| Dubbed the Cultural Capital of the State, Sarasota is the quieter
side of Florida, living up to its reputation with a plethora of theatres, concert halls,
galleries and museums. There is a vibrant downtown area and plenty of bookshops, cafes,
antique shops and unostentatious attractions with regular arts and historically themed
festivals. Much of the city's more recent history owes its creation to the affluent
society set of the 1920's for whom this desirable location was a favourite winter retreat,
but Sarasota's greatest debt is to the larger-than-life circus magnate, John Ringling,
whose magnificent home on the bay is now a museum and undoubtedly the jewel in Sarasota's
cultural crown. The Ringling Museum embraces a classical building which houses the art
collection amassed during his European travels, a fascinating museum of the circus and
John Ringling's own private residence on the bay. The grounds are littered with fine
statuary and the beautiful tiled dock was once the mooring for Ringling's private yacht
from which an orchestra serenaded his guests. Ringling died a bankrupt, just days before
Florida adopted his estate as a museum and bequeathed to Sarasota his most treasured
legacy. Sarasota/Bradenton Airport is well served by domestic and international flights and the city continues to increase its popularity as a tourist destination, fast losing its prized reputation as one of Florida's best kept secrets. Excellent road networks bring Florida's main attractions to within a 3 hour drive - quite close enough for those who value the sophistication and tranquillity of this lovely city. |
Places To Stay: Palm-Aire Country Club Golf Vacations
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