About the Area

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Where to Dine on Longboat Key

A lot of people think vacation rental success is just about clean sheets and working Wi-Fi. Sure, those things matter, but what really makes guests rave about their stay? Easy access to incredible dining experiences they can't get back home. Longboat Key isn't just another Florida beach town when it comes to food. This barrier island has quietly built a surprisingly diverse dining scene, and if you're...

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How to Find Your Perfect Beach House in Sarasota

Most people scroll through beach house photos and book based on looks alone. Then they show up to discover the "beachfront" property requires a 15-minute trek through neighborhoods, or the "quiet retreat" sits next to a construction zone. Finding the right Sarasota beach house isn't about pretty pictures. It's about matching your actual vacation style to the right Key, with the right access, and none of...

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10 Sarasota Experiences You Can’t-Miss – All Within Minutes of Your Vacation Rental

Even if you're only in Sarasota for a few hours, there’s still so much you can soak up without rushing. This part of Florida’s Gulf Coast has a rhythm that’s calm but never boring. Whether you're in town for a sports event, business trip, or full-on beach getaway, this guide is here to help you make the most of your time, no matter how little of it you have. And by the way, almost every experience...

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Beyond the Beach: Uncovering Sarasota’s Hidden Gems

Beyond the Beach: Uncovering Sarasota’s Hidden Gems Almost everyone who comes to Sarasota obsesses over the white sand beaches and Gulf Coast sunsets. But, if you only come for the beach, you're missing out on the deeper charm that makes this city majestic. Sarasota may be known for its beaches but trust us when we say the real soul of this city lives inland. We highly recommend you step away from the...

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An Update of the Mote Marine Aquarium

Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is undergoing a transformation, and if you’ve been following its journey, there’s plenty to be excited about in 2025. Mote Marine Laboratory has been an important part of Sarasota for many years, but now it's getting a brand-new home. The new Mote SEA is under construction at Nathan Benderson Park, a well-known location near The Mall at UTC and...

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Art in the Area: Art Centers of Sarasota and Manatee

Art is everywhere in Sarasota and Manatee. Just take a walk through the streets, and you’ll see colorful murals, unique sculptures, and galleries full of creative work. But beyond what’s on display, these counties are home to incredible art centers that keep creativity alive. The art Centers of Sarasota and Manatee are at the center of it all. Whether you're an artist, an admirer, or just looking for...

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Best Co-Working Spaces in Sarasota and Bradenton

If you’re new to Sarasota or Bradenton, whether you're renting for the short term or planning to stay a little longer, finding a co-working space can be the best decision you’d make for a better work-life balance. Renting a coworking space can give you the structure and community you need to stay productive. Thankfully, Sarasota and Bradenton have some gems that can make your workdays a whole lot...

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Why Sarasota/Manatee is the Best Place For Philanthropists

Sarasota/Manatee is known as a giving county; as a matter of fact, it is ranked the 6th most generous county in Florida. These counties are also known for their friendly and peaceful surroundings, cleanliness, and hundreds of non-profit organizations. Needless to say Sarasota/Manatee are great places to live if you love donating and giving to a good cause. There are more than a hundred non-profit...

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Christmas Boat Parade Sarasota 2024

If you’re planning to be in Sarasota for the holidays, then you absolutely have to make time for the 2024 Christmas Boat Parade. You may have seen parades before, but this one? It’s something truly special. It’s a tradition that’s been lighting up the bay since 1986. The Essentials: Date, Time, and Location Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 14, 2024, and clear your evening plans because...

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Holiday Cheer!

In the Sarasota/Bradenton areas, holidays aren't just celebrated individually or within the four walls of your home. Residents here know just how to have communal fun. They prefer to celebrate together and transform the holiday into an art form against palm trees and sandy shores. If you're seeking the cheer of the season wrapped up with coastal charm, Sarasota and Bradenton just might be the holiday...