Tampa Bay & Southwest Florida - Florida - page 906

If you visit just one botanical garden in Florida, choose Selby, which has the world's
largest scientific collection of orchids and bromeliads - more than 20,000 species.
Emblematic of Florida, these plants are the sideshow freaks of the plant kingdom,
propagating in such bizarre fashion it boggles the mind. In addition, Selby's genteel out-
door gardens are exceptionally well landscaped and relaxing, with 80-year-old banyan
trees, koi ponds and splendid bay views. Art exhibits, a cafe and an enticing plant shop
complete the experience.
St Armands Circle SQUARE
( www.starmandscircleassoc.com )
Conceived by John Ringling in the 1920s, St Armands Circle is essentially an upscale out-
door shopping mall surrounded by posh residences on St Armands Key. Yet even more
than downtown, this traffic circle is Sarasota's social center; it's where everyone strolls in
the early evening, window shopping while enjoying a Kilwin's waffle cone. Numerous res-
taurants, from diners to fine dining, serve all day.
The circle is also an unavoidable traffic chokepoint; mid-morning and late-afternoon
beach commutes are worst.
Marina Jack WATERFRONT, PORT
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 941-955-9488; www.marinajacks.com ; 2 Marina Plaza)
Sarasota's plush deep-water marina is within walking distance of downtown and is well
served with alfresco and fine-dining restaurants, and numerous sight-seeing cruises and
private charters. Head here for boat rentals, water sports, sailing and fishing charters.
Island Park PARK
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
Sarasota's marina is notable for Island Park, an attractive green space poking into the har-
bor: it has a great playground and play fountain; restrooms, tree-shaded benches, a restaur-
ant and tiki bar; and kayak, WaveRunner and boat rentals. A short stroll north along the
waterfront is Unconditional Surrender ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , a towering statue of
WWII's most famous kiss.