Let the Show Begin!

When coming to vacation in Sarasota, you need something to do at night after hitting the beach or nature trails during the day.  Going to a show is a great way to enjoy the Sarasota culture while having a fun night out!

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Opera House are two theatrical halls that are open year round and offer a variety of entertainment that families and couples will enjoy.

Van Wezel

The Van Wezel opened on January 5th, 1970 with a performance of The Fiddler on the Roof.  This performing arts hall offers a variety of music, theater, and dance shows, and averages about 140 performances annually. The Van Wezel has 1,736 seats, and is home to the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Sarasota Concert Association, and the Jazz Club of Sarasota.  Even some major stars, like Johnny Cash and  Itzhak Perlman,  have performed at the Van Wezel and had sold out shows.

The Van Wezel is a great modern performing arts hall to bring your friends and family to, and even enjoy a view of the water before heading in for the show (it sits right next to the bay)!

Photo Credit: Clyde Robinson

Here is a link about upcoming performances and ticket sales: Van Wezel Performing Arts 


Sarasota Opera

The Sarasota Opera House (also known as Sarasota Opera) has been around a bit longer in the local area. In 1960, the Asolo Opera Guild was formed to present the touring Turnau Opera in chamber-sized shows in the historic Asolo Theater, which is located on the grounds of the Ringling Museum of Art.  The guild was becoming a popular group and desired a space that was more vocal and sound affable for their operas.  The group purchased the historic A.B. Edwards Theater in downtown Sarasota.

The new theater opened in 1984, and just a year before that  to present day, the the company has been directed under the leadership of Victor DeRenzi.  They mostly perform neglected works from the Masterwork Revivals Series, and works known as, "The Verdi Cyle" by Guiseppe Verdi.

In 2008, there was a $20 million renovation in which the historic attributes of the theater were preserved, and the area was accommodated with 21st century technology and expansion.  The theater is a part of the National Register of Historic Places.  If you are looking for a Sarasota historic environment while enjoying state of the art operas, then this is the place for you!

Photo Credit: Clyde Robinson

For more information about upcoming operas and ticket prices: Sarasota Opera

LeBarge Cruises

Photo Credit: Steven McElroy

A Sarasota landmark for 30 years, come hop aboard the LeBarge, a casual and laid back Sarasota bay cruise experience.

They offer three daily cruises in the Sarasota Bay waters, and they are:

• Morning: Dolphin and Manatee Watch Cruise
• Afternoon: Sightseeing and Nature Cruise
• Evening: Tropical Sunset Cruise

All of these cruises offer live entertainment and a full bar and light dining menu.  Along with their regular cruises, the LeBarge offers private charters, which is the perfect venue for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, office parties, reunions, and other celebrations under the sea!  The LeBarge is a wonderful experience for couples, families, friends, and work or organization group.  Come party with them on the LeBarge!

"No vacation in paradise is complete without time spent on Sarasota Bay abroad LeBarge, Sarasota's tropical cruise experience."

Here are some photos taken by Steven McElroy, a Sarasota native who recently went to a large group party on the Tropical Sunset Cruise.

For more information about the cruises: LeBarge Cruises



Which of the daily cruises would you want to go on?

Flamingos, Crocodiles, and a Bearded Dragon, Oh My!

Sarasota is known for more than just the beaches, beautiful nature, and the Ringling Museum art collection; there  are beautiful exotic animals that are native to the area as well!

In order to discover these Florida species, you will want to explore Jungle Gardens in Sarasota.  It is a tropical adventure that awaits your visit!

The theme park was established in 1939, and is full of flora, fauna, and fun.  Jungle Gardens is home to more than 150 animals from the local area, and they situated in 10 acres of lush tropical landscaping and winding jungle trails.  Some creatures you may spot are:

Photo Credit: Jim Mullhaupt

• birds of prey
• parrots and macaws 
• primates
• small mammals 
• snakes
• lizards
• iguanas
• alligators
• crocodiles
• other reptiles 
• the pink flamingo

The park offers daily educational and entertaining reptile and bird shows.  One segment after the shows is the questions and answers portion when guests can learn about these animals.  Visitors can also have one-on-one interaction time with the animals such as holding and posing with them for pictures. 

Guests can enjoy lunch, ice cream, and snacks in the air conditioned cafe, or enjoy the Florida weather and sit outside at the picnic tables under the shaded tree hammock.  The park also features a children's playground and gift shop.

