American Studio Glass: Fifty Years of Extraordinary Achievement

Administrator — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:15:32 +0000

Ringling College of Art and Design is proud to present the third exhibition of exceptional glass from the collection of Richard and Barbara Basch. The exhibition will be on view in the Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery of the Academic Center from January 7 through March 24, 2012.

Glass came to America with the earliest settlers in the 17th century. Later individuals living in various communities of the country developed and perfected a great many approaches to objects made of glass both for functional and decorative purposes. These advancements continue to this day.

Consisting of more than thirty works, the exhibition focuses on some of the major figures in the American Studio Glass movement and their work over the past fifty years. This exhibition celebrates what has become referred to as the American Studio Glass movement that began in the 1960’s and continues to this day. The artists in this show all have some connection with Studio Glass. Some have been born in other countries and all have made important contributions in design or the making of glass forms and objects in the United States.

The exhibition will allow the visitor to the gallery to have an intimate experience with these remarkable examples of studio glass assembled by Richard and Barbara Basch.

Gallery Hours beginning Saturday January 7, 2012 are:
Monday through Saturday from 10 to 4pm.
The Gallery will be closed during Spring Break
from Monday March 5 through Sunday March 11.
The exhibition will continue Monday March 12 through Saturday March 24.

While you’re in the area, consider making reservations early to stay at Downtown Sarasota’s Best Kept Secret; Hotel Ranola. For more information, go to www.HotelRanola.com.

When in Sarasota – Stay with Us!

Administrator — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:00:15 +0000

It’s only the coooooolest hotel in Downtown Sarasota!

A 9 room boutique Hotel located in the heart of vibrant downtown Sarasota.
Walking distance to dozens of restaurants, art galleries and shops. Walk to Whole Foods, Shelby Gardens, Burns Court, Towles Court, Opera House, and theatres and a short drive to the # 1 beach in the country.
Enjoy the urban decor with metropolitan style in a private setting.
Each room offers a full, separate kitchen plus free wireless internet, free parking and free local and long distance calling.
Hotel Ranola… Downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret!

Looking for some fun off the beaten path?

The Myakka River State Park is located 15 miles east of Sarasota on SR 72. The wild and scenic Myakka River runs through this 58 square mile State Park. The state park offers hiking, canoeing, camping. fishing and airboat tours. This is one of the most interesting state parks in southwest Florida. For those interested in seeing alligators in the wild, the Myakka River has a huge alligator population.

Check us out on TripAdvisor – We’re the #1 hotel in Sarasota!!

We hope to see you there!

It may be snowing where you are….but it’s BEAUTIFUL in Sarasota, Florida!!

Administrator — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:47 +0000

Each year, when the coldest winter months hit in different parts of the country, it becomes more clear why we’re here in Sarasota! Afterall, we have the #1 beach in the country (Siesta Key), a beautiful downtown, filled with the arts, fabulous restaurants and museums, AND the best accommodations available within walking distance to everything in town at Hotel Ranola. Many consider Siesta Key the Sunshine State’s most romantic getaway. Others consider it the hidden jewel of Florida’s West Coast. To us, it’s simply bliss.

Packing Smart for a Winter Retreat

Layering clothing is essential to comfort throughout Florida now. Although it’s warmer here than elsewhere, it’s windier too. Some strong cold fronts push south, leaving breezy conditions in their wakes, ideal for a light jacket or a casual overshirt.

Of course, you’ll want your swimsuit and a coverup for a day at the beach, whether you swim or just bring along a lounge chair and relax. Again, it’s all about keeping out of the wind. You won’t find too many locals taking the waters in the Gulf and the Atlantic (except for maybe in Miami through The Keys), but that doesn’t stop others from jumping in. In fact, some Florida cities claim the sun shines on their town every single day in January and February. Doesn’t that sound good?

By the way, we’re running a contest right now on our Facebook page, that we’d like to invite you to enter. One lucky fan will be drawn at random on January 31, 2012, to win a complimentary $25.00 e-gift card from Restaurant.com. You can choose from tons of great restaurants to eat in Sarasota or in your home town. To enter visit the Hotel Ranola Fan Page, and click “like.”

Planning out your next trip to the greater Sarasota area? You can be “in the know” when you join our LinkedIn Group, “Sarasota Traveler.” To learn more, and join at no cost, visit here.

2011 in review

Administrator — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:19:56 +0000

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,900 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 48 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Enter to win a $25.00 Target Gift Card – Winner Announced TODAY!!

Administrator — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:07:50 +0000

Happy Holidays!! There’s still time to be entered to win a $25.00 Target gift card, when you become a fan of Hotel Ranola. The drawing will be held today!!

To become a fan, simply visit http://www.Facebook.com/hotelranola, and click on the “LIKE” button. That’s all it takes. The winner will be announced on Hotel Ranola’s wall, and the notified via email. The Target Gift Card will come directly to the winner’s inbox, so be on the look-out.

