Breakfast may be the most si-highlight--primary meal of the day, but we all look forward to lunch once we arrive at work. If you plan to go out for lunch, finding the right spot in Sarasota is si-highlight--primary. Here are a few of the top spots for a great lunch in the area.
Il Panificio - 1703 Main Street
The best part of going out for lunch in Sarasota is the decision to sit outside or inside. At Il Panificio, you can sit on the patio if you prefer and enjoy some of the freshest Italian lunch choice in the area. They feature excellent calzones, pizza and other Italian dishes.
Cafe L'Europe - 431 St Armands Circle
This European cafe provides great choices for lunch. You can enjoy all types of dishes from all over the world including a Colorado Rack of Lamb or the many chicken choices on the menu. They also provide an excellent lobster bisque and delicious desserts.
Hillview Grill - 1920 Hillview Street
Maybe you want to enjoy wine with your lunch. If so, the Hillview Grill provides a casual meal and a great wine list. They serve plenty of pasta dishes and other great choices for lunch.
Columbia Restaurant - 411 St Armands Circle
With a Spanish feel...
Buying a home for the first time or even the fifth time, is a huge investment. For most, it's the largest investment they will make in their entire life. With that said, it's si-highlight--primary to have a strategy for finding the right home and buying at the right time.
After looking at the statistics and patterns form the past few years, there are certainly times that are better to buy and times that are not as good. The average sale price, number of homes available homes and the price per square foot are the main indicators used.
Looking at 2010, 2011 and 2012, it's clear that the best time to buy a home in Sarasota is late summer. The lowest prices and the largest inventories were all present in the late summer, early fall of all three years.
However, looking at the worst time of the year to buy a home, it's clear that late spring and early summer is the worst time to buy. During this time of the year, the sales prices were higher than the rest of the year and fewer homes were available.
The same pattern was present in the reports for real estate for 2013. If the pattern continues for 2014, the late summer time, before the snowbirds arrive in the area, is the best time to close on your new home.
Understanding that it takes about 60 days to close on a home, it's clear that July is...
Both come with the same name and for good reason. Venice, Italy has certainly shown its influence in the city with the same name in Florida. Venice was given its name because of pioneer, Frank Higel, who moved to the area in the 1800s. Since the city has many scenic bayous, canals and creeks, it makes sense that it would share a name with the "City of Canals" in Italy.
Today, Venice, Florida is one of the most picturesque destinations in the state. Even though the two cities cannot be compared on some levels, they are very similar on other levels. The Italian Venice has certainly left its mark on the Floridian Venice. Here are a few ways how the two are alike.
Architecture
Venice, Florida embodies the gracefulness of Italian architecture and features quite a bit of Mediterranean Revival style. Many of the same architectural influences of Italy have been used throughout the area.
Plenty of Water
Just as Venice, Italy has canals all throughout the city, Venice, Florida has plenty of water, as well. The water is found closer to the homes and the Intracoastal waterways connect the community to the ocean in many ways.
Culture
Both cities have plenty of art and culture throughout. The Venice Theatre is one of the best...
Sarasota, Florida is known as the culture capital of the state. Many think of the area as a place for retirees, with amazing beaches and plenty of museums. However, there are some great nightlife spots perfect for younger adults, as well. Here are some of the top choices for nightlife fun in Sarasota.
Back Room Saloon - 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key
A very popular spot to enjoy nightlife is Captain Curt's Back Room Saloon. This is a casual sports bar and lounge with two large TVS, a full-service bark and a full menu offered until midnight. They even have eight beers on tap and regular events.
Daiquiri Deck - 5250 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota
Another great destination is the Daiquiri Deck. This is one of the hosted spots in the area and provides a traditional Florida-style bar. They serve 15 daiquiri flavors from an open-air bar, along with a lunch, dinner and late-night food menu.
Cha Cha Coconuts - 417 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Found in the famous St Armands Circle, this Caribbean-style club is an excellent place for nighttime fun. They provide live music regularly and plenty of great cocktails.
