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.
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Top Doctors

Top Dentists

Best of Sarasota 2025
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

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Best Restaurants

Editors' Picks

Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Food News

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Pizza Pizza

Miami's Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza Is Coming to Sarasota

The restaurant—whose Miami Beach location is Michelin recommended—will open Tuesday, June 23.
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.
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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.
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Politics

The Environment

Business

In Their Own Words
Electric Wings

A Small Sarasota Team Hits a Big Electric Flight Milestone

Helios Horizon’s first human-piloted solid-state battery flight happened in Zephyrhills, but the breakthrough was built by a Sarasota-based team trying to push electric aviation beyond the prototype stage.
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.
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Books & Talks

Music

Performing Arts

Television & Film

Visual Arts
Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

Summer kicks into high gear with a World Cup watch party, youth rowing nationals, the circus, a garden concert, art, theater, books, punk music, classic rock and a few ways to hide from the heat.
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.
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Editor's Picks

Outdoor Activities

Road Trips
Before Sunset

Photo of the Week: Lido Sunset Reflections

Damon Powers captures breathtaking post-thunderstorm skies.
Magazine
Magazine

Browse current and past print issues, explore our digital flipbooks, and dive deeper into the stories that define our award-winning publication.
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Current Issue - June 2026
How to Stay Fit for the Long Run
Our annual lists of Top Doctors and Top Dentists.

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Holidays

'Tis the Season—Don't Let Cooking Get You Stressed!

Chef Judi on the merits of a non-traditional holiday.

12/06/2018 By Judi Gallagher

Retail

Average Spending By Thanksgiving Weekend Shoppers Tops $313

That's down from last year, when shoppers spent an average of $335.47 over the holiday weekend.

11/28/2018 By Staff

Weekly Planner

Breakfast with Santa, Beer Garden Bazaars and More Local Dining Events this Week

Including a vegan cheese and wine night and the Siesta Beach Seafood and Music Festival.

11/28/2018 By Giulia Heyward

'Tis the Season

Your Guide to the 2018 Holiday Season

Let's get festive.

11/20/2018 By Giulia Heyward

Retail

Americans' Holiday Spending Expected to Top $1,000 on Average

American consumers plan to spend an average of $1,007 during this year's holiday season, 4.1 percent higher than last year's spending, according to new survey results.

10/29/2018 By Staff

Data

Retail Group Anticipates Rise in Holiday Spending This Year

The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday retail sales will increase by 4.3-4.8 percent, for a total of between $717.5 billion and $720.9 billion.

10/04/2018 By Staff

Networking

'Holiday Fiesta' Set for Wednesday

The Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce party benefits the children of the emergency shelter at Manatee Children's Services.

12/07/2017 By staff

Networking

Neighborhood Groups Hold Holiday Potluck Party Next Week

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations is throwing its annual holiday potluck party at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11.

12/05/2017 By staff

Retail

Independent Holiday Craft Fair Returns for Year 12

Atomic Holiday Bazaar features more than 200 independent vendors selling clothing, jewelry, furniture, prepared food and more.

12/05/2017 By staff

Christmas Time Is Here

The Charlie Brown Christmas Live Show Brings Vince Guaraldi's Soundtrack to Life

The national touring show hits the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17.

12/04/2017 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Events

Holiday Parade Celebrates Circus Legends

The Sarasota Holiday Parade is honoring the 65th anniversary of the release of the film The Greatest Show on Earth.

11/30/2017 By staff

Retail

69 Percent of Americans Plan to Shop This Weekend

That portion includes shoppers who plan to spend on Cyber Monday.

11/17/2017 By staff

It's Getting Hot in Here

98 Degrees Will Perform at the Van Wezel During Its Christmas Tour

Celebrating their 20th anniversary with a second Christmas album and holiday tour.

11/16/2017 By Stephanie Isaac

Retail

Mall Christmas Attraction Returns

The Mall at University Town Center's holiday attraction, Santa's Flight Academy, will run through Christmas Eve.

11/15/2017 By staff

Preview

Venice Theatre's 2017-18 Season Celebrates American Experience

In three different series, the productions range from Steinbeck to Shakespeare and beyond.

05/16/2017 By Kay Kipling

Holidays 2016

Your Guide to Sarasota's Best Holiday Events 2016

We give you everything you need to know about the best December events this holiday season.

12/14/2016 By Lana Allen

Holiday Cheer

Pop Culture Picks: Our Editors' Favorite Holiday Movies

From Die Hard to A Christmas Story, our editors share their favorite holiday films.

12/08/2016 By Staff

Deck the Halls

Tree-Trimming Tricks from Former MoMA Exec Bonnie Mackay

Former MoMA executive Bonnie Mackay on her ~~obsession~~ love of all things ornamental.

11/22/2016 By Heather Dunhill

O, Christmas Tree

The Holidays are Big Business for Lux-Art Silks

The holiday season makes up 70 percent of the company's annual retail sales.

11/22/2016 By Susan Burns Photography by Barbara Banks

Retail

Mall Christmas Attraction Debuts Nov. 11

The Mall at University Town Center will debut a new Christmas-themed attraction for kids on Friday, Nov. 11.

11/03/2016 Research by staff

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.

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