Sarasota Travel Information
Sarasota is a spit-n-polish community of upscale homes, clean
streets and cultural savvy. Excellent theatrical facilities host such
greats as the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet of Florida and the
Florida String Quartet. It has long been a popular resort and remains
so to this day. In 1927, Barnum and Bailey brought their circus
to town. People flocked in from around the globe to join the show, and
Sarasota became world famous. The influence that the circus had on
this town is evident. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a
66-acre tourist draw that is the main attraction here. Other
interesting attractions are the Mote Marine Aquarium and the Marie
Selby Botanical Gardens. The Museum of Cars and Music, which displays
75 antique automobiles and old musical instruments, is especially
whimsical and worth a visit. Sarasota is mainland to four small
islands. Together, they form one of American’s most charming
beachfront communities with 35 miles of shoreline. Water sports are
very much a part of the lifestyle. Windsurfing, parasailing, fishing,
canoeing and kayaking are all popular. Myakka River State Park, nine
miles east of Sarasota, offers an excellent view into aquatic life
with over 200 species of birds, alligators and deer in the 28,000
acres of lakes, swamps and marshlands. The park also has 39 miles of
hiking trails and 15 miles of equestrian paths. Golf is quite
popular here. The Scotch brought the game to Sarasota in the 1800s;
today, it remains a favorite in the region. There are about 30
different greens within a short drive of the city, four of which are
in the "top 100" category within the state. Finally, spectator sports
are alive and well in Saratoga. Home to the Cincinnati Reds, attending
the practice sessions offers the perfect opportunity to snatch an
autograph from the players and to meet them one-on-one.
Sarasota, a charming upscale community whose glowing reputation
is well deserved, is located off of I-75, 50 miles from Tampa.
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