One of the biggest challenges any individual or group faces while on vacation is knowing where to go and experience “the best” of what the area has to offer. Hotel Ranola, downtown Sarasota’s best kept secret (we’ll keep it just between us:) wants to share their top 10 list of destinations you can’t miss out on, while staying on the Gulf Coast. We’ll count it down:
10. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens maintains a plant collection numbering more than 20,000 greenhouse plants, plus thousands more in the outdoor gardens. Eight greenhouses include the stunning Tropical Conservatory where unusual flora can be seen year round. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has, in short, become a respected center for research and education, as well as a famous showplace that delights more than 180,000 visitors each year. Open daily from 10am – 5pm.
9. Ringling Museum of Art, built by John Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, today features paintings and sculptures by the great Old Masters including Rubens, van Dyck, Velázquez, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese, El Greco, Gainsborough and more. Open daily from 10am – 5pm.
8. Sarasota Opera has completed a multi-million dollar renovation and restoration. The project was designed to restore the historic 1926 theater to its original glory, while creating a venue for opera for the 21st century. Decorative details have been restored, seating has been replaced, and the orchestra pit enlarged to allow for an expansion of the repertoire. Currently in its 53rd season, information about specific performances are available on the Sarasota Opera website.
7. Sarasota Farmers Market is a fun way to find items such as artwork, handmade soaps, spices, fresh-baked breads and pastries, seafood, coffee, live plants, cut flowers and of course fresh fruits and vegetables. Open every Saturday from 7 AM to 12 Noon a farmers market is held in downtown Sarasota. Products ranging from orchids to oranges are available. The Saturday market is located on Lemon Avenue at the intersection of Main Street.
6. Spring Training is a tradition in Sarasota, and catching a Grapefruit League game is a great way to spend an afternoon. The games are held at Ed Smith Stadiumduring the training season.
5. The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights – A Crowd Pleaser for Young and Old..will be held this year on December 10th, 2011. Starting from City Island, cruising across Sarasota Bay to Centennial Park and then south under the Ringling Bridge and across Sarasota’s Bayfront park, about 25 spectacularly decorated and lighted boats make their way to delight and help brighten the holiday mood of those on shore.
4. Van Wezels Performing Arts Center is a beautiful venue to catch a concert or major performance. Notable upcoming performances include Dolly Parton, Celtic Thunder, and K.D. Lang, to name a few.
3. The Sarasota Film Festival, the premiere event of the South East, is held annually in the Spring, but has expanded to include year-round activities like the free outdoor Moonlight Movies series in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice; Monday Night Movies at the newly-restored Asolo Theater; Screenwriters’ Circle; and more.
2. The Mote Aquarium, by the Mote Marine Laboratory is a fabulous facility that is one of the best in the fields of research, wildlife conservation and care. They have a number of exhibits which put more light on the marine life and creatures there in. The facility also arranges for interactive sessions like Breakfast at Mote or even Birthdays at Mote.
1. Siesta Key, recently named the number one beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach, offers cool tropical breezes with crystal-white, powdery sand that stretch for miles. Whether you want to relax in the sunshine, obtain some “retail-therapy,” or enjoy an exceptional meal, Siesta Key Beach has it all.
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