100 Things To Do in Sarasota Before You Die

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As a travel writer, I’ve traveled to 40 countries in the last 15 years, but I always look forward to coming back to paradise!

Excerpt: Sarasota was ranked the #1 place to live in Florida in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report, and the #5 place to live in the US, so if you live here, you’ve chosen well. When I started exploring our little part of the world, little did I know how much there was to see and do right here at home. With an average of 255 days of sunshine per year, there’s plenty of time to get outside and play!

I’ve lived here 10 years and there are so many cool things that I didn’t even know about! Next time my kids say they’re bored, I’ll have plenty of awesome new ideas! And don’t just take my word for it…ask Amazon. It made their best sellers list!!!

Lisa, local resident

*Join me at an event listed below and pick up your book! It saves shipping which is a huge help! Of course, if you can’t attend one of the events, I am happy to ship (which I include in the price of the book!)

** Please leave a note for a personalized message request! I am happy to sign “To (your name)” or Happy Birthday (name) or whatever you prefer! You can also reach me at kastilwell@gmail.com anytime! Thanks so much!

Update to book: Ski-A-Rees has two show seasons. You can typically see performances each Sunday at 2 p.m. from the first Sunday in February through the first Sunday in May. They take a break over the summer due to the heat, starting back up with a short fall season the first Sunday in October through the first Sunday in November, again each Sunday at 2 p.m. It’s always best to check their website or give them a call to confirm show dates.

Upcoming Author Events

  • Island Branch Library, Saturday, September 21, 10 AM- 11 AM, 5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach. (941) 778-6341
  • Barnes & Noble, Sunday, September 22, 11 AM- 1 PM, University Town Center 200 N. Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota
  • Gilly Girls, Thursday Oct 17th, Main St., Lakewood Ranch, Time to be Determined.
  • Bradenton Farmers Market, Saturday, October 19, 9 AM – 2 PM, 400 12th St W, Bradenton, 941-301-8445
  • Wicked Cantina, Saturday, November 2 (Day of the Dead!), 1 PM, 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach, 941-281-2990.
  • Selby Library, Tuesday, November 5, PM, 1331 First St., Sarasota
  • River Strand Golf & Country Club, Wednesday, November 6, 6 PM-8 PM, (Members only event)
  • Gilly Girls, Thursday, November 7, 12-2 pm. Main St., Lakewood Ranch
  • Discover Sarasota Tours 6th Annual Trolley Bash, November 7, 4 PM-6:30 PM, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234, 941-260-9818
  • Bookstore1Sarasota, November 9, 9 AM- 1 PM, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota. 941- 365-7900. *Please place an advance order with Sarasota 1 Bookstore for pick up so you’ll be sure to get a signed book!
  • Barnes & Noble, Saturday, November 9, 2 PM – 4 PM. 4010 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
  • Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival, Friday, November 15, 1 PM – 5 PM, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. (The festival is all day from 11/15-11/18, but I will only be there to sign books at times listed here.)
  • Bradenton Farmers Market, Saturday, November 16, 9 AM – 2 PM, 400 12th St W, Bradenton, 941-301-8445
  • Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival, Sunday, November 17, 1 PM – 5 PM, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. (The festival is all day from 11/15-11/18, but I will only be there to sign books at times listed here.)
  • Siesta Key Crystal Classic Sand Sculpting Festival, Monday, November 18, 1 PM – 5 PM, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key. (The festival is all day from 11/15-11/18, but I will only be there to sign books at times listed here.)
  • Private Event, Thursday, November 21, 6 PM – 8 PM.
  • Phillippi Farmers Market, Wednesday, November 27, 8 AM – 1 PM Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
  • Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, December 3, 2 PM – 3:30 PM. 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
  • Monkee’s of Lakewood Ranch (Waterside), December 4, 6 PM- 9 PM (Ranch Night Wednesday!) 1561 Lakefront Drive, Suite 104
  • Sarasota Art Museum, Saturday, February 22, 1 PM – 3:30 PM, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 309-4300, RSVP required
  • And many more to come!

Where to Get 100 Things To Do In Sarasota Before You Die

Discover Sarasota Trolley Tours Gift Shop, Sarasota

Gilly Girls, Main Street, Lakewood Ranch

Manatee Village Historical Park

Monkee’s Lakewood Ranch, Waterside

The Ringling Museum Store, Sarasota

Sarasota Art Museum, Sarasota

sarasotabooks.com

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Gift Shop, Sarasota

Press

Thanks to everyone who has invited me to share the story of 100 Things To Do in Sarasota Before You Die!

Television

Suncoast View

Fox 13 with Linda Hurtado

WFLA

In Print

The Observer

Herald-Tribune (scroll to next story)

Bradenton Magazine Hot Off The Press