- December 26, 2024
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Photo by Lori Sax
This article was written before the devastating impacts of hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have affected many of the beloved businesses in St. Armands Circle. While some may still be in the process of rebuilding, many are reopened, and the spirit of this community remains resilient. The strength, solidarity and confidence that shaped St. Armands before the storm continue to shine as it rebuilds, ensuring that this cherished destination will thrive once again.
At the dawn of the 20th century, circus magnate and developer John Ringling had big plans for St. Armands Key. He envisioned a grand shopping plaza around a European-style traffic circle. In 1926, St. Armands Circle became a reality. (The streets, that is. The shops would come later.)
Nearly a century later, Ringling’s vision is alive and thriving on St. Armands Circle. This cosmopolitan enclave now boasts more than 120 shops, outdoor cafés, award-winning restaurants, spas and salons. The Circle also hosts seasonal art and crafts festivals, outdoor music series, holiday celebrations, and boat and car shows.
Whether you’re window shopping, seeking the latest in Lilly Pulitzer, toasting romance, or grabbing breakfast after a beach stroll, you’ll find the perfect spot to please your tastes. It’s 360 degrees of possibility.
The evolution of St. Armands Circle from Ringling’s early vision to its present-day vibrancy is remarkable. Throughout these changes, the heart of this gathering space has always been its people. Beyond its picturesque streets and diverse offerings, the Circle’s charm is brought to life by the local business owners and residents who pour their passion and dedication into the community. We had the privilege of speaking with several of these key figures who embody the spirit of the Circle and contribute to its unique character and charm. Each plays a part in making it the cherished spot it is today.
Bennington Tobacconist has been an iconic St. Armands Circle destination since 1965. This family-owned shop fosters deep customer loyalty with its rare blend of quality, tradition and personal attention. While it embraces modern business practices, it maintains a steadfast commitment to time-tested quality and family heritage. Many of its cigars are crafted by family-owned, independent businesses, mirroring Bennington’s values.
The shop is also an oasis of memorable moments. Customers fondly recall buying gifts for special occasions or browsing with family and friends. Co-owner Jack Bennington has his own treasured memory: the day Walter Cronkite, a famed journalist and avid pipe smoker, visited. After docking his sailboat at Sarasota Yacht Club, Cronkite came to the shop. He asked for a pipe and tobacco, with one whispered condition: “Promise me you won’t tell my wife.”
As St. Armands Circle approaches its centennial, Bennington Tobacconist nears its 60th anniversary. The shop remains in the family — co-owned by brothers Jack, Jim and Gary Bennington. Gary’s daughter, Kayte, is set to inherit the business, ensuring that this institution will continue to create great memories for decades to come.
If You Go: 5 Fillmore Drive. Smoking hot tip: Want the best? Bennington Tobacconist’s top three cigars are Padron, Arturo Fuente and Ashton.
The Giving Tree Gallery, a family-owned contemporary gift shop and gallery, has been a creative cornerstone of St. Armands Circle since 1994. Founded by Terry and Debi Marino, the gallery has long served as a haven for handcrafted gifts, jewelry, art, home décor and artisanal treasures. Now led by their daughter, Deb Goldberg, she reflects on her parents’ legacy and their journey from Chicago in search of a sunnier, more fulfilling life. For them, St. Armands Circle represented paradise found — a place where their carefully curated offerings could truly thrive.
They were right.
The Giving Tree’s been Goldberg’s home away from home as both a child and as an adult. And St. Armands Circle has been her neighborhood. She notes that while St. Armands Circle has evolved over the years — with improvements like the John Ringling Bridge transformation and enhanced landscaping — the community has also faced challenges, including extreme weather and pandemic impacts. Despite this, Goldberg remains passionate about the Circle.
“Shopping here is an experience,” she says. “Where else can you enjoy eclectic boutiques, a refreshing sangria, and the beach all in one stroll?”
If You Go: 5 N. Boulevard of the Presidents
Since 1959, the Columbia Restaurant has been a gem of St. Armands Circle. Originally established in Ybor City in 1905, this family-owned and operated restaurant is renowned for its Spanish/Cuban cuisine, drawing visitors from around the world to savor its signature black bean soup, authentic Cuban sandwiches, paella and sangria. We spoke with Casey Gonzmart Sr., the fourth-generation owner and a board member of the St. Armands Circle Association. Gonzmart, who considers the Circle an ideal destination, shared his insights on its enduring appeal and discussed upcoming plans by the St. Armands Circle Association and the city of Sarasota to preserve its charm.
The St. Armands Circle Association is collaborating with the city of Sarasota to enhance and beautify the natural landscape of the tropical beauty of St. Armands. We are caretakers of John Ringling’s dream. In the 1920s, he maintained the Circle as an open park. It’s always been an open space. He did not put any structures in the Circle, although he could have chosen to do so.
We have ongoing projects that go hand-in-hand with those of the city’s Parks and Recreation department; they’ve been upgraded to include native species and salt-tolerant plants. Many things must be taken into consideration, including diminishing the use of any mulch that could impede the drainage system. We’re focusing on plants that have survivability. We’ve had to replace less tolerant species.
