Vacation Savings: Sarasota Big Pass

Vacation Savings: Sarasota Big Pass

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Vacation Savings: Sarasota Big Pass

Are you preparing for your Sarasota vacation this September and looking for the hottest deals? Consider purchasing a Sarasota Big Pass for the best vacation yet! See below all of the ways you can use your Sarasota Big Pass to explore this season. 

What you need to know about the Sarasota Big Pass:

The Sarasota Big Pass offers many opportunities for more fun on your vacation this fall! A limited-time deal, this pass has three different categories to explore Sarasota with:

Buy One Get One Free!

25% Off

$5 Discounts

 

See the Sarasota Big Pass site here for more information about deals around Sarasota!

 

Sarasota Big Pass: BIG savings on your vacation!

This limited-time discount program is able to be used at participating local Sarasota businesses. Your pass is good  for one discount per person, per transaction – and here’s the best part: you can redeem your deals as many times as you’d like! Found a favorite restaurant or local fun spot? With the Sarasota Big Pass, you can go as often as you’d like throughout your vacation, within the deal deadline. 

How to get your Sarasota Big Pass

Do you have a hard time keeping up with documents? The Sarasota Big Pass comes stress free! You can purchase online through their site.

You don’t need to have a physical pass to redeem your deal – all of the deals are available to view on their website.

If you’d rather keep a physical pass, you may also print it off of their site. 

 

Additional locations the Sarasota Big Pass may be purchased at: 

Downtown Sarasota 

1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone: 941-706-1253

Venice Center

597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285 

Phone: 941-706-1253

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport Welcome Center

6000 Airport Circle, Sarasota, Fl 34243

 

How to use your pass

In order to use your pass, you can show the printed or digital coupon at your selected location. Be sure to let them know you’re part of the Sarasota Big Pass program. Certain businesses may include limitations, so be sure to review the deal online and read any additional information you should know. 

 

Looking for the best deals? 

With the Sarasota Big Pass, you can find the best deals in town. Enjoy huge savings on your vacation this year! Are you looking for a specific location or deal to use? You can browse the entire index of savings on 

 

Original Article Here

Sarasota’s Best Vegan Dining

Sarasota’s Best Vegan Dining

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota’s Best Vegan Dining

Sarasota has endless adventures in store for all! Were you looking for vegan-friendly places to dine on your vacation? Complete your Sarasota itinerary at some of these fantastic vegan restaurants below! 

 

Lemon Tree Kitchen

Located in Downtown Sarasota, you will find Lemon Tree Kitchen, a spot where you can grab a delicious bite no matter your diet. Featuring many different small dishes, such as raw Pad Thai Spring Rolls, Vegan Tartare, and Wood-Grilled Cauliflower Steak, this little slice of heaven will leave you craving more! 

Lila

Lila’s motto is all about eating clean! Most of their menu items are vegan or vegetarian. They are so dedicated to their food, they’ve taken precautions to ensure any meals with animal products are made on a different surface than the vegan dishes. Be sure to check out their daily specials! 

Shore

Stop by Shore for unforgettable food in a relaxing atmosphere. You can choose either indoor or outdoor dining for a full tropical experience. While they do offer vegan and vegetarian options, they have something for everyone at Shore! Many of their items can be vegan upon request. The house-made juice is a must try!

Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill

Famed in Sarasota as one of the best vegan sushi spots, Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill features rolls that are out of this world! This is another Sarasota spot where the menu features something for everyone. 

Drunken Poet Café

If you were looking for some delectable vegan Thai dishes, Drunken Poet Cafe is the place you want to be. Their massive menu has a variety of delicious choices, none of which dissapoint! Drunken Poet is most well-known for their veggie curry dishes; you have to try the Kang Massaman curry! Be sure to let them know ahead of time of any dietary restrictions, as they do serve animal products. 

Café Evergreen

Cafe Evergreen prides themselves on being completely vegan, gluten free, and organic. If you want to taste some of the freshest food in Sarasota, it’s at Cafe Evergreen! This husband/wife team is extremely selective over all dishes in their restaurant, and make their food customizable to all diets.

