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Get to Know Sarasota's Historic District
Sarasota's historic district offers visitors an incredible opportunity to become better acquainted with the city's past. Spanning over two miles of walkable city space and featuring a variety of cultural, architectural, and culinary attractions, this area is a must-see for anyone traveling near our Sarasota homes for sale. Let's take a closer look at some of the buildings and businesses that make this area so remarkable.
Arts and Culture
One of the downtown historic district's biggest claims to fame is its arts scene. Even though the buildings here are old, the artistic community is very much alive and thriving.
You can visit the Art Centre Sarasota, home of the Sarasota Art Association, every weekday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Saturdays from 12 PM to 5 PM. This building offers the city's talented artists a place to showcase their best works to the public. On top of the usual exhibitions and juried shows, the center also offers classes and panel discussions to help community members improve their own artistic skills and further their understanding of the field.
Looking for some live entertainment? You'll find plenty at the Florida Studio Theatre. This venue hosts all kinds of productions, ranging from plays and musicals to improv comedy. It's a fantastic place for a night out, and the historic building that houses these performances is a spectacle in its own right.
You'll love attending concerts and performances at the gloriously grand Sarasota Opera House. Under its sweeping high ceilings and elaborate balconies, you're sure to feel the majesty of this timeless art form. Our real estate agents are always excited when a new show is announced!
Architecture
Sarasota's historic district also contains many beautiful old buildings showcasing various architectural styles. Some of these sites have even made their way onto the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
You can observe the hallmarks of the gorgeous Art Deco style in the ornate fixtures and arches of the Kress Building, an old discount storefront built on Main Street back in 1932.
With a slight detour onto S Orange Avenue, you'll find the imposing marble columns of the Federal Building. This colossal structure is an excellent example of the Neoclassical Revival architecture that was popular in Sarasota during the 1930s.
A little further down Main Street, you'll easily spot the distinctive H-shaped design and Mediterranean influences of the Sarasota County Courthouse. This type of design was another favorite back in the 1920s, but its recent revival has made this building look a lot like many of the trendiest new homes available today.
Shopping and Dining
The historic district is full of small shops and restaurants that are well worth a visit.
You can experience sumptuous French fine dining at the Bijou Garden Café, a renowned local restaurant housed in a former gas station. This establishment is run by an award-winning local chef and features a menu that changes with the seasons to showcase the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.
Later in the evening, you can order a few drinks at The Gator Club, the upscale bar and lounge currently occupying the building that was once known as Worth's Block. The building dates all the way back to 1912 and is one of the oldest structures still standing in modern-day Sarasota.
Sarasota's future is sure to be just as exciting and eventful as its past. It's time for you to become part of it. Contact us today to take a closer look at our many homes in Sarasota and find a property where you can begin building your own legacy.