St Armands Circle - Sarasota, Florida
What is It - Shopping malls are facing an uncertain future because of the continued market power of Amazon and retail bankruptcies. Consequently, unique shopping venues may be better positioned in the US marketplace to continue attracting customers. One well-known location that continues to flourish is the outdoor shopping and food area located on Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida known as St Armands Circle.
First settled by Charles A St Armands in the late 1800s, the 150-acre island area was marketed in the 1920s as a promising location on the Gulf of Mexico for a real estate project to be called Ringling Isles. That project never materialized but the special shopping area that emerged there in the following decades attracted visitors to the island and serviced a growing number of shoreline hotels and residences. The Ringling family remained actively involved in designing the area and serving as benefactors for many of the outdoor amenities. John Ringling conceived of a large circle with buildings on the perimeter, a tree lined park in the middle for relaxation, and streets radiating outward in all four directions. He later contributed a personal collection of several dozen Italian sculptures and plaques honoring a "Circus Hall of Fame” to the walkways and manicured gardens of the circle.
Despite the passing of more than 90 years, St Armands Circle has continually upgraded its buildings and amenities to fit the times. Stores offering boutique fashions, jewelry, home furnishings, galleries and personal services make up most of the more than 100 merchant locations around the circle. The awnings in front of some stores provide welcoming entrances and notwithstanding the tourists, there is a neighborhood feel to the stores and friendly proprietors.
Another one of St Armands Circle features is food. Close to two dozen restaurants and cafes surround the circle. These include the locally prominent Columbia Restaurant known for its Cuban and Latin dishes, a trendy Tommy Bahama restaurant and bar, and gourmet options such as Cafe L’Europe and Crab and Fin. Casual fare such as several good pizza and ice cream shops and the French pastry shop Le Macaron provide excellent snacks and desserts. There are also special activities presented in the circle from time to time including art festivals, car shows, food festivals, Halloween, and holiday events.
When to Go - During the busiest months of the year from December to March, St Armands Circle can get crowded even though the wide boulevards and parking garages located on ancillary streets provide hundreds of parking spaces. Parking on the circle itself can be difficult to find on weekend evenings throughout the year. So a late afternoon or evening visit in the fall or late spring is a pleasant time to enjoy the full ambiance of the circle if you avoid the thunderstorms.
Where to Stay - There are a wide range of hotel rooms, furnished suites and some motel rooms available nearby. The excellent Lido Beach Resort is located right on the beach with two pools and full services including a shuttle to the circle is located right on the beach. Luxury properties include the Westin and Ritz-Carlton on Sarasota Bay near the causeway bridge.