Jamie & Darion
Exploring Sarasota
Coffee: Buddy Brew Coffee
A coffee shop with a dog as it's mascot? Say LESS! Check out this super cute coffee shop within steps of our hotel. Great for coffee and breakfast!
breakfast/lunch: Palm Avenue Deli
Not your typical deli in any sense! This cute, slightly boujee breakfast and lunch spot has bagels, incredible sandwiches, and plenty of other yum options. Jamie & Mama Ross love the "Rachel." Just note it's a little on the pricier side, but we'd say it's worth it.
lunch/dinner: Clasico Italian Chophouse
Brunch, lunch, dinner - Clasico does it all, and it's delish! If you're feeling fun, Clasico also turns into a bumpin' bar after 10. Fun fact: This spot used to be a local bookstore where little Jamie and her mom would go every weekend to find new books and snack on pastries.
dinner: KOJO
If you're looking to walk <1 block from the hotel - look no further! Kojo is an upscale, lovely restaurant offering Asian-inspired small plates (think: Asian-fusion tapas) and we've loved everything we've tried!
dinner: Sage
You know how every city has at least one hot "new American" spot? Sage proudly fills that role for Sarasota - it's quickly become a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Dinner: Beso
Spanish tapas, beautiful airy dining room - our local friends say this is some of the best food in town!
Drinks & Bites: Bar Hana
Super cute tiki vibes nestled in between some of the best restaurants, and an easy walk from the hotel.
Drinks & speakeasy: Pangea Alchemy Lab
If you're looking for the local hidden speakeasy that's always whipping up some stellar cocktails, look no further than Pangea. But also, look closely because the door is lowkey hard to find!
dinner: Bijou Garden Cafe
Beautiful, elegant staple with delicious food - this spot has been around as long as we can remember and never misses. The vibes are upscale and timeless.
Lunch/Dinner Waterfront: Marina Jack
This restaurant is a quick 10 min walk from most downtown hotels and is perfectly placed in the heart of one of Sarasota's best marinas. It includes everything from casual deck seating directly on the water, to more formal dining upstairs with floor to ceiling windows. It's also right next to Bayfront Park (see more on that below).
Waterfront Stroll: Bayfront Park
This beautiful park sits on a little peninsula and is ~10 minute walk from the hotel. As you stroll through, you'll see Marina Jack with beautiful boats on one side and the bay on the other side. The park has an awesome playground, bench swings (for those of us who are still kids at heart), and a fun Tiki bar if you're feeling a little thirsty.
Shopping & Dining: St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is one of our favorite spots to stroll, grab dinner and a drink and shop! Most of the restaurants on this circle are winners, and the shops are lovely - it's gives boujee island town vibes in our opinion! This area is about 5-10 minute uber from downtown, a 14 minute bike ride, or a beautiful 45-55 min walk. If you're staying at Art Ovation, you're booking also includes bikes (win!!).
Beach: Lido beach
Art Ovation includes a free shuttle service to the beach, and provides you all the essentials such as towels, beach chairs and a cooler! From downtown, Lido is the easiest beach to get to although there's plenty of options.