Nutritious You

Just south of Siesta Key, Nutritious You is the ideal raw vegan eatery! They feature over the counter service with many quiet corners to enjoy your meal in. If you have a busy day of fun planned, many of their items are available to-go! If you have some extra time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery, be sure to ask about their delectable dessert menu. 

 

Original Article Here

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 3

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 3

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota is well known as Florida’s Cultural Coast, due to the plethora of live shows, art galleries, and more. Explore Sarasota’s art community at one of the many beach retreats below! 

 

Fine Art

 

The Ringling

This 66-acre waterfront paradise is the heart of Sarasota culture. Originally the estate of John and Mable Ringling, The Ringling art museum is a spectacular sight that can’t be missed! Regardless of your art preference, there’s something for all at The Ringling. From timeless art collections to contemporary work, gorgeous gardens, historic tours and more, The Ringling is a must-see on your Sarasota vacation! 

Ringling College of Art + Design

Have you been looking for budget-friendly activities to complete your vacation checklist? Just south of The Ringling, you will find the Ringling College of Art and Design, a creative corner for developing artists. The campus features galleries that include the student work as well as professional artists around the globe – free of charge! View the raw artistic beauty that Sarasota produces at The Ringling College of Art and Design. 

Towles Court Artist Colony 

One of Sarasota’s most beloved art retreats can be found downtown, at the Towles Court Artist Colony. Originally founded as an experiment to enrich the neighborhood’s art culture, it has grown into a revered center full of breathtaking collections. You can join their monthly art walk every third Friday of the month and fully explore all Sarasota has to offer! 

Art adventures for all 

Located on Tamiami Trail you will find one of Sarasota’s most celebrated art collections, Art Center Sarasota. The Art Center strives to reach the community through creative pursuits such as art education, programs and art exhibitions for everyone!

Clyde Butcher Art Gallery

Known across the globe for his photography and preservation efforts, Clyde Butcher has made his prints available for visitors to view! Located in Venice, you will find Butcher’s darkroom where he creates his exclusive prints of undisturbed nature throughout Florida. 

Meet the Local artists

Are you looking for a closer view into the minds of Sarasota artists? 

Linda Richichi is a famed local artist who offers mentoring as well as weekly classes for those looking for their creative side. 

Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is a local farmers market that offers live music, food, entertainment, and most importantly, local art! This is a great place to start looking for hidden local talent. 

 

Original Article Here

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 2

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 2

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 2

Sarasota is well known as Florida’s Cultural Coast, due to the plethora of live shows, art galleries, and more. Explore Sarasota’s art community at one of the many beach retreats below! 

 

Night on the town: dance performances

Sarasota Ballet

If you were searching for an unforgettable performance, Sarasota Ballet is the place to go! Sarasota Ballet stands apart for being the only professional ballet company on the Gulf Coast. But that’s not all! Revered by The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, this breathtaking ballet features some of the most famous choreographers across the globe.

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School

Sarasota Ballet has a great influence over Florida culture! Next up is Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, who’s roots formed from Sarasota Ballet. Created by two former Sarasota Ballet dancers, this is a unique experience. Their focus is teaching Cuban style, known for strength, devotion, and poise. Many of their students continue their dancing careers at major companies; Sarasota Cuban Ballet School promises an eclectic evening!

Sarasota Contemporary Dance 

Featuring a unique atmosphere with dramatic performances, Sarasota Contemporary Dance is deeply moving and an experience you don’t want to miss!

 

Night on the town: jazz performances

Sarasota Orchestra

Sarasota Orchestra was one of the first orchestras in Florida! Featuring over 100 classical, contemporary and family-oriented performances every year, this orchestra is conducted by one of the most famed music directors of our generation, Anu Tali. 

Venice Symphony

Venice Symphony is known across Florida for it’s unique dedication to cultural enhancement. Enjoy an electrifying evening on the town at Venice Symphony!

