Tales from the Road: Looking for Treasures and Eats in St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida.
Nearly every place has a certain shopping district/area that you have to go to when you’re there. While they might be special in their own way, I bet they aren’t anything like St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida. 
Before I provide you with some ideas on what to do on the popular Circle, let me give you a little bit of the background of the actual area. St. Armands Key was purchased by John Ringling (yes, the same Ringling of the Ringling Circus fame) in the early 1900s. He wanted to create a place that was reminiscent of what he saw during his travels to Italy. His idea for this area included a central park, elegant shops and restaurants, and classical statues along with homes and other features. Opened in 1926, it wouldn’t be until the 1950’s that his concept would really take off. Today, this trendy and vibrant area perhaps best represents Ringling’s vision and then some.
The Circle offers over 100 stores and speciality shops as well as numerous eateries. If you can’t find what you are looking for here, you probably don’t need it. From upscale to funky to touristy, everything’s within walking distance of one another. 
A tip: Be sure to pick up a walking guide to The Harding (St. Armands) Circle Historic District. The brochure includes a map and descriptions of all the statues, and is available at most of the shops.
While you are here…
For Eats: Grab a quick bite at the ultra-fun Cha Cha Coconuts (just saying the name is fun.) 
Great place for families with young ones, or for those wanting to eat at a more laid-back place. You have the option of eating inside or outside. Later in the evening, you can enjoy live entertainment.
Honestly while you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I highly recommend the
Havana Ham & Cheese (yes, you can get the spread on the side; $6.95.) For starters, or you can make a meal out of three or four of them, consider the Bahamian Conch Fritters ($8.95), or the San Juan Nachos ($8.95) that include black bean chili and jalapeno peppers. And of course, you can’t pass up the Black Beans & Yellow Rice ($3.95).
Want to try something a little more upscale, but still with a great atmosphere? Consider Columbia Restaurant, which happens to be related to Cha Cha Coconuts. Opened in 1959, Columbia is the oldest restaurant in Sarasota. It also offers indoor and outdoor dining.
After you’ve finished eating, be sure to visit Columbia gift shop, where you an purchase a cookbook among other unique items.
For One-of-a-Kind Gifts: You haven’t had wine until you’ve tried Mango Mamma ($21.99) at St. Armands Gifts and Winery. With a strong (and good) taste of 
mango, you forget that you are drinking wine, which for some can be dangerous. There’s a Key Limen ($19.99) flavor as well as many others that represent the state. You can even sample before you buy.
For Your Home: If you want to add some of the coast to your home, stop by FantaSea Seashells. In this store, you’ll find single seashells (big ones), beach-inspired tableware, stationery and accent pieces, just to name a few items. You can drop some serious money here if you want to.
Did You Know…Along with St. Armands Key, Ringling also purchased Lido Key and Bird Key. Now Bird Key was different in the sense that it had a mansion on it. As the story goes, Ringling had a hidden agenda. See, he wanted the mansion to serve as President Harding’s winter escape to attract visitors and potential buyers to the area. Did it work? Well, Harding died before anything could be done.
Come back tomorrow to find out what dip netting is, and to meet Snooty.
Photo credits: Personal photos
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POSTED IN: History, Restaurants, Shopping, Southern Byways, Things to See in Florida, Travelogues, Weekend Trip, road trip
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