A Boutique Hotel Experience in Downtown Sarasota

Administrator — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:00:21 +0000

Are you tired of staying in predictable, cookie-cutter hotels in Sarasota, Florida? Do you enjoy personal service, coupled with a spacious, comfortable room that includes a full kitchen? Do you enjoy being within walking distance to all of the events, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues one of America’s best cities has to offer?

Hotel Ranola has been Downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret – until now! This unique property offers guests who are tired of the “national chain” experience, with urban decor, metropolitan style, and one heck of a location!

The vibrant downtown area features over 20 art galleries, restaurants, shops and more just blocks from Hotel Ranola, including:

Sarasota Bayfront & Marina (6 blocks)
Regal 20 Cinema Movies 1993 Main St. (3.5 blocks)
Burns Court Art House Movie Theatre, 506 Burns Lane (4.5 blocks)
Whole Foods Market, 1451 1st St. (5 blocks)
Starbucks (6 blocks)
Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave. (8 blocks)
Selby Public Library 1331 1st St. (6.5 blocks)
YMCA (3.5 blocks)
Farmers Market – Every Saturday Morning (3 blocks)

Shopping Near Ranola:

Southside Village
This hip neighborhood is filled with amazing restaurants, retail shops, salons and is also home of the renowned 5 O’Clock Club, which features live music nightly. (6-minute drive/20-minute walk)

St. Armands Circle
Visitors from throughout the world shop at this outdoor circle of more than 150 international boutiques, gift shops, galleries, restaurants and nightspots, surrounded by lush landscaping, patios and antiques. Shops are comparable to those in Palm Beach and on Naples’s Third Avenue South. (10-minute drive)

Siesta Key Village
This beachside village is filled with casual outdoor dining and tropical shops. (15-minute drive)

Win a $25.00 Target Gift Card…Compliments of Hotel Ranola, Sarasota, Florida

Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:52:06 +0000

It’s hard to believe that the winter holidays are “among us.” If you’re days are busy; filled with shopping, wrapping presents, and baking seasonal goodies, you’ll be happy to know you can enter to win a $25.00 Target Gift Card, compliments of Hotel Ranola.

It’s as simple as visiting the Hotel Ranola Facebook Page, and clicking the “LIKE” button. On December 19th, one lucky fan will be announced as the winner, and the gift card will be sent via email for immediate use!

If you’re planning a trip to the Sarasota/Bradenton area, make reservations early to stay with us! Nestled in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, you’ll be within walking distance to shopping, dining, community events, and entertainment venues. Enjoy all the comforts of home, in a spacious room equipped with a full-kitchen and room to relax.

The white, sandy shores are just a short drive from the property. The beaches of Siesta Key are world-renowned. The pure quartz, pulverized to a fine white powder, has a magical quality. There is no sand quite like Siesta’s anywhere. They are also the island’s centers of social activity – places to meet, to hold reunions, group picnics, even weddings – or just to stroll, bicycle or jog with friends.

We look forward to seeing you on Facebook!!

Check out the best of the Holidays at Payne Manor in Selby Gardens

Administrator — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:00:24 +0000

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Presents “Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion.” The Florida West Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) will expand the scope of its popular Holiday Showhouse in the Mansion for 2011, decking the entire first floor with stunning holiday décor. Each space has been transformed into a mostly White Christmas (Florida style) using as a unifying theme the classic white phalaenopsis orchid. Most of the orchids are silk, although you will be challenged to discern the faux from the real.

While planning your trip to the area, be sure to make reservations early at Hotel Ranola; Downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret.

Thirteen rooms on the first floor will be furnished and adorned with holiday décor. The 1934 Southern Colonial-inspired mansion will be transformed into a sparkling holiday retreat by ASID designers Bonnie Lancaster, Charles Bolton, Carmen Christensen, Cheri Pachter-Neary, Christine Brown, Harriet Stephenson, Karen Sellenraad, Sue Ann Schmitzerle, Jackelyn Yops Rogerson, JoAnn Calleia, Louise Stewart, and Micheline Laberge.

The house is used at other times of the year as a museum and art gallery so designers had to work within specific restrictions. Interior designer Bonnie Lancaster, who did her first show house at the Payne house in 1976, is back for her third project in a house she knows very well.

The Holiday Showhouse will also be open during Selby’s Lights in Bloom, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 16-23 and Dec. 26-27. Lights in Bloom is $14 for adults; $12 for members; and children 11 and under get in free. A trip to “Holiday Splendor” Showhouse is included in the price of admission to the Gardens.

Holiday Happenings around Downtown Sarasota

Administrator — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:00:10 +0000

Sundays are the perfect day to relax, or find something new and exciting to experience in Sarasota, Florida! Here’s what’s happening today around the city.

Sunday December 4 2011

Penguin Island Exhibit at Mote Aquarium
12/04/2011 10:00am
Repeats daily until Wed Feb 29 2012 .
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Eddie Herr International Youth Tennis
12/04/2011 7:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: IMG Academies

Stay in Downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret – Hotel Ranola. Comfortable, spacious, and within walking distance to all major entertainment venues in the city. Book your reservations today.