Jungle Gardens is a great place to visit when you want to get away from the beach for the day, and want to experience nature characteristics of Sarasota.  Fun adventures for couples and adventures await at Jungle Gardens today!

For animal show times and ticket prices: Jungle Gardens Information (it includes a coupon!)
About their history and employees: Jungle Gardens Background

What animal would you want to see there?

Scenic Sarasota

Thanks Annette Ashley Smith for this fantastic aerial video of Sarasota.  It gives you the sensation that you are flying right over the city.  Comment below on your favorite part of the video!

St. Armands Circle

Looking to dine and shop outdoors in Sarasota? Well St. Armands circle is the place for you!

It is located just a few minutes away from Lido Key Beach, and the circular shaped shopping and dining center offers a variety of places and activities for families and couples.  St. Armands Circle is located at the heart of St. Armands Key, a small island off of the Sarasota City coastline.  The large traffic circle is the island's Main Street, which in a circular formation, and is centered around a tree covered park known as Circle Park.  Outlining the the skirts of the park are all of the businesses and restaurants that are ever so popular to Sarasota natives and visitors.

The stores range from typical tourist gifts and Florida souvenirs to fine jewelry, clothing, art, and collectibles.  General categories of the store fronts in St. Armands Circle are:

Photo Credit: Rowyn Adriano

• attorneys at law
• beauty salon and spas
• computers
• fashion
• footwear
• galleries
• jewelers
• massage and therapy
• medical and professional
• real estate 
• travel

There are also casual and fine dining options as well as concession store front eateries.  Two of the best known restaurants in the circle are the Daiquiri Deck and the Columbia Restaurant.  If you are wanting a sweet treat, you are in luck because is there is a Ben and Jerry's and a Kilwins where you can indulge your sweet tooth into a delicious ice cream sundae!  

There is free parking within the Main Street circle, but that can be very hard to get, so there is also free parking in the area surrounding the St, Armands Circle as well. 

St. Armands Circle received an award from Trip Advisor in 2015 for excellent shopping experience and quality in Sarasota.

St, Armands is open year round, but is definitely emptier during the summer season.  No matter what time of year you come to visit St. Armands, you can enjoy specialty stores and restaurants unique to Sarasota, and can easily travel to Lido Key beach from the area to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset.  

For more information: St. Armands Circle

For store front locations: St. Armands Circle Map

Source: Basic Information

Down the Myakka River We Go

Map of Myakka River State Park
Photo Credit: Florida State Parks

One of the oldest and largest state parks, the Myakka River State Park is a breathtaking nature area that is the quintessential region of Florida's beautiful environment.  Just as gorgeous as the Sarasota beaches, the Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands.  The park's river and two lakes offers gusts to participate in various water activities such as:

• canoeing
• kayaking
• boating (there is boat ramp to access the Upper Myakka Lake)
• freshwater fishing

Visitors can enjoy viewing wildlife and the water out on a boardwalk that extends over the Upper Myakka Lake, and then take a stroll along the canopy walk up high in the treetops. Hikers can also enjoy exploring trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie.  

Visitors can take scenic lake tours on the world's two largest airboats.  From mid-December through May, safari tram tours of the park's back country are offered, and make sure to have your camera ready because you never know what Florida animals you may spot along the journey.  

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Panagopoulos, a Sarasota native

Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available for those who want to experience the the natural beauty of the park for more than just a day,  There are also five palm log cabins available to house in that have been modernized for comfort and durability for overnight guests.  

Guests can either visit Myakka River State Park for just the day or stay overnight on the property to experience day and night time activities and spot the stars, animals and life of the park. The park also allows visitors to partake in various outdoor activities on the water, in the treetops, or along the nature trails,  

For more information about the park and the activities, please visit: Myakka River State Park Website

How to get there: Driving Directions

What would you want to do at Myakka River State Park? Comment below with your answer. 

Part 2: Pies, Fried Chicken, and Homemade Deliciousness

Just right down the same street as Yoder's Amish restaurant is the Der Dutchman, serving up home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as fresh-out-of-the-oven pies and desserts.

The Dutch Corp. opened Der Dutchman restaurant in 1985 in the Amish-Mennonite community in Sarasota. Now Dutchman Hospitality Group, and Ohio based company, owns the well known eatery. The facility is more than just a 510 seated restaurant, there is also a large gift shop and fresh bakery market that serves homemade Amish pies, cake, breads, pastries, and other treats.

