Over a decade ago, Ryan and Christina Edwards started making ice cream in their tiny kitchen in Brooklyn as a hobby.

“We made small batches on the stove too and brought them to parties and holidays and everyone used to go crazy for them,” Ryan says.

The couple always talked about maybe turning their passion into a business, but they didn’t make the leap until they moved to Florida in 2020. They couldn’t find anyone else making ice cream quite like the cold and creamy sweet recipes they had crafted, and the year-round warm weather made Florida seem like the perfect location to launch an ice cream business, which they called Great Heights Creamery. They started by building an ice cream cart in the garage, which Ryan would take to farmers’ markets. In April of 2024, the couple opened a storefront location in the Rosemary District where they make all of their ice cream from scratch, frequently using locally-sourced ingredients.

“We found there was a local farm not far from where we live producing milk and cream and dairy. We started working with a local coffee producer who literally goes to farms and sources coffee directly from farmers. We work with Sarasota Honey Co. for our honey flavor,” Christina says. “We wanted it to be about the ingredients and really honor them.”

That comes across in the finished product. Great Heights Creamery has some flavors that are in permanent rotation (the Always Here) menu, as well as rotating seasonal options (the Sometimes Here) menu. There are also some vegan options. One of the most popular flavors is Yes, Honey. The housemade ice cream base is sweetened with local honey from Sarasota Honey Co. Ryan also makes a honeycomb toffee that is folded into the ice cream to add another level of flavor and a little crunch. A standout seasonal option is the Lemon Ricotta Blueberry. In this ice cream, ricotta cheese is used in place of heavy cream, which gives the dessert an incredibly creamy texture. Ryan adds lots of lemon zest for a bright flavor, and swirls housemade blueberry compote throughout.

“It’s just a really nice flavor,” he says. “I’m kind of obsessed with it right now.”

Great Heights Creamery, 1371 Boulevard of the Arts Unit 3, Sarasota, 646-285-5024, greatheightscreamery.com.

Pictured: Photo by Cecilia Marty.

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Twenty incredible days of lunches and dinners, conversations and laughter over creative dishes and signature cocktails throughout Sarasota County – the 20th Annual Savor Sarasota comes to a close on Friday, June 20th, but the deliciousness doesn't have to stop! The good news for foodies? Many of our Savor partners are extending their specially crafted prix-fixe menus well beyond June 20, with some continuing their offerings throughout the entire summer. These restaurants will continue to offer two-course lunches for $25 and three-course dinners for $45 per person. This milestone season has been one of the most successful Savor Sarasota celebrations ever. Now, it will transition into Visit Sarasota County's year-round "Fun in the 941" promotion, featuring special offers from Visit Sarasota County's partner members across dining, attractions, and accommodations. Visit Funinthe941.com to discover current Sarasota County offers available year-round. 

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As Savor Sarasota wraps up, Lefty's is diving into summer with our special Summertime Lunch Menu—featuring fresh fish sandwiches &  tacos, hearty bowls, and the classic combo of ½ salad & a cup of chowder, all for just $12.  It’s your Summertime invitation to explore more of Lefty’s seafood favorites, all crafted for laid-back, sunny-day lunches. Summertime is calling your appetite—Lefty’s has the delicious answer.  Serving M-Friday, 11:30-4:00.   

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Pair your favorite hand-tossed Pies, Smashburgers or calzones with a bottle of wine— at half price.  That's what we call a mid-week win!  All bottles Half-Price (excluding splits and House Wines). 

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Renée Fleming is one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, performing on the stages of the world’s great opera houses and concert halls, now she’s coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 27 at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets start at $66 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office. Future updates on shows and productions can be found on the Van Wezel’s website and through social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

 The Sarasota Players is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of four new members to its Board of Trustees: Leigh and Michael Tesar, Jeffery Carlson and and Joey Scheerle. These passionate and skilled individuals bring with them a powerful combination of leadership, innovation, and deep community connection that will help shape the future of Sarasota’s longest-running theatre. 

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 Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is encouraging local hospitality businesses to go for the gold and recognize their star employees, volunteers, and leaders in its annual Haley Hall of Fame Awards program. Nominations are open now through June 30. The awards program honors Virginia J. Haley who dedicated 24 years of service at the helm of VSC as well as even more years to Sarasota County’s hospitality industry as a whole. Naming the program after her is a tribute to Haley’s immense legacy, one that continues to reach far and wide. “These awards are all about peers recognizing peers who are providing A+ service to our beloved visitors, and in our industry, it doesn’t get any more meaningful than that,” said Erin Duggan, President & CEO of Visit Sarasota County. “Here is my annual reminder to take time to celebrate one another and the value travel holds for our economy, businesses, communities, and personal well-being by nominating one colleague or a few for recognition.” 

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Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.