Cooper Levey-Baker has written about food, politics, civic issues, the arts, and music in Southwest Florida for 15 years. His work has won multiple awards from the Florida Magazine Association and the Florida Society of Professional Journalists, as well as an honorable mention from the Julia Child Foundation. Follow him on Twitter: @LeveyBaker.

Cozy Campers

Vintage Campers Make a Comeback

Walter Sayers restores old trailers with Second Chance Camper Restoration.

04/04/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Into the Wild

Five Overnight Adventures for Campers Old and New

Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time out, our region offers camping experiences for everyone.

04/04/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Put Your Oar In

Five Local Aquatic Adventures for Kayakers, Canoers and Paddleboarders

From lazy canoe rides to after-dark paddleboard excursions, there's something for everyone.

04/04/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Hoppy Days

Calusa Brewing Opens North of Clark Road

Calusa Brewing Co. joins Sarasota’s flourishing craft beer scene.

04/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cheers

5 Things I Learned About Whiskey From Last Night's Whiskey Obsession Expert Panel

Wood matters, dynamite helps and other vital lessons from last night's whiskey tasting.

04/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

The Feed

Sol's NYC Deli Opens in Former Downtown Applebee's Space

Plus, Kickstarting a local restaurant's dreams of expansion, barbecue news and more dining dish from Cooper Levey-Baker.

03/31/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Dandy corn

10 Bucks Or Less: Mariscos Azteca Mexican Seafood Restaurant

Splendid sopes and huaraches in a shopping center right near Ed Smith Stadium.

03/31/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Get sipping

Whiskey Obsession Festival Appeals to Fanatics, Newbies Alike

Love Kentucky bourbon? Decades-old Scotch? Iowa rye? You'll find it all on the Obsession festival's mammoth list of pours.

03/29/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Bring the Cane

How Sugar Cane Syrup Fueled the Growth of One Manatee County Neighborhood

A new historical marker details the role an Alabama food company played in the founding of Whitfield Estates.

03/24/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Willkommen!

10 Bucks Or Less: Geier's Sausage Kitchen

A small corner grill at this South Trail specialty food store serves up classic German meats.

03/24/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

If It Bleeds

Movie About On-Air Sarasota Suicide Screens at Film Festival April 2 and 3

Kate Plays Christine comes to Sarasota after winning a special jury award at Sundance and earning rave reviews from a number of critics.

03/23/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

R.I.P.

Doc Sam's Deli, Formerly Sol Meyer, Closes

Welp, that didn't last long.

03/23/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Basket Case

The Best Easter Candy, Ranked

From a candy-pooping duck to classic Cadbury mini eggs, we picked our favorite readily available Easter candy.

03/22/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker, Hannah Wallace, and Megan McDonald

Holy Day

Where to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

Where to find green beer, corned beef and cabbage and some Irish tunes this Thursday.

03/16/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

D'ough!

10 Bucks Or Less: Village Pizzas By Emma

Amish pizza, anyone?

03/16/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Making It Real

Ringling College Collaboratory Offers Students Professional Experience

In late 2014 the college formalized its commitment to providing every student on campus with professional experience.

03/15/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Curry On

Pride of Jamaica Serves Up Big Flavors in Newtown

Powerful flavors are the name of the game at Opal Bell's casual Newtown eatery.

03/09/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Good Morning

10 Bucks Or Less: Rendez-Vous

A newish French bakery on Clark Road that does pastries right.

03/03/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Day Tripper

Great Florida Road Trips

24 great adventures on one tank of gas.

03/01/2016 By Scott Vogel, Cooper Levey-Baker, Megan McDonald, Ilene Denton, and Pam Daniel

Kitsch Itch

You'll Find Wallet-Friendly Fun in Weeki Wachee

Florida's identity as an oddball mecca goes way, way back.

03/01/2016 By Cooper Levey-Baker