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Tropical Sun Beach Resort
**Friendliest Hotel on Siesta Key!! Adorable accommodations at affordable rates!** Call Now For Specials!
6722 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, Florida 34242
Telephone: 941-349-2442  Fax: 941-346-0025 , 1-800-235-3493
E-mail: info@tropicalsunresort.com   website http://www.tropicalsunresort.com/ 

Tropical Shores
"AAA 3-Diamond", Private Beach, Heated Pool, Aqua Sport Rentals & much more!"
http://www.tropicalshores.com/ E-mail  tropshores@aol.com
6717 SaraSea Circle, Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida 34242
phone: 941-349-3330 Fax: 941-346-0025, Reservations: 1-800-235-3493

Welcome to The Sarasota Film Society Web Site  
Sarasota Film Society today has 3,600 dues paying members making it the leading film ... Sarasota Film Society is a charitable, nonprofit arts organization committed to bringing the best art, foreign and ...
URL: http://www.filmsociety.org/ 

John Ringling adorned in the landscape of St. Armand Circle with Italian statues brought over during his many trips to Venice, Roman, Naples . He also spent lavishly on paintings and art John Ringling had amassed 60025 paintings at the time of this death 1936

Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary 388 -- 4444

Circus Sarasota
777 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota, FL 34236-4047 Phone: 941/924-7054 Fax: 941/924-4414 Website: http://www.circussarasota.org/  E-mail: ncspa@gte.net  The creation of Circus Sarasota is the first step in realizing the dream of enhancing, producing and propelling the circus arts in Florida and beyond. Our one-ring European-style circus features international circus stars. Visitors to Sarasota will have the opportunity to witness affordable family entertainment, and see that Sarasota is the circus capital of the United States. The legacy continues. Performances December 26, 1999 to January 23, 2000.  Hours: Office open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; performance times vary.

Ed Smith Stadium  Cincinnatti Reds 12 Street and Carol Avenue 

Ringling Museum of Art
Monday-Sunday 10am - 5:30pm Adults: $9.00 (Sr. discounts) Children under 13 free. See over 500 years of European art. The Art Museum's loggias surround a beautiful COURTYARD filled with statues and fountains. See Ca'd'Zan in the midst of a multimillion dollar restoration. At the MUSEUM OF THE CIRCUS see sequined costumes, miniature circuses and elaborately carved wagons. The beaufiul landscaped grounds contain over 400 species of exotic Florida trees, plants and Mable's historic rose garden. Browse thru the gift shops and enjoy lunch at the BANYAN CAFE.
5401 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, FL34243
Phone: (941) 359-5700
Fax: (941) 359-5745
kgallagh@ringling.org

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
 Address:5401 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243-2161 Phone:(941) 351-1660.or 359-5723 941/359-5700 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/660-4278 Fax: 941/359-5745 Website: http://www.ringling.org  E-mail: ringling@concent-ic.net   Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission to galleries is free on Saturdays. 
This museum is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the greatest business tycoons of his day. The museum includes a 22-gallery Art Museum; Museum of the Circus; Ca'd'Zan, The Ringlings' mansion; courtyard; gardens and grounds.  On displays Renaissance European, modern and Venetian Gothic artworks in its 22 galleries. Close by is Ca' D'Zan, the 30-room Venetian-Gothic mansion that Ringling occupied for about 10 years. Expansive gardens and a circus museum also are part of the complex, which is open year-round. Admission to the complex is free for children under age 12 (admission to the art museum is free on Saturdays); For more information, call (941) 359-5723.
What a grand experience awaits you at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The art galleries brim with Old Masters, a collection that includes five world-renowned tapestry cartoons by Peter Paul Rubens. Marvel at the Late Medieval and Renaissance works by Italian and northern European Renaissance artists, in addition to French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish Baroque paintings. The Ringlings acquired a majority of the collection. Tour through their winter home,
Ca D'Zan, an opulent mansion that blends everything from Italian and French Renaissance, Baroque, Venetian Gothic and modern architecture. The mansion was completed in 1926 and is set to be repaired and restored to its 1920s appearance. Stroll through the lovely sculpture garden courtyard and the Rose Garden, perfect spots for snapping photos.
The Circus Galleries offer a collection of circus memorabilia, a fitting tribute to John Ringling, who collected art work as the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus became "the Greatest Show on Earth."

