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Travel Guide: Sarasota, Florida

  • Models on location for J.McLaughlin's March shoot in Sarasota, Florida.

  • We packed our March collection and headed to the sunny oasis of Sarasota, Florida. As the epicenter of mid-century modern architecture on the Gulf Coast, you’ll notice the backdrop—a modernist 1950’s Lido Key home overlooking a deepwater canal. It served as the perfect setting for our new styles that bring the bright energy into spring. That includes an upbeat outlook: if the weather’s not great, just hop a flight to the Gulf Coast. On your agenda should be wearing silky gelato pastels at Longboat Key’s Whitney’s, easy breezy navy looks for a trip to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and technicolor print to savor a delicious meal at Indigenous.

    Our favorite spots in Sarasota, Florida below.

  • Eat:
    Indigenous

  • Sarasota's Indigenous Restaurant.

  • Image courtesy of Indigenous Restaurant.

  • We can’t get enough of Sarasota’s innovative restaurant, Indigenous, located in the historic Towles Court district. The menu is full of seasonal American cuisine that changes throughout the year based on peak ingredient availability. With a focus on sustainable seafood, Indigenous works closely with local fisherman, artisans, and farmers to maintain the highest quality. Enjoy the sophisticated indoor and outdoor dining available year round with a J.McLaughlin look that’s a bit dressed up and elegant!

  • Sip & Snack & Live Music:
    Whitney’s

  • Sarasota's Whitney's Restaurant.

  • A local must, the food and vibe at Whitney’s is immaculate. Located inside of an old service station, Whitney’s is a gem that offers cocktails, cuisine, coffee and live music. The aesthetic is delightfully retro with delicious bites like Mahi Tacos, Butterflied Fried Shrimp, & Guac & Chips. Sip on the Sarah Soda, a refreshing cocktail with Rose wine, vodka, lemon and grapefruit juice, and strawberry.

  • Stay:
    The Sarasota Modern

  • The Sarasota Modern Hotel.

  • Image courtesy of Bob Miller Masonry Inc.

  • An architectural boutique hotel in the artsy, Rosemary Arts & Design District of downtown Sarasota, Florida The Sarasota Modern has a luxurious yet minimal aesthetic. Stay here for a special experience on your travels. We loved the accommodations at The Sarasota Modern.

  • Enjoy The Blooms:
    Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

  • Marie Selby Botanical Gardens courtesy of Tandem Construction.

  • A must-visit botanical masterpiece–the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has over 45 acres of bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and regional Florida history. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was founded in 1973 when Sarasota resident and passionate gardener Marie Selby bequeathed her former home and property “for the enjoyment of the general public.” Selby Gardens is composed of the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus and the 30-acre Historic Spanish Point campus in the Osprey area of Sarasota County, Florida. The 15-acre original Downtown Sarasota campus features botanical highlights such as a captivating banyan grove planted by Marie and her husband, William, nearly a century ago. The Downtown Sarasota Campus on Sarasota Bay is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns, and other tropical plants.

  • Whitney's Restaurant cocktails.