Gems of Sarasota

Known as Florida’s Art City, Sarasota - Opens a dialog is a vibrant destination that is also an enclave for those who appreciate the visual arts. For those who have never visited Sarasota before, many will find its history and offerings as a pleasant surprise.

Ca’ d’Zan offers a glimpse into the Ringling’s lifestyle, transporting visitors back to the Roaring Twenties.

Located about an hour southwest of Tampa, Sarasota is home to The Ringling. For many Americans, that name will appear familiar – particularly when it comes to big tent circus fame. In 1930, John & Mable Ringling’s Museum of Art opened to the public. Today, a vast collection of over 10,000 European paintings, along with traditional and contemporary art hailing from the Americas and Asia, as well as antiquities from Cyprus, fill its 21 galleries. This massive temple to the arts is housed on the same property where the Ringling family lived in their palatial 56 room mansion named Ca’ d’Zan. Visitors are able to tour portions of this 36,000-square-foot edifice and imagine what life was like in its heyday.

Art is truly an overarching theme throughout Sarasota. So, it’s apropos that one of its popular hotels gives a nod to Sarasota’s art heritage. Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota and a mile from Lido Beach, Art Ovation Hotel - Opens a dialog (a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of hotels) embraces creativity throughout its entire property. Walls are adorned with various paintings and photographs throughout its public areas, and you’ll find that the overall design of the hotel, both interior and exterior, are effectively one massive art piece. There’s nothing cookie cutter about the Art Ovation Hotel! Each guest room features a sketchbook and colored pencils – so you can let your creative muse flow as you draw and sketch to your heart’s content (which future guests can enjoy). Also, if you appreciate the music arts, each guest room includes a colorful Ukulele which practically begs you to pick it up and play it.

Learn about conservation efforts to protect threatened mammals, such as the manatee, at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Sarasota is also a bastion for ecological protection, and this comes shining through with The Bay Sarasota. Billed as “One Park For All,” The Bay continues its mission to transform 53 acres of city-owned land along Sarasota Bay into a sustainable environmentally friendly gathering place for its community. Built in phases, this roughly $200 million development will take another 8-10 years to finish, but the 10 acres that have been completed so far can be enjoyed right now. A visit to Sarasota isn’t complete without stopping at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to take a “dive” into its efforts to conserve regional marine life, which not only includes manatees and dolphins, but sharks, sea turtles and a plethora of other sea creatures.

Enjoy Sarasota's fresh, local seafood, such as crab cakes!

When it comes to dining, Sarasota’s art culture is also on the table! Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood is a community favorite which serves up delicious sustainable seafood in an unpretentious way. Voted as Sarasota’s Best Seafood Restaurant for 8 straight years, you can be sure that your appetite and high expectations will be satisfied – especially as you experience their magnificent crab cakes and tasty fresh catch! Michael’s On East offers delectable New American cuisine that focuses on surf & turf, which includes: porcini-rubbed Colorado rack of lamb, Faroe Island salmon, jumbo diver scallops & Gulf shrimp with butternut squash ravioli and so much more! Also, be sure to visit Michael’s on Friday nights to experience their famous Lobster Pot offering. Café L’Europe is a local take on some of Europe’s finest bistros. With over 50 years in its same St. Armands Circle location, Café L’Europe has mastered the European gastronomic experience with its well-curated wine list and thoughtful menu offerings which feature items that are prepared to perfection. Be sure to experience their perfect lobster bisque, duck a l’orange and seared scallops!

Enjoy Sarasota's fresh, local seafood, such as crab cakes!

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Ca’ d’Zan offers a glimpse into the Ringling’s lifestyle, transporting visitors back to the Roaring Twenties.

Learn about conservation efforts to protect threatened mammals, such as the manatee, at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Enjoy Sarasota's fresh, local seafood, such as crab cakes!

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Once You Are Ready to Travel Again, Costco Travel Can Help

We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.

About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast.

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Gems of Sarasota

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