The Old Salty Dog - 5023 Ocean Boulevard, Siesta Key Village
...
Ed Smith Stadium has been the destination for spring training baseball in the Sarasota area for many years. It started back in 1924 with the New York Giants and has become a tradition ever since.
Today, the Baltimore Orioles are a part of the Grapefruit League in Sarasota during March. They play their spring training games in the area, along with many other teams found nearby including:
- Pittsburg Pirates - Bradenton, Florida
- Minnesota Twins - Fort Myers, Florida
- New York Yankees - Tampa, Florida
- Tampa Bay Rays - Port Charlotte, Florida
- Philadelphia Phillies - Clearwater, Florida
- Boston Red Sox - Fort Myers, Florida
All of these teams play their spring training games very close to Sarasota. The upcoming schedule for the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 includes 15 games at Ed Smith Stadium, which is located at 2700 12th Street in Sarasota. Games include:
- Toronto Blue Jays - March 1st
- Minnesota Twins - March 3rd
- Tampa Bay Rays - March 6th
- Philadelphia Phillies - March 7th...
Sometimes you don't feel like cooking and you'd rather go out for breakfast. When these days come along, it's time to pack up the family and head to the right place for a delicious meal to start your day. Here are a few of the top choices for a great breakfast in Sarasota.
Yoders - 3434 Bahia Vista Street
Known for the excellent Amish cooking, Yoders is a great choice for breakfast. They provide some delicious home-cooked favorites and you certainly won't leave hungry. Make sure to take home one of Mrs. Yoder's pies for later, too.
Currents Restaurant - 1000 Boulevard of the Arts
If you prefer a good buffet for breakfast, this is the place for you. It's found inside the Hyatt Regency and provides some of the best brunch choices on the buffet you will find in Sarasota. Enjoy waffles, omelets, meats and more at Currents Restaurant.
First Watch - 1395 Main Street
First Watch is a favorite in Sarasota and provides some of the best breakfast options available. The location makes it a great choice before shopping on Main Street. You will find plenty of traditional favorites here, along with great omelets, apple and cinnamon oatmeal and so much more.
The Hob Nob - 1701 North Washington...
March is just around the corner and that means festival time in Sarasota. Of course, festivals are held all year long, but many of the best come in March. Here are some of the top choices you won't want to miss.
8th Annual Sarasota Springfest - March 1st
Start the month off with the annual Springfest in Sarasota. This is a great way to kick off March and features all kinds of music, food, activities for all ages and so much more. It will happen at the corner of Sawyer Loop and Clark Road in Palmer Ranch.
34th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival - March 1st
Another great festival happening on the first of March is the Jazz Festival. This is one of the best jazz concerts of the year and will happen at Player's Theater.
26th Annual Springfest Fine Arts & Crafts Festival - March 8th and 9th
This festival will feature all kinds of interesting items, live music, food and fun. IT will happen at the Holmes Beach City Hall Filed from 10am to 5pm both days.
78th Annual Sarasota County Fair - March 14th to 23rd
The county fair provides plenty of fun with rides, food, exhibits...
So many restaurants throughout the Sarasota area specialize in seafood. It's very difficult to pick just one to the be called the best. However, it's possible to narrow it down to a short list of great places you must try. Here are the top seafood restaurants in Sarasota, in no particular order.
Moore's Stone Crab - 800 Broadway Street, Longboat Key
This restaurant isn't much to look at from the outside, but as soon as you step inside, you will smell the delicious aroma in the area. The menu is full of great choices from local oysters to gulf shrimp and so much more. Of course, when stone crabs are in season, this is the best place to find them near Sarasota.
Bayside Dining Room at Marina Jack - 2 Marina Plz, Sarasota
It doesn't get much better than the Bayside Dining Room at Marina Jack. The panoramic views of the Sarasota Bay, downtown and marina are absolutely magnificent. Of course, the seafood on the menu is also quite good with dishes, such as Oysters Rockefeller, lump crab cakes and the Captain...
