Sarasota is known for its variety of restaurants. You can eat fresh seafood by the seaside, homemade comfort food in Amish restaurants, or juicy burgers in outdoor eateries overlooking the Gulf. And there's no better taste than Florida stone crab claws.

Barnacle Bill's Seafood: One of Sarasota's finest fresh seafood restaurants, with outdoor seating and children's menu. (1526 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-365-6800)

Bella Cucina Italian Buffet: Family-style Italian gourmet buffet for dinner and Sunday brunch. (3811 Kenny Dr., Sarasota, 941-379-8158)

El Greco Café: Inexpensive Greek dishes, plus American breakfast and lunch selections. (1592 Main Street, Sarasota, 941-365-2234)

Sugar & Spice: Local Mennonite restaurant, serving homemade food at reasonable prices, with kids' menu. (4000 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, 941-342-1649)

Surfrider: Outstanding seafood dinners for under $15. (6400 Midnight Pass Road, Lido Key, 941-346-1199)

You'll find a wide variety of arts events to keep you entertained at night. The largest venue is the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, with three theaters. One incorporates parts of the historic turn-of-the-century Scottish Dunfermline Opera House; another hosts the Asolo Theater Company, a repertory group; and yet another intimate one is home to the Florida State University's graduate actor training program (941-351-8000). The Florida West Coast Symphony and Florida Symphonic Band both perform at the purple eye-catching Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in the style of Wright (941-953-3366).

And if you're in Sarasota in December, you absolutely must see the season premiere of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, held in Venice, 17 miles south of the city (941-484-0496). In 1960, the Ringlings moved their circus's winter base 20 miles south from Sarasota to this small town modeled on its European namesake.

Unlike some of Florida's west coast resorts, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples cater to an older crowd. If you're wishing for a good beer, head to Sarasota Brewing Company Bar & Grill, which home-brews beers to traditional German specifications, or to the Old Salty Dog, which offers British ales with “English-style” fish and chips.