Sarasota Opera House

Sarasota Opera house is a breathtaking, historic location that performs a wide array of musical shows. They are most well-known for showing the entire works of Giuseppe Verdi over 28 years, which no opera house has ever done.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s

If you were searching for a new and exciting performance, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall features famous local acts like Jah Movement, ZZ Top, Broadway musicals and more!

Jazz Club of Sarasota’s

Cozy and intrinsic perfectly describes Jazz Club of Sarasota! This laid-back location promises a relaxing evening filled with unforgettable tunes.

 

original article here

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 1

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 1

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Explore Sarasota’s Art Culture: Part 1

Sarasota is well known as Florida’s Cultural Coast, due to the plethora of live shows, art galleries, and more. Explore Sarasota’s art community at one of the many beach retreats below! 

 

Live Performances

Theatre Shows

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Sarasota is home to some of the best theater spots in Florida! Located next to The Ringling, The Asolo Repertory Theatre is known around town for the creative and inspiring shows. One of the largest nonprofits in the county, this theater has been a starting point for many famous Broadway actors. 

 

Florida Studio Theatre

Located in the middle of downtown Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre is a local favorite contemporary theater. Featuring five different stages, this theater offers a unique combination of shows to enjoy, from improv comedies to brilliant musicals. There’s a show for everyone to enjoy here!

 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

Located a few blocks from downtown, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is one of the only two professional black theater companies in Florida. This is also home to many famous actors and actresses who eventually made their way to Broadway!

 

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

North of downtown Sarasota, near the Rosemary District, you will find The Players Centre for Performing Arts, an award-winning community theater founded in 1936. This prestigious theater has seen Hollywood stars such as Bette Davis and Charlton Heston, and is a time-honored Sarasota spot. 

 

Venice Theatre

Head down south to Venice Theatre, the third largest community theater in the country. Reputed for being an elegant area for live performances, “Hair” was directed by Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen at this location. 

 

Lemon Bay Playhouse

Finally, Lemon Bay Playhouse, located in Englewood is also a community theater that has gained local attention. Consistent sell-out performances tell all you need to know about this new local favorite!

 

Original Article Here

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota Memories: How to Take The Perfect Family Portrait

If you’ve been searching for tips on how to get the perfect family picture without a professional, look no further! See below for some photography tips to help you get that album-worthy family photo.

 

  • Timing is Key!

Finding the right timing for your family photo is the key for getting the best shot. Sarasota beaches have some of the most pristine sunsets in Florida; but that’s not when you want to take your family portrait. The best time to shoot? The “golden hour” is what you want to aim for; about 45 minutes after sunrise or prior to sunset. There is a very slim window of time when the light will be ideal, so be ready! 

  • Location, location, location!

Location is another key factor you will want to include in your family photo. A unique location in your background that has a special memory associated with it can make the entire shot! Not sure where to take the perfect family portrait? Some ideas are: 

-Siesta Beach

-Longboat Key

-Celery Fields

-Local Nature Preserves 

-Downtown Sarasota

  • Appropriate Attire 

Are you preparing for your Sarasota vacation this year? When you’re going down the checklist, don’t forget: family portrait outfits! If your family likes to color coordinate, that’s recommended, but stay away from khakis and white tops, as those can blend in with many tropical backgrounds. The most important thing about finding the right attire is to be yourself and comfortable. 

  • Consider Booking a Professional Photographer

Taking family portraits can be stressful! If you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation, it’s recommended to consider booking a professional. Summer in Sarasota can get busy, so be sure to book four to six weeks in advance. Research your preferred photographer before booking, to ensure their style and technique match well with your own unique style. 

Some things to keep in mind before booking a professional: 

  • Get to know a little about your photographer! 
  • Make sure the photographer can work well with kids and your unique family dynamic. 
  • Read photographer reviews
  • Share any special needs with the photographer prior to booking to ensure they can accommodate.

The key to working with a professional is cooperation; so make sure they are the best fit for your family first. 

