“The Greatest Show on Earth”
Have you ever heard about “The Greatest Show On Earth?” Well, Sarasota has long had ties to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and “The Greatest Show on Earth” was their slogan. Those guys used Sarasota for their winter retreat because both the circus animals and performers liked the mild temperatures on the Gulf Coast.
Unfortunately, the good times for circuses are long ago; however, the Ringling Museum and the Cà d’ Zan, which was the Ringling’s mansion, are still around and worth visiting. If you are slowly turning red at the beach, you may want to give your skin a break. Get in the shade and enjoy a great museum experience in Sarasota.
For people from New York City or Los Angeles, Sarasota may look more like a small town, but it has all the amenities you can find in a big city. with a quality of life. Whether you want to live in a Condo in Downtown Sarasota or in a Beach Mansion, Golf Community, or in Historic Home, there are many possibilities and options.
Entertainment
Regarding entertainment, Sarasota is probably one of the best choices on Florida’s West Coast. Circus Sarasota, Jungle Gardens, the Sarasota Ballet of Florida, the Towles Court Artist Colony, the South Florida Museum, Sarasota Film Society, Art Center Sarasota, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, the Circus Galleries at the Ringling Museum, and the Ringling Museum of Art are essential names. But the Crowley Museum, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Aquarium, and the Florida West Coast Symphony also have much to offer.
Even More Entertainment
But the cultural opportunities are still not exhausted. This list continues: The Jazz Club of Sarasota, Sarasota Opera House, Asolo Theater Festival, The Players Theater, Venice Theater, Florida Studio Theater, The Van Vezel…these are all names you may want to keep in mind as well.
On top of the year-round entertainment, events are held on specific dates. The Cine-World Film Festival in November, the Sun Coast Powerboat Grand Prix, and the Sun Coast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash are only some of them. The annual chalk festival, free music in the park, and music events at the Ringling Museum can also be on top of the to-do list.
Restaurants, Bars, Tiki Huts
Most importantly, you will never have to go to bed hungry or thirsty unless you want to. From the freshest seafood to Colombian eats and Italian treats, the dining scene in Sarasota is brimming with incredible flavors. You can dine for weeks to work your way through Sarasota’s top dining spots. However, if you like food varieties in Sarasota, you are in paradise. You will find sophisticated eateries, friendly seafood houses, and sports bars. Modern taverns, Bistros, contemporary urban restaurants, and bars that exude a chic vibe and often reflect international culinary trends.
It’s utterly charming and charmingly simple. Tiki bars located directly on the beach or at the water are the latest trend. You can spend some time surrounded by this South Sea Island motive and enjoy a “Lei Lani Volcano” (coconut rum, guava nectar, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a touch of syrup) while listening to live music. Polynesian-inspired appetizers, classic and kitschy tiki décor included. But who cares? If it feels good and tastes good, everything is fine.
Golf, Parks, and Recreation
Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources are plentiful in Sarasota. All those opportunities, combined with endless hours of sunshine, guarantee your outside enjoyment, no matter what the season. However, we do have a few rainy days per year, but compare that with the number of lousy days up north. The weather is the number one reason why so many snowbirds want to move to Florida.
So, are you looking for a round of golf? Sarasota and Sarasota County have over 80 public, semi-public, and private golf courses. If you are an avid boater, Sarasota offers many boat launches for your powerboat. There are also many access points where you can launch your canoe or kayak. The Legacy Trail is great for biking without having to cross streets. The popular e-bikes that recognize the new reality are allowed on the trail but with a speed limit of 15 mph.
Boat Rentals and Parks
There are plenty of boat rentals where you can rent a boat hourly. If you are getting seasick, you want to stay away from the water anyway. You will find many neighborhood parks where you can walk or bike while the horizon stays level. The new Bay Park is a great addition to everyone living in and around Downtown Sarasota. A visit to Mote Even dog parks for your furry friends are everywhere. There is never a dull day in Sarasota unless you want to be a couch potato.