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Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria
The Bradenton/Sarasota area's striking beauty has always been its chief asset with brilliant sunrises and sunsets that fire the sky into a canvas of intense pinks, reds, purples and oranges. An unspoiled paradise of palm trees, moss covered oaks, cedars, mangroves and sea grapes, the vivid azure hues of Gulf and Bay waters plentiful with fish, sea horses, sand dollars and dolphin. Add the inviting tropical climate, 35 miles of the white sand beaches, and you've discovered "The Land of Enchantment". This area is home to some of the world's most spectacular beaches, boating, fishing, and sight seeing, glamorous cultural happenings, world class sporting events, fine restaurants and shops, a renowned art museum, and exceptional community living. Many a visitor returns year after year to the Sun Coast to vacation. Come and enjoy the best creations of both mankind and nature.
PELICAN MAN'S BIRD SANCTUARY
Come & Visit Florida's Largest Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Center. See Fabulous Wild Birds Pelicans, Gulls, Egrets, Herons, Owls, Hawks, etc. Read about the history of this amazing man who's the pelican's friend, at this web site.
DESOTO SPEEDWAY
"The South's Fastest Short Track" Best & Most Complete Stock Car Racing in the Area. Exciting entertainment for the whole family!
GREAT GOLF COURSES - SARASOTA/VENICE
Public Welcome, Restaurant, Pro Shop, Driving Range, Rental Clubs
Waterford 27 hole Champion Course Venice 941-484-6621
Capri Isles 18 hole Champion Course Venice 941-485-3371
Calusa Lakes 18 hole Champion Course Nokomis 941-484-8995
SARASOTA BALLET
5555 N. Tamiami Trail 941-351-8000
Professional Resident Ballet Company performs September through April. Grand Classical & Contemporary Repertoire.
UPSTAIRS AT MUNROE'S
1296 First St. Downtown Sarasota 941-316-0609
Jazz Music Historic Vintage Tavern w/ Full Bar Locals' Favorite w/ Late Night Dinner Menu
THE PLAYERS
"Celebrating our 70th Year" 6 Great Musicals October - April Concerts and Special Events Year Round . The Players is a community-based theater that focuses on three areas of artistic expression; the Musical Theatre Series (featuring three large-scale Broadway productions); the Special Events Series (reflecting the depth and diversity of acting); andthe Concert Series (attracting nationally known artists such as Arlo Guthrie and J.J. Cale). Check their listing for details.
SARASOTA CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM
Built in 1952, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum is the 3rd oldest automobile museum. Through visual, audio and interpretive representation of vehicles, artifacts and instruments the museum presents the history and impact of the automobile in both Western Florida and the United States. In addition to the fascinating displays of 10 decades of cars, there is a mechanical music exhibit- presentation with musical instruments, player pianos, calliopes, nickelodeons and band organs that date back to the 1870's, an antique game exhibit filled with penny arcade style machines from the 1930's and 1940's along with more recent ones, plus an antique camera display revealing many of the earliest cameras used for photography. Annually displayed is the antique Santa Claus collection depicting Santa from countries all over the world, many dating back to the last century.
SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM, BISHOP PLANETARIUM, PARKER MANATEE AQUARIUM
Located on the Manatee River waterfront and taking up an entire city block in downtown Bradenton, the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Aquarium is a unique educational and entertainment resource where you can experience Florida from "Astronomy to Zoology" all under one roof!
RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is known throughout the world for its rich and varied collections and was planned by the Ringlings to be part of a grand legacy. The Museum's collection includes over 500 years of art with the galleries first opened to the public on March 30, 1930. After the state assumed responsibility for the property in 1946, the nineteenth-century theater from Asolo, Italy, and artifacts related to circus history were added. Tour the famoushome of the Ringlings, Ca d'Zan. Visit the site for more info on this fascinating attraction.
SOLOMON'S CASTLE
This is one of Florida's most unique experiences. Don't miss Solomon's Castle, the home and studio of internationally known sculptor Howard S. Solomon and enjoy The Boat in The Moat restaurant on the replica of a 60 foot 16th century Spanish galleon, built by the artist/owner. See the castle grounds, beautifully designed by Peggy Solomon, and walk along the magnificent nature trail in the sylvan setting of picturesque Horse Creek with sculptures and whimsical characters scattered amongst the tropical flowers and foliage that is carefully tended by the Queen herself, Peggy Solomon. There are lots of surprises at Solomon's Castle. Check out the web site for full details and history of this unique spot near Bradenton/Sarasota.