 

Regardless of how you spend your vacation, sunny Sarasota promises an eventful retreat! Keep these photography tips in mind to take the best shots of your most memorable vacation yet! 

 

Feel like you are forgetting something for your vacation? See here for a complete road trip checklist, so you don’t miss a thing! 

 

Original Article Here

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 3

There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of this August. Read below for the complete guide to a beachin’ vacation! 

 

August Events

Venice Cabaret Festival

July 12 – August 25 

Enjoy an evening on the town with Venice Theatre’s riveting Cabaret Festival performances this August! Originally opened in 1950, the Venice Theatre is a frequent favorite of Sarasota locals and visitors alike. Recognized as the largest community theatre in the United States, Venice Theatre brings you the 7th annual Cabaret Festival, featuring many different acts from top performers. 

Shark Days

August 4-10 

Head over to Mote Marine Aquarium for Shark Days, starting August 4th! This fin-tastic shark frenzy is going to be full of fun activities and family-friendly events. Learn all about Sarasota’s shark population while getting a unique perspective on these jawsome aquatic creatures!

Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament

August 8-10

Get ready for a reel good time at Sarasota Slam Fishing Tournament! Are you ready for a friendly competition to see who wins the biggest catch this year? Sarasota Slam is an annual fishing tournament for pro and amateur anglers. Starting after the captains’ meeting August 8th and concluding August 10th at Marina Jack’s dockside party, this exciting event will have you hooked! 

Pioneer Days in Englewood

August 23 – September 2

End the summer in Sarasota at Englewood Pioneer Days Festival. A South Sarasota annual favorite, this tradition dates all the way back to the 1950s! Featuring kid-friendly activities, such as the Kid’s Shipwreck Dance, Fish-a-Thon, Historical Town Tour, Cardboard Boat Races, and a Diaper Derby. The highlight of the festival will include a parade, Corvette car show, and much more to conclude this fun-filled, annual Sarasota pastime. 

 

There’s no end of fun in the sun and adventures to be had in Sunny Sarasota! Explore Sarasota’s hottest summer events for your best vacation yet. 

Original Article Here

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide Part 2

There’s no place like Sunny Sarasota this summer! Seas the day in Sarasota county with the hottest spots of the season. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet! 

July Events

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix

June 29 – July 7

Ready, set, go – get ready for the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix! An annual Sarasota favorite, this family-friendly, fun event takes off on June 29th, running through July 7th. Some dates to remember: July 3rd – the festival kickoff at Van Wezel, a spectacular evening of fireworks and more! July 5th – the Boats on Main block party. July 6th – Car show and motorcycle event at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson. July 7th is the highlight of the festival, where you can watch the powerboat races at Lido Beach. 

 

Looking for more places to sit back and watch the fireworks? Check out this guide to Independence Day Fireworks in Sarasota!

 

Art and a Movie at The Ringling

July 8 & 22, Aug. 5

Have you been looking for cost-friendly ways to spend your Sarasota vacation this summer? This July, The Ringling brings you Art and a Movie, a summer film series documenting three women whose art is featured in the museum. Each film will be shown on a Monday, the day that the Ringling waives the admission fee all year long. The films will be introduced by staff, who lead a short Q&A on the featured artist. 

Lionfish Derby

July 14

Sarasota fun fact! Did you know that the lionfish population in Sarasota are a venomous and invasive species, that disrupts the ecosystem in the entire Gulf? Reef Environmental Education Foundation has found a fun, creative solution to this problem! 6 years ago, this foundation started a one-day competition in order to remove as many lionfish as possible. This exciting competition, with a delicious finish, was so successful they have held it every year since. The annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby, held at Mote Marine Aquarium, starts July 12th, weigh-in and tastings starting on July 14th. 

Improv Festival

July 12-14

Theatre troupes from across the globe take the stage for the 10th Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival. A three-day long event, these performances are sure to leave you laughing! 