Asolo Theatre Company
5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243-2141 Phone: 941/351-8000 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/361-8388 Fax: 941/351-5796 Website: http://www.asolo.org/  E-mail: asolo@asolo.org  A superb destination theatre. The Asolo celebrates its 41st anniversary this year.  Hours: Call for hours and show schedules.

The new Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, across the street from the complex at 5401 Bay Shore Road. The original theater, which lies close to the museum, was shipped in pieces from Italy by Ringling. It now is used for the art museum's lecture series.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum 
Email ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com  website http://www.sarasotacarmuseum.org/  
Address: 5500 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. FL. 34239 Phone: (941) 355-6228.Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. a collection of restored and antique cars, music makers (hurdy-gurdies, calliopes and a 30-foot Belgian organ) and antique games and machines.
e mail: ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com 
ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com 

Key Sailing
2 Marina Jack Bayfront Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236-8919 Phone: 941/346-7245 Fax: 941/346-6495 Website: http://www.exploringsarasota.com/5.htm  E-mail: treedsail@aol.com   Half-day and full-day sailing adventures. Dolphin sightings and sunset sails on the beautiful Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico on a 1989 Morgan 41 sailing vessel.  Hours: Open year-round.

 Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-7726 Phone: 941/366-5731  (941) 366-5730 Fax: 941/366-9807 Website: http://www.selby.org  E-mail: gadkins@virtu.sar.usf.edu  Nine bay front acres, more than 20,000 tropical plants, including an outstanding collection of orchids and bromeliads; museum; hands-on learning center; greenhouse; and 20 distinct garden areas.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.. every day, closed Christmas. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children older than 5. This flower-lovers oasis on Sarasota Bay features one of the worlds largest collections of orchids (more than 5,000) and is the only botanical garden in the world that specializes in epiphytic plants (plants that live on moisture in the air). A couple of short walking trails and 20,000 plants, including bromeliads, bamboo and banyans, are featured along with the historic Selby mansion (now a gift shop) and a Museum of Botany and the Arts. Scientists here are responsible for saving species from extinction. Resident kids and adults should check out the ongoing horticultural-related classes; don't miss the once-a-year plant sale.

Mote Marine Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy. Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 Phone: 941/388-4441 Toll Free (Worldwide): 800/691-MOTE (6683) Phone: (941) 388-1385. or 1-800-691-6683 Fax: 941/388-4242 Website: http://www.mote.org E-mail: info@mote.org  Ten new exhibits, working research labs, touch tank and interactive Sea Cinema. Come face-to-face with a shark or visit with resident manatees and endangered sea turtles. Eco-tours of Sarasota Bay available.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 

 This aquarium/museum filled with wonders of the local seas. Its not very large, and only takes a couple of hours to see, but Mote Marine is packed full of interesting displays. The main attraction, a shark tank, features shark species that typically swim around in the same waters you do  The touch tank is neat; you can handle creatures such as rays and sea urchins. A variety of small aquariums throughout the building displays amazing sea life. Its a super educational opportunity for all ages Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Come see stingrays, sharks, manatees, sea turtles and much, much more! View science research at our viewable research labs. Handicap accessible.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL34236
Phone: (941) 388-2451

 PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY 
Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236-1000 Phone: (941) 388-4444 Fax: (941) 388-3258 Email: pelican@pelicanman.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. What started as one mans mission to save injured pelicans has developed into a full-scale sanctuary operation for more than 200 species of injured birds. Dale Shields, known around here as the "Pelican Man," welcomes donations but doesn't charge admission. Its a good chance to get up close to our native birds, providing another important lesson for the kids . Take your time and look for the unusual like the crow that talks. 

SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS
3701 Bayshore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234-5211 Phone: 941/355-1112 Toll Free (U.S.): 877/861-6547 Fax: 941/355-1222   (941) 355-5305  Website: http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/  E-mail: sarasotajg@aol.com  Acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails for leisurely strolls and picture taking. Jungle animal exhibits, reptile encounters and bird shows, Gardens of Christ, shell museum, kiddie jungle and cafe. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.  .  Cost:$9 for adults, $5 for children. Annual pass for $12. This peaceful retreat is one of our favorite places to go any time of year, Cool, shaded trails wander through some of the most well-kept, lush, tropical vegetation around. Banana trees, hibiscus and rose gardens, towering palms, ferns and crotons are just some of the flora encountered on a stroll through the "jungle." As with most Florida attractions, you'll enjoy some family entertainment such things as bird shows with 70-year-old Cockatoos that ride bikes on tight wires or alligator shows featuring 500-pound gators jumping three feet in the air.  The other native Sarasota critters, such as our friendly snakes are safely behind glass to keep the fright-effect at a minimum. But the snakes are fascinating, Bird watchers will be in heaven here. Around every bend are different feathered friends -- families of ducks waddling through the palmettos, peacocks and flamingos, (most roam or fly freely). Photo opportunities are abundant.  Jungle Gardens can easily be experienced in 4 hours if you plan your time around the bird and reptile show schedules given to you with your ticket. Sarasota Jungle Gardens Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - 7 days a week. Admission: $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 free, $7.00 for seniors 62 and over Cool jungle trails winding through lush tropical vegetation, 240 different species of tropical trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Bird & reptile shows, Kiddy Jungle, 21 animal exhibits, tropical birds, picture posing area, free roaming flamingos that eat from your hand.
3701 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, FL34234
Phone: (941) 355-5305
sarasotajg@aol.com
www.sarasotajunglegardens.com

Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
25 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236-5786 Phone: 941/366-5454 Toll Free (U.S. & Canada): 800/652-0920 Fax: 941/364-9100 Website: http://www.hellodolly.org  Candlelit prime rib dinner and Broadway musical entertainment with shows such as Ain't Misbehavin', Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady. Second location in Venice. Hours: Call for showtimes. 

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE TOUR 
Address: 61 North Pineapple, Sarasota. Phone: (941) 366-8450.Hours: By appointment. Cost: $2. Since its by appointment only, not many people know about this inexpensive tour that takes you behind the scenes of the opera. Your tour guide will lead you through the wardrobe department, where all of the wigs and costumes are constructed. An interesting history of the acoustically perfect Edwards theater, built in 1926, and a chandelier that graced Twelve Oaks in Gone With the Wind are included in the highlights. Sarasota Ballet of Florida   366 -- 6740
Cultural attractions

Asolo Center of Performing Arts 351 -- 8,000

Florida West Coast Symphony 953 -- 4252

Golden Apple Theatre 366 -- 5454

The Jazz Club 366 -- 1552

Van Weasel Performing Arts Hall  953 -- 3366 

John Ringling adorned in the landscape of St. Armand Circle with Italian statues brought over during his many trips to Venice, Roman, Naples . He also spent lavishly on paintings and art John Ringling had amassed 60025 paintings at the time of this death 1936

Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary 388 -- 4444

Circus Sarasota
777 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota, FL 34236-4047 Phone: 941/924-7054 Fax: 941/924-4414 Website: http://www.circussarasota.org/  E-mail: ncspa@gte.net  The creation of Circus Sarasota is the first step in realizing the dream of enhancing, producing and propelling the circus arts in Florida and beyond. Our one-ring European-style circus features international circus stars. Visitors to Sarasota will have the opportunity to witness affordable family entertainment, and see that Sarasota is the circus capital of the United States. The legacy continues. Performances December 26, 1999 to January 23, 2000.  Hours: Office open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; performance times vary.

  Ed Smith Stadium Cincinnatti Reds  12 Street and Carol Avenue

Ringling Museum of Art
Monday-Sunday 10am - 5:30pm Adults: $9.00 (Sr. discounts) Children under 13 free. See over 500 years of European art. The Art Museum's loggias surround a beautiful COURTYARD filled with statues and fountains. See Ca'd'Zan in the midst of a multimillion dollar restoration. At the MUSEUM OF THE CIRCUS see sequined costumes, miniature circuses and elaborately carved wagons. The beaufiul landscaped grounds contain over 400 species of exotic Florida trees, plants and Mable's historic rose garden. Browse thru the gift shops and enjoy lunch at the BANYAN CAFE.
5401 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, FL34243
Phone: (941) 359-5700
Fax: (941) 359-5745
kgallagh@ringling.org

