Situated just off the shimmering waters of Sarasota Bay, St. Armands Circle has cemented itself as an iconic shopping and dining destination in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Developed in 1926 by the Ringling brothers of circus fame, this lively roundabout spans just over half a mile and boasts over 100 stores and restaurants within its palm-tree-dotted promenades. From major department stores like Dillard's to trendy boutiques and local retailers, St. Armands Circle offers diverse shopping opportunities for every taste and budget.

While national chains like Banana Republic and Lilly Pulitzer can be found around the circle, the area is best known for its unique specialty shops. Browse opulent jewelry stores, indulge in delicious confections, and hunt for rare antiques and works of art within the Mediterranean revival-style buildings. After an afternoon of retail therapy, recharge by popping into one of the many sidewalk cafes and bistros for a bite to eat. Enjoying live music and people-watching with a view of the bay makes for a quintessential Sarasota experience.

By day or night, St. Armands Circle bustles with excitement. During the holidays, events like seasonal craft fairs and tree lightings draw crowds from across the region. Thanks to its prime waterfront location and pedestrian-friendly streets, St. Armands Circle continues to be Sarasota's number one destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment against a beautiful backdrop.

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• Address: St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
• Founded: 1926
• Website: https://starmandscircleassoc.com/
• Opening hours: Shops typically open daily 10am-9pm
• Shops: Over 100 high-end boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Notable stores include Tommy Bahama, Anthropologie, and Brooks Brothers.
• Industry: Outdoor luxury shopping district
• Area: The circle area encompasses about 40 small blocks in downtown Sarasota

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University Town Center has quickly become a premier shopping destination in Sarasota since its grand opening in 2014. With a spacious area, this expansive open-air mall provides shoppers with an unparalleled mix of luxury, fashion, dining, and entertainment options.

Shoppers flock to University Town Center for its collection of upscale stores not found elsewhere in the region. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, shoppers can also browse boutiques like Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Tommy Bahama. The complex houses several restaurants, a movie theater, and a hotel, offering visitors a complete day of shopping and leisure.

While considered Sarasota’s swankiest mall, University Town Center also delivers family-friendly facilities like outdoor play areas and a central lawn for community events. Seasonal festivities like live music, art fairs, and holiday celebrations aim to draw diverse crowds throughout the year. Thanks to its proximity to I-75 and location in the city’s fast-growing urban core, the University Town Center remains highly accessible to locals and visitors alike.

With its contemporary open-air promenades and blooming tropical landscape, the University Town Center replicates the feel of a resort-style shopping village right in the heart of Sarasota. As new dining and entertainment venues continue opening amid the existing retail mix, University Town Center solidifies itself as an unparalleled retail and lifestyle epicenter in southwest Florida.

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• Address: 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
• Founded: 2014
• Website: https://mallatutc.com/
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-6pm
• Shops: Other retailers include Apple, Anthropologie, Lululemon, and Michael Kors. Around 100 stores total.
• Industry: Enclosed luxury shopping mall
• Area: Over 900,000 square feet of retail space.

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Located right off bustling Tamiami Trail, Westfield Sarasota Square has been a staple shopping destination for locals and visitors since opening its doors in 1977. Spanning nearly 1 million square feet, this single-story enclosed mall packs over 140 stores and restaurants into its convenient location just 10 minutes from downtown Sarasota.

Westfield Sarasota Square houses a diverse mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Shoppers can browse popular chains like H&M, Forever 21, and Old Navy along with specialty stores found nowhere else in the area. The center court features comfortable seating areas, seasonal decor and events, and a large food court offering a variety of quick bites.

Westfield Sarasota Square delivers additional amenities like a movie theater, indoor play area, and salon services to provide a well-rounded shopping experience. Renovations in 2018 brought new flooring, lighting, and other upgrades to modernize the decades-old mall. Ongoing additions like luxury movie theaters and new eateries aim to keep Westfield Sarasota Square a relevant and lively community hub.

With its easy access right off the interstate, ample parking, and a combination of staple chains and unique boutiques, Westfield Sarasota Square continues meeting the everyday shopping needs of Sarasota residents and visitors of all ages.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Address: 8201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238
• Founded: 1977
• Website: https://www.sarasotasquaremall.com/
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-9pm, Sunday: 11am-6pm
• Shops: Other stores include Apple, Forever 21, H&M, Zara, and Victoria's Secret. Around 140 stores in total.
• Industry: Enclosed regional shopping mall
• Area: Over 1 million square feet of retail space

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A Saturday morning tradition since 1979, the Sarasota Farmers Market has blossomed into one of the most popular weekly events in the area. Taking place every Saturday from 7am to 1pm, the market brings local farmers, artisans, and vendors together to offer an abundance of fresh produce, prepared foods, and arts and crafts. Held in the parking lot of the Municipal Auditorium along the Sarasota Bayfront, the lively market often features live music and entertainment to complement the bustling booths.

Shoppers can expect to find seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested from local farms, fresh-caught seafood, aromatic baked goods, ornamental plants, and flowers, handmade soaps and jewelry, and an array of prepared meals to eat on-site or take home. Local artisans also sell crafts, clothing, and home decor for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced temporary changes like social distancing and capacity limits, the Sarasota Farmers Market continues serving as a popular weekly gathering place for the community. Families, couples, tourists, and locals all converge to support small businesses while enjoying the region’s bounty and downtown’s scenic waterfront location. For over 40 years, the Sarasota Farmers Market has connected shoppers with authentic homegrown and homemade products that celebrate the flavors, creativity, and livelihood of the Florida Gulf Coast.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Address: N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
• Founded: 1979
• Website: https://sarasotafarmersmarket.org/
• Opening hours: Year-round on Saturdays from 7am–1pm. Seasonal market on Wednesdays.
• Shops: Over 100 local farmers and small business vendors selling produce, foods, plants, crafts, etc.
• Industry: Outdoor farmers market
• Area: Takes place in open lots and parks around Sarasota.

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