Date Archives: January 2022

Whether you're a foodie hunting for the best-hidden gems around Sarasota and Manatee, or you're just looking for a great place to grab a quick bite at lunch, local food trucks are an excellent option for finding unique, handcrafted fare. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on some of the best food trucks in the area.

Sarasota County Food Trucks

• Fire Tacos – 886 S. Packinghouse Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
  Tacos are always a favorite for food truck connoisseurs, and Fire Tacos offers some of the best tacos that you'll find near Sarasota homes for sale. You'll often find this truck posted up on Packinghouse Road, serving up authentic Mexican fare with ingredients that are as fresh as it gets.
  
  
• Polpo Pizza Co. – Sarasota Farmers Market & Phillipi Farmhouse Market
  When you're in the mood for a great slice, Polpo Pizza Co. has you covered with their award-winning wood-fired pizza. You'll find this food truck at the Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday and the Phillipi Farmhouse Market every Wednesday.
  
  
• Spice Boys Kitchen – Various Locations Around Sarasota County
  Sample the flavors of the Middle East, expertly prepared by chefs Steven Schmitt and Carl Kolber at Spice Boys Kitchen. They set up shop all around Sarasota County and beyond, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest schedule.
  
  
• Peachey's Baking Company – 5500 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
  After you sample some great pizza at Phillipi Farmhouse Market, why not enjoy something sweet for dessert? Peachey's Baking Company can be found at the market every Wednesday and at other farmers markets around Sarasota County during the rest of the week. The doughnuts here are crafted with old family recipes and are well worth the trip on their own.

Manatee County Food Trucks

• River Road Stop – 131 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212
  Have a craving for some proper barbecue near Bradenton homes for sale? The River Road Stop is sure to satisfy, with a menu full of sandwiches, sides, and barbecue goodness. Since this is a semi-permanent location, there are also picnic tables set up so that you can enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
  
  
• Dona Betty Tacos – 6285 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
  Consistently one of the top-rated food trucks in the area, Dona Betty Tacos has earned its reputation by serving delicious tacos for dinner and late-night snacks in Bradenton. You will often find this truck near the Wells Fargo on 14th Street, serving up fully loaded tacos that you won't want to miss.
  
  
• Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering – 4927 96th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34211
  Burgers, finger foods, and perfectly fried sides are always on the menu at the Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering food truck, which you can frequently find near Palmetto homes for sale. Stop by during the big holidays for special menus, or check out the permanent Traveling Kitchen brick-and-mortar location for a sit-down meal.
  
  
• Parrish Cuban Grill – 8304 US-301 N., Ellenton, FL 34221
  There are some great food trucks near Ellenton homes for sale as well, including the very popular Parrish Cuban Grill. As the name suggests, this food truck offers up authentic Cuban fare for lunch and dinner. They are often set up in the Parrish Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to visit your favorite food trucks and so much more? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout SWFL communities.

If you live in Sarasota, FL, you're lucky to experience the area's amazing weather, abundant recreational opportunities, and countless family-friendly destinations. You'll also find numerous special events that cater to nearly every interest, whether you're a baseball fan or are searching for the perfect antique.

Our real estate agents suggest checking out the following events coming to Sarasota in 2022:

• The Simon & Garfunkel Story - Feb. 12, 2022 - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 
  The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an immersive, concert-style theater show that tells the story of the folk-rock duo using a full live band and state-of-the-art video projection and lighting. It takes you through their history, starting with their beginnings as Tom & Jerry and culminating with "The Concert in Central Park" in 1981 with over half a million fans. Along the way, you'll be treated to such hits as "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Mrs. Robinson," "Homeward Bound," and more.
  
  
• Sarasota Audubon Society Guided Walks: The Celery Fields, Second Mondays - Feb. 14, and Mar. 14, 2022 - Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240
  Join bird experts Peter Brown and Kelley Berkey on a Sarasota Audubon Society Guided Walk in The Celery Fields. The 400-plus acre site is owned by Sarasota County and is on the Great Florida Birding Trail, so you're likely to see many species along the way. Over 200 species of birds have been identified at The Celery Fields. Walkers and bird-watchers should meet at the Raymond Road Boardwalk and then proceed on the walk.
  
  
• The Sarasota FL Antiques Show - Feb. 26-27, 2022 - Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
  If you love antiques, you won't want to miss The Sarasota FL Antiques Show, where you'll be able to shop inside in an elegant, comfortable atmosphere. Over 50 national and regional exhibitors will have smaller wares displayed in showcases and larger pieces such as furniture attractively arranged so you can appreciate them up close. You'll be able to see and buy fine antiques as well as decorative and fine arts from ancient times to the 20th century.
  
  
• 33rd Annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival - Feb. 24-27, 2022 - Venice Airport Festival Grounds, 610 Airport Ave. E., Venice, FL 34285
  You know an event is going to be fun when it's been an annual event for over 30 years! Head over to the Venice Airport Festival Grounds for the 33rd Annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival. The festival put on by the Italian American Club of Venice has live entertainment, carnival rides, and of course fantastic food! Be sure to stop by after looking at Venice homes for sale.
   
• Baltimore Orioles MLB Spring Training - starting Feb. 26, 2022 - Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota, FL 34237
  When Major League Baseball starts spring training in 2022, they'll have 15 teams playing in Florida's Grapefruit League and taking advantage of the area's great weather. Teams include the Baltimore Orioles, who play their home games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota. Games offer a fun, relaxed way to see your favorite MLB players, as well as some promising minor leaguers who are trying to break into the major leagues. 