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
 Address:5401 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243-2161 Phone:(941) 351-1660.or 359-5723 941/359-5700 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/660-4278 Fax: 941/359-5745 Website: http://www.ringling.org  E-mail: ringling@concent-ic.net   Hours: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission to galleries is free on Saturdays. 
This museum is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the greatest business tycoons of his day. The museum includes a 22-gallery Art Museum; Museum of the Circus; Ca'd'Zan, The Ringlings' mansion; courtyard; gardens and grounds.  On displays Renaissance European, modern and Venetian Gothic artworks in its 22 galleries. Close by is Ca' D'Zan, the 30-room Venetian-Gothic mansion that Ringling occupied for about 10 years. Expansive gardens and a circus museum also are part of the complex, which is open year-round. Admission to the complex is free for children under age 12 (admission to the art museum is free on Saturdays); For more information, call (941) 359-5723.
What a grand experience awaits you at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The art galleries brim with Old Masters, a collection that includes five world-renowned tapestry cartoons by Peter Paul Rubens. Marvel at the Late Medieval and Renaissance works by Italian and northern European Renaissance artists, in addition to French, Dutch, Flemish and Spanish Baroque paintings. The Ringlings acquired a majority of the collection. Tour through their winter home,
Ca D'Zan, an opulent mansion that blends everything from Italian and French Renaissance, Baroque, Venetian Gothic and modern architecture. The mansion was completed in 1926 and is set to be repaired and restored to its 1920s appearance. Stroll through the lovely sculpture garden courtyard and the Rose Garden, perfect spots for snapping photos.
The Circus Galleries offer a collection of circus memorabilia, a fitting tribute to John Ringling, who collected art work as the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus became "the Greatest Show on Earth."

Asolo Theatre Company
5555 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34243-2141 Phone: 941/351-8000 Toll Free (U.S.): 800/361-8388 Fax: 941/351-5796 Website: http://www.asolo.org/  E-mail: asolo@asolo.org  A superb destination theatre. The Asolo celebrates its 41st anniversary this year.  Hours: Call for hours and show schedules.

The new Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, across the street from the complex at 5401 Bay Shore Road. The original theater, which lies close to the museum, was shipped in pieces from Italy by Ringling. It now is used for the art museum's lecture series.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum 
Email ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com  website http://www.sarasotacarmuseum.org/  
Address: 5500 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota. FL. 34239 Phone: (941) 355-6228.Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. a collection of restored and antique cars, music makers (hurdy-gurdies, calliopes and a 30-foot Belgian organ) and antique games and machines.
e mail: ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com 
ClassicCarMuseum@aol.com 

Key Sailing
2 Marina Jack Bayfront Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236-8919 Phone: 941/346-7245 Fax: 941/346-6495 Website: http://www.exploringsarasota.com/5.htm  E-mail: treedsail@aol.com   Half-day and full-day sailing adventures. Dolphin sightings and sunset sails on the beautiful Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico on a 1989 Morgan 41 sailing vessel.  Hours: Open year-round.

 Selby Botanical Gardens
811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-7726 Phone: 941/366-5731  (941) 366-5730 Fax: 941/366-9807 Website: http://www.selby.org  E-mail: gadkins@virtu.sar.usf.edu  Nine bay front acres, more than 20,000 tropical plants, including an outstanding collection of orchids and bromeliads; museum; hands-on learning center; greenhouse; and 20 distinct garden areas.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.. every day, closed Christmas. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children older than 5. This flower-lovers oasis on Sarasota Bay features one of the worlds largest collections of orchids (more than 5,000) and is the only botanical garden in the world that specializes in epiphytic plants (plants that live on moisture in the air). A couple of short walking trails and 20,000 plants, including bromeliads, bamboo and banyans, are featured along with the historic Selby mansion (now a gift shop) and a Museum of Botany and the Arts. Scientists here are responsible for saving species from extinction. Resident kids and adults should check out the ongoing horticultural-related classes; don't miss the once-a-year plant sale.

Mote Marine Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy. Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 Phone: 941/388-4441 Toll Free (Worldwide): 800/691-MOTE (6683) Phone: (941) 388-1385. or 1-800-691-6683 Fax: 941/388-4242 Website: http://www.mote.org E-mail: info@mote.org  Ten new exhibits, working research labs, touch tank and interactive Sea Cinema. Come face-to-face with a shark or visit with resident manatees and endangered sea turtles. Eco-tours of Sarasota Bay available.  Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. 

