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.
There’s world class sailing and a tennis and golf culture that attracts athletes at the top of their game and from around the world. Sarasota somehow strikes a balance of being under-the-radar yet packed with endless opportunities, whether you call the area home, or are just visiting.
What are your go-to lunch spots?
Palm Ave Deli is one of our favorite stops to walk to after church, for breakfast brunch, or lunch!
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, anyone who follows me has seen us eating at Jack Dusty’s, Shore LBK and Whitney’s most often. Jack Dusty’s is the Ritz Carlton’s main restaurant but it feels as welcoming and easy as your own living room- that happens to be on the bay. To visit Shore LBK, you can either drive or boat up, though either way, you’ll want to make reservations. I dream about their Miso Marinated Black Cod and Blood Orange Margarita. 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, while the girls play corn hole and wander around looking for their hidden monkeys. (They’re stuffed animals, not to worry!) We usually get their beignets to go and walk across the street to the beach to watch the sunset.
Cafe on St. Armands is a new favorite for us on St. Armands Circle. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner - they have it all with a delicious mediterranean menu. Also on “the circle” is the historic, Columbia Restaurant. where their 1905 salad is famous for a reason. I order mine with shrimp and they make it tableside- just like the red sangria we can’t ever seem to skip! Their menu for sandwiches, entrees, and pinchos is huge but please say yes to their freshly made Cuban bread!
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.
If you’re looking for Italian, we’ve been enjoying Mediterraneo on Main Street for literally decades at this point!
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. We’ve taken family staycations here since it first opened, and even now Curtis and I do so with our girls - especially since it is where we had our wedding reception.
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.?
One of my most frequented Sarasota shopping locations is The Exchange, a consignment store that’s a local institution at this point, that raises money for the arts programs in Sarasota and Manatee County. Clothes, homegoods, tabletop, accessories, books, artwork - it is my own little honey hole! Much like the aptly named Treasures where I’ve found many antiques over the years.
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!
The Ringling Museum and Ca d’ Zan speaks to my art history loving heart - it all just depends on how much time you have in town!
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!
Any other Sarasota hidden gems you’d be willing to share?
A lot of people are surprised to learn about the MLB Spring Training we welcome each year. Sarasota is a home away from home for the Baltimore Orioles and Bradenton has the Pittsburgh Pirates. If anyone happens to be here during that time, catching a game in a smaller stadium is super cool.
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.
