SARASOTA

Go...

• THE DARK SIDE read more ›
  (408 S Washington Blvd, Sarasota . Tel. 941-363-0840)
  www.darksidecomics.com
  Whether you're looking for the latest card game for the kids or just want to indulge your inner geek, this comic book and game store can help. It even has networked gaming consoles for immediate, head-to-head video game action.
• GEIER'S SAUSAGE KITCHEN read more ›
  (7447 S Tamiami Trail. Tel. 941-923-3004)
  www.geiers-sausage.com
  For more than two decades, this family-owned shop has sold the best wurst on Florida's Suncoast, along with a huge selection of imported German groceries. It also ships cross-country, if you need to fulfill a sausage fix back home.
• LOTUS read more ›
  (1451 Main St, Sarasota. Tel. 941-906-7080)
  www.lotussarasota.com
  This little boutique in quaint downtown Sarasota sells everything from comfy sweats and flip-flops to designer gowns. Look for beachy fashions from Betsey Johnson.

• LEBARGE TROPICAL CRUISES read more ›
  (2 Marine Plaza. Tel. 941-366-6116)
  www.lebargetropicalcruises.com
  You can't miss LeBarge cruising through Sarasota Bay thanks to the giant (real) palm trees jutting from the boat's roof. Dinner and drinks are provided, but the real draw is the gorgeous sunset. Also try the dolphin watch cruise, which is guided by a marine biologist who is an expert on the area's bottlenose dolphins.
• SARASOTA MUSIC FESTIVAL read more ›
  (709 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tel. 941-953-4252)
  www.sarasotaorchestra.org
  Now in its 45th year, this popular festival spotlights symphonic and chamber musicians from around the world. Eight concerts are free to the public. June 1-20.
• SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM AND BISHOP PLANETARIUM read more ›
  (201 10th St W, Bradenton. Tel. 941-746-4131)
  www.southfloridamuseum.org
  Bradenton's downtown museum is home to gigantic woolly mammoth skeletons, digital flicks about space exploration, and Snooty, the world's most famous manatee. It's like getting three museums in one fun package.

• THE HOB NOB DRIVE-IN read more ›
  (1701 N Washington Blvd. Tel. 941-955-5001)
  This classic diner has one of the best burgers in town. Eat at the picnic tables to rub elbows with locals, from city politicos to delivery drivers. $
• HICKORY HOLLOW BARBEQUE read more ›
  (4705 US Hwy 301 N, Ellenton. Tel. 941-722-3932)
  Florida doesn't have a barbecue style of its own, so area joints have become masters of the various Southern styles. Order Hickory Hollow's vinegary east Carolina-style smoked meat, or for a local treat, try the fried fish. $$
• MOZAIC read more ›
  (1377 Main St. Tel. 941-951-6272)
  www.mozaicsarasota.com
  This new downtown Sarasota restaurant has wowed locals with an elegant blend of American and Mediterranean food. Pair the tomato and goat cheese polenta gratin with one of more than 200 bottles of wine. $$$$

• BAHI HUT LOUNGE read more ›
  (4675 N Tamiami Trail. Tel. 941-355-5141)
  The notorious Bahi Hut has been Sarasota's favorite spot for strong beach drinks and fabulously dated Polynesian décor for decades. The Hurricane cocktail is limited to two per customer.
• PASTIMES PUB read more ›
  (6540 Superior Ave. Tel. 941-924-7782)
  www.myspace.com/pastimespub
  This bar and performance space is a great place to stop for a drink, but it's even better as a destination for live shows. Try to catch experimental rock-fusion band SOAP.

• EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES read more ›
  (2350 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers. Tel. 239-334-7419)
  www.efwefla.org
  See how America's most infl uential inventors vacationed at these historic estates. One of the first modern swimming pools (installed by Edison) and beautiful botanical gardens are on display.

This month...

Fun Fact!
The name Sarasota comes from "Zara Zote," which was found on original Spanish maps of the area.