**call to make reservations as soon as possible as restaurants in sarasota book quickly, and we will be "in season" for tourism**

Shore - a great brunch spot, 5 minutes drive just over the Ringling bridge on St Armands circle. Its got a modern coastal vibe and indoor/outdoor seating with a view of St Armands. Great spot for brunch or dinner and drinks.

Boca - a farm to table restaurant with a changing seasonal menu. One of our favorites for dinner as well. Walking distance from Art Ovation ( the wedding hotel)

Made - American comfort food, large open dining room. A longer walk or short drive from Wedding Venue.

First Watch - a local sarasota favorite for breakfast. My favorite here is the Floridian French Toast. They have a lot of healthy options as well, and recently started serving booze! Walking distance from the wedding venue.

Kojo - modern asian fusion restaurant with a great atmosphere and cocktail menu. Specializes in shareable plates but larger meal options available too. Jake and I love the bao buns! For drinks I love the lychee martini and Jake always gets the "black and gold"

El Melvin Cocina Mexicana - upbeat Mexican restaurant sometimes with a live DJ on the weekends. Great margaritas and tacos!

Selva Grill- Upscale Peruvian style restaurant, has a great lounge/bar on one side with tvs and a more formal dining area on the other side. Great food and drinks.

Mediterraneo - modern and classic Italian go-to spot. Wood-fired pizza oven and white tablecloths!

Cask & Ale - Contemporary spot with unique cocktails, small plates and live music! (also serves a great brunch) This is where Jake and I had our first date! Meet us here around 9:30 for drinks the night before the wedding!

State Street - A speakeasy style bar with an attached separate restaurant. Some of the best cocktails in town. They make a great old fashion and espresso martini.

Art Ovation Rooftop Bar - this a popular late night spot for drinks and live DJ. And its actually the location of our ceremony! Definitely check this place out if you're looking to keep partying after the reception!

Gator Club - always the go-to last stop of the night. Live bands downstairs and a DJ upstairs. A sarasota staple, owned by family friends of both the bride and groom. Likely where we will all end up after the wedding.

We apologize for getting married during football season (especially Jake lol). We both love college football and we hate missing the game, and we don't want you to either.

Brewsters - a great sports bar walking distance from the hotel. Jake and his buddies basically live here. Great food, drinks and a lot of TV's

Evie's Downtown - another sports bar within walking distance, great pizza and, again, a bunch of tvs.

Art Ovation Hotel Lounge - A large bar with this is where the cocktail hour will be and just outside the ballroom. We will request the hotel have the games on.

Lido Key Beach - about a 10 minute drive over the Ringling Bridge from Art Ovation Hotel. The are multiple places to rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards, you can frequently spot manatee and dolphins.

Try here www.kayakingsrq.com or google "kayak lido key"

Siesta Key Beach - once voted America's #1 Beach. About a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel, be sure bring towels/chairs. Close by is the Siesta Key Village which is another one of our favorite spots to hang out. It has restaurants, bars and multiple places with live music.

O'Leary's - a favorite on the water tiki bar. Grab some beers, a Pina colada or daiquiri and picnic table on the sand. Watch the sunset and all the dogs.