Things to Do

Holiday Events Spotlight 2025 – Part 2

If you've already read Part 1, you know what to expect: cozy evenings, zero frostbites, and lights that bounce off the bay. Here are four more Sarasota and Manatee county events to round out December - from boats and big tops to gifts you can't find at the mall. Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights Since 1986, a fleet of decked-out boats has lit up Sarasota Bay while thousands watch from Bayfront...

Holiday Events Spotlight 2025 – Part 1

Florida holidays aren’t about snowdrifts and parkas. They’re about warm nights, waterfront views, and lights you can actually enjoy without freezing. If you're in Sarasota/Bradenton for the holidays, these four picks deliver maximum cheer with minimal hassle. Holidays at UTC UTC turns the season into a nightly ritual: synced light shows, Friday/Saturday outdoor movies, a real ice rink (because we...

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Drum Circle on Siesta Key

What started as a small gathering in the mid-90s has transformed into one of the most famous and beloved events in Siesta Key. Back in the day, the Drum Circle was just a handful of people coming together to drum, dance, and celebrate the full moon. Over time, word spread, and the crowd grew; groups like the Ringling School of the Arts, local churches, and members of the Native Descended Nation embraced...

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Date Night Destinations in Sarasota

There’s just something about a perfect date night, one where everything feels effortless like time slows down, and it’s just you and your partner enjoying the moment. Sarasota has a way of making these moments feel extra special. This city has the perfect spots to make any date night feel like it’s straight out of a love story. Here are the top options for the perfect date night in...

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Local Guide to Wineries, Brewers, and Distillers in Sarasota and Bradenton

Florida’s warmth and sun make it the perfect destination whenever you need a break. Tourists especially love visiting the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, as these gorgeous destinations unlock endless opportunities to enjoy a vacation full of water, sun, sand, and fun activities. In addition, these beautiful counties are also known for entertaining, brewing, and glorious wine-tasting events. When...

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Top Five Outdoor Activities to Do in Sarasota/Bradenton This Winter

Winter is here, and while the rest of the country is huddled indoors, we in Sarasota and Bradenton get to enjoy the cooler weather without all the snow and ice. It’s that perfect time of year when you can finally step outside without immediately melting. In this post, we bring you a list of five incredible winter activities that are too good to miss. Let’s dig in immediately and find ways to revel...

best restaurants in Sarasota

Fine Dining: New Restaurants in Sarasota & Bradenton

Sarasota is a city that celebrates its culinary diversity. From fresh seafood straight from the Gulf to farm-to-table offerings that showcase the best of local produce, the dining scene here is vibrant and ever-evolving. What sets Sarasota apart is its dedication to quality and creativity. The chefs here are bold enough to embrace local ingredients and global inspirations. With these, they manage to...

Myakka elephant ranch location in usa

The Myakka Elephant Ranch

Located in Myakka City, Florida, Myakka Elephant Ranch is a non-profit organization founded by Lou Barreda in 2019, driven by his passion for elephant conservation. After graduating with a marketing degree, Lou traveled to South Africa to attend a prestigious elephant conservation symposium. Inspired by the event and leading figures in the field, he decided to dedicate himself to elephant...

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine

Do you sometimes feel a tug towards the ocean? That yearning to see firsthand what is beneath that massive beauty, whose occupants sometimes rise to the surface to say hello and give you a sight to behold? Everyone keeps talking about the dangers of the ocean, and rightly so. But what if there was a way to see all of the animals you’ve ever dreamed of and more? Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium...

The Sarasota Players

The Sarasota community boasts a lot of talent. This is why plenty of festivities and cultural and art events happen all year round. While at it, we must recognize the role of The Sarasota Players, a community theater built to deliver quality productions and keep the community of Sarasota engaged with the arts. History of Sarasota Players The Sarasota Players was established in 1929 and has been a...