Sarasota Florida Real Estate, Longboat Key Real Estate, Sarasota Home Sales, Luxury Waterfront

Sarasota is truly a unique and vibrant community -- a place rich in the cultural heritage of the last century. It is perhaps this "young" historic perspective that makes Sarasota such an interesting community. So much of our history is still alive today. From the fishermen on the Gulf, to the eastern farmers, to the circus performers and former circus greats who make their home here, from golfing legends to baseball heroes, the past meets the present and leads us into the future every day.

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Restful and laid-back, Sarasota is reminiscent of Florida's southeast coastline 20 years ago. That is the key to Sarasota's subtle charm. Sarasota has retained the lifestyle that has been lost in so many parts of the Sunshine State. There is an unmistakable tropical attitude that graces our little corner of the world. With crystal clear waters, the whitest sand in the world, and picturesque blue horizons, the natural beauty surrounds us and enlivens every aspect of the community. But there is so much more.

John Ringling created an incredible art complex on his 68-acre estate, and for that monumental achievement and many more that followed Sarasota has become known as the cultural capital of Florida. The Asolo State Theater has gained a reputation as one of the leading regional theaters in the United States. The new Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, built at a cost of $10 million, is home to a laboratory theater for the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory of Professional Actor Training; a motion picture and television sound stage facility; classrooms and administrative offices.

The Ringling Museum's original Asolo Theater was an 18th century playhouse brought here from Asolo, Italy. It is now used for educational programs put on by the museum, as well as special performances.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall hosts symphony orchestras, jazz, operas and musicals, choral productions, ballets and many performers from all ends of the entertainment industry.

The Sarasota Opera, the Sarasota Ballet Company, Venice Little Theatre, Florida Symphonic Band, Englewood Performing Arts Series and much more make Sarasota an unbeatable cultural oasis.

One of the great showmen of all time, John Ringling came to the area in 1911 and lavished Sarasota with his architectural treasures and artistic collection, leaving behind a wonderful legacy. The most significant contributions were, of course, the Ringling Brothers Circus and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

The magnificent Italian Renaissance style villa estate houses one of the most significant collections of Baroque period art in the nation, or the world. The museum courtyard features a breathtaking display of unique statutes and inspired landscaping – truly a world apart, with a history and feel that takes one back to another place and time.

The primary focus of the Ringling grounds is the Ca’d’Zan, meaning “House of John.” The Venetian-style mansion on the Sarasota bayfront is stunning in its detail and design. Stained-glass windows, mural ceilings, in-laid marble patio and numerous other distinctive flourishes provide a window into Ringling’s personal style and taste.

The Circus Gallery is another excellent example of Ringling’s influence on the area’s arts community. Original circus posters, costumes and memorabilia, ornately decorative circus wagons, and special exhibits make this a must visit. The Circus Ring of Fame on St. Armands Circle, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was created in 1988 to honor outstanding circus performers.

During the 1920’s, Ringling’s impact on Sarasota made this area the focus for a haven of artists, actors, sculptors and wealthy art patrons. Although Ringling passed away in 1936, his tradition lives on.

It's the great outdoors, and in Sarasota, it's a virtual 365-day adventure of sun, surf, sand and green fairways. From the gorgeous Gulf waters, to the Myakka River, from Sarasota Bay to Lemon Bay and the inlets that snake from the Intracoastal Waterway, this area is a bountiful watery paradise.

Ideal conditions are available for swimming, snorkeling, waterskiing, wind surfing, scuba diving, sailing, boating, fishing and just plain lounging on the sun-drenched shoreline. Of course, if you grow tired of these recreational and relaxation alternatives, there is also many great educational experience in store.

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The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers 22 display tanks ranging in size from 30 gallons up to 800 gallons, and a 135,000 shark display tank that provides incredible views of an assortment of shark species. If you'd like a hands-on shark experience (no, not that kind), walk the beaches of Venice and Englewood and search for sharks teeth. They are abudant in their fossilized form.

The world's Greatest Tarpon Fishing Tournament is held annually just off the shores of the Boca Grande Pass near Englewood. Fishing is also plentiful year-round off the coast, and within the bays and byways of the area. Take your rod and reel and explore the coast on your own, or seek out the advice and help of a fishing guide for those excursions into the deep seas of the Gulf.

Every July, the Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix boat races bring dozens of super-fast racers to our shoreline, and the excitement generated in unbelievable during the Independence Day celebration. The nationally-sanctioned American Power Boat Racing event is the highlight of a 10-day festival.

The outdoors is also the golfing capital of Florida. The first golf course in the state of Florida was built here in the 1880's, and today there are more than 25 courses waiting for your best drive, pitch and putt. If tennis is more your style, there are a number of private clubs, municipal courts and those offered by resorts and hotels.

Baseball also has a rich local history, with major league spring training facilities dotting the coastline from Tampa to Fort Myers. Here in Sarasota, the Cincinnati Reds make their winter and spring home, and the Texas Rangers play in Englewood. We also host the minor leaguers for summer ball.

The Sarasota Kennel Club offers greyhound racing during the months of May through August, a favorite pastime for many. Hot air balloon rides are available in North Port. Jungle Gardens, with its aviary, wildlife exhibits, floral gardens and reptile world is another family treat. Or explore Marie Selby Gardens, noted for its orchid collecion, tropical plant exhibits and quiet beauty.

After exploring the many cultural and recreational aspects of the Sarasota area, why not come into town and discover the many dining and shopping choices available. The area is filled with intriguing restaurants and stores, and the many area communities boast nationally recognized dining establishments offering many tantalizing dishes.

From casual to cafe-style dining, overlooking marinas or the downtown, the various cuisines should satisfy any taste.

If shopping is your pleasure, try world-renown St. Armands Circle with its 145 shops, boutiques and restaurants, or the upscale Southgate Mall, home to Saks Fifth Avenue. Hundreds of stores and over 25 shopping centers and malls will keep you busy, shopping until you drop.

The night comes to life in an assortment of clubs and lounges, offering the sounds of Top 40, Big Band, Jazz or Fifties music. Try The Quay for late-night dancing to the disco beat, or stop in at the more casual Beach Club on Siesta Key. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride around St. Armands, or a moonlight stroll on Lido Beach. The night is alive in Sarasota.

The area also offers a broad range of accommodations for visitors, from luxurious four-star resorts to campgrounds at Myakka State Park and Oscar Scherer State Recreation Area.

In all, there are more than 12,000 accommodations, with many offering private tennis and golf facilities, outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, whirlpools, marinas, sailing and fitness centers.

In case you weren't aware, Sarasota is located on the West Coast of Florida, just an hour south of Tampa off Interstate 75. Orlando and the Magic Kingdom is only a two hour trip away. The Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport is one of the state's best and can whisk you away to all parts of the globe. But you probably won't have any desire to leave after experiencing "Our Sarasota."