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY
Mote Aquarium has been amazing visitors since 1980. The Aquarium is unique in that it features the extraordinary sea life found off Florida's coast and showcases Mote Marine Laboratory's marine science research.
HISTORIC SPANISH POINT
Explore and experience Florida's past at the Historic Spanish Point at Osprey, a property of many lifetimes, with archaeology exhibits of the prehistoric peoples of the area (2000 B.C.-1000 A.D.) their burial mounds, and a window to the past explaining what was discovered of them, tour pioneer homestead buildings circa 1867- 1910, and walk through elaborate formal gardens and nature trails developed by the last private owner, the late widow of Chicago magnate Potter Palmer, for her winter estate.
MYAKKA SAFARI TOURS
14 Miles East of U.S. 41 on State Road 72 (I-75 Exit 37- 9 Miles East) 941-365-0100
Sarasota's largest attraction- 29,000 acre wildlife park- one hour tours aboard the World's Largest Enclosed Airboat, the "Gator Gal" with informative narration on the birds, plants, animals and gators living in the wild. There are more than 200 species of birds in the wildlife preserve and visitors may catch a glimpse of a bobcat or a feral hog.
G.WIZ - GULFCOAST WONDER & IMAGINATION ZONE
100 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, Florida 941-906-1851
Visit Sarasota/ Bradenton's favorite interactive science center with hands on fun for children of all ages. Come freeze your shadow, fly airplanes, create graphic images, learn how sound waves travel, experience a gyroscope experiment, touch a plasma ball, listen to music with a laser harp, or build and create in the technology hall. Visit the web site for more info.
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens located in Sarasota, Florida and acclaimed by syndicated garden columnist Duane Campbell as "a supernova in the constellation of botanical gardens," is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. Selby's 11 bay-front acres are an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants, many collected in the wild on nearly 100 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests by the Selby Gardens' research staff. Seven greenhouses are the heart of botanical research and plant identification, for which Selby is internationally recognized. Throughout the enchanting grounds of the historic Selby estate are 15 distinct garden areas that include: The Tropical Display House, with its lush rainforest atmosphere; the towering Bamboo Pavilion and the tranquil Waterfall Garden, the majestic Banyan Grove, a Cactus and Succulent Garden, a Cycad Collection, the Bayfront Restoration Project, and bordering the native shore plant community, the Baywalk Sanctuary. Also on the grounds is the former Christy Payne Mansion, a unique example of eclectic Southern Colonial Architecture.
GAMBLE PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE
Highway 301 (1.5 miles west of I-75, Exit 43) Ellenton, FL 941-723-4536
The Gamble Mansion, which was one of the first settlements along the Manatee River, is what remains of one of the largest and most advanced sugar plantations in the South. The plantation is the site of the oldest building in Manatee County and is also the last antebellum mansion on Florida's west coast. The two story mansion has 10 rooms with the outer walls nearly 2 feet thick built of tabby brick, an early form of concrete using materials from the area including lime, oyster shells, sand and water. Eighteen 25-foot high columns around the structure support the roof and upper verandas which extend around three sides of the building. The columns are typical Southern style and were considered symbols of sophistication. The Gamble place was the center of social and commercial life in the Manatee area and remains a memorial to a way of life and a system of economy that were swept away by the war. The mansion offers guided tours at 9:30 am & 10:30 am Monday-Thursday.
SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is one of southwest Florida's favorite family attractions. In addition to many acres of beautiful trees, flowers, and shrubs from around the world there are also bird shows featuring talented cockatoos and macaws, and reptile shows including a live presentation of a variety of snakes and demonstrating behaviors of dangerous alligators; performed four times daily. Also home to a variety of animals, the Gardens provides a safe sanctuary for flamingos, monkeys, lemurs, a giant tortoise and leopards as well many other types A children's play area is available.
CORTEZ FLEET
4330 127th St. W.(N.E. side of the bridge) 941-761-1100
Sail on the Miss Cortez X- family owned and operated since 1975; 4, 6, or 9 hour deep sea fishing trips aboard the swift 65 foot vessel on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico, all bait, equipment and licenses included. Latest electronic equipment on board. Call for info and reservations.
