Gift Guide

Five Great Gifts to Give (and Keep) This Holiday Season

We've found gifts for mind, body and spirit. (And we won't judge if you buy one for yourself, too.)

11/18/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Hunger

All Faiths Food Bank Launches ‘ThankFULL’ Campaign

The food bank is hoping to raise enough money to provide 9,000 turkeys for Thanksgiving and 4 million meals to the community over the holiday season.

10/13/2020 By Staff

Holidays

Manatee County Government Announces Holiday Hours

Offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2020.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Holidays

Sarasota County Government Offices to Close for Holidays

Offices will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, 2020.

12/19/2019 By Staff

Gift Guide

Six Fun Ideas to Up Your Holiday Gifting Game

From a 20-inch alpaca to a luxe skincare collection to the perfect holiday book, Heather Dunhill has rounded up ideas for everyone on your list.

12/11/2019 By Heather Dunhill

Giving grapes

What to Buy for the Wine Lover in Your Life This Holiday Season

There are thousands of wine-related gifts out there. Most of them useless, says our wine blogger, Bob McGinn.

12/06/2019 By Bob McGinn

Philanthropy

Veterans' Groups to Hold Holiday Toy Drive, Breakfast

The organizations are commemorating the attack on Pearl Harbor while working to help local veterans and families in need.

11/26/2019 By Staff

Sunday Fun Day

What to Do in Sarasota on Cinco De Mayo

$100 margaritas, golf tournaments and tons of great deals—this is your definitive guide to Cinco De Mayo in Sarasota.

05/01/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Beat it

Nine Fun Things to Do in Sarasota on Easter Sunday

There's no need to scour the yard for something to do this weekend. From family-friendly egg hunts to bottomless mimosas, here's everything you need to have an egg-cellent Easter Sunday.

04/16/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Retail

2018 Holiday Shopping Totaled $707.5 Billion

Retail sales were up by 2.9 percent over 2017, below a projected increase of 4.3 to 4.8 percent, according to new statistics.

02/15/2019 By Staff

Making Spirits Bright

Pangea Serves Up Christmas Cocktails at 'Miracle' Holiday Pop-Up

Christmas Carol Barrel, anyone?

12/17/2018 By Megan McDonald

Tourism

Florida Airports High in On-Time Holiday Travel Ranking

Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers was ranked No. 3 in the nation and Tampa International Airport was ranked No. 4.

12/14/2018 By Staff

Grand Gingerbread Hotel

You've Got to See The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota's Gingerbread Display

This creation is made from 500 lbs. of gingerbread.

12/12/2018 By Megan McDonald

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

'Tis the Season

Liz Taylor and Olivia D'Amico of Kinspoke Want to Bring the Community Together This Holiday Season

The pair are hosting a wreath-making workshop at Oscura Cafe in Bradenton this Saturday, Dec. 8, and Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Market at Lakewood Ranch.

12/05/2018 By Megan McDonald

Happy Holidays

Need Some Style Inspiration This Hanukkah? Look No Further

Heather Saba's rounded up five holiday-worthy outfit ideas; plus, fashionable local Jewish women share their favorite traditions.

11/30/2018 By Heather Saba

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

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

Ghoulish Go-Tos

Your Guide to Halloween 2018

So we've got palm trees and 80-degree weather—you can still fully embrace the Halloween spirit thanks to these fun events.

10/18/2018 By Giulia Heyward

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