We parked for free in their large multi level parking garage and paid $28 pp admission. We were…read moregiven maps and information about the Calder exhibit. It was a beautiful day, just perfect to wander around outdoors.We were directed to start at the mansion which was filled with information and drawings from Alexander Calder. We then followed the path around the gardens. Every flower and every shrub had an identifying name. The gardens were spectacular with lots of places to sit, clean bathrooms, and a café along the way. Most of the visitors that we passed were over 80 & were eager to share what cold location they were visiting from. We wandered through the desert, tropical gardens, through the children's rainforest ... admiring statues and moving Calder mobiles on the way. The paths, flora, statues & mobiles were well marked. I understand that the vegetables, fruit and herbs serve served in the restaurant. Restaurant and Cafe are all grown on the rooftop garden.i took so many beautiful photographs here! Selby Gardens is a tropical, urban oasis of over 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries, connecting people with native flora and regional history. The gardens include the Downtown Campus on Sarasota Bay & the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, and ferns. The Historic Spanish Point (HSP) Campus is located less than 10 miles south along Little Sarasota Bay, one of the largest preserves showcasing native Florida plants.

We spent maybe 90 minutes at the gardens, which are currently featuring sculptures and drawings by…read moreartist Alexander Calder. Calder is most famous for his use of primary colors, and for his mobiles. This exhibit, "Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement" ends May 31, 2026. Calder's connection with Sarasota is mainly through sketches he made of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, which was based in Sarasota. Portions of the gardens are under construction, but most areas along the water are open. There wasn't much in bloom during our visit. Admission is not cheap ($28 per adult, $12 for children 5-17) but we were able to get in for free using the reciprocal arrangement from our membership at another botanical garden. Garage parking is free, and there's an elevator.

A beautiful wedding venue that is right on the water! I attended an April wedding here, and I was…read moreblown away about the beauty of this venue. To get to the venue, you have to drive through a university's campus... there was tons on construction going on. Once you get to the estate, there isn't a sign saying you are at the estate. The only sign there is, is the one from the street. This and the parking lot situation were the only two things that I wasn't a fan of. Everything else was absolutely stunning. Our bride had her ceremony under beautiful trees, and the whole back lawn was decorated with tables, bar tops, photo booths, and a marquee sign. There were two bars, one under the gazebo and one under the trees, so there wasn't congestion there. There was tons of space to walk around and spread out. Such a picture worthy venue. It photographs extremely well. For the reception, we sat at tables right by the water. It wasn't too hot because of the nice breeze and sitting out at sunset was priceless. The bride didn't have anything set up inside, but you could go in there if you wanted. A beautiful spot for a destination/beach vibe wedding.

I attended a wedding here a couple days ago and the venue is absolutely stunning and beautiful! The…read morereception was under a tent and it was perfect with the sunset and no rain. Inside the estate, there are a few bathrooms and a separate room just for the bride. There were approximately 130 people and didn't feel crowded at all. Definitely would recommend this place if you are planning any events!

This is the best place in Florida. I have been in n Tea Rooms in both the states and Europe…read more The enchanting experience begins as you past through the wooden gateway into the garden. You are surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants creating a wonderful world away from the busyness of everyday life. The cottage is in the middle the secret garden. The interior creates a whimsical mood that will enchant you and take you back in time. Each course is carefully crafted to your liking and can be adapted to meet the needs of food allergies. The service is spot on and the 1:1 attention to detail will leave you wanting to return with more friends. The owner is simply enchanting and will make you feel like royalty. I certainly plan on returning for more adventures. Thank you for making my mother's birthday just perfect!