FLORIDA WATER SPORTS
1270B Cortez Rd. Cortez, at the Cortez Fishing Center, 1- 941-798-3721
Rent Jet Skis and pontoon boats for the entire family. Enjoy an unforgettable day of fun in the sun and on the water. And they offer dolphin tours! Hours 10-6 daily.
GOOD AS GOLD SAILING
Near downtown Sarasota (941) 312-0900
Experience the thrill of sailing on beautiful Sarasota Bay and the tranquil waters of the Gulf on the 30-foot Good as Gold. Half day, full day, sunset and learn to sail cruises. Family & group rates available on any of these at discounted rates. Private restroom. Snack and beverage included. Call for more information.
SIESTA PARASAIL
1249 Stickney Point Rd. At Mr.CB's (941) 349-1900
Go fly with your friends. Up to three people can fly at once, depending on weight. Max is 12 on parasailing cruises. Free intracoastal tour. Perfect safety record and soft dry takeoffs and landings. Within walking distance of Siesta Key beaches. Call for details and times.
SIESTA SPORTS RENTALS
6551 Midnight Pass Rd., Southbridge Mall, Siesta Key 1-941-346-1797
Siesta Sports Rentals, located on beautiful Siesta Key Island provides you with hours of fun, while vacationing in Florida, offers you the opportunity to see Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida the way it was meant to be seen. Just steps from Crescent Beach, we provide friendly, quality service at affordable prices. Delivery and pick up available. Mention you saw our web site and we will give you 10% off your next rental. All types of Children's bikes- Beach cruisers- Mountain bikes-Hybrid bikes- Six speeds-Trail-a-bikes- 2 and 4 person surreys- FREE locks & helmets with rental. Also available are motor scooters, kayak rentals and tours from gulf to bay. Discover Florida nature, dolphins, manatees and tropical birds.
Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Madeira Beach
The careful preservation of the diverse cultural heritages is one of the many reasons that Tampa Bay is such a fascinating place. With its diverse economy, Tampa Bay is not as dependent upon tourism as the rest of Florida, but meeting the needs of its visitors is still a large part of local business. Area average temperatures are mid 70's year round and average of 361 days of sunshine. Some world class beaches abound in the St .Petersburg /Clearwater area with over 35 miles of white sand and two of the top ten beaches in the world. It can't be beat for a vacation filled with sun, sand and culture. Major league sports are all represented in the area with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays making Tropicana Field, in Downtown St. Petersburg, its home. And, if that is not enough, Orlando's major attractions are a short 90 minutes away. For family adventure, romance, or plain old R.& R. the Tampa Metro area is something special.
TAMPA AREA CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Visit this site for the up to date listings of festivals, exhibits, sporting events, special shows etc. in the Clearwater-St. Petersburg area.
BUSCH GARDENS
Busch Gardens is the number one tourist attractions in Tampa and second only to Disney World in Florida. Ride roller coasters, water rides, and bumper cars. See lots of wildlife including lions elephants, rhinos, and giraffes at one of the top zoos in North America. All this and more can be done at this excellent 300 acre amusement park and zoo. Busch Gardens is opened 7 days per week, hours vary from season to season. Its costs roughly $35 for entry.
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM
249 Windward Passage, Hwy. 60 Island Estates, Clearwater Beach 813-447-0980
Live and model displays of area marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles and much more.
GREAT EXPLORATIONS : THE HANDS-ON MUSEUM
A "hands-on" children's museum and learning center now located on the third floor of The Pier. Check out the web site for more complete info.
KONGER CORAL SEA AQUARIUM
850 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs 813-938-5378
120,000 gallon main tank aquarium plus other displays featuring marine life.
LOWRY PARK ZOO
One of the top three zoos of its size in North America; this facility offers an Asian domain, primate area, children's petting zoo, Florida Wildlife Center, Manatee Aquatic Center and more.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI)
The Southeast's largest science center offers high-value entertainment through interactive, permanent exhibits plus a variety of traveling shows and demonstrations, featuring Florida's only IMAX Dome Theater, MOSIMAX.
SPONGEORAMA
510 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs 813-942-3771
A museum, theater and gift shop which captures the history of the sponge industry.
SUNCOAST SEABIRD SANCTUARY
18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 813-391-6211
North America's largest wild bird hospital featuring over 500 injured birds on display.
