BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE Pink Sebastian Boutique

These Sarasota favorites are a shoe-in for shopaholic spot of the year. Whether you’re bagging up blouses or hauling out haute couture—these are the places to hang when you want to add to your hangers. Pink Sebastian Boutique parades a Platinum award while Darci’s has the Gold to get you ready to go out. Bambola sells a Silver selection and Surge Style Boutique brings in Bronze winning bounty. Shop at Honorable Mentions Coral & Reef, Scout & Molly’s - Lakewood Ranch, Simply Jo’s Boutique, L. Boutique, Marmalade Boutique, Pink & Navy, The Stoked Flamingo, Foxy Lady - Siesta Key, A Mid Somers Nap, Malibu Fox Boutique and Tweeds Custom Suits.

Jerusha Pfannenschmidt (on Pink Sebastian Boutique) You feel at home when shopping at Pink Sebastian Boutique. The items are always in style, vibrant and fun to wear. The owner is an amazing person who cares for her clients. Constance Moore (on Darci’s) Darci not only makes you feel welcome but she provides the expertise when shopping for that perfect outfit. Jacqueline Klein (on Bambola) The owner Kristin is the sweetest. She hosts such fun events that bring the community together. Dani Hubbard (on Surge Style Boutique) So many options, different types of stores, great shops and owners.

BEST LOCAL EYEGLASS STORE Soto’s Optical Boutique

Etta James might have Rather Gone Blind but we’d like the proper eye-wear to enjoy our beachside view please and thank you. Soto’s Optical Boutique is a Platinum pick followed by Center For Sight that gives you Gold—and 20/20 vision. University Eye Care is a specs-tacular Silver and
L. Boutique was framed (for good!) winning Bronze. Help see your best with Honorable Mention Crossroads Optical.

Simon Stone (on Soto’s Optical Boutique) Coolest glasses in town. Ron is also really generous about reframing/reshaping. Laketa Mitchell (on Center For Sight) Not only is Dr. Page a thoughtful and thorough optometrist, his staff is also thorough and helpful. Their eyeglass selection is top notch featuring an array of styles and brands and staff will find the perfect shape and style for your look. Being afraid to step out of my comfort zone gave me the confidence to try on some new designs that were so much more complimentary and fun. I highly recommend this Center For Sight as a compassionate and competent place for top notch care and beautiful customized eyewear assistance. Teresa Page (on Center For Sight) Dr. Page is dedicated to his patients and their wellbeing, he is knowledgeable and will take the time to explain all aspects of the exam and results and answer your questions patiently. The staff is also exceptional and I was very happy with my care.

BEST LOCAL FLORIST Beneva Flowers & Plantscapes

These local florists planted a pretty little seed in the head of our readers, taking root in their minds and leafing quite the impression. These bouquet bests made the people go daisy and landed the top spots for 2025. Beneva Flowers & Plantscapes picked their petals for Platinum followed by Mystic Blooms—is a Garden of Eden Gold. Uprooted Rose-Luxury Flowers in a sunflower Silver and Mindful Blooms Farm blossomed into Bronze. Stop and smell the roses at Honorable Mentions Bradenton Flower Shop and Fantasy Flowers of Lakewood Ranch.

LeeAnne Swor (on Beneva Flowers & Plantscapes) Every time I get an arrangement, they are creative, beautiful and last for a long time. I appreciate the originality in their designs. Courtney Hoover (on Mystic Blooms) Best florist in Sarasota! Sarah the owner always goes above and beyond, they have beautiful flowers and unique designs. Flowers are always fresh and look amazing. Lydia Roberts (on Mystic Blooms) Mystic Blooms puts the perfect touch on any event! Sarah has beautiful fresh flowers, she blooms with creativity and is so personal with each of her clients. She really loves what she does, and it shows in her work. Michael Phelan (on Uprooted Rose-Luxury Flowers) Most beautiful flower I have ever given my wife, and outstanding customer service. Sheena Storek (on Mindful Blooms Farm) This farm is incredible. One with an amazing story and a powerhouse owner who truly expresses passion into her work. She is so knowledgeable and shares her knowledge of farming and flowers with the community through workshops. The arrangements are stunning as well.

BEST LOCAL GIFT STORE The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime

The beauty of a place like Florida is that you always have an excuse to buy that next great gift. A tourist destination for better or for worse, we are borderline overflowing with Floridian-fare to dole out to friends and family. Competing with the bikini-bum postcards and glitter-gilded magnets are these tasteful gift shops adding a touch of classy flair to a market saturated with seashell snowglobes—which to be fair, are adorable. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime curates a Platinum place to pick-up a handcrafted housewarming present. Burns Mercantile is the Gold go-to for gifts while Mae Reid Mercantile is selling a Silver-winning assortment of amazing additions to your house. The Blue Door Spa & Salon closes out the competition with their Bronze bounty of beautiful trinkets to treat your best friend. Have a look at the worthy wares at Honorable Mentions Pineapple Kitchen and Sarasota Memorial Hospital Gift Shop.

