You may be familiar with the legendary beaches on the western shores of Sarasota, Florida—so white and pristine they win awards and exclamations of sheer wonder.

However did you know about 20 fruitful farms throughout Sarasota County balance beach with breadbasket? Raising everything from herbs, citrus and veggies to honeybees and fish, many farms welcome visitors to tour, shop and even pluck their own groceries.

They benefit visitors and residents alike in another important way. The farms keep the area’s bounty of farmers’ markets and restaurants well stocked with fresh ingredients, which local chefs turn into the most scrumptious culinary creations.

The Sarasota area has a five-star reputation for its wide variety of excellent, owner-operated restaurants. They range in style from hearth-cooked Amish meals and continental cuisine to new American creativity and ethnicity that embraces Latin, Italian, Peruvian and Asian influences. Many dining establishments blend into Sarasota’s world-class shopping scenes. Many excel in serving up fresh seafood from local waters.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals organizes more than 50 local restaurants, which promote the “eat local” movement. A majority of the restaurants participate every year in Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week, which runs for two weeks—this year June 1–14—and entices visitors and residents to taste-drive the great variety with specially discounted prix-fixe menus.

Travel Planner

For more information, download the Sarasota Agricultural Guide at visitsarasota.org/_assets/dynamic_media/media_bank/ESAR-Ag-Brochure.pdf
or log onto: Visit Sarasota: visitsarasota.org

Sarasota-Manatee Originals: dineoriginal.com

Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week: savorsarasota.com