I visited Sarasota over ten years ago, and I still remember the trip fondly for one unexpected reason: Sarasota had a vibrant, tropical vibe that I wasn’t expecting.
And that’s in addition to its gorgeous beaches, year-round warm weather, and the surprising small-town vibe that it has despite its size. Its downtown area is walkable, its white-sand beaches are silky soft, and it’s got an active arts scene.
But the real allure for me were all those oversized, tropical plants, especially what I saw at Myakka River State Park. It gave the area a lush feel, even in its quieter residential areas. As someone living in New York City, it was a breath of fresh (exotic) air…