48 Hours in Sarasota

The History Buff's Guide to a Weekend in Sarasota County

From its famous residents to its signature architecture, there's so much for history lovers to explore.

11/06/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Only in Sarasota

Time Stands Still at Historic Spanish Point's Sunken Garden and Pergola

They were constructed by wealthy Sarasota socialite Bertha Palmer in the early 1900s.

03/01/2023 By John Pirman

Gawkers Delight

Quick! Grab a Spot on Selby Gardens’ Boat Tour to Spanish Point

You’ll learn about water, nature, history and, of course, gawk at waterfront mansions.

04/21/2022 By Susan Burns

Education

Selby Gardens Creates Virtual Tours for Students

The program has connected with nearly 1,000 students since its start in January.

04/21/2021 By Staff

Parks to Play In

Walk Into the Past at Historic Spanish Point

This 30-acre bayfront sanctuary is authentic Old Florida at its finest.

11/21/2020 By John McCarthy

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota Oct. 29-Nov. 4

Drive-in movies, a new butterfly house, a Key Chorale online concert, book chats and more.

10/29/2020 By Kay Kipling

Flowers and Females

Selby Gardens Celebrates 45 Years with a Special Orchid Show

The anniversary show will spotlight the accomplishments of women in the field of botany.

10/05/2020 By Kay Kipling

Come Together

The Merger of Historic Spanish Point With Selby Gardens May Foretell a Trend

We may be seeing more such mergers, given the dire financial situation many nonprofits are finding themselves in.

09/14/2020 By Ilene Denton

The Future Was Female

Eliza Webb Helped to Establish a Thriving Business and Winter Resort in 19th-Century Sarasota

To mark Amendment 19's 100th anniversary of giving women the right to vote, we're telling the stories of influential local women.

08/10/2020 By Kay Kipling

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: July 30-Aug. 6

Downtown’s Farmers Market reopens, fishing for fun and a good cause, a suffragist talk, and more.

07/30/2020 By Kay Kipling

Welcome Back!

The Ringling and Selby Gardens Reopen to the Public May 27

Both venues have been closed since March 17 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They will reopen with some new practices.

05/22/2020 By Kay Kipling

Breaking News

Selby Gardens Adopts Historic Spanish Point as Companion Campus

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will now be an umbrella organization with two distinct campuses: its downtown Sarasota location and Historic Spanish Point.

04/17/2020 By Staff

Style

Bring Home a Piece of Sarasota From These Terrific Museum Gift Shops

Not only will you have a treasured memory of our region, you'll be supporting our local institutions.

04/01/2020 By Megan McDonald

Closures

Historic Spanish Point, Bishop Museum to Temporarily Close

The museums join the ranks of other area organizations in trying to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

03/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Weekly Planner

A Taco Festival, a Friendsgiving Potluck and More of This Week's Top Food and Drink Events

Also on the menu: lessons on how to prepare holiday treats and a class in the subtle art of food photography.

11/20/2019 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Accreditation

Historic Spanish Point Receives Highest National Museum Recognition

Historic Spanish Point opened to the public in 1982, and first achieved American Alliance of Museums accreditation in 2002.

07/25/2019 By Staff

Row Your Boat

Magic Boat Relaunch: Where Did the Magic Go?

After a summer of scheduled maintenance, Historic Spanish Point has relaunched the Magic for tours along Little Sarasota Bay.

11/07/2018 By Jonathan Goodman

History

Presentation to Highlight Significance of Newly Discovered Archaeological Site

The Sarasota County Council of Neighborhood Associations is hosting a talk by John McCarthy.

05/10/2018 By Staff

Boating

Sarasota's Maritime Heritage to Be Discussed Next Month

Historic Spanish Point executive director John McCarthy will discuss Sarasota's maritime heritage during a presentation at Alderman Oaks.

04/19/2018 By Staff

Weekend Planner

Your Top 10 Things to Do: March 2-8

A jam-packed Sarasota Jazz Festival, WBTT’s newest musical revue, Fairy House Festival at Historic Spanish Point and more.

03/02/2017 By Ilene Denton