
The Summer Splurge Issue
Subscribe
Subscribe

Join our community of engaged readers and never miss an issue. Print subscribers enjoy beautiful, award-winning magazines delivered to their door, plus access to our digital newsletters and insider content.
Never Miss an Issue

Quick Links

Subscribe

Newsletter Signup

Renew Subscription

Change Address

Subscriber FAQ
Sarasota, Delivered

Subscribe today and enjoy exclusive savings!

Experience our award-winning print magazine. Every issue is packed with storytelling, stunning photography, and local insight.
Find out more

More News & City Life

Philanthropy

Junior League of Sarasota Announces 'Little Black Dress Initiative'

The annual event brings focus to the restrictions that poverty places on choices, opportunities, and access to everyday resources.

11/02/2021 By Staff

Relocations

Rumble Announces New U.S. HQ in Sarasota

The Sarasota County Commission voted to give an $825,000 Economic Development Incentive Grant to the video platform, which is popular with conservative viewers.

11/02/2021 By Staff

Future Forward

Ambitious Plans for Our Cultural Treasures Will Transform Sarasota as We Know It

The future looks big.

11/02/2021 By Kay Kipling

Philanthropy

Virtual Walk Raises Money for Programs That Reduce Violence Against Women

The Gulf Coast chapter of UN Women is one of seven groups around the country participating in the event.

11/02/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Philanthropy

Suncoast Charities For Children Donates $123,423 to Local Nonprofits

The funding will support children, teens and adults with special needs in the Sarasota community.

11/01/2021 By Staff

Grants

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Approves Nearly $11 Million In Grants

The funding includes almost $7 million in grants from donor-advised funds, as well as $612,671 in scholarship awards.

11/01/2021 By Staff

Tourism

Red Tide and Covid Didn’t Hurt Summer Tourism

Thanks to the great outdoors and an "open for business" atmosphere, June, July and August all saw gains over pre-pandemic numbers.

11/01/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Sustainability

Registration Open for Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop

This year’s workshop, themed “Roots of Sustainability,” will be held virtually.

10/29/2021

Boo Bow Wow Meow

Protect Pets This Halloween With These Five Tips

A Sarasota veterinarian shares some safety tips for our fur babies.

10/29/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Finance

First Home Bank Coming to Newtown

The new bank will serve as a loan production office and financial resource center, the first of its kind in the Newtown community.

10/28/2021 By Staff

Mental Health

Darryl Strawberry, Steve Ford Will Keynote Sunshine from Darkness Gala

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the local mental health and addiction services of First Step of Sarasota and The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

10/28/2021 By Staff

Awards

Conservation Foundation Honors 2021 Volunteer of the Year, Partner of the Year

Rob Harlan and Susan Lowy Harlan received the Conservation Partner of the Year award, and Rich and Jane Huhn received the Volunteer of the Year award.

10/28/2021 By Staff

Good Deeds

Safe Children Coalition Seeks Holiday Gifts for Foster/Vulnerable Children

SCC's Angels program matches sponsors to children's gift wish lists.

10/27/2021 By Staff

Art For Us All

New Murals Around Town Remind Us of Our Shared Humanity

These murals, created over the past several months, gave us a sense of togetherness in a time of distance and separation.

10/27/2021 By Emma Moneuse

Conservation

Sarasota County Votes to Purchase Conservation Foundation’s Recently Protected Land

Sarasota County commissioners approved the purchase of 228 acres in Old Miakka.

10/26/2021 By Staff

My Opinion

Sarasota Just Lost Some More of Its Public Beaches

Isaac Eger tells us about the new ordinance that further privatizes the Sarasota shoreline.

10/26/2021 By Isaac Eger

Good Deeds

All Faiths Food Bank Receives $135,000 from Publix

These funds will support All Faiths’ Mobile Pantry Program.

10/25/2021 By Staff

Grants

Second Heart Homes Receives $20,000 Grant from Church of the Redeemer

The funds will be used to repair and refurbish two recently purchased duplexes for 12 homeless women with mental health issues.

10/25/2021 By Staff

A Siesta Key Story

A New Book Celebrates the History of Siesta Key

Dr. Philip Farrell shares highlights from his book about our beloved beach.

10/25/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Halloween Creativity

Why Carve a Pumpkin When You Can Engrave One With a Laser?

This past Saturday, Sarasota's Faulhaber Fab Lab hosted a pumpkin laser-engraving event that put local families in the Halloween spirit.

10/25/2021 By Marc Griffin

At Sarasota Magazine, we celebrate Sarasota’s vibrant culture, rich history, and bright future with award-winning, high-quality content that captures the spirit of our community.

Channels

About

Subscriptions

Keep up to date with Sarasota

Sign up for our FREE Sarasota Magazine email newsletters and get the best of the region in your inbox!

1413 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota FL 34236 , Phone: 941.487.1100, Fax: 941.365.9233

© 2026 DreamLarge