Sarasota is known for its amazing natural landscapes, its all-encompassing cultural history, and its amazing shopping. From Palm Avenue boutiques to the shops at the Rosemary District, this town has it all. Our friends at visitflorida.com helped outline some of the more unique shopping spots in the area, and some of the shoppers that would love them best. We based our list off of theirs – do you see yourself below? Get ready to shop til you drop at one of these unique shopping destinations.

Fine Arts – Towles Court Artist Colony

Towles Court Artist Colony is the perfect place for the shopper looking for one of a kind art, with artists from Karin Riccardi to Christina Jensen Vicente offering their works, from paintings to jewelry pieces. Buyers can meet face to face with the artists here and ask about their process, their materials, or even simply stop to chat. Make sure to attend Art Walks every third Friday for music, food, and fun, along with meeting the artists and viewing their works at a later hour.

Luxury and Name Brand Shopping – Palm Avenue

Those who are looking for something truly eclectic without having to break the bank would do well on Palm Avenue. Known as ‘Boutique Row’ in Sarasota, the shops that line this street are known to offer specialty discounts on outgoing stock, to the benefit of the buyers. From the minimalist casual of Camilyn Beth Studio to the antiques and furniture pieces of Sarasota Trading Co., smart shoppers can ‘shop til you drop’ and find the best pieces at the best prices.

Eclectic and Unique Shopping – The Quay

This upcoming Sarasota development has been on everyone’s mind and lips ever since it was announced. Located at the far end of Sarasota, The Quay serves to cater to all kinds of audiences.  Aside from being located in a building dating back to the early 20th century, The Quay will also be located in the Rosemary District, which features great shopping of its own.

Trendy Shopping – The Mall At University Town Center

This shopper is the shopper who puts effort into keeping up with the latest trends. As soon as it hits the runways in Paris, Milan, and New York, it’s in their closet and their jewelry box. It stands to reason that the trend shopper would need a shopping center that keeps up with the trends as fast as they do. Enter The Mall At University Town Center, full of everything from high-end brands to luxury dining. Made for the ‘shop til you drop’ mindset, one can enjoy everything from furniture store Arhaus, art pieces from Art Nuvo Gallery, and clothing from stores such as Banana Republic, kate spade new york, and Lululemon.

Tourist Shopping – The Rosemary District

As a visiting shopper, you’re interested in finding something that you can’t find at home, to bring back and show off to your friends or give to someone special. Enter the Rosemary District! Near the far east end of Sarasota, this historical area has reinvented itself into a shopping, dining, and living space with its own authentic Florida vibe. Pay a visit to Canned Ham Vintage to find that beachy piece that will complete your outfit.

Sarasota has developed a reputation of appealing to everyone, no matter what their passions are. There’s no need to stay far from these attractions when visiting Sarasota – keep as close to them as you can with a residence located right at the edge of Sarasota Bay.

BLVD Sarasota is now under construction and scheduled for top off this month! These residences start at $1.9 million and offer a landmark lifestyle in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown arts & entertainment district. With just 49 residences ranging from 3550sf to 5500sf, these BLVD Sarasota residences will feature large wrap around terraces, soaring ceilings, and a rooftop zero-horizon pool to capture the city views and expansive sights of Sarasota Bay. Spacious designs offer some of the largest floor plans in Downtown Sarasota. Residents also get to enjoy a rooftop zero-horizon pool, a wine cellar to store their favorite vinos, and a pet lawn on the fifth floor to take care of your furry friend with.

BLVD Sarasota residents are always just steps away from Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants. A future development titled ‘The Bay’ is working to deliver live entertainment, outdoor activities, and a gorgeously designed social center right to the Rosemary District’s doorstep. Another future development titled The Quay will serve to fill a need for shops and entertainments within the Rosemary District’s area. It’s a great way for small businesses to promote themselves while also empowering Sarasota’s economy.

Our new sales studio is now open, featuring your in-person virtual reality experience at 1266 1st Street, Suite 5, Sarasota FL 34236. Call our client liaisons at 941-316-1499 to schedule your tour today. If you are unable to make it into the studio, download our Digital Brochure to see more.

Set amidst a tropical paradise, St. Armands is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor, it is a charming and graceful synthesis of past and present.

Lush tropical plantings, and contemporary architectural design skillfully contribute to an international atmosphere of friendly warmth and timeless style. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops – from trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to candlelight feasts, you’ll find it all on St. Armands Circle.

However, becoming the thriving cultural destination it is today did not come without struggle. Here are a few little known facts about the history of St. Armand’s Circle:

• In 1893, Charles St. Amand, A Frenchman and first resident of the island, purchased for $21.71 three tracts of land totaling 131.89 acres. In later land deeds, his name was misspelled “St. Armand” and this spelling has persisted to the present day.

• Visionary circus magnate John Ringling purchased the St. Armands Key property in 1917 and planned a development which included residential lots and a shopping center laid out in a circle. As no bridge to the key had yet been built, Ringling engaged an old paddle-wheel steamboat, the “Success,” to service as a work boat. Circus elephants were used to haul the huge timbers from which the bridge and causeway were built.

• One year later, amid much pomp and ceremony, both the John Ringling Causeway and Ringling Estates development opened to the public, with John Ringling himself leading a parade across the causeway and his Circus Band playing from a bandstand in the center of the Circle.

• As the nationwide depression worsened, land sales in Florida and on St. Armands stopped completely. In 1928, the City of Sarasota accepted the causeway as a gift, which Ringling himself could no longer afford to maintain. Gradually, the wooden causeway began to rot, the Circle bandstand sagged, and the native vegetation covered the carefully planned streets and sidewalks.

• During the 1940’s, several courageous investors opened restaurants and a service station on the Circle but not until 1953 did business once again resume on St. Armands. By 1955 a number of stores had opened.

• Today, more than 130 stores on St. Armands Circle pamper customers from all areas of the United States and many foreign countries.

The St. Armands Circle experience is indeed a memorable one. Explore and enjoy a day of European style shopping with a gourmet lunch in a cozy cafe. Those who admire St. Armands sophisticated style and luxury will also notice that there is a new addition to that tradition of Sarasota excellence. Just a short drive from St. Armands Circle, in the heart of the Rosemary District, is

Home to just 49 expansive modern condos and an unprecedented level of resort-style amenities, BLVD Sarasota features extraordinary design and amazing amenities all in an enviable location. Situated in the renowned arts and culture district, the 18-story tower showcases panoramic waterfront and city views from truly expansive private terraces. It’s unlike anything that’s come before.

Located on Sarasota’s famed Boulevard of the Arts, residents will be minutes away from endless dining, shopping, entertainment, and the finest beaches in the world. Within a short stroll you’ll find everything you need, from a boutique coffee shop to world-class performing arts at the Van Wezel.

BLVD Sarasota’s Virtual Reality Sales Studio is now open at 500 Tamiami Trail. Don’t miss your opportunity to secure your first selection and special pre-construction pricing during the introductory offering.

To learn more about the most anticipated real estate opportunity coming to downtown this year, please check out our BLVD Sarasota digital brochure.