The facility is also spacious enough that they can host banquets and catering services for all guests. So if a part of your vacation to Sarasota includes a celebration for someone, consider the Der Dutchman to be a perfect venue and meal option for the event.

The Der Dutchman is known for their extensive and delicious lunch and dinner buffets that include every great tasting dish of a traditional Amish meal.

The lunch buffet offers:

Photo Credit: Paul and Margery Zeller

• soups
• hot and cold sandwiches
• broasted chicken 
• mashed potatoes
• green beans
• macaroni and cheese
• salad bar
• dessert

The dinner buffet includes:

Photo Credit:drmikenyc

• broasted chicken 
• roast beef
• ham
• turkey
• stuffing
• mashed potatoes
• creamed corn
• green beans
• noodles
• salad bar
• dessert

It is literally Thanksgiving every day at the Der Dutchman when you order the buffet for your meal. There are other options as well for the main course, and the restaurant is a sit down place, so you have the choice to either walk the buffet line multiple times, or order a savory one plate meal.

For more information about the restaurant: The Der Dutchman

Source: Change of Ownership

So which option would you go for, the buffet or an ordered main course dish? Comment below please!

Part 1: Pies, Fried Chicken, and Homemade Deliciousness

When coming to Sarasota, you must experience more than just the beaches and beautiful nature.  A part of the vacation is always the food and unique cuisine to the area.  Well in Sarasota, good, homemade Amish restaurants are the key to your heart when you come visit.  One of the most well known places to eat pies, chicken with gravy, and thick mashed potatoes is Yoder's Amish Restaurant.

Yoder's Amish restaurant was established by Levi and Amanda Yoder in 1975 on Main Street in Sarasota.  They opened a second location on Bahia Vista Street in 1984, and two years later, decided that the second location would be there only location.  Since then, they have been serving up homemade meals that make guests feel that they are eating at mom's table again.  Their special Amish recipes and handcrafted ingredients make their meals a unique and savory experience for everyone.

Even the "Man vs. Food" star, Adam Richman, has stopped by at this restaurant for his television show, and chowed down on a home cooked dinner and piece of pie.

Their pies is what puts the restaurant on the map in Sarasota, and here is list to get your mouth watering:

• Cream Pies:



Photo Credit: Jared

•  banana
• chocolate 
• chocolate peanut butter
• coconut
• Yoder's key lime
• Florida key lime 
• fresh strawberry
• homemade butterscotch 
• peanut butter 
• pineapple
• praline
• red raspberry
• pumpkin (seasonal)

• Baked Pies:



Photo Credit: Sarasota Restaurants

• baked peach
• black raspberry
• blueberry crumb
• caramel custard
• cherry
• chocolate pecan
• double crust apple
• double crust blueberry
• dutch apple crumb
• mincemeat (seasonal)
• mom's egg custard
• pumpkin
• raisin
• red raspberry
• rhubarb
• shoofly
• southern pecan strawberry rhubarb
• sugar free apple
• sugar free blueberry 

Right next to the restaurant is also deli and produce markets and a gift shop.  

Hungry now? For more information about the restaurant: Yoder's Amish Restaurant

Which pie would you want to try?

Exercise in Sarasota Nature

Want to get some exercise in Sarasota, but don't want to be stuck in a gym while on vacation? Well just rent a bike or walk along the Legacy Trail. It is a nature based trail system that connects communities in Sarasota County into neighborhoods in Charlotte County.

The Legacy Trail offers several rest stops along the path in which users can relax, sit down, and even learn about the trails history by reading the informational boards posted. The rest stops include seven trailheads, which offer access points to the path along with free parking. They are located at:

Photo Credit: Sandy Estabrook

• Culverhouse Nature Park in Sarasota
• Osprey Junction Trailhead in Osprey
• Laurel Park in Laurel
• Nokomis Community Park in Nokomis
• Oscar Scherer State Park in Nokomis
• Patriots Park in Venice
• Historic Venice Train Depot in Venice

The park is open year round, and the hours operation during the day are form sunrise to sunset. When exercising on the Legacy Trail you should definitely pack:

• water
• a snack
• a hat/visor
• sun tan lotion
• a small towel
• sunglasses
• either a camera or cellphone to take beautiful pictures

Walking or biking the Legacy Trail is more than just exercise, you can burn calories while working on the Florida tan and enjoying Sarasota nature in a peaceful setting.

For more information: The Legacy Trail Info

For an overview of the path: The Legacy Trail Map

For bike rentals: Rent Bikes in Sarasota

Photo Credit: Sarasota County Government

That Retweet Though.....