Just... wow! Bear with me through this long review, but it deserves every single praise it's given!…read more Once you step through the door of this magical hideaway, you'll find yourself transported to a realm where time slows, and every sip of tea feels like a gentle whisper from an old, beloved storybook. The moment you enter, you are embraced by a cascade of twinkling fairy lights that shimmer like stardust against a twilight sky. Fresh flowers bloom in every corner, their sweet fragrance mingling with the comforting aroma of steeping tea and freshly baked cakes. The menu is a delightful symphony of flavors, with each dish crafted as if by fairy hands. The tea sandwiches are dainty yet satisfying, their ingredients so fresh they seem to have been gathered from a mystical garden just moments before. The salads are vibrant and bursting with life, each leaf and garnish adding to the overall tapestry of flavors. And, of course, the cakes! The cakes are tiny works of art, each bite a burst of sweetness that leaves you floating on clouds of pure bliss. Even the soups, served in charming little teacups, are more than just a meal--they are comfort and warmth, a gentle embrace on a slow afternoon. Each spoonful is like a chapter in a story you never want to end. In this enchanting restaurant, you don't just dine--you dream. Every moment here feels like a stolen piece of a fairy tale, and you'll find yourself lingering, not wanting to break the spell. Whether you come alone to sip tea and read by the soft glow of the fairy lights or with friends to share laughter over a tray of delicate sandwiches, you'll leave with your heart a little lighter and your spirit a little brighter. To say that the owner of this enchanting establishment is just as magical as the place she's created would be an understatement. Kathryn is the heart and soul of this fairy-tale haven, a living embodiment of the kindness and beauty that fills every corner of her restaurant. Her presence is like a gentle breeze, warm and soothing, making everyone who walks through the door feel instantly at home. Her generosity is evident not just in the thoughtful touches that make each visit special--like the fresh flowers that greet you at every table or the extra care taken to ensure each dish is perfect--but in the way she treats each guest like an old friend. There's a sweetness in her smile that makes you feel as though you've known her for years, and a gentle warmth in her words that wraps around you like a comforting blanket. She moves with a quiet grace, always attentive, yet never intrusive. Whether she's offering a kind word, making sure your tea is just right, or sharing a delightful story, she does so with a lightness that leaves you feeling cherished and cared for. It's clear that this restaurant is more than just a business to her--it's a labor of love, a place where she pours her heart into every detail. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, the owner's presence is a reminder of the beauty of kindness and the power of a generous spirit. She has created not just a restaurant, but a sanctuary--a place where time slows down, and you can savor not just the food, but the warmth of human connection. To dine here is to be touched by her sweetness, and to leave with your heart a little fuller, your day a little brighter. Thank you, Kathryn, for creating such a beautiful safe haven for all who enter. As long as this establishment is standing, I will be there in attendance.

Columbus Hall is home of Knights of Columbus Council 3358. During Lent the Knights and Columbus…read moreHall open every Friday for a Fish Fry. The menu is Fried, or Baked Wild caught Alaskan Pollock, (no farm raised fish here). If fish isn't your thing, they also have fried shrimp. Choices for your sides are macaroni and cheese, rice pilaf, or french fries, all dinners come with coleslaw. Upon arrival you are greeted by volunteers of the Knights of Columbus, who will seat you, wait on you, and even offer a drink from the full liquor bar. Its a Sarasota tradition. Monies collected help support some of Knights of Columbus Council 3358s local charities. Columbus Hall is also available for parties. ColumbusHall.org VictoryKofC.org

Simplemente perfecto. Aunque aun no están abierto el lugar se ve hermoso y el diseño y acabado es…read moremuy impresionante!

From the owner: At La Gran Mansión, we specialize in creating unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a…read morecorporate gathering, a wedding celebration, or a milestone birthday party, our venues are designed to inspire and impress. La Gran Mansión was born out of a passion for hospitality and a vision to redefine event spaces. We understand that every event tells a unique story, and our mission is to provide the perfect backdrop for yours. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence. From our prime locations to our dedicated team, we strive for perfection in every detail. Our versatile spaces can accommodate intimate gatherings or large-scale events, always with style and sophistication. Services We Offer Venue Rental: Explore our range of stunning venues tailored to meet your needs. Event Planning: Let our experienced team assist you in crafting your dream event. Catering Services: Enjoy delicious menus designed to complement your occasion. Technical Support: We offer state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for seamless presentations. Why Choose Us? Exceptional Locations: Our venues are situated in Sarasota, FL, offering convenience and accessibility. Personalized Approach: We work closely with every client to bring their vision to life. Attention to Detail: No request is too big or too small; we sweat the details so you don't have to. Are you ready to start planning your next event? Contact us today at (941) 392-0577 to discuss your ideas and let us turn them into reality.

I enjoyed the Mote Marine Laboratory. It's located next to UTC mall. They have onsite parking that…read morefills up fast. I park in the across the street at the UTC mall. Book your tickets in advance so you don't have to wait in line to purchase tickets. I spent about 1.5 hours here and it was very fascinating. I saw penguins, manatees, different size jelly fish, turtles, sharks and more. I was surprised at how many touch tanks they had. You could touch stingrays, baby sharks, starfish and more. This place is perfect for all ages.

Absolutely loved this experience. I was invited by my company to do some volunteer work with Mote…read moreLabs, and part of the experience included visiting their aquarium. They have great security and short lines, which is a huge plus for families. Walking in, you're greeted by a grand staircase that leads to all three levels of the aquarium. We made our way through each floor in order and enjoyed every part of the exhibits. The first floor has a lot of interactive options for kids, along with a massive glass viewing area that makes you feel like you're swimming alongside the fish and sharks. This might have been my favorite part--if it weren't for the second floor. The second floor overlooks the main exhibit below and lets you get up close and personal with the sharks. We even got to see a shark fin sticking out of the water, which was pretty iconic. The third floor was awesome because you get to step outside, see the manatees, and enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Overall, I think this is a great place for families. There are a lot of interactive exhibits, and everyone working there was super friendly and genuinely seemed happy to be there. 10/10, would recommend.

We booked the Uncovering Ca' d'Zan Guided Tour ($40 per person) before flying to Florida. The tour…read morelasts about 60-70 minutes and includes the main rooms on the first floor, a peek into the Tap Room with stories about indulgence and Prohibition during the 1920s, as well as select spaces on the second, third, and fourth floors of the Ringlings' magnificent waterfront mansion. I'm so glad I booked this tour! it was the highlight of our Florida trip. Our tour guide, Susan, was professional, knowledgeable, and full of humor. She made the entire experience both informative and relaxing. Ca' d'Zan is simply breathtaking. This stunning Mediterranean Revival mansion sits on the shores of Sarasota Bay and was built in the mid-1920s as the winter retreat of American circus magnate, entrepreneur, and art collector John Ringling and his wife, Mable Burton Ringling. Although the mansion is over 100 years old, it still radiates the glamour, elegance, and artistic vision of the Ringlings. Every room is filled with exquisite craftsmanship and thoughtful details that reflect their passion for art and architecture. One of my favorite features was the magnificent ceiling paintings by the Hungarian artist Willy Pogany. Each one tells a story from another era, preserving its beauty for generations to admire. Standing on the terrace overlooking Sarasota Bay, I couldn't help but be reminded of the atmosphere from the movie Great Expectations. There was something incredibly romantic, mysterious, and timeless about the view. To me, Ca' d'Zan feels alive. If you slow down and listen carefully, the mansion tells its own story. There is glamour. There is longing. There is sadness. There is hope. And somehow, there is a place for you within it. I absolutely fell in love with this place. Without a doubt, this was the best attraction we visited during our trip to Sarasota. I would highly recommend the Uncovering Ca' d'Zan Guided Tour to anyone visiting the area, and I will definitely return to explore the Museum of Art next time.

