Thousands of miles from Broadway, nestled along the Gulf Shore in lovely Sarasota, is a panacea of culture just waiting to be discovered. When you tire of the beaches and the spectacular golf courses, check out the area’s vibrant arts scene, and wow your friends back home with your new culture vulture vibe!
Start with one of the greatest performing artists of all time, John Ringling, known for his famous circus. Begin at the Ringling Museum of Art, and try to stop by on a Monday, when admission is free. John and Mable Ringling were benefactors of the Sarasota area; today you can sip mimosas and admire Mabel’s extensive rose gardens at an elegant brunch event. Permanent collections of statuary and major artists such as Peter Paul Reubens are always on offer, with wine walks and yoga nights sprinkled in for variety.
Grandkids will love the Circus Museum, featuring a 44,000 piece scale model of an entire circus. The Ringlings weren’t known for frugality, so be sure to check out their over-the-top mansion while you are there.
For theater lovers, options abound. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is the only professional African American troupe on Florida’s Gulf Coast. They stage serious dramas, as well as musicals like In the Heights, created by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.
For music buffs there’s the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Blue Rooster, for folk, rock and jazz. The rousing gospel brunch on Sundays is not to be missed!
Dance aficionados and opera buffs have options too. The Sarasota Ballet is a 30-year-old company that puts on stunning performances. In February and March, the acclaimed Sarasota Opera will perform the passionate Carmen in its historic art deco opera house.
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