Gourmet Market
Morton’s Market
Publix, Whole Foods
Morton’s is as beloved for its specialty foodstuffs and take-out cases stuffed with freshly made goodies as it is for pizza, wine, cheese—and a bakery that churns out gorgeous fruit tarts and chocolate cakes. Is it lunchtime yet?

Bakery
Publix
C’est La Vie, Morton’s
At the Publix bakery, they mix, knead, decorate, frost and display the biggest variety of first-rate baked goods in town.

Restaurant Service
Fleming’s
Mattison’s City Grille, Vernona
For an exceptional dining experience, the service must be as top-notch as the food. The Fleming’s waitstaff has mastered this subtle but exacting art, cosseting you with comfort and anticipating your every need.

Ice Cream Store
Kilwin’s
Big Olaf, Coldstone Creamery
True confession: We’ve been known to down a slice or two of super-rich homemade fudge while waiting in line for a scoop of Kilwin’s mocha chip ice cream at the popular St. Armands confectioner.

Arts, Entertainment & Sports

Performing Arts Group
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Ballet
The Asolo’s season started with a bang, with the world premiere of Broadway-bound A Tale of Two Cities. Now New York will know, as we have for years, the brilliance of our longtime theatrical mainstay.

Local Actor or Actress
Carolyn Michel
Cliff Roles, Elex Bornett
Michel has played immigrant mothers, sophisticated ladies, Holocaust survivors, spinster schoolteachers, acerbic writers and even a dog. Offstage she’s a dedicated supporter of philanthropic causes and special event producer. When does she sleep?

Black-tie Event
UnGala
Oceanic Evening, Orchid Ball, Florida Winefest Party
The magic of the illuminated Ringling Museum courtyard at night…the sight of 1,000 or so fashionistas wearing their finest…the creative “theme” surprises…no wonder no one wants to go home the night of UnGala.

Place to Work Out
YMCA
Gold’s Gym, Lifestyles
Sure, the Y is bright and clean and the equipment is first-rate. But it’s the good this longtime charitable leader has done for so many Sarasota kids and families that builds your community spirit while you build your bod.

Festival or Special Event
Sarasota Film Festival
Arts Day/Night, Florida Winefest & Auction
The little film festival that could has, over the past 10 years, made a name for itself far and wide, while giving us new movies to watch, star-gazing opportunities and even helping young filmmakers get their start.

Place to Watch a Performance
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, Sarasota Opera House
In a town full of stages, the Van Wezel remains the cultural centerpiece, the place where you thrill to the dance/illusions of Momix, the passion of Rent or the exuberance of Patti LaBelle.

Place for Live Music
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Ca d’Zan Lounge, Gator Club, Mattison’s City Grille, 5 O’Clock Club
The Big Purple brings us world-class symphonies, Japanese drummers, top-flight jazz and Broadway musical hits. Oh, and operettas, pop stars and chamber ensembles, too. (Hard rock: not so much.) And FridayFests on the Bay go one better; they’re free.

Place to Play Tennis
University Park Country Club
Bath & Racquet Club, The Colony
The members at UPCC love their beautiful tennis courts…and their top-ranked pros…and their fully equipped fitness center…and their relaxing massage therapy. Darn it, why aren’t we members?

Place to Play Golf
University Park Country Club
Founders Club, Palm-Aire Country Club
Not just any 18 holes here—27, designed by famous golf course architect Ron Garl. Old oaks, shimmering lakes, challenging play—and the outdoor café offers a lovely view of it all, even if you don’t get into the game.

Museum
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
G.WIZ, Mote Aquarium
The Ringling has always been one of our crown jewels, but with its beautiful new gallery wing, a top-drawer restaurant and the refurbished Historic Asolo Theater, it’s now a 21st-century art phenomenon. Join so you can visit as often as you like.