Meet Grace Hamlin — a Florida-born content creator and blogger who’s built a joyful, authentic corner of the internet from her home on the Gulf Coast. Married to her high school sweetheart and raising two daughters in sunny Sarasota, Grace captures the vibrant ease of coastal living through her colorful, approachable style.
Her journey into the creator world began with the encouragement of friends and family who told her, time and again, “you should be sharing this.” What started as a hobby quickly became a career rooted in connection, creativity, and confidence. Today, Grace finds inspiration in collaborating with brands she loves — like Sunshine Tienda — and takes pride in representing plus-size women with fun, inclusive fashion that celebrates every body.
What makes Sarasota special to you (ctd.)?
More than that, there is a backdrop of culture and history that makes it incredibly unique. From the vibrant performing and visual arts scene, to rich architecture thanks to waterfront “winter home” mansions built over a hundred years ago by Ringling, Field, Crosley and more.
What are your go-to lunch spots?
I’ve been grabbing a pre-beach breakfast at Blue Dolphin Cafe since I was a little girl and it is a local staple.
For lunch and dinner, Whitney’s is right up the street from Shore and we love to go when there’s live music, grab some tacos, a burger, or whatever looks good.
Kojo we love for sushi and tiki drinks! You also have to try their Mushroom Rice Pot! Or catch me at Selva Grill nearby with a caipirinha and ceviche.
Owen’s Fish Camp is a family friendly favorite in Burns Court with the freshest fish, live music and a great area for kids to get their wiggles out.
What are your top hotel recommendations?
For an in town stay, we love The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. It’s located right on the bay and by our marinas. Guests can take the hotel’s shuttle over to the private beach club, just 10 minutes away, with a beachfront pool, dining, and chairs and umbrellas in the perfect location for a beach day.
A little further from the action up on Longboat Key, is the newly built St. Regis. The entire resort including pools, lazy river, and a ray filled touch tank is right on the beach. There are multiple restaurants, a spa, a kids club, and even a speakeasy.
Favorite local boutiques, antique stores, etc.?
Nearby is Camilyn Beth, a talented local designer who creates the most beautiful pieces for women of all shapes and sizes at her Palm Avenue atelier. St. Armands Circle is full of shops - a mix of smaller ones and big names like Lilly Pulitzer and The Beaufort Bonnet Company. As you can imagine, we’re at both quite often.
Then on Longboat Key, is an absolutely favorite I can’t speak highly enough about - Driftwood Beach Home and Garden. Freshly curated clothes, local art, accessories, paper goods, table top, and more - shopping at Driftwood is a breath of fresh air!
What are your can’t-miss recommendations for friends visiting from out of town?
The beaches, first and foremost. They really are some of the best in the world! We find ourselves on Lido Key and Longboat Key most often, but Siesta Key in south Sarasota is stunning as well, and there’s tons to do nearby.
I always say to get out on the water somehow either by booking seats on the Mote Boat to look for wildlife or a sunset cruise to look for dolphins!
For any flower and garden enthusiasts, we’re members of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and wandering around the waterfront park under the banyans and bromeliads never get old. Plus, kids love their Children’s Garden!
Favorite activities for an ideal day in the sun?
My ideal day in the sun would involve a magical combo of being on the boat, enjoying the beach and finding a pool. Luckily in Sarasota, you can do all three. If you want to venture up the keys closer to where Curtis and I live now, you can arrange for Beach Suites to set up a spot for an Anna Maria Island beach day.
A touristy attraction that you’d actually suggest?
Jungle Gardens is a classic old Florida attraction that gets you up close to alligators, flamingos and more! We love the quirkiness and everyone we’ve sent there has been glad they did it!
How would you style Sunshine Tienda for a day in Sarasota?
It’s no surprise that sun protection is key in the Sunshine State, so I’m either wearing my classic Berta Palm Hat or my new Tropical Toile Palm Hat. Easy, breezy dresses like the Navy Gingham Oasis is a year-round essential, but my favorite look is a pareo (worn long) paired with a white button down over a swimsuit so I’m ready for anything from shopping and launch to a spontaneous swim.
FIVE QUICK TIPS
Go-to coffee spot – Buddy Brew Coffee!
Best cocktail – The Siren at Jack Dusty is known far and wide for its potency! I sub the gin for vodka, but it’s delicious! But it is hard to beat grabbing a pitcher of margaritas at Whitney’s after a beach day across the street!
Kid-friendly activity – Mote Marine has always had our heart. While we’ll miss their City Island location, they’re opening up a new (and huge) facility in the coming months and we can’t wait to get over there to see the manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and over 100 native sea life species!
Favorite place to get pampered (spa, salon, etc.) – The St. Regis Spa on Longboat Key is exceptional. I try to spend a full day there when I’m lucky enough to find time for a service! It is open to the public, whether or not you’re a guest of the resort.
Favorite spot for a scenic stroll – We don’t have many hills, but we do have the John Ringling Causeway, a 65 foot bridge that connects mainland Sarasota to St. Armands Circle and Lido Key. It’s a great walk with stunning bay views on either side.
