LeBarge Tropical Cruises
2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-6116
Looking for a fun booze cruise? This local boat tour departs once in the afternoon and once in the evening. Lots of fun and possible dolphin sightings all while sipping on a tropical beverage of your choice.
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-953-7508
POST HURRICANE UPDATE: It might not be open :)
O’Leary’s is the only waterfront bar and grill on the water in downtown Sarasota. The live music, strong tropical cocktails and views of Sarasota Bay are amazing. Enjoy a Mai Tai or Daiquiri of your choosing and soak up the Florida sun!
CB's Saltwater Outfitters
1249 Stickey Point Road Siesta Key, FL 34242
941-349-4400
Rent a boat, charter a fishing expedition, parasail, take a sunset cruise, rent a jet ski or get some active Florida wear all in one place! Before joining a local boat club, Patrick and Emma would rent a boat from CB’s (as seen in this picture with Captain Jolly and first mate Anna) all the time!
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72 Sarasota, FL 34241
941-361-6511
Looking for an outdoorsy experience? Schedule a boat tour, bird watch, camp, fish (you will need a license to do this!) or hike 38+ miles at this beautiful state park. If your dying to see a gator, Myakka is your best bet to cross that off your bucket list. Patrick and Emma took Paula, Patrick’s mom, go the park in 2021 and we saw all the alligator!
Owen's Fish Camp
516 Burns Court #7030 Sarasota, FL 34236
941-951-6936
This is hands down Patrick and Emma’s favorite local eatery. Between the live music, the backyard, the drinks and the food, Owen’s is a MUST when visiting Sarasota.
Pangea Alchemy Lab
1564 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 870-5555
You might have a difficult time finding this hidden Sarasota gem, but if you do - don't pass this up. If you enjoy unique cocktails, intimate settings and delicious small plates, this is the place for you. Emma's cousin Jenny bought her this cocktail, yes that plant is a cocktail! From drinks that look like carrots, to alcoholic cereal and more, Pangea is a hole-in-the-wall that you will remember forever!
St. Armand's Circle
Treat yourself! St. Armand’s Circle has it all. An array of shops, restaurants, salons and spas all exist on the circle.
Emma loves the Columbia’s signature salad, Shore’s cocktails (and truffle fries) and Speak’s gluten free pasta. Patrick loves the Blue Dolphin Cafe chicken sandwich, a cold pint from Lynch’s Pub and Tommy Bahama’s ribs. All the food in the circle is great (aside from Cha Cha Coconuts)! But it doesn’t stop at salty or sweet treats.
The shopping is incredible and there really is something for everyone on the circle.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731
Sarasota’s own botanical garden site right on Sarasota Bay! With spectacular rotating exhibits, historical references, an abundance of amazing local florals and plants and a delicious food court, this is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. Patrick and Emma brought their moms to the orchid exhibit!
Cruisin' Tiki Tours
Siesta Key North Bridge
941-253-5404
Emma took Patrick and our friends Meghan, Emma, Amy and Scott out on the Cruisin’ Tiki Tours for his 29th birthday and man, was it a blast. Highly recommend for those who don’t get sea sick! A completely different and fun way to sea’s the day.
Siegfried's Restaurant and German Biergarten
1869 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 330-9330
Emma, who lived in Cologne, Germany in 2011, loves German food almost as much as Patrick and Siegfried's is the best in Sarasota. Plus the owners, who are originally from the area where Emma taught and lived, are the nicest people in town. Enjoy delicious food in the Biergarten or dine inside the quaint restaurant that makes you feel right at home.
Siesta Key Beach
948 Beach Road Sarasota, FL 34242
This public beach has been named the top beach for numerous years in a row! The sand is unlike any other sand your toes have ever felt. Located minutes from Siesta Key’s strip of restaurants, bars and shops! Remember your suntan lotion.
The Bazaar On Apricot & Lime
821 Apricot Avenue Sarasota, FL 34237
941-445-1938
Do you love collecting unique art? Local artists flock to The Bazaar and sell everything from kitchen accessories to flowers to prints to plant holders to vintage collectibles, drawings, jewelry and more! Plus they have a delicious food truck outside for vegans and meat eaters alike.
The Old Salty Dog
1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 388-4311
Whenever Patrick and Emma have a guest come into town, one of their first stops is the Old Salty Dog on City Island. The food might be your typically fried food and it might be a tourist trap, but the view is priceless. Almost without fail, Patrick always gets the Boom Boom wrap with grouper and Emma is a BIG fan of their specialty cocktails.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum
5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243
941-359-5700
Includes entry to the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Bayfront Gardens, plus a self-guided walk-through of the 1st floor of Ca’d’Zan.
The Westin Sarasota
100 Marina View Drive Sarasota, FL 34236
941-217-4777
The Westin Sarasota has a stunning rooftop bar where you can oversee all of the city, keys, bay and Gulf. Emma’s Maid of Honor, Seester, Maddie and Patrick went and had a memorable happy hour to watch the sunset.
Sarasota Farmers Market
N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 225-9256
If you are staying through the weekend and want insight to some of the best locally grown produce on the Gulf Coast, walk down to the Sarasota Farmer's Market. There is everything from empanadas, to fresh coconut waters to beef jerky and some of the best coffee around. Emma and Patrick hit up the Dairy Free Creamery stand every time they go.
Spice Station
1438 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 343-2894
If you are staying at Sarasota Modern, or any hotel downtown, and are craving a delicious Thai meal...look no further. Emma can't help but get the sushi and a Thai tea while Patrick could gobble up literally anything on the menu. This small and quaint restaurant is located in the Rosemary District and steps away from downtown!
Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, USA
(941) 921-4605
You'll either need a car or will need to get an uber but it won't disappoint - Patrick's sister Anna can confirm. Get the crab or the seasonal fish with two sides, an iced cold drink and enjoy this dive of a good time.
Bayfront Park
5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
(941) 263-6386
Between grabbing drinks at O'Leary's, treating yourself to a nice dinner at Marina Jack's or stepping off of the Booze Cruise, take a walk around the Bayfront Park. Patrick & Emma spend many Saturday's here cruising around on the boat! People watching at its finest while taking in a sunrise or sunset - it doesn't get any better. The couple also had some of their engagement photos taken here!