Julie McGuigan (on The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime) We live in PA, every time we are in Sarasota we stop by to see what’s new and do some shopping. Jesse Sage (on The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime) From the shopping to the snacks the whole place is the perfect vibe. Sabine Groom (on Burns Mercantile) Best new gift store in town, with the holidays coming on fast, see what they have that you will want to gift to your besties and family. Kimberly Rhyne (on Mae Reid) A sweet, friendly, small-town feel gift shop; the perfect stop when you’re looking for something special and unique! Katie Alderman (on Mae Reid) The store is owned by a mother-daughter duo. They put thought into every product they carry and provide a warm and welcoming shopping experience.

BEST LOCAL BRIDAL SHOP The Perfect Dress of Sarasota

Without further I Dos, here is our unveiling of the top picks for this year’s bridal best. The Perfect Dress of Sarasota tied the knot tight for first place—our Platinum pick. Monica’s Bridal Boutique & Alterations grabbed the bouquet and the Gold. Something Blue Bridal Boutique swayed their way to a Silver first dance and Barbie’s Boutique Bridal is love-bound in Bronze. Walk down the aisle and over to Honorable Mention Truly Forever Bridal Sarasota.

Karen Waldron Emling (on The Perfect Dress of Sarasota) I got my wedding dress from The Perfect Dress. It was the first dress I tried on and I cried! I was not expecting that reaction at all. After trying on several more I put the first one I had back on and my soon to be first dance song started playing throughout the shop! I was so emotional, it was a great experience. Monica Dean (on Monica’s Bridal Boutique & Alterations) They not only helped my best friend get her wedding gown. I came back to buy mine and a second look dress plus my mom’s dress for the wedding! Everyone is so nice and they will do everything for you to make sure the shopping experience is perfect. Israel Sánchez (on Barbie’s Boutique Bridal) They have custom dresses, owner assistance and they are very helpful.

BEST LOCAL BIKE SHOP Village Bikes, Sarasota

The cycle of looking for the next best bike can feel endless—but these shops are here to offer you an end to your spinning wheels. Village Bikes, Sarasota Platinum pedal-gree while Sarasota Cycle was a favorite for Gold that readers wheelie loved. Real Bikes is a spoke-tacular Silver favorite and Playtri Sarasota Bike Shop & Triathlon Store bounds into Bronze.

Sheila Miller (on Real Bikes) They know 100 percent about their product. Eliane Wentz (on Playtri Sarasota) This store is the best! Knowledgeable, customer focused, dedicated to the triathlete as well as the pleasure biker. They carry performance bicycles, children’s bicycles, electric bicycles and they service them as well. I cannot recommend them enough. Not only will they focus on what you want, if they don’t have it they will get it for you. They support the community and as a small business are well worth our support. Sean Fraser (on Playtri Sarasota) I had some serious foot issues—plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma. I went into Playtri and they gave me great advice on a pair of shoes that I wear to this day. My pain completely disappears when I wear their shoes.

BEST LOCAL E-BIKE SHOP Sarasota Cycle

The digital watch of bikes, futuristic E-bikes takes you from analog to electric and then speeding down the road. A lovechild of sorts between the classic bicycle and a moped, this modern day mash-up has commuters zipping down the street—on two wheels, a little boost and some old-fashioned man (or woman) power. Sarasota Cycle peels away from the competition to take Platinum while Crank & Paddle cranks up their gears to grab the Gold. E-Bikes And Cycles zooms in for Silver while Playtri Sarasota Bike Shop & Triathlon Store barrels down the block for Bronze. Honorable Mentions to check out include Big Bam eBikes and Lapp’s Bike Rentals.

Lou Ann Linn (on Crank & Paddle) Great atmosphere with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Maine Summer (on E-Bikes And Cycles) They were well versed and very helpful. Made me feel good about my purchase. Sarita Garrison (on Playtri Sarasota Bike Shop & Triathlon Store) Friendly, reliable, and very knowledgeable of bikes and Triathlon information. Great place to shop for personnel needs to enhance your experience in achieving your goals.

BEST LOCAL JEWELER Jewelry By LuisFer

Humans are primed to accessorize. Go to any museum you’ll find a section dedicated to gold bangles and jeweled necklaces dating back centuries. Even in the middle ages people were reveling in rings. Fast forward to modern south Florida and these are our little town’s favorite for all things sparkly. Jewelry By LuisFer picks up the Platinum crown while North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique glitters in Gold. H & M Designer Jewelry sparkles in Silver and Modrn Luxe Jewels is a jewel-busting Bronze. Honorable Mentions include Thayer Jewelers, Milan’s Jewelry Inc., Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold, Diamond Vault Jewelers and Jess Jewelers.

