Even dwellers of a beach paradise occasionally long for somewhere more Edenic, which is why we love this picture of a monarch butterfly at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Photo Copyright: David L. Fimbres For even more ways to get Sarasota Magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on Twitter.

Every Saturday morning at Lemon and Main Street, downtown Sarasota abounds with a vibrant array of fresh produce, flowers, and delectable treats. These eggplants, peppers and potatoes were beautifully captured by Jennifer Tilton at Sarasota Farmer’s Market.   For even more ways to get Sarasota Magazine, become a fan on Facebook or follow @SarasotaMagazin on [...]

Still scrambling to buy Valentine’s Day gifts? Osprey Avenue lingerie store Sea Cup and Up has a great selection of last-minute gifts for men and women. If you are looking to inspire romance, they offer fine lingerie for women and boxers and briefs for men. And for gifts of a more platonic nature, the shop [...]

Say it with us: chocolate. It makes the perfect gift any time of year, but especially around Valentine’s Day—and if you’ve got a chocolate lover in your life, we’ve got a list of sweet spots that will satisfy even the most intense craving (and secure your place in his or heart as the best Valentine [...]

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we were happy to stumble upon Victoria Blooms, a new flower shop that’s one of a slew of new businesses opening in downtown Sarasota. The shop creates one-of-a-kind bouquets with names like Black Magic Woman and Blushing Beauty, and if you are feeling like a grand romantic gesture [...]

Sigrid Olsen’s art gallery in Burns Square is currently featuring a collection of Valentines that puts Hallmark cards to shame. The designs are made from hand-carved block prints and watercolors in playful hues of pink, orange, green and blue that evoke a relaxed, island lifestyle. Olsen’s cards couple charming artistic designs with brief messages from [...]

Begin your romantic Valentine’s Day evening with the Bella-Tini, available at Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar for $9.95. If going out is not on the agenda, we’re giving you the recipe for a sweet toast to your Valentine at home. Ingredients: 1 oz Belvedere vodka .25 oz Peach Schnapps 1 oz peach puree .25 oz [...]

Have you noticed the eclectic row of sculptures that have been gracing Sarasota Bayfront since last November? Sarasota Season of Sculpture installed them as a part of their sixth exhibition, Under Azure Skies, and we are excited to announce a photo contest where you get to be the star next to your favorite sculpture. The [...]

Thought Sarasota’s wildlife was confined to squawking seagulls and the occasional sea turtle? Think again. Michael Skelton photographed this gorgeous owl out in Myakka State Park, a treasure trove for bird enthusiasts and plant lovers alike. Have you spotted any unusual wildlife in Sarasota lately? Tell us about it!