Sarasota, Florida:
Circus, Culinary &
Culture Galore
By Janice Nieder
All I knew about Florida was the hip, albeit slightly exhausting, party scene in South Beach and
the family-oriented, albeit really exhausting, activities around Orlando. And then I discovered
the southwestern coast of Florida, in particular, Sarasota, which is called Florida’s “Cultural Coast”
for good reason. Add in the pristine, white-sandy beaches, the burgeoning culinary scene, a
wide selection of glam hotels, dozens of performing arts venues, glorious sunshine, and you have
yourself a perfect winter getaway spot.
Interesting note:
The Ringling’s first show was
in 1870, grandiloquently
called, “The Ringling Brothers
United Monster Shows, Great
Double Circus, Royal European
Menagerie, Museum, Caravan,
and Congress of Trained Animals”
Admission was one penny.
Insider tip:
On Monday’s admission to the
Museum of Art is free.
To Do:
Join the Circus
When John Ringling brought the circus to town in 1927, I wonder if he knew that over 85 years later this world-class, 66-acre art complex
would still be considered The Greatest Show on Earth. Plan on spending at least half a day exploring the Ca D’Zan, the Ringling’s opulent,
56-room Venetian-Gothic mansion, the art museum, filled with Baroque masterpieces, and the Ringling Circus Museum, devoted to circus
memorabilia. Here you can try your hand at tight-rope walking or squeeze into a teeny clown car, learn how to apply clown make-up,
and gaze in awe at the world’s largest miniature circus. For over 50 years circus historian and model builder Howard. C. Tibbals, has
continually been adding to the 44,000-piece display, which has to be seen to be believed.
Voted America’s #1 small city for art.
Just a hop, skip and a somersault away you’ll
find a plethora of cultural offerings including
a multitude of performing arts venues, theatre
and ballet companies, numerous art galleries
and a nationally recognized opera house.
The Sarasota Opera (on the National Register
of Historic Places) completed a $20 million
dollar historic renovation and restoration in
2008 and according to MusicalAmerica.com
is now “One of the finest venues for opera in
America”.
Executive Director, Richard Russell says, “Not
only will Sarasota Opera be marking the
company’s 55th consecutive season, we will
be commemorating the anniversaries of
the birth of three of opera’s most significant
composers through our programming;
Wagner, Britten, and of course Verdi.”
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FEBRUARY 2014 • LUXE BEAT MAGAZINE
Insider Tip: Tickets start @ only $19 and
there’s not a bad seat in the house.
music. I was particularly fond of Israeli
sculptor Boaz Vaadia’s mumsy figures.
Fresh batch of outdoor sculptures
This year, Season of Sculpture presents
Season VII’s “Shared Ground: Eight Artists,
Eighteen Installations.” This walk-around
show is on display through May 2014
and features eighteen monumental
works scattered along Sarasota’s beautiful
downtown Bayfront Park. Some selections
are sure to spark a little controversy, such
as the oversized “golf ball” by artist Robert
Chambers, that comes alive after dark
with colored lights and sci-fi music. I was
particularly fond of Israeli sculptor Boaz
Vaadia’s mumsy figures.are sure to spark a
little controversy, such as the oversized “golf
ball” by artist Robert Chambers, that comes
alive after dark with colored lights and sci-fi
Commune with nature
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s
oldest and largest state parks. The
enormous Myakka River flows through
the 53 square miles of wetlands, prairies
and woodlands.
Great for hiking, wildlife and bird
watching-almost 100 species have been
identified. Many fun activities include
narrated airboat and tram tours, biking,
kayaking, fishing, and camping.
Insider tip: Climb the 74-foot wooden
tower overlooking the canopied
walkway, for the best bird’s eye view.