SUNKEN GARDENS
1825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg 813-896-3186
This oldest family-owned attraction in Florida, is regarded as one of the best botanical exhibits on the continent. Take a step back to nature and view an exotic collection of more than 50,000 tropical plants, birds and animals. Sunken Gardens has the South's largest walk-through aviary.
THE ST. PETERSBURG PIER
Located on the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg, The Pier, a popular festival market, offers fun, food, shopping and entertainment and features a fascinating five story inverted-pyramid with giant tubes bubbling with fish and creatures from the sea. This breathtaking centerpiece leads to the second floor aquarium filled with native and tropical fish and sharks. Hands-on educational exhibits from the Great Explorations Museum, the historic H.M.S. Bounty docked pier side, live musical entertainment, plus boat shows there's always something going on for the whole family to enjoy as well as a fantastic view with brilliant Florida Coast sunsets.
THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM
701 Channelside Dr., Tampa 813-273-4000
This is the state's only aquarium offering a dramatic, unique and educational look at the astonishing world of Florida's diverse water habitats.
YBOR CITY STATE MUSEUM
Housed in a century old bakery building, this museum captures the political, social and cultural influences that shaped Tampa's Latin Quarter. Visit La Casita (the Little House) which depicts how the typical cigar makers lived and get a look into the area's ethnic past with a glimpse into the district with a walking tour.
YBOR SQUARE LTD.
1901 N. 13th Street 813- 247-4497
A converted cigar factory which has been transformed into shops, restaurants and The Nostalgia Market, located in the heart of Tampa's Latin District. See Cuban cigar makers demonstrate their ancestors' craft.
HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM
An 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel and a national Historic Landmark. This quintessential Victorian palace features unique Moorish revival architecture and dramatic minarets. Enjoy the opulent European furniture and art treasures of the Gilded Age and visit the permanent exhibit on the Spanish American War. Visit the web site for more information.
TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER
225 South Franklin Street 813-228-0097
Our permanent gallery contains photos and artifacts which present the history of the last 12,000 years of the Tampa Bay area, up to the 1940's. Our temporary gallery contains a variety of traveling exhibits.
TAMPA MUSEUM of ART
601 Doyle Carlton Drive 813- 223-8130
Tampa's premier downtown cultural facility offers changing visual arts exhibition of collections from around the world and from the museum's own permanent collection.
THE TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, INC.
A state of the-art complex is the largest performing arts center in the Southeastern United States. Provides a venue for wide variety of performances, concerts, and events as well as providing world class entertainment for the constant influx of tourists.
CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
One of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in the state, the park is comprised of six islands with a total of approximately 650 upland acres and more than 1,100 acres of surrounding mangroves and grass flats. Fishing, shelling, & nature studies are ways to while away your day at the park and boaters can enjoy the 99 slip bay-side marina, or in calm weather, anchor offshore. Picnic pavilions, bath houses and a park concession provide additional amenities that make a visit to Caladesi more enjoyable. Some facilities and activities are accessible to the handicapped. Ferry service is available from the mainland, weather permitting. The ferry departs hourly. Visit the web sight for additional background on Caladesi State Park.
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM
Salvador Dal¡ was known as a leader of the surrealist movement. His painting, The Persistence of Memory, with the soft or melting watches is still one of the best-known surrealist works. As an artist, Dal¡ was not limited to a particular style or media. The body of his work, from early impressionist paintings through his transitional surrealist works, and into his classical period, reveals a constantly growing and evolving artist. Dal¡ worked in all media, and the museum's collection of his work includes 95 oil paintings, over 100 watercolors and drawings, 1,300 graphics, plus posters, photos, sculptures and objets d'art. Although Dal¡ is best known for his Surrealist period (1929-1940), this collection contains works dating from 1914 and spans his lifetime. Visit the web site to view some of the collection.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The graceful Palladian-style building is a perfect showcase for a wealth of treasures in 20 galleries. The atmosphere is that of an intimate Mediterranean villa. There are paintings by such artists as Fragonard, Vigee-Lebrun, Monet, Moirot, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin and Georgia O'Keefe; sculptures by Rodin, MacMonnies and Barye; an entire Steuben crystal gallery and a Tribal Arts gallery.
TAMPA BAY HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER
Being the fourth largest Holocaust museum in the country, the Florida Holocaust Museum is dedicated to advancing public awareness, education and understanding of the Holocaust, honoring the memory of millions of innocent people who suffered, struggled and died, and to promote the lessons of tolerance, respect and responsibility.
