Sarasota Florida may not be the first place you think of visiting – but this sparkling region on the Southwest coast of Florida is aptly known as Florida’s “Cultural Coast.” The culture, urban excitement and outdoor activities here are one-of-a-kinds, and I know if you book your next holiday to this beautiful and artistically fulfilling destination, you won’t be missing Mickey!
Shopping and Dining at St. Armands Circle
Envisioned by John Ringling of “The Greatest Show on Earth” circus fame, who moved the winter quarters of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to Sarasota in 1927, St. Armands Circle is fun and lively. Here you can enjoy a host of wonderful, unique shops and galleries as well as world-class dining options. I loved sipping on a yummy cocktail at the Tommy Bahama restaurant whilst seated on their balcony enjoying the warm Florida sun. I also perused the incredible blown-glass art pieces and beautiful paintings at Wyland Gallery.
Beach Resorts and Luxury Accommodations
Sarasota County and its barrier islands feature long stretches of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters where you can while away your days. There are several wonderful hotels and resorts for you to base your stay from, including the Lido Beach Resort at Lido Beach, which is within walking distance of St. Armands Circle. It features amazing amenities with its own private beach, two swimming pools, and a newly renovated tiki bar. If you like keeping active on your holidays, nearby you will find pretty nature trails and first-class tennis and golf facilities.
The tropical paradise of The Resort at Longboat Key Club, with its own private beach, swimming pool, golf courses and several restaurants, is just north on beautiful Longboat Key.
One of the best attraction values in Sarasota is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum distinguished as the second oldest operating antique car museum in the country. This is the mecca of man’s automotive genius with rotating exhibits of antique, classic and European automobile collections throughout the Museum. Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, DeLorean, Edsel and Ferrari features as some of the foremost automobile manufacturers with their craftsmanship on display in the museum. Visitors have the privilege to admire collector’s items such as a dragster belonging to Don Garlits, Paul McCartney’s adored Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes-Benz.
One of the best attraction values in Sarasota is the Sarasota Classic Car Museum distinguished as the second oldest operating antique car museum in the country. This is the mecca of man’s automotive genius with rotating exhibits of antique, classic and European automobile collections throughout the Museum. Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Cadillac, DeLorean, Edsel and Ferrari features as some of the foremost automobile manufacturers with their craftsmanship on display in the museum. Visitors have the privilege to admire collector’s items such as a dragster belonging to Don Garlits, Paul McCartney’s adored Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s 1965 Mercedes-Benz.
The Must-see, Spectacular Ringling Museum
If you’re visiting Sarasota, it would be a crime to not visit the fascinating Ringling Museum of Art. In the galleries, you will find brilliant exhibitions with paintings from old masters and more. The Museum of Art’s grand courtyard holds skilfully crafted sculptures. Wandering around the courtyard and gazing at the art and lovely fountains should absolutely be followed up by educating yourself on a different kind of culture at the Circus Museum. Here you will see costumes, props, elaborately carved parade wagons and even the old stagecoach train that used to transport the performers between shows.
Cà d’Zan, the Ringlings’ 56-room palace on Sarasota Bay, is also a sight to behold and a marvelous building with a fascinating history.
The Historic Asolo Theatre and Asolo Repertory Theatre
The Ringling is also home to the Historic Asolo Theater, which was originally located in Asolo, Italy. Dismantled and brought to Sarasota in the 1950sstages small-scale lectures and performances throughout the year. Next door, The Asolo Repertory Theatre stages up to 15 productions every season.
Whatever you are looking for in your next holiday, Sarasota fits the bill. Imagine experiencing, as I did, kayaking through the magical mangroves, lying on the powder-puff, soft sand, shopping in special, unique shops, eating exquisite meals and taking in all the history, culture and art this fantastic destination has to offer. Stop dreaming and start planning your trip!
The G.Wiz Museum
This hands-on science and learning center has all in its very name, “Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone”. The G.Wiz Museum proposes the opportunity of ultimate interaction with modern science and technology. This 33,000 square foot center functions as a scientific habitat with an interactive gallery and The Faulhaber Fab Lab that offers year on year inventive programs to inventive and curious school and community groups and tourists. The hub of this museum evolves around six exhibits; Habitat, Tech Zone, Explora Zone, Wave Zone, Body Zone and Mindball.