 This aquarium/museum filled with wonders of the local seas. Its not very large, and only takes a couple of hours to see, but Mote Marine is packed full of interesting displays. The main attraction, a shark tank, features shark species that typically swim around in the same waters you do  The touch tank is neat; you can handle creatures such as rays and sea urchins. A variety of small aquariums throughout the building displays amazing sea life. Its a super educational opportunity for all ages Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Come see stingrays, sharks, manatees, sea turtles and much, much more! View science research at our viewable research labs. Handicap accessible.
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL34236
Phone: (941) 388-2451

 PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY 
Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary 1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, Florida 34236-1000 Phone: (941) 388-4444 Fax: (941) 388-3258 Email: pelican@pelicanman.com Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. What started as one mans mission to save injured pelicans has developed into a full-scale sanctuary operation for more than 200 species of injured birds. Dale Shields, known around here as the "Pelican Man," welcomes donations but doesn't charge admission. Its a good chance to get up close to our native birds, providing another important lesson for the kids . Take your time and look for the unusual like the crow that talks. 

SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS
3701 Bayshore Rd. Sarasota, FL 34234-5211 Phone: 941/355-1112 Toll Free (U.S.): 877/861-6547 Fax: 941/355-1222   (941) 355-5305  Website: http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com/  E-mail: sarasotajg@aol.com  Acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails for leisurely strolls and picture taking. Jungle animal exhibits, reptile encounters and bird shows, Gardens of Christ, shell museum, kiddie jungle and cafe. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.  .  Cost:$9 for adults, $5 for children. Annual pass for $12. This peaceful retreat is one of our favorite places to go any time of year, Cool, shaded trails wander through some of the most well-kept, lush, tropical vegetation around. Banana trees, hibiscus and rose gardens, towering palms, ferns and crotons are just some of the flora encountered on a stroll through the "jungle." As with most Florida attractions, you'll enjoy some family entertainment such things as bird shows with 70-year-old Cockatoos that ride bikes on tight wires or alligator shows featuring 500-pound gators jumping three feet in the air.  The other native Sarasota critters, such as our friendly snakes are safely behind glass to keep the fright-effect at a minimum. But the snakes are fascinating, Bird watchers will be in heaven here. Around every bend are different feathered friends -- families of ducks waddling through the palmettos, peacocks and flamingos, (most roam or fly freely). Photo opportunities are abundant  Jungle Gardens can easily be experienced in 4 hours if you plan your time around the bird and reptile show schedules given to you with your ticket. Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM - 7 days a week. Admission: $9.00 for adults, $5.00 for children ages 3-12, children under 3 free, $7.00 for seniors 62 and over Cool jungle trails winding through lush tropical vegetation, 240 different species of tropical trees, plants and flowers from all over the world. Bird & reptile shows, Kiddy Jungle, 21 animal exhibits, tropical birds, picture posing area, free roaming flamingos that eat from your hand.
3701 Bayshore Road
Sarasota, FL34234
Phone: (941) 355-5305
sarasotajg@aol.com
www.sarasotajunglegardens.com

Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
25 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236-5786 Phone: 941/366-5454 Toll Free (U.S. & Canada): 800/652-0920 Fax: 941/364-9100 Website: http://www.hellodolly.org  Candlelit prime rib dinner and Broadway musical entertainment with shows such as Ain't Misbehavin', Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady. Second location in Venice. Hours: Call for showtimes. 

SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE TOUR 
Address: 61 North Pineapple, Sarasota. Phone: (941) 366-8450.Hours: By appointment. Cost: $2. Since its by appointment only, not many people know about this inexpensive tour that takes you behind the scenes of the opera. Your tour guide will lead you through the wardrobe department, where all of the wigs and costumes are constructed. An interesting history of the acoustically perfect Edwards theater, built in 1926, and a chandelier that graced Twelve Oaks in Gone With the Wind are included in the highlights. 

