| Nestled along the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico amidst the
mangrove trees sits a 12 mile long island just off Sarasota,
Florida. Longboat Key offers quiet luxury with miles of beautiful
beaches, fine dining, and exquisite shops.
World famous St.
Armands Circle is only a mile off the island. With Sarasota only
minutes away, you are never at a loss for things to do and see. The
Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens, Mote Marine, Spanish Point, Jungle
Gardens, dozens of art galleries and antique shops, the opera,
symphony, ballet and numerous live theater groups are just across
the bay.
Busch Gardens of
Tampa Bay is only 1 hour away and all the fabulous attractions of
Orlando are only 2 hours away.
For the sports minded
the area offers numerous golf courses, tennis, fishing, boating, jet
skiing, parasailing, water skiing, biking, skin diving, horseback
riding and professional baseball, hockey, football, Jai Lai and
golf.
Sarasota
Sarasota has long been known as the cultural capital of Florida. The
reputation is well deserved. A beautiful Italian Renaissance villa
turned art museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art houses
a superb collection of Baroque paintings, plus exquisite
17th-century tapestries. Next door, the Ringling residence, Ca' d'
Zan (House of John), a 30- room mansion set on scenic Sarasota Bay,
is an architectural showcase, modeled after a Venetian palace. The
Circus Museum on the Ringling grounds contains memorabilia from the
"Big Top" -- parade wagons, photographs, costumes, and colorful
posters.
The
Asolo Center for the Performing Arts is a superb regional theater,
as well as a teaching conservatory providing film and theater
training. Honored by the state of Florida for its high quality of
artistic production and performance, the Sarasota Opera Association
presents four operas in February and March, and occasional concerts.
A prestigious, bi-county orchestra, the Florida West Coast Symphony
presents concerts with a variety of internationally known guest
artists. Sarasota's bayfront is the site of the Van Wezel Performing
Arts Hall which showcases a variety of performing arts. The Sarasota
Ballet makes its home downtown in the Sarasota Opera House.
Horticulture buffs and anyone who delights in nature's miraculous
wonders must visit Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This peaceful
place specializes in exquisite orchids and colorful bromeliads.
Displays at the Mote Marine Aquarium are a means to explain the work
of Mote scientists to visitors and to encourage an understanding and
appreciation of the aquatic environment. The lab is world renowned
for its scientific research, particularly research on sharks and the
assessment of environmental pollutants. The Aquarium offers visitors
an informative and close-up look at the sea life that inhabits
nearby coastal waters.
St.
Armands Circle alone is worth a trip to the area. Here more than 145
elite shops and boutiques carry quality merchandise from accessories
by top designers to distinctive T-shirts. Several fine restaurants
and fun ice cream parlors also line the Circle. Most shops close
during the evening, but offer magnificent displays for window
shoppers! Also in the evening, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage
ride around the Circle.
For the
more active visitor, Sarasota has much to offer. Besides water
sports, fishing, and tennis, Sarasota is home to many fine golf
courses. A municipal baseball stadium is used for spring training by
the Cincinnati Reds. Nearby, greyhounds race at the Sarasota Kennel
Club from December through June. To hike, canoe, bike-ride or
freshwater fish, travel to Myakka State Park, Florida's largest. So
just kick back, relax and let your cares dissolve in Florida's
number-one west coast paradise. Sarasota -- the relaxing side of
Florida.
Airports:
Sarasota-Bradenton International - 30 min.
Tampa International - 1 ½ hours. |
