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

Three Local Jewish Women Share Their Favorite Hanukkah Traditions

From matching pajamas to a condo-building-wide latke party, there's plenty of inspiration to be found.

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-plus-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

Eggstraordinary

A Helicopter, an Elementary School and 12,000 Plastic Eggs

A helicopter will unleash 12,000 candy-filled plastic eggs on an elementary school on Easter Sunday—safely.

03/29/2018 By Jordan Noyes

Indulge

Five Indulgent Desserts for Valentine's Day

From Gateau Saint Honoré to "doughquets," here's everything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth—or gift your loved one—on Valentine's Day.

02/13/2018 By Ashley Cooper

V-Day 2018

Your Guide to Valentine's Day in Sarasota

Enjoy a romantic Valentine's Day at these local restaurants.

02/08/2018 By Stephanie Isaac

Year in Review

The Best Things We Ate in 2017

Meatballs, seafood, pasta and more: here are the dishes our editors are still dreaming about.

12/20/2017 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

Weekly Planner

Miracle on Palm Ave, A Feast of Fishes, and Other Local Dining Events

Including Storytelling with Santa and the Christmas Fairy at the Powel Crosley estate, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Food Drive at Evie's on Main Street, and the opportunity for kids to meet Santa at The Market at Lakewood Ranch.

12/20/2017 By Stephanie Isaac