Beach Volleyball

July 13-14

Are you looking for fun ways to spend your time in the sun? Siesta Key Beach holds an annual Dig the Beach Volleyball Tournament, the perfect way to get moving while still relaxing! 

 

Original Article Here

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Summer in Sarasota: A Complete Vacation Guide

 

There’s no place like Sarasota in the summertime! Seas the day in sunny Sarasota with the hottest events of the summer. Read below for a complete guide to your best vacation yet!

June Events

Sarasota Music Festival

June 1-22

Don’t miss Sarasota Music Festival’s 54th annual music extravaganza! This event is a prominent music festival for professionals from all over the country. Presented by the Sarasota Orchestra, there are an array of performances to enjoy, including Friday Festivals, Saturday Symphonies and more!

Summer Circus Spectacular

June 11 – Aug. 3

Summer really starts to heat up in Sarasota when the Summer Circus Spectacular comes around! Located at the Historic Asolo Theatre, The Ringling works with the Circus Arts Conservatory to bring a thrilling family adventure featuring performers from across the globe!

Players Centre Summer Sizzler Series

June 12-23, July 23-28, Aug. 14-25; Players Centre for Performing Arts

A Sarasota hotspot, The Players have been annually performing in Sarasota for 83 years! This carefully crafted combination of professional and new performers makes for a unique show. They have some sizzlin’ package deals available for purchase; such as all THREE shows for only $45! This package deal also comes with a three gift cards to Caragiulo’s, Sarasota’s finest Italian American cuisine! Check out The Players website here for more information about their delightful upcoming summer performances.

Friday Fest Summer Concert Series

June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Friday Fest is a great family-friendly activity for those on a budget! A relaxing evening event featuring blues, jazz, R&B and many more performances. This free outdoor concert is held on the third Friday of every month and will have food trucks, beverages and more. Enjoy a midsummer ice cream overlooking the Sarasota Bay with live music in the background.

 

There’s no end of fun in the sun and adventures to be had in Sunny Sarasota! Explore Sarasota’s hottest summer events for your best vacation yet.

 

Original Article Here

Learn About Sea Turtles In Sarasota!

Learn About Sea Turtles In Sarasota!

by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Sarasota County is a nesting ground for the highest amount loggerhead turtles in the Gulf. If you are planning your Sarasota vacation, it’s important to know all about their graceful habitants, the sea turtles!

 

The History Sarasota’s Sea Turtles

May 1st through October 31st is sea turtle nesting season in Sarasota County. Through July 1st, female turtles journey ashore to nest and lay their eggs, and starting around July the hatchlings begin their swim back into the Gulf of Mexico. Last year, the research from Mote Aquarium showed over 3,000 nests – almost all loggerhead sea turtles! Nine of those nests were reported to be green sea turtles. Both of these are on the endangered species list, but with the help of Mote’s sea turtle conservation efforts, last year’s nesting total was the third-highest since they began the program about 40 years ago.

Mote Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation

The Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program, founded at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has 35 miles of Sarasota and Manatee beaches in their care. Partnered with federal efforts to preserve sea turtles, Mote Marine Aquarium focuses primarily on loggerhead turtles, as the population in Sarasota is the highest on the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn About Sea Turtles at Mote Aquarium

If you want to get a more intimate look into the life of Sarasota’s sea turtles, go to Mote Aquarium for their exclusive sea turtle exhibit. You will learn all about sea turtle habits, endangerments, and Mote’s conservation efforts. Take a look at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, which treats hurt turtles and prepares them to continue their life in the wild. Visit their resident sea turtles, Hang Tough, Montego, Squirt 2, and Harry. These turtles sustained injuries which rendered them unable to survive on their own, but now spend their days relaxing as Mote’s signature residents.

Nesting Information and Photos

Coastal Wildlife Club, a non-profit run entirely by volunteers, takes care of the sea turtle nesting habitats stretching the coast from Caspersen Beach in Venice to Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood. Check out their Facebook page for more information on nesting and photos throughout the season.

 

Original Article Here

123›»