Sarasota
SARASOTA's
striking beauty has always been its chief asset with brilliant
sunrises and sunsets that fire the sky into a canvas of intense
pinks, reds, purples and oranges. An unspoiled paradise of
palm trees, moss covered oaks, cedars, mangroves and sea grapes.
The vivid azure hues of Gulf and Bay waters are plentiful
with fish, sea horses, sand dollars and dolphin. Add the tropical
climate, whitest sand beaches in the world, and you've discovered
"The Land of Enchantment".
Back in the
1920's John Ringling and his wife Mable made this unique area
the winter home for their world famous circus and eventually
a trove for their legacy of art and architectural treasures.
Their love for the arts and their many investments in the
area led to the development of galleries, theatres and concert
halls. Sarasota evolved into a virtual haven for artists,
sculptors, performers, musicians and actors.
The Asolo Theatre
is home to one of the area's leading regional theatrical companies.
Performing November through June on a turn-of-the-century
stage, professionals from around the United States gather
to present a unique repertory ranging from classics to new
works. They provide audio described performances for the visually
impaired, wireless headsets for those with hearing loss, and
wheelchair access on the ground level.
The Sarasota
Ballet of Florida shares the stage with the Asolo Theatre
Company. If you recall the sophisticated apparel worn by Joan
Collins featured on the weekly series Dynasty, then you will
be astonished by the striking costumes worn by these dancers
(same designer).
Over 60 Golf
Courses and numerous tennis courts, including the famed Leddbetter/
Bollitierri Sports Facilities await your arrival. Baseball
enjoys a rich tradition at Ed Smith's Stadium where the minor
league Sarasota Red Sox play all summer long. In February
and March , the facility is utilized by the major league's
Cincinnati Reds for their spring training. Each July, the
Gulf of Mexico explodes with rooster tail plumes of the Sun
Coast Offshore Grand Prix Races. This nationally sanctioned
American Power Boat Association Race is the highlight of a
10 day festival.
In season you
may well be tempted, like everyone else, to save shopping
and sightseeing for rainy, chilly, off-beach days. Don't.
You'll lose your diligently attained good beach attitude by
the time you've found your parking spot. Go in the morning
for best results and gain a more relaxing experience. Otherwise
you may find that the wear and tear outweighs the pleasure
of window-shopping or the joys associated with the discovery
of the perfect one of a kind gift or souvenir.
When you've
come in from the beaches, a day of golf, or shopping, it's
time to do the town. Sarasota and its islands offer intriguing
choices for Food and fun. Evenings come to life with an assortment
of clubs, lounges and entertainment. Dance to the sounds of
Big Band music, Jazz, or Fifties Oldies but Goodies.
Mote Marine
Laboratory & Aquarium, located at the south end of Longboat
Key is a world-renowned marine research center. The aquarium
offers a fascinating array of sea life for viewing. The 30-foot
Touch Tank and 135,000-gallon Shark Tank bring visitors face
to face with a variety of shark species, fish and marine life.
The Pelican
Man's Bird Sanctuary located near Mote Marine in Ken Thompson
Park, is a sanctuary that cares for injured shorebirds on
two waterfront acres. A meandering boardwalk brings visitors
through lush vegetation surrounding pens and pools filled
with a variety of native and migratory birds. Admission: $4.00
donation (Children are Free)
Sarasota is
home to the world's most spectacular beaches, inviting climate,
glamorous cultural happenings, world class sporting events,
fine restaurants and shops, a renowned art museum, a nationally
recognized college and art school and exceptional community
living.
Come and enjoy
the best creations of both mankind and nature.
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