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 Sarasota is an area cultural center with a nice blend of museums, gardens,
theaters and parks. Sarasota is on the west coast of Florida just
south of Tampa Bay. The area has some excellent beaches out on the
barrier islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key.
 One
of the best known landmarks in Sarasota is the Ringling Museum.
This former Ringling estate was once home to John and Mabel Ringling
of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baily Circus and the "The
Greatest Show on Earth". The Ringling Museum shows off its exquisite
grand Italian Renaissance style architecture on the outside with marvelous
treasures of art on the inside. Paintings from the Renaissance and
Baroque periods are on display. The museum also has a collection of
antique circus wagons and memorabilia.
In and
around Sarasota are a number of cultural offerings and points of interest.
The Sarasota Opera House hosts the Sarasota Opera in its 1920s
Spanish style building. Several small performing arts halls and theaters
provide a variety of entertainment including the Florida State
University for the Performing Arts, the Van Wezel Performing
Arts Hall and the Asolo Center for the Performing Arts.
 The DeSoto
National Memorial is located on the mouth of the Manatee River.
This park commemorates early Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto who
landed in the area in 1539.
The Marie
Selby Botanical Gardens shows off a beautiful display of thousands
of orchids, tropical and colorful plants.
Nearby Myakka
River State Park covers nearly 30,000 acres of Florida natural
habitat. The park is home to hundreds of animal and plant species
including alligators, deer, bobcat and beautiful wading birds. Walking
trails, boating, picnicking, camping, fishing, and bicycling are
all available at the park.
On the
way from Sarasota to the barrier islands is St. Armand's Circle.
This upscale shopping district is a collection of boutiques, galleries
and restaurants.
The
barrier islands offer fine Florida beaches at Long Boat key, Lido
Key and Siesta Key. Lido Key has a nice park at its south
end offering picnicking and fishing.
Sarasota
Map
More Sarasota Beaches and Pictures
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