A wooden footbridge leading to the beach

Food & Wine Archives

Top 5 Places to Eat on Longboat Key

Looking for the best places to eat for Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Longboat Key and Lido Key? We are very experienced at managing vacation rentals here at Florida Vacation Connection, but we are also really good at eating! And the best person… Read More

Your Guide to Shopping in St. Armands Circle

It’s time to shop ‘til you drop! Retail therapy is one of our favorite vacation activities. Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit, a souvenir, or a gift for a loved one, you’ll find it in St. Armands Circle. John Ringling’s… Read More

5 of the Best Waterfront Restaurants in Sarasota

We take dining seriously here in Sarasota! Not only is our cuisine top notch, we also have some beautiful views that can be seen from many of our restaurants. There’s something special about indulging in a delicious meal with a stunning… Read More

5 of the Best Rooftop Bars in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota’s art scene and world-class beaches may steal the spotlight during the day, but once the sun starts to go down, there are plenty of places to relax and revel in the warm weather. Take a break at one of the… Read More

Florida Citrus Recipes For The Holidays

If you’re going to be in the Sarasota area for the winter holidays, you’re in luck: It’s high season for citrus. Since the 19th century, the Sunshine State has been cultivating its groves commercially. Today, it’s the country’s largest supplier of sweet,… Read More

Spotlight On Our Team: Sue

Dinner restaurant: Columbia Restaurant. The best Cuban food in town. Breakfast spot: Sage Biscuit Cafe in Bradenton. On-the-waterfront dining:  Anna Maria’s Waterfront Restaurant and Craft Bar.  Ask about their daily specials; they’re sometimes unique but always delicious. Seafood restaurant:… Read More

Spotlight On Our Team: Dallas

Dinner restaurant: So many great places in Sarasota. My home for 31 years has been Anna Maria, so if you want to think outside the box, try The Feast. It’s in a small shopping center on Anna Maria, and it’s AH-Mazing!! Make… Read More

Spotlight On Our Team: Michele Knuese

Meet our fearless leader, Michele Knuese. Having been in the local vacation rental business for over 30 years, Wisconsin-born Knuese was perfectly poised to take the helm of Florida Vacation Connection in 1994. As owner and manager, Michele calls upon her decades… Read More

A Stroll Through Sarasota’s Farmers Markets

Given the Sarasota area’s endless sunshine and natural beauty, it’s no surprise that there’s a robust farmers market scene here. Both the islands and the mainland host markets that showcase the food, products, artwork and more that reflect the spirit of… Read More

After Hours On The Islands

It’s after 6 p.m. on Longboat Key. The sun is about to set and dinner plans are calling. It’s a gorgeous evening all around, and there’s absolutely no reason not to extend it well into the night. The area’s evenings are generally balmy,… Read More