GULF COAST MUSEUM OF ART
Near Clearwater, the Gulf Coast Museum of Art is located in the heart of the Pinewood Cultural Park - an innovative interdisciplinary park with three unique institutions joined together to combine the disciplines of history, botanical science and the arts. The Gulf Coast Museum of Art, Heritage Village and the Pinellas County Historical Museum, and The Florida Botanical Gardens have given rise to the only interdisciplinary park of its kind in the nation! Over 180 acres of lush, tropical foliage, contemporary art and turn-of-the-century homes at the Pinewood Cultural Park, plus acres of hiking trails, picnic areas and lakes across the road at the Walsingham Recreational Park, guarantees a great deal of family fun and shared learning. FREE ADMISSION
ADVENTURE ISLAND
This water theme park features water slides, wave pools, water volleyball and swimming pools on 36 acres. The park is open March through October.
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
The Florida International Museum is centered in the cultural heart of Tampa Bay-Downtown St. Petersburg. It has been visited by over two million people with visitors coming from all 50 states and over 100 countries in just five exhibitions, making it Florida's premier museum for blockbuster exhibitions. Some past exhibits include the Empires of Mystery- the largest exhibition of Peruvian artifacts ever displayed in the U.S., Titanic: The Exhibition-the world s largest exhibition of artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the famous ship, plus exhibits from Eygpt, Russia, and one on Alexander the Great.
SHOW QUEEN CRUISES
The Show Queen is a sixty-five foot triple decked river boat specifically designed for harbor cruises on Clearwater Beach, Florida. The first and second decks are fully enclosed with air conditioning. The third deck is a large open air deck which provides beautiful views of the scenic water front. The vessel features a full service bar, full service galley, state of the art sound system, restrooms on both decks and tastefully decorated interior. Call or visit the web site for more info.
CAPTAIN MEMO'S PIRATE CRUISE
Young or old, the Pirate Cruise has something for everyone. Cruise away into the fantasy world of swashbucklers and pirates aboard the PIRATES RANSOM. The journey cruises within cannon range of Captain Memo's deserted island along Florida's intracoastal waterway out into the Gulf of Mexico along Clearwater Beach. Stop by the web site to see the vessel and get the history of Captain Memo.
KAI LANI CATAMARAN
Kai Lani is a 50' high performance catamaran designed with comfort and safety in mind, and capable of speeds over 20 knots under sail, Clearwater's fastest. Visit the web site for more complete information on relaxing day sails, or an evening romantic sunset cruise.
THE SALTY REBEL, INC.
Whether waterfront tours, cruising to and from destinations, scuba diving, or fishing are your pleasure, the Salty Rebel II will provide a tailored holiday experience as if aboard your own vessel without the operating responsibility. See the site for all your options with Captain Bill.
Scuba Quest
Throughout our 12 years of business, Scuba Quest has become widely known and respected as an industry leader. With more than one location in the Tampa / Clearwater area you are sure to find the services you need for a quality diving experience. Check out the site for trips, charters, locations, etc.
CAPTAIN VAN HUBBARD
Capt. Van Hubbard is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable inshore guides on Florida's Gulf Coast. He has been a professional, licensed guide for over twenty years. Capt. Van has paid his dues spending about 5000 days on local waters catching fish. Whether fishing for Redfish, Snook, Kingfish, Tarpon , Cobia or Trout the Captain is an expert that lives to share his experience and talents. He likes to send you home smiling.
GOLFING IN ST. PETERSBURG AREA
The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, maintains and operates three golf courses. Each of the three courses is conveniently located near Interstate 275. Hours of operation at the three city courses are from sun up to sun down all year long, seven days a week, except on Christmas Day when the courses are closed. U.S.G.A. rules as well as local rules apply at each course. This site also links (no pun intended) to the ultimate Tampa Bay Golfing Guide.
EUROPA SEA KRUZ
St. John's Pass Village, Madeira Beach, St. Petersburg 727- 393-5110 Daily and evening cruises departing from Madeira Beach. Featured are live entertainment, a fabulous meal and Vegas-style casino as you tour the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.
BIG RED BALLOON by FANTASY FLIGHT INC.
16302 East Course Drive, Tampa 813- 969-1518
Sunrise and panoramic hot balloon views of Tampa's ariel landscape of lakes and wildlife. Sunrise flights include complimentary champagne brunch. Call for fees.
Sincerely