Sarasota Ballet of Florida 366 -- 6740

cultural attractions

Asolo Center of Performing Arts 351 -- 8,000

Florida West Coast Symphony 953 -- 4252

Golden Apple Theatre 366 -- 5454

The Jazz Club 366 -- 1552

Van Weasel Performing Arts Hall 953 -- 3366
 

Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas: the Florida wild and scenic Myakka River flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, pinelands and two shallow lakes. The park features birding, hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing, cabins and wildlife viewing. Open daily 8am to sunset. Prices: $4.00 per vehicle for 2-8 persons & $2.00 per vehicle for 1 person
13207 S.R. 72
Sarasota, FL34241
Phone: (941) 361-6511
myakka@netsrq.com

MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK AND WILDLIFE TOURS  Park--Welcome Address: S.R. 72 (Clark Rd.) 14 miles east of U.S. Hwy. 41, 9 miles east of I-75. Phone: (941) 361-6511. Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset. Cost: $2 per person or $4 for two to six people. Airboat and tram tours run $6 for adults, $3 for kids ages 6 to 12 If you can only fit in one attraction, this is probably the one to choose. You have the chance to glimpse local natural wonders in their most primitive state, such as bald eagles perched high in the moss-draped oaks or alligators sunning on the shores of the Myakka River. Land tours aboard a tram run December through May, and drivers give excellent narration of native plants. Airboat rides run all year you'll learn all about the water birds and other water critters on these tours. The tours offer a good break from walking, biking or canoeing.

HERRMANNS LIPIZZAN RANCH 
Address: Singletary Rd., Myakka City. Phone: (941) 322-1501. Hours: Shows are at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday. Cost: Free.
From January through April, the Lipizzan stallions come home to entertain audiences free of charge! Actually, this is their training home, much like the baseball stars, before they travel the country performing.

FLORIDA GULF COAST RAILROAD MUSEUM 
Address: 12355 U.S. 301 North, Parrish. Phone: (941) 722-4272. Hours: Trains depart at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Saturdays, 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. on Sundays. Experience a blast from the past on this 1950s train excursion featuring air-conditioned lounge cars and open-window coaches. The round-trip through rural southern Florida lasts about an hour.

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad
Ride vintage railroad coaches from the 30's, 40's and 50's along original seaboard airline railroad track thru rustic Manatee County. 12 mile round trip (1 hour/20 minutes). Enjoy scenic views and indigenous plants and wildlife. January-April 11am and 1pm/May-December 11am, 1pm and 3pm Saturdays and Sundays 1pm and 3pm. Adults: $10.00 Cab Ride: $20.00. Children: $6.00 Cab Ride: $16.00
PO Box 355
Parrish, FL34219-0355
Phone: (941) 365-5738
fgcrrm@aol.com

Canoe Outpost  
 Peace River 2816 NW County Rd 6611  Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: 941/494-1215 Toll free: 800/268-0083  , Fax: 941/494-4391
Web Site: http://www.canoeoutpost.com Paddle the beautiful Peace River and enjoy wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, fossil hunting, along with canoeing and kayaking on Florida’s most popular State Canoe Trail. Half day, full day, and overnight wilderness trips. See the true Florida with Canoe Outpost, Florida’s oldest & largest outfitter. Be a Peace Paddler! 

HISTORIC SPANISH POINT 
Address: 500 N. Tamiami Tr., Osprey. Phone: (941) 966-5214.Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Retreat to the Old Florida the first settlers experienced. Lush, tropical vegetation surrounds refurbished pioneer dwellings on 30 acres. Take a 90-minute tour and walk through the lives of John and Eliza Webb, a New York couple who came here to homestead in 1867, where they became farmers, entrepreneurs and innkeepers for winter visitors. You'll visit their citrus packing house and boarding house. Mary's Chapel sits nearby, constructed by the Webbs in honor of a young music student who died while staying at the Webbs. The next generation glimpse features a bay front home with a turn-of-the-century kitchen; wealthy Chicago business woman Bertha Palmer bought the property in 1912 and planted magnificent gardens. Her family donated the property to the Gulf Coast Heritage Association in 1980. An archaeological exhibit, the only Indian shell midden in the United States that you can walk into, reveals bones, shells and other refuse from ancient life on the coastline. A video highlights other archaeological finds made on the grounds. A tram is available for physically handicapped.