Iconic Contemporary Furnisher B&B Italia Finds a Home in Sarasota

Downtown’s Soft Square is selected as the sole dealer in Florida of the exclusive European brand.

06/02/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Mush Love

New Urban Farm Provides Gourmet Mushrooms to the Suncoast

Petrichor Mushrooms founders Micheal Shea and Howard Schmidt share their love for mycology, plus a mushroom bacon recipe.

04/09/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Drink in a box

Practice Making Craft Cocktails at Home With Mixology Kits

Sarasota's Spencer Taliaferro recently launched a monthly subscription service that helps customers explore the world of cocktails.

04/08/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Fizz Appeal

Sarasota Breweries Are Hopping on the Hard Seltzer Trend

A number of local breweries are offering their take on the popular summer sippers.

03/31/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Life of the paddy

Irish 31 Offers Tips on What to Drink This St. Patrick's Day

Bartender Robyn Danski recommends her favorite brews and lucky libations, and offers a recipe for a classic cocktail with an Irish kick.

03/12/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Chic Antique

Your Guide to Sourcing Local Second-Hand Treasures Online

It’s easier than ever to find your next second-hand treasure online from local vendors.

03/01/2021 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Making Spirits Bright

Take Off the Chill with a Seasonal Cocktail from Sage

Master mixologist Cliseria Padilla-Flores shares what inspires her and a recipe for boozy champurrado, a Mexican hot chocolate.

12/22/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Handmade Market

Eight Local Etsy Shops You Need to Know

From upcycled toys to pinstriped purses, head to Etsy to find unique holiday gifts made by local artists and crafters.

12/15/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Future Perfect

So You Bought a 3D Printer. Now What?

With so many imaginative and practical uses, advancements in-home technology open worlds of possibilities.

11/24/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Float On

What It's Like to Canoe Down the Peace River

Our writer spent eight miles cruising through alligator territory—and enjoying the gorgeous scenery.

11/20/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Happy Halloween!

Everything You Need to Celebrate Halloween in Sarasota

From quarantine costumes to trick-or-treat alternatives, we've got everything you need for a great—and safe—Halloween.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

She’s a Gem

What’s In Her Bag: Crystal Cave Owner Susan Moen

A big fan of Halloween and Dio de las Muertos, Moen really does carry rocks in her purse.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Ghost Town

A Peek Into Sarasota's Haunted History

Swapping ghost stories with local medium and "Ghost and Gruesomes" tour guide Bob Hunt-McClimen.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Dressed in Distress

Five Do-It-Yourself Quarantine Costume Ideas

An illustrated guide for creating this year’s signature Halloween looks.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson Illustrations by Stewart Leith

Fright Night

Our Top 10 Trick-or-Treating Alternatives

Don't feel comfortable going out this year? From scavenger hunts to scary zoom sessions, here are our top Halloween alternatives for ghouls of all ages.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

That's the Spirit

What’s Brewing at Pangea Alchemy Lab This Halloween?

Pangea owner Brad Coburn's goal is to "make spirits that lift spirits"—and he's sharing a Halloween-themed cocktail you can make at home, too.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Happy Halloween!

The Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Sarasota 2020

Fall is here, which means it’s time for pumpkin spice, hay rides and all things supernatural.

09/30/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Active Listening

Doug Holland Runs Bradenton's Jerk Dog Records From His Home

Holland converted his porch into a cozy, one-room record shop that attracts listeners who span the gamut.

09/25/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Snorkeler's Delight

Sarasota's Waterways Are Filled With Vibrant Wildlife

Turtles, dolphins and stingrays, oh my! Here's some of the marine life you'll find in our local waters—and some best practices for sharing it with our fishy friends.

09/08/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Travel and Leisure?

What It's Like to Travel to Key West During a Pandemic

Things are different, to be sure, but many shopkeepers and tour guides agreed this was a rare opportunity to visit the Keys without hordes of other tourists.

08/26/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson