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.

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.

My family and I stopped her on our way from the central Florida to SW Florida. It's a small,…read morelocally owned winery. The space is beautiful. They have a large outdoor area with a playground for kids and lots of tables. There is a small bar inside, and they are renovating more interior space for additional seating for the hot summer months. The wines are overall pretty tasty. They only grow muscadine grapes on the property and import other grapes from California and elsewhere. They have a selection of drier wines all the way to the sweet fruit wines. They also offer wine sorbets. My husband and I each got a wine flight of 4 wines for $18. I forgot how big the pours were but they were a decent size. They also offer wine tasting experience of 6 wines, smaller pours, that lasts 45 minutes. They have a small section of food. We got the pimento cheese and crackers, the cheese was delicious. They also had popsicles and ice cream, which my kids enjoyed. We got three bottles of wine to take home with us! We love supporting our Florida wineries! Also, our bartender Shelley was fantastic! Very personable and knowledgeable.

Nice location, glad they have music on the weekends. Wine tasting was $18.79 for 4 tastings!…read more Pretty pricey for mediocre wine. We enjoyed sitting outdoors so that was nice but for the prices - no way would I go back. Too bad...this place has a beautiful outdoors & I like that they are having music but the prices they are charging do not make it worth it for me to go back.....

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

Good location and plenty of parking however, the building is in desperate need of a facelift.read more

During the initial walkthrough of the venue, when booking a room here for my wedding and reception,…read moreI noted that the walls were not soundproof, and one could hear music being played in adjacent rooms. I asked if it would be an issue during our short 10-15 minute ceremony and was told by the manager that everything would be taken care of and she would make sure the ceremony was not interrupted, and any large parties would hold off on the noise for the short time it took us to complete the ceremony. On the day of our wedding, in the middle of the ceremony, wall shaking music began to play in the next room over as we were doing our vows, causing lines to be forgotten and guests to be unable to hear. We actually stopped and told the manager to figure out what was going on, to which she shook her phone at us as if to imply she was going to make a call, but did not. Perhaps she was simply texting. The music did not stop. Upon confronting management about the issue we were greeted with excuses as opposed to solutions, such as: seating people took too long and the manager had to reseat two handicap individuals after they were placed in the front row, as if seating was more important to her than being able to actually hear the ceremony. We were also told that the mother next door was getting very upset she had to hold off on the music for her daughter's birthday party, as if we are expected to show some sort of remorse for the other customer, despite their poor planning, and accept the fact that I could barely hear myself think when standing on the altar. Do not book a room here. Management was disorganized, unaccommodating, and rude. Our once in a lifetime ceremony was ruined not only for myself and my wife, but all of our guests.

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.

Sophie's is Sarasota's best secret nestled inside Saks. The staff is amazing and the food has never…read morelet us down. It is like sitting inside Hudson's from my Michigan days. I am also thankful that they are NOT closing!!!!

My husband and I recently had the pleasure if dining at Sophie's, in Saks Fifth Avenue in Sarasota…read more What an amazing experience. The decor both inside and outside so chic. We had Matty as our waitress. She was spot on with top notch service and a wonderful personality. We started with a bread basket of assorted toppings, delicious. He had the Tai chicken. Well prepared and perfect with seasoning. I had on of the best burger ever. Cooked and seasoned perfectly at medium rare with tasty fries. The manager checked on us several times, a nice touch you don't see anymore. If you happen to be in the area at the mall, I highly recommend this restaurant. You will not be disappointed. We will be back.

I loved my stay at Homewood Suites by Hilton on N. Cattlemen Road in Sarasota. It has a prime…read morelocation across from the shiny new UTC Mall and Shopping Center (tons of eateries and shopping) and a very short walk to beautiful Benderson Park which features walking trails. Across the pond is Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA). They're also less than 20 minutes away from the Sarasota - Bradenton International Airport. Some of the closer stores, easily walkable, include Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Old Navy, New Balance shoes, Michael's Petco, Ulta, and many more. There are plenty of places to eat as well from fast food to fine dining. For an incredible breakfast, I recommend the short 15 minute drive to Der Dutchman, an Amish restaurant and store for an amazing experience (family friendly - think of an Amish version of Cracker Barrel, but 4 times larger). From my check-in to check-out, my stay was top notch. The personnel were friendly and efficient. The facilities were exceptionally clean. The room was very comfortable and spacious. I loved the fact I could keep up my walking and exercise routine between the trails at Benderson Park and the free weights at the fitness center. There is also a basketball court (single), a really nice pool with loungers for sun or shade. My room had a full sized refrigerator, kitchenette, complete with dishes and a small dinette table and chairs, a sofa, chair, living room table, chest of drawers, closet, iron and ironing board, room safe, plenty of electric plugs, big screen TV, a quiet AC controlled in-room, and a classy ceiling fan. The bathroom was perfect with good lighting over the sink, both a traditional shower head and a hand-held adjustable shower wand, thirsty towels, hair dryer, quality liquid soaps, shampoo, etc. There are bicycles free to check out and use. (First come first served) I rode one around the neighborhood and loved it. I hope I get the chance to return.

We have frequently stayed at Homewood Suites by Hilton for family business in Sarasota Lakewood…read moreRanch. The hotel is conveniently situated in the UTC mall area. Numerous restaurants, shops, and the mall are all within walking distance. A complimentary breakfast is offered, featuring a wide variety of options, including both hot and cold items. Our accommodations were quite spacious and impeccably clean. The hotel staff consistently maintains cleanliness, ensuring the hotel remains fresh and tidy at all times. I highly recommend this hotel for your stay.

Lovely spot- spacious and clean decor. Super friendly and helpful staff. AND…read morethe food is superior quality and lovely styling. Highly recommend this for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Will not break the bank when dining here. J

I was happy to see the old Nellie's Deli site is being used again, this time for Claudie's, a…read moreFrench restaurant. This family run business has only been open for a couple of months. I stopped in this morning for breakfast just as they opened. The restaurant is large with an open layout and a very fresh look. French instrumental music played in the background. I had a relaxing visit. For breakfast I tried their Broccoli Quiche, a personal sized serving, and I chose a salad as my side. It was a good breakfast, the crust was flaky, the filling tasty. At the moment they offer 5 different types of quiche, including the classic Quiche Loraine. I hope someday they expand the breakfast menu to include my favorite, Croque Madame. I wish them well as they continue to get established in the restaurant scene. They also offer catering.

Awesome place for a beautiful brunch. My family goes for Mother's Day and Christmas every year and…read moreit's a lovely place..

Gracious, but relaxed atmosphere. Good food and drinks. Food has a nice range in variety,…read moreespecially at lunch, & prices. Pretty view from restaurant and bar area. Lovely golf course.