Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
all types of performances, while the
Asolo Repertory Theatre
(
941-351-8000;
www.asolorep.org
;
5555 N Tamiami Trail; tickets $15-50;
Nov-Jul)
is a lauded regional theater
company.
Another considerable boost to Sarasota's popularity is its luscious white-sand beaches.
Lido Beach
is closest and has free parking, but 5 miles away
Siesta Key
has sand like
confectioner's sugar and is one of Florida's best and most popular strands; Siesta Village
is also a lively, family-friendly beach town.
Pkwy, City Island; adult/child $17/14; 10am-5pm)
is a leading shark research center provid-
ing intimate encounters with sharks, manatees, sea turtles, rays and more, plus marine
biologist-led sea-life cruises. Boasting the world's largest scientific collection of orchids
Palm Ave; adult/child 6-11yr $17/6; 10am-5pm)
is a relaxing yet fascinating botanical en-
counter. And about a half-hour from downtown, visit
Myakka River State Park
(
www.myakkariver.org
;
13208 State Road 72, Sarasota; car/bike $6/2; 8am-sunset)
to kayak or
airboat among hundreds of alligators, and for the area's best hiking and camping; get dir-
ections and tour times online.
Stop by the
Visitor Information Center
(
941-706-1253;
www.sarasotafl.org
; 701 N
Tamiami Trail;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 11am-2pm Sun;
)
for info and maps.
DON'T MISS
RINGLING COMPLEX
Who doesn't love the circus? Well, people who are afraid of clowns, perhaps, but a
little coulrophobia isn't necessarily a deal breaker at the
Ringling Museum Complex
(
941-359-5700;
www.ringling.org
; 5401 Bay Shore Rd; adult/child 6-17yr $25/5; 10am-5pm daily,
to 8pm Thu; )
. On the grounds of the 66-acre complex are three separate mu-
seums, all included in your admission and each one a worthy attraction on its own.
Railroad, real-estate and circus baron John Ringling and his wife Mabel put down
roots here, building a Venetian Gothic waterfront mansion called
Ca d'Zan
. You can
wander the ground floor at your own pace, or take a guided tour - totally worth it -
which grants you access to the upstairs bedrooms.
Also on the grounds, the
John & Mabel Museum of Art
is an excellent art museum
with impressive high ceilings, intimidatingly large paintings and a re-created room
from the Astor mansion. But the real standout here is the one-of-a-kind
Museum of
the Circus
, with costumes, props, posters, antique circus wagons and an extensive
miniature model that let you relive the excitement of the big-top era.