Is Sarasota really the most alternative and coolest city in Fla?

[gypsychic]

I believe the Ranola is also downtown - I have heard some good things about that one, too.

Hotel Ranola - A Boutique Hotel in Downtown Sarasota, Florida

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

I believe the Ranola is also downtown - I have heard some good things about that one, too.

Hotel Ranola - A Boutique Hotel in Downtown Sarasota, Florida

That place looks pretty cool! I've never heard of it. I'll have to add it to my list

[londo29]

My wife and I have stayed at Hotel Ranola twice. Last summer and this past summer. The hotel is very clean and modern. It's located right off of Main St and allows you to walk to all the wonderful restaurants and shops. The owners are great.

Sarasota residents have no idea how lucky they are. We have traveled from Tampa to West Palm Beach and no other place in Florida comes close to Sarasota. We are from Philadelphia which is a city full of arts and food and a whole lot more. Sarasota is the only city that comes close to what we are used to. You have an abundance amount of independent shops and restaurants no only located downtown but throughout you little area. My wife who is really into theater wanted to see a play while we were visiting. She was a bit skeptical of the quality of the play but we were both surprised on how good the performance and production was. We were also very impressed with the Ringling Art Museum and see they are building a new museum as well. You are a city that takes your arts seriously. On top of all that you have the best beachesl. My ideal city is one where you can WALK to some shopping, get dinner then walk to the theater or movies and take in a show. After the show go grab a drink or few and listen to some live music. Sarasota has all of that and a whole lot more!

[Stpattylady]

I just relocated back to Virginia last year from the Sarasota/Bradenton area. I live in the mountains of Virginia now and love the fall here, but I froze this past winter lol. Sarasota is very nice...I worked in downtown Sarasota but lived in Bradenton (East Manatee Co. near Lakewood Ranch). There is a lot to like about the area and I often thought Sarasota was similar to Asheville, NC when I lived there...except a lot warmer. My husband's job was eliminated there. The job market there is REALLY bad though. Only time of the year I didn't enjoy down there was the fall; I enjoy the cooler weather and colors, so come September I tired of the 90 degree weather. But what a fantastic tradeoff - winter and spring are perfect Can't complain about the summers there, because the entire east coast is hot and humid anyway.