Siesta Key Farmers’ Market

Why We Love It: In one of the most sought-after stretches of Sarasota is the Siesta Key Farmers’ Market, which is held in Siesta Village Plaza near the shoreline of the award-winning Siesta Beach (the top-rated one in the country). Thirty-plus vendors display their tropical artwork, homemade cosmetic products, specialty cheeses, plants, jewelry, baked goods and vibrant bouquets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, year-round. In-between browsing and buying, spectators at the market head to the village’s eateries for oysters, fish tacos, shrimp and scallops, and to the tiki bars for frozen daiquiris. The beach is just a few sandal steps away from the market, with its powdery sand made of 99 percent pure quartz and its resident snowy plovers, seagulls, sea turtles and manatees. There are also coffee shops, ice cream parlors, boutiques and even a Sunday evening drum circle on Siesta Key. Shop at the market and stay for the sand.