Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in 1902. Only then, as Sarasota grew popular as a winter resort among affluent Northern-
ers, were the city's first arts institutions established. One of those early tourists was circus
magnate John Ringling, who decided to relocate his circus here, building himself a winter
residence, art museum and college, and setting the struggling town on course to become
the welcoming, well-to-do bastion of the arts it is today.
As the 1920s roared on, Ringling scooped up more property across the causeway in St
Armands Circle and development crept up the dazzling barrier island beaches from south
to north: lively, low-rise Siesta Key through upscale Longboat Key to slow, sweet, family-
friendly Anna Maria Island.
Sights & Activities
