It has been ten days since I last wrote. In that time, Sarasota has slowly been returning to life after the powerful hurricane. During this time, I’ve reflected on how vulnerable we are in the face of nature’s force and how crucial it is to preserve the city’s unique historic landmarks. New buildings will rise, identical to those in the cities around the world. But no one can replicate the charm of our historic homes—they hold an energy shaped by generations, surviving storms and carrying memories.
Living in a historic wooden cottage in downtown Sarasota, I realize these homes may not be around much longer. Some are set to be demolished for new developments, and others have already been lost to recent hurricanes. In this article, I want to highlight Fruitville Road, specifically the downtown area next to The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, and support the small businesses located in the district. This side of the street still preserves part of our city’s heritage with its charming wooden cottages, cozy cafés, and local businesses that capture the soul of old Sarasota.
A few original wooden cottages remain along Fruitville Road downtown, and they instantly caught my eye during a morning walk:
The Crystal Cave is a unique shop that offers a wide selection of handpicked crystals, stones, fossils, and other spiritual items. It also provides workshops and classes on crystal healing and Zentangle, a meditative form of drawing. The owner, Susan Moen, brings over 28 years of experience to the shop, personally selecting each item to ensure quality and authenticity, making it a popular destination for those interested in natural, holistic practices.
Location: 1899B Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: https://crystalcave.me.
Blue Bird Salon & Boutique. This boutique offers a wide array of beauty services, including hair styling, coloring, and skincare treatments, all delivered by a talented and professional team. The salon also features a selection of fashion accessories and other retail items, making it a one-stop destination for beauty and style. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and personalized services, Blue Bird has become a beloved spot for locals looking to refresh their look in a unique and cozy environment.
The Cookie Cottage is located at 335 Gillespie Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, and offers a delightful range of freshly baked cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Known for its homestyle baking, it’s a popular spot for everyday snacks and custom-order desserts. The shop is also loved for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a quick treat or a particular order.
Website: thecookiecottageflorida.com
The Little Day Spa is at 323 Gillespie Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236. This full-service day spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, nails, waxing, and makeup services. With over 18 years of experience, the spa prides itself on providing its clients with a peaceful and rejuvenating experience. It is famous for its personalized services, making it a favorite spot for relaxation and self-care.
Website: thelittledayspa.com
The Breakfast House is a cozy and charming café at 1817 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236. It is well-known for its homestyle breakfast and brunch offerings, featuring signature pancakes, egg dishes, and other comforting morning meals. The café’s atmosphere reflects its name, offering a warm, cottage-like setting that makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors who enjoy a relaxed, inviting place to start their day.
Website: breakfasthousesrq.com
Fam Kitchen is a cozy vegan restaurant at 1837 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236. It offers a range of plant-based dishes, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and bowls. Popular menu choices include the Forever Summer BLT, Hola Burrito, and Choc Chip Banana Muffin. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and outdoor seating, making it an excellent spot for healthy, flavorful dining.
Website: famcuisine.com
Discover Sarasota Tours offers a variety of guided tours around Sarasota, showcasing the city's rich history, culture, and hidden gems. Their tours range from trolley tours to themed experiences focusing on haunted Sarasota, art and architecture, and circus history. The company is located in downtown Sarasota and provides a fun, informative way to explore the city.
Website: discoversarasotatours.com
The Brow House is at 1853 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236. It is a boutique beauty salon specializing in eyebrow services, cosmetic tattoos, and lash treatments. Established in 2017 by licensed estheticians Sonya Bottini and Dallas Trigg, the salon is known for its personalized approach to enhancing each client's natural beauty. Services include brow shaping, tinting, lash lifts, and more advanced cosmetic tattoo procedures. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and skilled professionals make The Brow House a standout in Sarasota.
Website: thebrowhousesarasota.com
The Artful Giraffe is an art gallery and gift shop located at 1861 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34236. Situated in a historic 1920s bungalow, it showcases a wide variety of works from over 300 local and Florida artists, including original paintings, sculptures, glass art, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and handcrafted items. The Artful Giraffe also features a pottery studio where visitors can take classes and create their pieces. It’s a charming space for those looking to find unique, locally crafted gifts or tap into their creative side.
Website: artfulgiraffe.com
As I explored Fruitville Road, I began to appreciate its historical significance. The street has a rich history that reflects the area's agricultural roots and development over time. The road was initially named for the fruit orchards surrounding it, primarily citrus, as this part of Sarasota was heavily involved in fruit cultivation during its early years. The road was a key transportation route for farmers bringing their produce to market.
The development of Fruitville Road mirrors the transformation of Sarasota from a rural, agriculturally focused area into a growing urban community. In the early 20th century, the road was just a dirt path, vulnerable to the region's heavy rains. However, as Sarasota developed more infrastructure, Fruitville Road became a significant east-west connector between downtown Sarasota and the growing suburban areas to the east. It now links the city center with areas such as I-75 and beyond.
In the 1980s, the western end of Fruitville Road was realigned and expanded to serve the growing population better. Sarasota transitioned from a small town into a more developed city with diverse businesses, residential areas, and recreational spots.
Figures like Bertha Palmer and other influential developers also advocated for better roads in the region. Palmer, a wealthy landowner and prominent figure in Sarasota's history, contributed to constructing roads like Fruitville to make the area more accessible for development.
Today, Fruitville Road is a busy commercial and residential corridor, reflecting Sarasota’s evolution while still retaining pieces of its agricultural past.
Photos: iruphotos.com
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