A Year in Sarasota
Finding Connection and Sunshine in a Place That Might Not Be Forever
I’ve lived in Sarasota for over a year now, and like many transitions, it’s been something in between. I didn’t come here with a lifelong dream of coastal living. I don’t crave humidity, and I’m definitely not drawn to marine life the way others might be. But life brought me here—and I’ve found some unexpected roots.
While this city may not be my forever place, it’s taught me something valuable: sometimes now is enough.
The Sunshine Saved Me
One of the best parts of living in Sarasota is simple but powerful: sunlight. After growing up in colder climates, the gift of walking outside in January with the sun on your face is one I’ll never take for granted. Being able to move, explore, and breathe outside year-round has done wonders for my energy, my mental clarity, and my rhythm.
I’m not a beach-all-day kind of person, but there’s a peace to knowing the ocean is close—and that I can walk under palm trees in February.
Apartment Life With Two Dogs (Spoiler: It’s Not Easy)
Tyler and I live on the top floor of an apartment building with our two pups, Simba and Zeus. They’re playful, stubborn, and deeply loved—but they’re not exactly thriving in the confines of apartment life. Without a yard or a lot of space to roam, walks have become everything for them—and for us.
Our favorite dog-friendly spots include:
Celery Fields – breezy, wide, and perfect for an afternoon lap
Bayfront Park – always a vibe, especially close to sunset
Rothenbach Park – where Simba pretends he’s a wild wolf and Zeus sniffs every leaf
And yes… sometimes you risk getting yelled at, but it’s worth it
Apartments are hard for puppies, and some days I think they’re counting down the months to a backyard just as much as we are.
We’re Eating Our Way Through Sarasota
If this blog becomes anything, it might end up being a log of food photos and reviews. Sarasota’s food scene has depth—some spots are local icons, others are hidden gems, and a few are conveniently around the corner but still worth writing about.
A few of our current favorites:
131 Main – when you want quality and comfort in equal measure
Boca – modern, earthy, flavorful, and a top choice for dinner dates
Osteria 500 – if you know, you know
Foxtail Coffee Co. (by UTC Mall) – for early-morning resets or cozy laptop time
Playa Bowls – hands down the best açaí bowls in town. Always fresh, always loaded. I’ll take the nut butter and granola combo any day.
We own The Little Sarasota Dining Book, and we’re slowly making our way through it like a checklist—because why not turn your zip code into an experience?
We’ve also wandered through St. Armands Circle and Longboat Key—a little touristy, yes, but always fun for a night out. And the quiet part of Lido Beach has become one of our favorite weekend escapes when we want something calmer and more tucked away.
Farmers Markets, Food Trucks & Local Goodies
One of the things I’ve come to really appreciate about Sarasota is the farmers market culture. There’s a big local market downtown every Sunday and Wednesday, packed with fresh produce, handmade goods, and food trucks that rival the brick-and-mortar scene.
It’s one of those simple, grounding routines—walking past flower stands, grabbing something warm from a vendor we haven’t tried yet, and seeing familiar faces doing the same. Whether we’re stopping by for local honey or trying a new food truck we spotted on Instagram, it’s become one of the best ways to feel connected to where we are.
I’ve always believed that the little places you go on autopilot say a lot about the season you’re in. And right now, some of my autopilot stops in Sarasota include:
Bookstore1 on Main Street – a cozy little gem where I try to get most of my books. It’s small, curated, and never lets me leave empty-handed.
Main Street itself – buzzy, walkable, chaotic at times, but also one of the most fun areas to explore when you don’t know what you’re in the mood for. We’ve had last-minute dinners, post-rain strolls, and casual nights out there that turned into small core memories.
A Glimpse Into Local Culture (and Chaos)
I’ve started dipping into more local art, culture, and clubs—trying to get my hands into what makes this city tick. Sarasota isn’t just beaches and brunches. There’s a growing creative energy here, and I’ve started reaching out to see where I can plug in.
That said… not everything is rosy.
Let’s Talk About the Congestion
Sarasota has exploded with new residents in recent years, and the infrastructure hasn’t exactly kept up. Some days it feels like there are a billion people stacked on top of each other, and driving anywhere at the wrong time can send you spiraling. Pair that with a few hurricanes (yes, there were three big ones my first year here), and there were definitely moments where I questioned what I’d gotten myself into.
But even with that tension, I’ve found something steady in the mix—sunshine, a supportive relationship, delicious meals, and a place to be present.
Final Thoughts: Here, For Now
Sarasota may not be where I stay forever. But it’s where I am right now.
And right now is full of walks, lattes, hurricanes, laughing over pasta, leash tangles, apartment annoyances, handwritten dining guides, sleepy sunsets, and dogs who just want to sniff something new.
So this is me sharing a piece of it with you. There’s more to come. More food, more places, more little windows into what it feels like to live here. But for now—here’s a little photo dump and a quiet reminder:
Even if it’s not forever, you can still let a place shape you.
Have you ever lived somewhere that surprised you—where you didn’t plan to stay long, but ended up making small memories anyway?
Drop your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your version of “here for now.”
