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Vacation Planner
ST ARMANDS KEY
off the coast of Sarasota Florida
The definitive guide to shopping and dining on St. Armands Circle
Check AJ's Blog for latest happenings & special deals!
Welcome to St. Armands Circle – where exclusive,
island shopping attracts visitors from around the world. Enjoy over 130 luxury boutiques, open-air cafes, fine
shops, art galleries, candies and ice cream delights - all bordering a large European-style roundabout.
Circus Magnet and early “Sarasotan”, John Ringling’s plan to develop this shopping/residential retreat was dashed by
the 1920’s stock market crash. But, today his design endures with a circular palm shaded grassy park with statuary
on display from Ringling’s personal art collection.
St. Armands and the island of Lido is a vacationers dream! This is where shopping, dining and nightlife abound and
all are within walking distance to Lido Beach and resort accommodations. Naturalists won’t be disappointed either
as two more beaches offer miles of sandy dunes and a marine preserve for birding, hiking and kayaking.
And, there’s even more...
Cross the Ringling Bridge to the mainland and enjoy Sarasota’s museums, opera, ballet, symphony, theatre and
galleries while world-class golf and tennis can be found just north on Longboat Key.
Take a look at what’s happening on St. Armands.
St. Armands Events:
***Fright Night - Halloween on St. Armands*** 10/31 @ 6 PM
This fabulous Halloween event returns year after year for the "young, young at heart... even four legged
friends." Decorated store fronts set the stage for wandering spirits of St. Armands past. Children can fill
their sacks with treats as numerous retailers and restaurants contribute to the Halloween spirit.
***Ferraris @ St. Armands Circle*** November 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in circle park.
The Ferrari Owners Club- (Florida Region)- invites you to join them for another spectacular exclusive Ferrari's
only event, on St. Armands Circle!! The event will take place in the picturesque Circle Park of St. Armands with
over 75 Ferrari's competing for the coveted "Best of Show". Cars will be on display starting at 10:00 am until 3pm.
Trophies awarded at 2:00 pm.
***23rd Annual St. Armands Art Festival*** November 12th & 13th, 2011, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Admission - Here, you’ll find 150 artists in town for the 23rd Annual St. Armands Art Festival. The
event offers art from a broad spectrum of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics,
jewelry, mixed media and more!
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***Ponies Under the Palms*** 11/20/11 10 AM
Take a stroll back in time, or enjoy the present, viewing some of the most pristine Mustangs and Ford's to
found in the state of Florida! Formerly known as the "Super Sunday Ford Mustang & Shelby Show", this
event is earned the distinction as one of the best of its kind in the state!!!
***Holiday Night of Lights*** St. Armands Circle - 12/02/11 6 PM
During the holiday season, let the fine shops and restaurants of St. Armands assist you in choosing that
perfect and unique gift for those special people on your holiday shopping list! St. Armands is THE magical holiday
destination as the Circle comes to light and life with grace and elegance. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through our
elegant shops. Enjoy a relaxing lunch - an afternoon tea - or a candlelit dinner- and top off your evening with a
horse and carriage ride under the stars.
***Porsche's in the Park*** St. Armands Circle - 12/10/11 10 AM
Suncoast Motorsports will be hosting their 7th Annual Porsches in the Park event at the beautiful St. Armands
Circle, Saturday, from 10 am until 4 pm. Some of the most spectacular Porsches from all over Florida will be on
display in the center of the circle for FREE public viewing. Live entertainment, raffles, and delicious food will
make for a fun filled day meeting friends and experiencing these beautiful automobiles up close and personal.
Check your calendar, as the fourth Friday of every month comes alive with musical performances in the park.
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Shopping:
Palm shaded and pedestrian-friendly St. Armands offers a few national chains like Brighton and Lilly Pulitzer yet,
most of the 130 shops... are local and unique to the area. A few are listed below.
Optional Art Fine Jewelry
Each piece is one of a kind or from a limited-edition collection where one can admire precious-gemstone earrings,
black pearl necklaces, and diamond-crusted watches.
Dream Weaver Collection
With a representation of more than 50 fiber artists, Dream Weaver boasts one of the largest "art-to-wear"
galleries you’ll find. Hand-painted silks, hand-woven sweaters, and other distinctive pieces never go out of style.
St. Armands Gifts & Winery
Most choices here... aren’t available anywhere else in the world. Featuring more than 30 options, from Cocoa
Beach (a chocolate wine) to Mango Mamma, you can sidle up to the counter and sample the quirky concoctions before
buying.
Dining:
Sidewalk cafes, ice cream parlors, and fudge shops are a welcome respite from that awful..."chore"
of shopping... and an afternoon in the grassy park is perfect for people watching and spooning a frozen treat.
Below are a few of many dining options:
Blue Dolphin Café
Open for breakfast and lunch serving hearty to healthy from granola to flapjacks, eggs and omelettes.
Café L’Europe
Sarasota’s Grande dame of fine dining offers signature dishes like potato-crusted grouper and brandied duckling.
Venezia
Affordable pizza, ice cream and fresh pasta make for a popular location.
Columbia Restaurant
Exceptional Spanish/Cuban cuisine offering a legendary black bean soup and their 1905 salad.
Crab & Fin
A (casual) landmark with an extensive selection of fresh fish and raw oysters.
Lynches Pub & Grub
A very casual atmosphere with good beer and inexpensive Irish/American bar food.
Le Colonne
Northern Italian cuisine with great patio dining.
We look forward to assisting you with your
stay and thank you for considering St. Armands and Lido Key for your next vacation getaway.
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