Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grunwald. Ceilings are painted masterpieces, especially Willy Pogany's
Dancers of Na-
tions
in the ballroom, and even the patio's zigzag marble that fronts Sarasota Bay dazzles.
Self-guided tours include the 1st floor's kitchens, tap room and opulent public spaces,
while guided tours ($5) add the 2nd floor's stupendous bedrooms and bathrooms.
Circus Museum
This is actually several museums in one, and they are as delightful as the circus itself.
One building preserves the hand-carved animal wagons, calliopes and artifacts from
Ringling Bros' original traveling show. Other exhibits trace the evolution of the circus
from sideshow to Cirque du Soleil. Yet in the center ring, so to speak, is the miniature
Howard Bros Circus: a truly epic recreation at 1/12th scale of the entire Ringling Bros and
Barnum & Bailey Circus in action. This intricately detailed work occupies its own build-
ing, and is mostly the 50-year labor of love of one man, Howard Tibbels.
Mote Marine Laboratory
AQUARIUM
( 941-388-4441;
www.mote.org
; 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, City Island; adult/child $20/15;
10am-5pm)
A research facility first and an aquarium second, the Mote is one of the world's leading or-
ganizations for shark study, and glimpsing its work is a highlight: marvel at seahorse 'fry'
born that very day, and time your visit for
shark training
. Above-average exhibits include
a preserved giant squid (37ft long when caught), a stingray touch tank, a dramatic shark
tank, and a separate building with intimate encounters with sea turtles, manatees and dol-
phins. An interactive immersion theater is perfect for kids. Note that animal welfare
groups suggest interaction with dolphins and other sea mammals held in captivity creates
stress for these creatures.
Adjacent to Mote,
Save Our Seabirds
displays a wide range of rescued seabirds in out-
door cages.
Sarasota Bay Explorers
is also based here. To get here, go to St Armands
Circle, take John Ringling Blvd north to Ken Thompson Pkwy and follow to the end.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
GARDENS
941-366-5731;
www.selby.org
;
811 S Palm Ave; adult/child 4-11yr $19/6;
10am-5pm)
