Sing-a-long to today’s blog, “these are a few of my favorite things”. We are taking a turn from “how-to in marketing” and instead, we are highlighting local favorite businesses to give them marketing recognition. Small businesses are the lifeblood of every community and the Suncoast of Florida has an abundance of local small business choices.
That said, everybody loves lists, especially for favorite things. Lists are easy to read, skim-able, and informative. If you live here, you may or may not agree and if you happen to visit, keep this list of favorite things handy and you will be well-rewarded with an awesome vacation.
First, who doesn’t love a fabulous meal?
Sarasota is a delight for foodies. Here are 3 favorites to delight:
- Nancy’s BBQ lip-smacking ribs and brisket will make you drool. The sides are are satisfying and yummy. Try the tart cucumber salad or the creamy mac n cheese. Say “hey” to Nancy who is usually in the kitchen smoking something lip-smacking … tell her we sent you.
- Pazzo Southside on Hillview serves up authentic Italian down-home cooking. Owners Mike and Vicky will have you feeling like you’re in Little Italy. The pizzas are creative; for one that will have you singing “O Sole Mio” all the way home, order the short rib pizza. Best of all, they don’t freak out if you substitute your main course side of potatoes for their crazy good pasta marinara. Veal marsala? Yes please … tender and tasty.
- Indigenous is an experience you will not long forget. Chef Steve Phelps is committed to locally sustainable seafood and farm to fork ingredients. Try the parmesan beignets with honey, the grass-fed burger or Everglades shrimp, followed by his luscious baked banana cake. All this is in a funky garden setting of the Towles Court art district.
Next, favorite entertainment.
The Sarasota area is rich with cultural activity and our theatres feature an abundance of local talent; several have performed professionally and others who getting their start in entertainment. We have many choices of both community and professional theatres making it possible to attend a performance every week of the year. It’s difficult to pick favorites so here is a sampling:
- The Players is in its 93rd year and is a beloved icon to the local community. From large cast musicals, to original plays, to new playwriter showcases, and outdoor performances by the bay, you’ll be wowed by the diversity. For the coming season be sure to catch “Godspell”, “Side By Side by Sondheim”, and “Little Shop of Horrors”.
- Venice Theatre was once called “little” but there is nothing little about this growing force in the theatrical community. With 2 separate stages, one houses large scale productions like “To Kill A Mockingbird” and next year’s “Death of a Salesman”, “Beauty & the Beast”, and “Gypsy” and a smaller stage for intimate productions like “Blackbird” and “Hamlet”. Their educational department boosts of teaching all phases of theatre for children and adults. It’s no surprise that VT has an extensive list of volunteers.
- Asolo Repertory is one of the oldest professional Equity theatres in the U.S. They consistently produce amazing musicals and plays from “Sound of Music” and “Sweeney Todd” to “Rhinoceros” and “Our Town”. Recently they were home to the world premiere of “Knoxville” from the same lyric/music team who brought “Ragtime” and “Once On This Island” to Broadway. From the outstanding reviews here, it will likely be destined for the Big Apple.
Who doesn’t love a food truck?
There are lots of food trucks in our area making it difficult to know how to find one on any given day. Waterside, the newest development in Lakewood Ranch, makes it easy to find 10 trucks every Wednesday night in “season”. You’ll find about 10 different trucks and also get your fill of music, libations, vendor tables, and street dancing. Some of the favorites worth exploring:
- G’s Southern Kitchen has some of the best southern soul food on the planet. It’s hard to choose between the crispy wing sauce choices of Bang Bang, Honey BBQ, Spicy Lemon, or Garlic Parm.
- Shiny Gumbo serves up Cajun favorites; you will be tempted to try more than one entree. A couple of favorites are Crawfish Etouffee and Jambalaya. Their slow cooked red beans with andouille and Cajun sauce will have your taste buds dancing.
- Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company offers a delicious homemade tomato soup to go with your choice of an ooey-gooey grilled cheese treat. How about the Popper made with cheddar, raspberry cream cheese, and jalapeño? Or the Spinner with spinach artichoke dip, parmesan, and pepper? BBGCC is famous for their Big Blue with provolone, blue cheese, and caramelized onion. Choices, choices, choices.
Our area is known for stunning beaches.
Yes, we know Siesta Key Beach has been voted multiple times as the #1 beach favorite in America for its fine, white sand, long stretch of beach. But we have so many more that tend to be less crowded. Check out these favorites on one of our many days of sunshine.
- Whitney Beach is a small, quiet portion of beach that’s a hidden gem to tourists. Parking is difficult but oh-so worth finding a spot. No amenities here, just peaceful surroundings, fine white sand, and glorious gulf water.
- Lido Beach is just past the famous St Armand’s Circle. After a bit of shopping in the unique boutiques or grabbing a bite around the circle, head west one block to this beautiful stretch of pristine sand.
- Siesta Key Beach is accessed via one of two bridges. The area contains a lovely village of shops and restaurants and is home to families by day and party-goer’s in the evening.
Favorite things to do alone or with the family.
There are lots of options other than beaches: shopping, theatre, symphony, art, walking trails, parks, and much more. These 3 are our favorites:
- You will never tire of visiting Selby Gardens. The flowering displays change with the seasons and the colors will amaze and delight. There is a children’s area, a bamboo display, a stunning orchid display, and various exhibitions. Stroll the gardens or just sit on a bayside bench and enjoy the spectacular surrounding views.
- The Ringling Art Museum is awash in serious artworks and exhibitions. A full day is barely enough to get your fill of all that is available. Choose from the splendid art displays in the main building, or the Ringling Circus museum (after all, we are the home of the circus arts!) with miniature displays of circus days from the past, or spent the afternoon at the home and rose garden of John and Mabel Ringling on the bayfront.
- Mote Marine is not merely an aquarium and education center; it is an important research facility and science laboratory for the world. Located just off St Armand’s Circle, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day with family learning about world oceans, our environment, and inhabitants of the water. Learn about sharks, manatee, and sea turtles.
If you’ve been a visitor to the Sarasota area or are a resident with your own local favorites, we’d love to hear about them. Or you can share local favorites in your hometown. We may just take a trip to visit you!
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