Presenting

38 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE N WHERE TO EAT Drunken Poet: Diversify your palate with the Sexy Man or decorative Lobster Roll, just two of the items on Drunken Poet's Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar's vast menu. Presentation is every- thing at this restaurant. drunkenpoetsarasota.com WHAT TO DO Capture the true island experience at O'Leary's Tiki Bar and Grill on Sarasota's bayfront. Live music daily, casual fare with a catch of the day and full bar, O'Leary's is the perfect place to relax and socialize. olearystikibar.com PLACES TO STAY Hotel Indigo This boutique hotel has all of the amenities of a mainstream estab- lishment, but offers a more intimate experi- ence. Hotel Indigo is walking distance from Sarasota's ar ts and enter tainment district. hotelindigo.com DOWNTOWN SARASOTA D est inat ion Nestled amid the breathtaking views of the Gulf, the Ringling Bridge and Sarasota Bay, downtown Sarasota is defined by open-air cafes and restaurants and live music. is beautiful waterfront town is reminiscent of the south of France with its cultural panache and warm, intimate appeal. With very few national chains on popular Main Street, it isn't unusual for patrons to receive personal service from establishment owners. Individual boutiques decorate the retail corridor and showcase many rare finds. As the cultural capital of Southwest Florida, Sarasota is home to some of the region's best opera, theater and music productions. From the Sarasota Opera where seasonal shows include renditions of Puccini and Verdi, to the world famous Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall that welcomes acclaimed international acts, the entertainment district radiates with energy. Intimate venues set the stage for eclectic, local talent in areas such as the Rosemary District while the Burns Court Cinema is the perfect place to watch the latest releases of independent and foreign films. Sophisticated St. Armands Circle is an epicenter for outdoor shopping with downtown's Marina Jack offering the finest in waterside dining. Mote Marine Laboratory, Selby Botanical Gardens and Lido Beach are appealing for family excursions, and spacious bayfront parks are pet friendly places for leisure. Downtown Sarasota is welcoming some exciting new developments—Sansara, e Vue and e Infinity— three modern luxury condominiums that will electrify the city's skyline over the next two years. With so many live, work and play opportunities, downtown Sarasota is making its mark as a cosmopolitan, multipurpose destination. The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is a favorite for its impeccable service and Beach Club on Lido Key.

• Cover