Thank you for the shout out and retweet on Twitter!  Please share this blog with your friends and family by social media and email.

"S" Also Stands for Shopping!

Every vacation always requires some shopping time.  If you are interested in more than just shopping at the typical touristy store fronts, that you may want to check out the The Mall at University Town Center (UTC).  There are 115 stores in the mall that sell:

Photo Credit: Mark Gordon

• clothing and shoes for men, women, teenagers, and children
• lingerie
• jewelry and accessories
• home furnishing
• electronics and entertainment
• food specialties
• healthy and beauty
• sporting goods
• optical wear
• books, cards, and gifts
• luggage and handbags
• children's toys

There are also 20 eateries and restaurants within the mall that offer quick service options to fine dining meals. The cuisine selections at the UTC include:

Photo Credit: UTC Photo

• Chinese (mandarin)
• sushi
• pizza 
• burgers
• soft pretzels
• pastries
• ice cream
• coffee and tea
• specialty chocolates
• and a variety of options at the following restaurants:
• Cheesecake Factory
• Brio Tuscan Grille
• Kona Grill
• Seasons 52
• Yo! Sushi
• The Capital Grille
• Sophie's (inside Saks Fifth Avenue)

The mall just recently opened on October 16, 2014, and the mall is 98% environmental friendly as it includes LED lighting.  There is also a glass ceiling that only lets in light, and not the Florida heat. It is also a technologically advanced center as there is Wi-Fi and charging stations for smartphones and cars. UTC is the only mall that has a digital directory to help you get around the two story and 880.000 square feet shopping mall.  

With all of the stores and delicious cuisine to taste, you and your family will sure have fun for hours on end in the air conditioning to escape the Florida sun and heat.

Don't forget pack comfortable walking shoes and a credit card for when you come to visit UTC.

Fore more information about the mall, here is their link: UTC

For a PDF version of the map: UTC Mall Directory

Source: UTC Article

Where would you want to eat? Comment below please.

Ringling Brothers Bring the Show to Sarasota

You cannot visit Sarasota without touring the Ringling Museum of Art and the Ringling Circus Museum.  Many thanks to the Ringling family as they brought art, circus entertainment, culture, and enthusiasm to attract tourists to the Sarasota area. Here is brief history of the Ringling family and their journey to Sarasota.


The Ringling Circus Museum

The four brothers of the Ringling Family, John, Charles, Otto, and Albert, founded the Ringling Bros. Circus in 1884 in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  The Ringling brothers were some of the most famous American entrepreneurs by the 1930's, and bought out their biggest competitor of the time, Barnum and Bailey Circus.  In 1927, John Ringling had made Sarasota the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus show.  Many performers moved to the area because of the job opportunities to perform in a well-known national circus show.  This type of popularity drew throngs of tourists to the area as well, increasing the recognition of this new city on the west coast of Florida.

Photo Credit: Walter

At the Ringling Circus Museum, visitors can view performers' costumes, props, and all types of equipment such as wagons used for utilities and parades, tent poles, massive bail rings, and even a cannon that shot brave performers across the big top.

For more information about the the Ringling Circus Museum please click on this link: Ringling Circus Museum Website, and here is a video providing more detailed information about the circus family history: Ringling Circus History Video.


The Ringling Museum of Art

You also have to tour the Ringling Art Museum, which used to be John and Mable (his wife) Ringling's fashionable winter resort.  John's brother, Charles, purchased acres of land in Sarasota due to the fact that the family was traveling to Sarasota every winter season to perform their circus acts.  Like many wealthy Americans in the 20th century, the Ringlings traveled to Europe to search for new circus performers, but they also found some other valuable hidden treasures.

Photo Credit: Cynara Scheuer, a Sarasota Native

John and Mable purchased artwork by Old Masters such as Rubens, van Dyck, Velázquez, Tintoretto, Veronese, El Greco, Poussin, Gainsborough, and others that are part of the extraordinary art collection that can be viewed at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and the Ca' d'Zan, the Venetian Gothic style mansion the couple lived in.  John opened the Museum of Art to the public in 1931, just two years after Mable had passed away.  She was very passionate and excited about the design of the Ca' d'Zan and Museum of Art.  John hoped that it would. "promote education and art appreciation, especially among our young people" (The Ringling).

For more information about the Ringling Museum of Art, please click on this link to learn more: Ringling Museum of Art

Source: John Ringling Biography