Contact us if you'd like to see Sarasota homes for sale or Bradenton homes for sale. Established in 1939, we've earned a reputation for providing professional, personal service. We live and work in the community and would love to help you with your real estate transactions. 

Our real estate agents want to introduce you to the taste of Sarasota!

Florida is known for its excellent seafood, but that is only the beginning. No matter if you are exploring Sarasota homes for sale, going with Bradenton homes for sale, or looking elsewhere in the area, you are sure to enjoy this region's food culture.

While all your favorite chains are represented, unique chef-led restaurants are a big part of what makes Sarasota special. These run the gamut from small, family-owned eateries – often in historic buildings – to acclaimed locales led by some of the most famous chefs in the world.

As a result, the flavors of Sarasota incorporate influences from all across the globe. With such a strong blend between local community restaurants and celebrity chefs who come to the city to show they've made it big, there's an endless array of options for you to savor.

Let's take a closer look at some prime Sarasota picks:

• The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies – 1919 Morrill Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
  The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies has been described as a dining experience nothing short of being transported to Europe. With a dining room that exudes careful attention to detail in the spirit of continental European elegance, it is one of the top fine dining event venues in Sarasota. 
  
  
• Michael's on East – 1212 East Avenue South, Sarasota, FL 34239
  Michael's on East is "top of the line" all the way, starting with one of the most auspicious domain names in dining ("bestfood.com") and following through with world-class food and guest experience. Whether you are looking for a full three-course dinner, desserts like the chocolate peppermint torte and layered pumpkin kiss, or a relaxing time in the lounge, Michael's on East will never disappoint.
  
  
• Euphemia Haye – 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
  Euphemia Haye features both a lounge and a dedicated dessert room that has received high praise from the local culinary press. The lounge was converted into a relaxed "bachelor pad" atmosphere, as it was the former owner's apartment. The dessert lounge allows you to view the complete selection of daily fresh-baked pastries and other delights before you select the one that's right for you.
  
  
• Indigenous Restaurant – 239 South Links Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Indigenous Restaurant is a seasonal American eatery focused on the freshest local ingredients with the lowest environmental impact. It emphasizes sustainable seafood with a carefully designed supply chain that empowers local fishermen, artisans, and farmers. As a result, the menu can change as frequently as twice a week, and there's always a delicious new delicacy for you to try.
  
  
• The Old Salty Dog – 1601 B. Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
  With three locations across Sarasota and Venice, The Old Salty Dog is a popular selection for authentic Floridian family dining and fun. The menu has a little bit of everything, from starters to soups and salads, sandwiches, dogs and burgers, and food baskets. The homemade crab dip, lobster roll, firecracker wrap, and Caribbean jerk tacos are just a few of the favorites.

The culinary scene is one of the many draws of living in the Sarasota area. Contact us today to learn more about what Sarasota has to offer.

Centrally located with easy access to the Gulf, Sarasota Bay, and a wide variety of local waterways, Siesta Key is a sailor's dream. Whether you're new to sailing with a desire to learn the ropes or you've been spending time on the water for decades, you'll feel right at home with the sailing community in Southwest Florida. Ready to set sail into a new year? Our real estate agents have the details on all that you can look forward to when sailing near Siesta Key in 2022.

If you love spending time around the water, then the beaches and waterways near Siesta Key homes for sale offer endless opportunities for your outdoor excursions. As a barrier island, Siesta Key offers easy access to the water, along with a collection of outstanding marinas where you can ensure that your sailboat is always ready for your next adventure.

• Learning to Sail
  New to sailing and excited about living in a community where you can pursue a new passion for spending time on the water? Many of the marinas and sailing charter companies around Siesta Key offer excellent educational programs that can teach you everything you need to know to enjoy life on the water. Build your skills with classes for all experience levels, learn the specifics of navigating local waterways, and get certified to pilot a wide variety of watercraft.
  
  
• Local Marinas
  Siesta Key is also a welcoming place for anyone who already owns a watercraft or is shopping for a new one. There are countless local marinas that help you keep your craft in top shape and provide a place to set sail whenever you please. And it's not just about maintenance or convenience. Many local marinas are home to vibrant communities that make it easy to connect with other sailing enthusiasts.
  
  
• Easy Access to the Water on Bayou Louise
  Marinas are great, but what about when you want to set sail from a dock in your backyard? Bayou Louise, which runs through the northern edge of Siesta Key, is a protected waterway that provides easy access to Sarasota Bay and tons of other local waterways. If you're shopping for a home that makes it easy to spend time on the water, the area around Bayou Louise is the perfect place to start.
  
  
• Tons of Nearby Waterways to Explore
  One of the great things about living in Siesta Key is that it's centrally located near so many other great coastal communities and waterways. You're likely to spend plenty of time on nearby Sarasota Bay as you pass by Sarasota homes for sale. Then there's the scenic Manatee River, which runs past Bradenton homes for sale and provides access to tons of smaller waterways along the coast. There are multiple smaller bays to explore before you reach Tampa Bay, and of course, the Gulf of Mexico is always waiting for you.
  
  
• Beaches, Fresh Seafood, and So Much More
  There's plenty to enjoy when you're on solid ground around Siesta Key as well, with all of the attractions that you'd expect from a coastal Florida community and so much more. Needless to say, the beaches are pristine, the local, waterfront seafood restaurants are second to none, and the sunsets are so spectacular that you'll want to watch them every single evening.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to enjoy time on the water around Siesta Key? Our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Siesta Key, FL area.