The Ringling is absolutely beautiful and there's way more to see than I expected. You get…read moreeverything from circus history to ancient art and artifacts, contemporary pieces, gorgeous grounds, statues and the rose garden. The roses were supposedly in season, but honestly that part was a little underwhelming. My personal favorites were the ancient artifacts and the circus miniature. There are also some parts of circus history that definitely haven't aged well, including minstrel depictions, but history is history and I appreciated that it wasn't sanitized. My biggest issue was being asked THREE separate times to show our wristbands while walking the grounds. Normally, no big deal, but we watched larger groups walk right by without being questioned while our group of three kept getting stopped, despite our wristbands being just as visible. By the third time, it was hard not to feel like we were being profiled. That was disappointing, especially after driving an hour for a close friend's birthday. I usually don't spend my money where I feel unwanted, but I wasn't going to let it ruin her day. Beautiful museum and absolutely worth experiencing, but that part of our visit left a bad taste in my mouth.

I placed an order for my sister's birthday well in advance of the delivery date. I was told they…read moredon't deliver until 2 pm daily. I was told my delivery would be the first one. My sister lives within a few blocks of Tiger Lily. They delivered the flowers at 7:30 pm on my sister's birthday. When I called to ask about the delivery time, I was told spring break was causing delays with traffic and deliveries. No apology, no reasonable explanation. I told them they should inform the customer of this problem when the order is placed so the customer can choose to place it or not. TERRIBLE customer service. And the flowers weren't great. VERY DISAPPOINTING. I would not recommend this florist.

I found this florist when traveling to meet a friend and decided to stop in. The owner is friendly,…read morehelpful and designed an arrangement which was wonderfully received. The location is convenient and clean. From a price point, the arrangement was on par with previous purchases at other florists. I would recommend.

Excellent location with shuttle service - almost across the street from the entrance of the…read moreSarasota airport. Spacious lobby, spacious rooms, courteous service. Checked in around 12:30 p.m. at front desk (Hyatt mobile app check-in was not working for this location - app told me I have to show up in person for the whole process, not just to pick up the room key). As a Hyatt Globalist and after a long trip, I was worried at first -- but was very happy and relieved to find our room was ready and given a key right away then. We also received our 2 (cold) water bottles and a granola bar as Globalist welcome amenity, unprompted. We only had a short stay between our trips, but would definitely stay here again. Great rate for our room, too. Very large junior suite (even just the "lowest-category" room). Bathroom layout was a bit weird (and small), but still adequate for a short stay.

Great Hyatt Place across from SRQ. Free transportation to SRQ. Huge rooms , clean and neat. Free,…read moreupscale breakfast. Free parking. Friendly staff. Currently being remodeled in Sept of 2026. Keys didn't work for checking in, so employee had to let everyone into there rooms and never checked ids of guests, but keys got fixed by next day. Great prices. Pool was a tad small, but pool area was large. No restaurant on site, as advertised and was being remodeled.

Hadn't been to Sage in well over a year, as I don't get to downtown too often. As we made a last…read moreminute decision, after attending the boat show, to try to get in, with no reservation, on a completely booked up Saturday, we were not setting ourselves up for or expecting to have the best of service. Yet everything was above perfect. From the greeting at the door, to the gorgeous decor, live music, lighting and overall vibe, I was reminded just how special a place Sage is. Our party of 3 enjoyed every course and nothing was less than exceptional. We had the roasted parsnip soup and Cesar salad, followed by the Crab Cake appetizer. For main course, the Thai Bouillabaisse and Lobster Gnocchi followed with warm Blueberry Crumble, cheesecake and chocolate crème brûlée. Highly recommend, this place set high standards and nothing has slipped. next time, I'll have a reservation made.