Development Academy Winter Showcase & Nike Friendlies
12/04/2011 7:00 AM
Repeats daily until Tue Dec 06 2011 .
Location: Premiere Sports Campus

Sensory Santa, FOR KIDS WITH AUTISM
12/04/2011 8:30 AM
Location: Sarasota Square Mall

Under Azure Skies – 2011 Season of Sculpture
12/04/2011 9:00 AM
Repeats daily until Tue May 15 2012 .
Location: Bayfront Park

Volunteer Bird Naturalists at Myakka River State Park
12/04/2011 9:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sat Apr 14 2012 .
Location: Myakka River State Park

FRESH PAINTS Exhibition
12/04/2011 9:00 AM
Repeats daily until Thu Dec 15 2011 .
Location: Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion
12/04/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Mon Jan 02 2012 .
Location: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Host: The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Siesta Beach Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
12/04/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: Siesta Beach

Selby Galleries I & II Fairy Tale Art
12/04/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Fri Dec 09 2011 .
Location: Ringling College of Art + Design

American Craft Show
12/04/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: Sarasota International Convention Ctr.
Host: Sarasota Bradenton Intl. Convention Ctr.

Conscious Movement
12/04/2011 10:30 AM
Location: Bayfront Community Center

Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees
12/04/2011 11:00 AM
Repeats daily until Wed Dec 07 2011 .
Location: Powel Crosley Estate

Crow’s Nest Annual Cellar Wine Sale, Venice
12/04/2011 11:30 AM
Repeats daily until Sat Dec 17 2011 .
Location: Crow’s Nest Restuarant

DWB Annual Style Show & Gala 2011: “Our Fair Ladies”
12/04/2011 5:30 PM
Location: Designing Women Boutique

The Wonder of Christmas presented by Sarasota Baptist Church
12/04/2011 7:00 PM
Repeats daily until Wed Dec 07 2011 .
Location: Sarasota Baptist Church

38th Annual Singing Christmas Tree, FirstSarasota Baptist…
12/04/2011 7:00 PM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: First Sarasota – Downtown Baptist Church

What’s Happening Around Sarasota (December 3rd)

Administrator — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 19:36:16 +0000

There is so much going on around Sarasota this Holiday Season. Whether your visiting from another state or a long-term resident, there are events and activities for everyone!

Here’s a list of events for Saturday December 3, 2011.

Penguin Island Exhibit at Mote Aquarium
12/03/2011 10:00am
Repeats daily until Wed Feb 29 2012 .
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Be sure to make reservations early to stay at Hotel Ranola; Downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret! Be within walking distance from all the city’s best shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Discover Native Plants and Wildflowers at Manasota Scrub…
12/03/2011 9:00 AM
Location: Manasota Scrub Preserve

Radio Control Model Airplane Air Show Warbird over Sarasota
12/03/2011 9:00 AM
Location: Sarasota Radio Control Squadron

Under Azure Skies – 2011 Season of Sculpture
12/03/2011 9:00 AM
Repeats daily until Tue May 15 2012 .
Location: Bayfront Park

Presents & Plants Aplenty
12/03/2011 9:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sat Dec 03 2011 .
Location: Sarasota Garden Club

Holiday Splendor at the Payne Mansion, Sarasota’s Selby…
12/03/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Mon Jan 02 2012 .
Location: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Host: The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Southeastern Guide Dogs Follow the Paw Prints Art Project
12/03/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats weekly on Sat until Sat Dec 31 2011 .
Location: Southeastern Guide Dogs Discovery Center

Siesta Beach Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
12/03/2011 10:00 AM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: Siesta Beach

Southeastern Guide Dogs Puppy Love at the Discovery Center
12/03/2011 11:00 AM
Location: Southeastern Guide Dogs Discovery Center

Holidays at the Crosley, Festival of Trees
12/03/2011 11:00 AM
Repeats daily until Wed Dec 07 2011 .
Location: Powel Crosley Estate

Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Presents Paperwork
12/03/2011 11:00 AM
Repeats weekly on Mon, Tues, Wed, Thur, Fri, and Sat until Sat Dec 31 2011 .
Location: Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art

Messiah Performance & Dress Rehearsal
12/03/2011 1:30 PM
Location: St. Armands Lutheran Church

Shopping Madness at the Discovery Center Pet Boutique
12/03/2011 5:00 PM
Location: Southeastern Guide Dogs Discovery Center

Venice Boat Parade of Lights
12/03/2011 6:00 PM
Location: North of Albee Road Bridge, continuing down Intracoastal Waterway

The Wonder of Christmas presented by Sarasota Baptist Church
12/03/2011 7:00 PM
Repeats daily until Wed Dec 07 2011 .
Location: Sarasota Baptist Church

38th Annual Singing Christmas Tree, FirstSarasota Baptist…
12/03/2011 7:00 PM
Repeats daily until Sun Dec 04 2011 .
Location: First Sarasota – Downtown Baptist Church

Holiday Parade
12/03/2011 7:00 PM
Location: Downtown Sarasota