Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in Sarasota, Florida is an interesting city. It is an important cultural center as well as a haven for beach lovers.
Aside from the universities, cultural centers, theater houses, beaches and resorts that dot along the city, Sarasota, Florida has a lot of interesting attractions.
First and foremost is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Established in 1927 for the citizens of Florida, it was built as the legacy of Mable and John Ringling. In the year 2000, the Florida State University managed the museum.
The John and Mable Ringling Musem of Art features nice galleries of European paintings, Cypriot relics and Asian, American and contemporary art pieces. The institution has a collection of more than 10,000 items including paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and decorative arts from all over the world and from ancient to contemporary times.
Presently, the museum has just added a $76 million dollar make-over program. About 150,000 square feet was built to expand the original museum. The compound now includes the Ringling circus museum, the Ringling’s mansion and the Asolo Theater. New additions include the Visitor’s Pavilion, the Education an Conservation Complex and a new 30,000 square foot gallery for special exhibits.
Another attraction in Sarasota, Florida is the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Horticulturists and garden enthusiasts should visit this site. There are 20 separate gardens laced with waterfalls and terraced walkways. It is most famous for its 6,000 plus orchids. There are also special places in the garden such as The Butterfly Garden, the Koi Pond, Cycad Garden and the Baywalk. After a delightful tour, guests can purchase plants in their plant shop.
The Mote Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida is another great attraction. This is actually a research facility that is open to the public. Visitors can take a good look at marine creatures up close such as stingrays, sea horses, manatees and sharks.
One of the best attractions in Sarasota, Florida is the ten acre Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Here, visitors can stroll around on palm tree line paths. Along the way, guests could see tropical plant life. There are also jungle animals such as flamingoes, peacocks, egrets, alligators, leopards and snakes. Guests can buy souvenirs in their gift shop. If they are hungry after the long tour, they help themselves with refreshments from the Flamingo Cafe.
With these attractions and more, a stay in Sarasota will surely be remembered as a treasured memory.