His dream is both relevant and dynamic in our vision. We want our local patrons and our many visitors to Sarasota to enjoy this microclimate in the center of beautiful Lido Key. Our goal is to beautify and maintain an open space for everyone to enjoy.
It would begin with an original 1905 Salad and a cup of one of our house-made soups. For an entrée, I’d choose something that features our fresh Florida seafood, such as pompano en papillot, in which a boneless fillet of pompano with seafood stuffing of shrimp, crabmeat, artichoke, butter and white wine is wrapped in parchment paper and baked. Then I’d suggest that they finish it off with my grandmother’s recipe for flan and a steaming cup of Cuban coffee roasted in Tampa by Naviera Coffee Mills. And don’t forget a pitcher of sangria mixed fresh at your table.
If You Go: 411 St. Armands Circle
Embark on a global culinary adventure without leaving the Circle. Whether you’re indulging in Greek delicacies, savoring Turkish sweets, or relishing French confections, each stop feels like a journey to a faraway land.
Begin your culinary journey at Blu Kouzina, where the ambiance transports you to a taverna in Santorini. The menu features both classic and modern Greek and Mediterranean fare. Savor appetizers like yellow lentil and eggplant dips, baked spinach pie, stuffed red peppers, and zucchini patties, or indulge in a more robust main course — grilled whole fish and roast lemon chicken are standout choices. Complete your Greek experience with a glass (or two) of retsina. 25 N. Boulevard of the Presidents
After your Greek feast, head next door for dessert at Ephesus Mediterranean Delights. This shop is brimming with Turkish treasures, from wall art and rugs to clothing, shoes, jewelry, and a fine selection of coffees and teas. The real highlight, though, is dessert. Manager Kerim Dagli welcomed us with a colorful spread of Turkish pastries, paired with freshly brewed, sweet (and strong) coffee. We indulged in baklava and Turkish delights filled with pistachio, chocolate, walnut, almond and hazelnut. Each bite offered a taste of Turkey’s rich culinary heritage. 27 N. Boulevard of the Presidents
Did you know? Turkish delights are soft, chewy confections made from starch and sugar, often flavored with rosewater, lemon or orange, and dusted with powdered sugar or coconut. Sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or hazelnuts, these colorful treats have been cherished in Turkish culture for centuries.
Across the Circle, Le Macaron offers delectable treats with a French accent. Not to be confused with American macaroons, these dainty, meringue-based confections feature a crisp, smooth shell that gives way to a soft, chewy interior — filled with ganache, buttercream or jam. The macaron’s vibrant hues and rich, nuanced flavors — ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to adventurous options like pistachio and raspberry — make each bite a sensory treat. At only 80 calories each, they’re as irresistible as they are delightful. Bet you can’t eat just one! 362 St. Armands Circle.
December 6: Celebrate the 46th Annual Holiday Night of Lights at St. Armands Circle. Enjoy live performances, a sing-along, Santa’s arrival, tree lighting, crafts and family-friendly fun. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with photos and activities lasting until 9 p.m. Free admission. Don’t forget your letter to Santa!
December 14: Enjoy a day filled with luxury cars, friendly faces, and the vibrant atmosphere of Sarasota’s premier shops and restaurants. Free event for car enthusiasts and families alike.
January 25 and 26: Explore gallery-style booths featuring fine art, sculptures, jewelry and hand-crafted decor at the St. Armands Circle Art Festival. National and local artists showcase their works in this free, two-day event.
The Circle sparkles with jewelry shops. Ask to see the inspired collection of gem-filled sea life jewelry at Jewelry by Cole (7 Blvd of the Presidents). Handcrafted from 14kt gold, diamonds, silver and a variety of gems, this enchanting selection features turtles, dolphins, starfish and flounder, and each piece is a tribute to the beauty of the ocean. Or drape her neck with a sparkly string of Mikimoto cultured pearls or make his heart go tick-tock with a Carl F. Bucherer watch at Armel Jewelers. (482 John Ringling Blvd.)
Sidewalk dining at Crab and Fin combines the pleasures of people-watching, stargazing, romance and brasserie-style gourmandizing. And nothing beats a starry night feast of oysters on the half shell. So, raise a refreshing glass of something cold and commence your briny journey. Where to start? The grand oyster tasting, which offers a variety of oysters sourced from across North America. 420 St. Armands Circle.
The Blood Orange Margarita at Shore is crafted with Corazòn Blanco Tequila, Solerno Liqueur, Natalie’s Blood Orange Juice, freshly squeezed limes and agave syrup — a perfect balance of flavors. Each sip is a medley of citrusy notes and tequila’s smooth seduction. 465 John Ringling Blvd.
You ran the Ringling Bridge this morning. Now it’s time for the true breakfast of champions at The Blue Dolphin Café. Forget the yogurt and low-fat muffins. Dig into the Breakfast Wrap, an herb tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, veggie chili, and cheddar cheese. Slather sour cream on top. You’ve earned it. 470 John Ringling Blvd.
After a day of exploring the Circle, it’s time to treat the kids to something they’ll love — ice cream. Head over to Kilwins, where 40 flavors of pure delight await. And if ice cream isn’t their thing, they can still satisfy their sweet tooth with homemade fudge, peanut brittle, chocolates and a galaxy of candy. It’s their time to indulge! 312 John Ringling Blvd.