Fernando Quiñónez (on Jewelry By LuisFer) Friendly jeweler. Him and his wife Patty are so knowledgeable about all jewelry needs. Robert Holzler (on North Star Fine Jewelry & Gift Boutique) Beautiful, colorful and unique pieces from some of the best jewelry designers and fashion artists out there. Brittany Bleick (on Modrn Luxe Jewels) The absolute cutest shop with the kindest owner.

BEST RESALE/CONSIGNMENT SHOP The Exchange Inc.

Never wear the same clothes twice? Fine—we’ll wear someone else’s. These resale and consignment shops prove purchase after purchase that one person’s previous pants are another’s priceless closet upgrade. Although the price is important, because second-hand (usually) won’t break your wallet. Here’s where to head for a thrift-tastic time. The Exchange Inc. pulls Platinum looks with SPARCC Treasure Chest unlocking a Gold-worthy win. World’s Attic Thrift Shop is a second-hand steal with Silver and The Woven Home, Furniture and Decor stitched up a stylish Bronze. Add to your hangers with Honorable Mentions PEL Consignments LLC, St. Vincent De Paul Thrift Store, Loving Hands Thrift Store and The Blue Flamingo.

Denice Peoples (on The Exchange Inc.) My favorite place to lose myself. They have something for everyone. Check them out. Wendy Rossiter (on SPARCC Treasure Chest) They have the best stuff and it all goes for a great cause. Louise Hauser (on World’s Attic Thrift Shop) There’s always a surprise in store at World’s Attic. Besides finding lots of goodies to purchase, I appreciate that donations to the Attic will be sold and used for wonderful charitable purposes. Megan Uccello (on The Woven Home, Furniture and Decor) The Woven Home is a local gem. It’s full of vintage, unique and collectible pieces. The owners are locals who grew up here in Sarasota and clearly love their town. They are focusing on sustainability and fun design to curate your space. You can shop there on a budget or splurge and still find amazingly cool pieces that make your vision come to life.

BEST LOCAL PET SUPPLIES STORE Wet Noses Grooming Sarasota

Man’s best friend certainly deserves a treat now and again. Whether your boy is barking for bacon bits or clawing for a new cat tree, these pet shops will have even the toughest owners falling for their fluffy friend’s puppy eyes. Wet Noses Grooming Sarasota is leader of the pack in Platinum while Pet Supply Center is your Gold winner. Readers threw Holistic For Pets a bone—a Silver spot to grab your next squeaky toy and DOGPerfect un-leashed an unstoppable Bronze best of top-of-the-line pet perks. Hop on over to Honorable Mentions Family Pet Center Sarasota and LapDog Depot.

Michael Weir (on Wet Noses Grooming Sarasota) Wet Noses never disappoints. It’s nice to chat when things are fine and it’s comforting to know they will go above and beyond to help in an unexpected moment of need. CJ (on Pet Supply Center) They are so friendly and have so much! Irma Lewis (on Holistic For Pets) A great selection of premium pet foods and a nice selection of other supplies and toys. Great sales. Marge McCarthy (on DogPerfect) Not only a variety of options but also very informative. They have staff that really care and they got our dog from being kind of sickly to the best dog in the world.

BEST LOCAL SURF SHOP The Compound Boardshop

Cowabunga—water you waiting for, we’ve got the inside scoop on all the shops to get you stoked. Totally tubular and waving into first is The Compound Boardshop that has all the hits to help you hang-ten. Coral & Reef is a Gold stop for your next big swell or check out The Stoked Flamingo—rip-tiding into Silver. West Coast Surf Shop drops in to come barreling into Bronze.

Jacob Shirlds (on Compound Boardshop) Amazing selection of handcrafted surfboards and tons of apparel and accessories. Denise Masters (on Coral & Reef Boutique) One of my favorite stores. She curates locally made art and other items in addition to very unique clothing. I am not sure where she gets her earrings but they are always amazing and one-of-a-kind. I love that she does community events too, she has a big heart. Matthew Peterson (on The Stoked Flamingo) Best selection of men’s products around. Always has the unique items no one else carries in the area.

BEST LOCAL KAYAK/PADDLE SHOP The Compound Boardshop

When you’re up a creek without a paddle and looking for rescue—these shops come in handy to save the day. Upstream to the top spot this year is Platinum pick The Compound Boardshop for all your boating bests. Economy Tackle/Dolphin Paddlesports rowed right in for Gold. They’re here for whatever floats your boat.

Eric Matias (on Compound Boardshop) Compound has been pushing the paddle and surf scene for years by educating entry level customers as well as in-depth knowledge for those more experienced.