Sarasota is a Hidden Florida Treasure

The gracious city of Sarasota is a Florida treasure nestled on its central gulf coast shore. Looking west across the clear blue waters, you have a picture-perfect view of several small islands, and St. Armands Key is one of the loveliest. A short drive from the mainland across the bay takes you past historic homes straight to the heart of this unique locale. St. Armands Circle is the beautifully landscaped center of the key and home to elegant shops, outdoor cafes and fine hotels. The circle is a stroll past some of Sarasota’s finest examples of 1920s architecture, and it encompasses a lush park perfect for enjoying the Florida sunshine.

The key was originally purchased and developed by entertainment magnate John Ringling in 1917, and St. Armands Circle delights visitors with the Circus Ring of Fame. This equivalent to Hollywood’s famous sidewalk is a fascinating look at the history of the big top. The area is also known for its fabulous fudge and decadent home-made chocolates sold at designer dessert boutiques. However, be careful not to spoil your appetite because the finest dining is just a drive back across the bay. The family owned Caragiulos restaurant always welcomes you home to the mainland with the finest Italian-American cuisine in all of Sarasota.