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 local's favorites.
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Top Doctors

Top Dentists
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

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Wine, Beer & Cocktails

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Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
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

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In Their Own Words
Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
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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Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota and Manatee Counties This Week

This week: Free Comic Book Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, a "bio blitz" at the Elling O. Eide Center, Jerry Seinfeld at the Van Wezel and more.
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

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Sarasota Confidential

The Locals' Guide to Sarasota

Whether you’re visiting, new to town or just need a refresher on the joys of living here, explore our only-the-locals-know guide to our region.
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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 - May 2026
Only the Locals Know
Secrets, shortcuts and off-the-radar spots.

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Well Platted

The Birth of Venice

Even before the land boom hit Sarasota, world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Fred Albee saw the potential for development in Nokomis and Venice.

11/03/2025 By Jeff LaHurd

Forever Daredevil

Circus Legend Elvin Bale Reflects on His Groundbreaking Career

Bale, who lives in Myakka, will be inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame's class of 2025. Due to post-hurricane damage to the Circus Ring of Fame plaques, the event will take place in 2026.

12/06/2024 By Kim Doleatto

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Circus Ring of Fame Will Induct New Honorees This Saturday

They include Peggy Williams, the first female graduate of Clown College, and "circus chaplain" Father Jerry Hogan.

02/02/2023 By Yasi Bahmanabadi

Ballyhoo Days

The Unsettling World of Circus Freakshows Once Flourished in Sarasota

Who were these people who were once our neighbors? What sorts of lives did they live?

03/01/2022 By Robert Plunket

Let's start the bidding!

Circus Auction Includes Vintage Posters, Rare Costumes and Much-Sought-After Photos

Valuable items from more than 100 different circuses will be up for sale this Saturday.

01/09/2020 By Rachel Suwak

Life's a Circus

A Peek At What's Underneath the Big Top at Ringling's Circus Museum

Explore the rich history of the circus and its ties to Sarasota at Ringling's Circus Museum.

08/24/2017 By Stephanie Hagan

Article

My Florida Mom

Authentic Florida Robin Draper shares her stories of her mom, Beth Arthur, a local artist and woman for all seasons.

05/06/2015 By Robin Draper

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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