Having moved to Sarasota, FL from Bismarck, ND just a few short months ago, I have discovered that it has much more to offer than the delightful sunshine and warmth for which I came. I would like to share some of those discoveries to try to persuade you it’s as great as I think it is!

Wonderful Weather
Okay, so the weather is not a new discovery, but it’s my favorite part! Sarasota’s average annual temperature is 73, with the average high between 82-83 and average low between 61-62. Oh – let’s not forget the best part about the weather: NO SNOW!! This means golf, tennis, fishing and boating all year long! To my northern friends: you know how you bundle up and brace yourself for the bitter air before you walk outside in the middle of winter? In Sarasota, it’s almost always warmer outside than inside. And that, my friends, makes me smile. As today marks the first day of Spring, northerners are waiting for the snow to melt while us Floridians are forgetting that the last three months were winter.

Beaches Galore!
Sarasota is home to award winning beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, including the 2017’s number one beach in America: Siesta Beach. Dr. Stephen Leatherman, perhaps better known as Dr. Beach, is Professor and Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University and has been reviewing and rating beaches and coastal areas around the world for 25 years. While there are 50 physical factors Dr. Beach uses to evaluate and rate the beaches, it is the sand that brings people from all over the world. According to Dr. Beach, “Siesta Beach boasts that it has some of the finest, whitest sand in the world.” I agree wholeheartedly. The white quartz sand never gets hot and it feels like you are walking on flour. It really is as beautiful as it sounds.
Dr. Beach

Something for Everyone
If you grow tired of sunbathing, relaxing, or reading a book on the beach, there are many art exhibits, museums, and farmer’s markets which adorn the city. Sarasota even houses its own ballet, opera, and orchestra.
Sarasota Ballet
Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Orchestra

Unique Attractions
You won’t find places like Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, or the Ringling Museum anywhere else.

The aquarium is home to 100 + marine life species, including a 135,000 gallon shark habitat and a chance to touch some sting rays. A leader in marine research, Mote has more than 30 Ph.D. scientists conducting groundbreaking research with a focus on how to help our oceans heal and continue to thrive. You can even see them at work in their viewable laboratories.
Mote Aquarium

With 13 acres of more than 20,000 greenhouse plants and outdoor gardens, Selby Gardens is a tropical oasis on Sarasota’s bay front which makes it a popular backdrop for weddings and other events. Experience the beauty of the colorful Butterfly Garden, examine the complex weave of stems and roots while you stroll through the Mangrove Walkway, or discover treetop living and cave  exploration in the Children’s Rainforest Garden.
Selby Gardens

Ringling Museum, yes – of the Ringling Brothers Circus fame, has so much to see that one day may not be enough to get through it all! After traveling Europe for nearly 25 years, John and Mable Ringling hired famous New York architect, Dwight James Baum, to design their opulent 36,000 square foot mansion to mirror the Venetian Gothic style of the palazzi in Venice, Italy. With five stories and a full basement, their home soon became an architectural treasure. After Mable passed, John opened their 31 gallery museum, filled with their extensive collections of art and antiquities spanning from the late middle ages to the 19^th century, to the public. He left his entire estate to the state of Florida in the event of his death. Opened to the public in 1946 and completely restored between 1996-2002, visitors can tour the home, wander through galleries, or check out the collection of original circus costumes, props, posters, and John and Mable’s ostentatious travel car, the Wisconsin, in the Circus Museum.
Ringling Museum

Let’s get Physical
Looking for something more active? With all the water around here, water sports and activities are pretty much endless. Kayak or paddleboard through the mangrove tunnels at Ted Sperling Park. Sail, row, jet ski or swim in the gulf or one of Sarasota’s rivers. Walk, hike, or bike through one of the many parks and trails. Golf one of Sarasota’s 32 golf courses, including the Championship Stadium Course, TPC Prestancia which once hosted golf greats such as Arnold Palmer and Lee Trevino.

Bodacious Restaurants
Sarasota has 1000+ restaurants, including waterfront, dog friendly, seafood, vegetarian, desserts, coffee & tea, and just about any regional cuisine you can think of. From award winning fine dining to the local favorite hidden gems, you’re sure to find something to suit your palette.

The Fun Doesn’t Stop There
Cap off your day by exploring Sarasota’s exciting nightlife scene including film festivals, live comedy, music, and entertainment as well as a plentiful supply of bars/pubs/clubs/lounges/saloons/taverns (whichever type you fancy).

I could go on and on about why I love Sarasota and all of the exciting things to do here, but this is my first blog and I’m not ready to write a novel.