**** December 5, 2024 - Two for my wife' Birthday Dinner…read more I have reviewed over 60 restaurants in the Sarasota City and area since April of 2021. We have belonged to the Florida Studio Theater for most of that time and every night we attend we usually go to dinner beforehand. I park near the theaters and walk to the restaurant of the night. We dine and walk to the theater. I walk near or past this restaurant for ALL of these years! We have had it starred but for some reason we just never went here? The music from the rooftop caught my ear last week so we decided to drive TO Sarasota (no theater 54 miles roundtrip from our Venice home) just for this dining experience for my wife xx birthday at her request. I parked in my usual free spot so I don't get another $375 towing charge from the City and its predatory towing companies. Not a fan of valet parking when there should be an easy parking option.... and there was - in Sarasota City you just have to be careful! The exterior is delightful The entrance and lobby also inviting! We went to the rooftop bar to wait for our reserved seat.....we were purposefully early even with the almost hour drive in season. Live music was entertaining and prompt bar service was very nice! My wife got a Tito's vodka cosmo. The drink, in a plastic martini cup was about 50% full if a 6 oz or even 8 oz cup it was woefully small and based on the coloring maybe a shot of vodka? The only reason for the whining is because it was $16? In Manhattan you might get soaked for $15 to $18 but it is a "full figured" glass? I got a club soda with a sprits of cranberry for $6???? Bubble water and gun sugar for the cost of a beer? Ok onward.... Went down to the lobby to get in queue for our now on time reservation table. Another duo playing and singing in the lobby were a wonderful distraction and VERY good. Our table was an ok two top next to a support column but we were spaced away from others. the tables and chairs are stylish and fitting for the interior......however the cushions are very soft and not supportive and the table height is almost chest high unless you sit forward on the seat? Which you have to do because the back slopes backward - ZERO back support and you can feel the chair frame on your thighs. Pretty uncomfortable and my L4/L5 previously herniated disc was tingling a little. My wife confirmed the poor ergonomics. Utensils and glassware and water clarity and quality were great! Our server Steven S was TOP RATE! gregarious, conversational, and super well humored. Guiding and not afraid to make his opinion known on the food items AND probing enough to know I was not finding something exactly what I wanted. So he made an AWESOME suggestion and (not calling it a substitution, just an elimination (smile)) SERVICE was beyond what you would expect and on a par with the best restaurants!!! Zone defense table coverage with fast direct kitchen delivery, and bus service clearing table and sweeping out utensils and my favorite metric the never under half full water glass!!!! They delivered a fruit little palate cleansing taste after we were seated, very cute and elegant. For a first course I got the Pear Salad ***** and it was VERY fresh and loaded with a variety or greens and seeds, and veggies and a light wonderful dressing. My wife got the Fried Green Tomatoes **** and she REALLY enjoyed, I had a taste and it was smooth a delicious. For the 2nd/main course my wife went for the Short Rib **** which was beautifully cooked and the display with tri-color peppers was a stunning dish to see when it was presented!! (pictures somewhere worth hunting for) the beef was super nicely garnished and rubbed. I went for the (eliminate the seafood) "Veggie" Bouillabaisse ***** that Steven has recommended instead of the cold cous cous vegan style dish I was going to settle on. MAJOR great suggestion on Steven's part!!! This was a truly AWESOME dish with perfectly grilled egg plant and vegetable garnish and a perfectly (for me) spicey curry sauce and some black beluga lentils that I was saddened when I had eaten them all!!! REALLY flavorful and a tremendous medley of textures and flavors/spices. I am sure dessert would have been good, but we wanted to take a stroll and see the Christmas lights and grab a gelato on Main Street just a short stroll away. In summary, fantastic service! and a very good arsenal of food items and food groups to pick from very well prepared and presented. So why not 5 stars? Well because the ROI and economics were "lower" and frankly there are numerous great restaurants with equal or better food items and just as amazing service for ~ $40 to $50 per person w/o adult beverages instead of the $56 to $65 we spent and then throw in the additional second $16 Cosmo and you basically compound a 20 to 25% tip on there and we escaped for just dinner for two at $183.90. ($91 / person?)