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This area known primarily for its beaches and sunshine actually exhibits a cultural alter ego. This stems from its roaring twenties heritage and the flamboyant entrepreneurs who shaped the area with their own brand of architecture influenced from their trips to Europe and their love of the arts and artefacts, generally. The couple that are synonymous with Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands are John and Mabel Ringling
Read on the list below is very impressive and although probably not your main reason for travelling from the UK to Sarasota and Florida’s Gulf Islands – it definitely enhances the area and gives it a certain artisan feel that gives it a feel all of its own..

John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art

The John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art is a world-class art museum, home to three spectacular attractions, the recently restored Cà d’Zan mansion, the internationally recognized Museum of Art permanently housing paintings from Ruben, Van Dyck and Rembrandt and the Circus Museum of memorabilia and artefacts.

The Sarasota Ballet of Florida

The resident Sarasota Ballet offers a variety of stunning performances throughout the year. Popular productions include Swan Lake, The Fantastic Toyshop, Ballet NY, Anne Frank/Episodes and Carmina Burana. Classical - modern ballet at its best!

Crosley Museum Theatre

Driving south along Tamiami Trail you’ll find the heart of Sarasota’s cultural district, with world-renowned art galleries and a range of restaurants on Main Street and Palm Avenue and maybe experience the Crosley Museum Theatre with a variety of plays from the likes of Edge Allen Poe, Dickens or Shakespeare.

Florida’s West Coast Symphony

For the more musical traveller, Florida’s West Coast Symphony, named the top performing arts organization in the state of Florida for six years, presents over 100 chamber and orchestral concerts each year.

Village of the Arts

For a more contemporary mood the Village of the Arts is one of the largest artist’s colonies on the Gulf Coast and a real treat for those who appreciate art. The galleries are actually people’s houses and the artist owners open their doors on the first Friday of every month. Taking a stroll around the neighbourhood is fun with interesting front garden exhibits. This is in the Bradenton area of town.
For more information visit www.sarasotafl.org and www.flagulfislands.com