Sarasota Shopping - Gulf Gate and Sarasota Pavilion

Funky Florida is one way to describe Gulf Gate, Gateway, and Superior Streets, a neighborhood of one-story stores, restaurants and bars hidden behind the Sarasota Pavilion shopping center near the intersection of Stickney Point and Tamiami Trail. One category you'll find here are international restaurants and gift shops that bring a taste of home to Sarasota's many European visitors. There's Polish, Thai, Scandinavian, British, Italian, and a European-feel healthy deli called the Beanstalk, along with a couple of catering places. For breakfast and lunch, Word of Mouth is busy and satisfying. The shopping ranges from consignment shops to gifts.

At the Sarasota Pavilion, you'll find Old Navy, Ross, Marshalls, Michael's Crafts, Books-a-Million, video games, a Publix supermarket, Steinmart, and other brand name clothing and shoe stores, along with Chinese food, and an ice creamery. Panera Bread, which has a varied menu and free wifi, is a pleasant spot for sitting, sunning, and noshing.