THE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART: The Ringling Museum of Art is one of Florida's best known museums. John and Mabel Ringling were avid art collectors, and they left their collection, as well as their seaside mansion, to the state. WEBSITE: www.ringling.org C'D'ZAN (THE HOUSE OF JOHN): This house was the winter home to John and Mabel Ringling. Built in the 1920s, it was recently restored and opened to the public. WEBSITE: www.ringling.org MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a "must see" for serious plant lovers. This peaceful place on Sarasota Bay is said to be the only botanical garden in the world specializing in the preservation, study, and research of epiphytes; that is, "air plants" -such as orchids. WEBSITE: www.selby.org ST. ARMAND'S CIRCLE: This is a circle of high-end shops and exquisite restaurants located a few steps away from the sandy beaches of Lido Key. WEBSITE: www.starmandscircleassoc.com SIESTA KEY: Siesta Key is a vibrant place where their world-famous, white, sandy beaches are inches away, and where the quaint Siesta Village offers a myriad of places to eat, shop and relax. (At the very least, try to make it to the beach JUST to see their sand- it has been judged "The Finest and Whitest" in all of the world.) WEBSITE: www.siestakeychamber.com MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK: At Myakka State Park you'll see aligators, eagles, wild boar, you name it! Excellent boat tours and bicycle rental is also available for the trails. WEBSITE: www.myakkariver.org MARINA JACK: Marina Jack is a marina and park on Sarasota Bay complete with boat rental, swings to watch the sunset, restaurants, beautiful artwork and fountains, and a small water park for children to splash in. WEBSITE: www.marinajacks.com SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS: Sarasota Jungle Gardens is more geared toward children, but it can be fun for the entire family! You can stroll along their trail that wanders through an ever-changing landscape of cool, under-story jungle growth -all filled with animals! Also, be sure to check out their bird and reptile shows! WEBSITE: www.sarasotajunglegardens.com PELICAN MAN BIRD SANCTUARY: Pelican Man was started by Dale Shields, local hero, who has saved literally hundreds of birds and animals. Most birds are released back into their natural habitat, but the birds that are premanently disabled live in his sanctuary that is open to the public. Here you can see all kinds of local birds, including rare ones like the Rosette Spoonbill. WEBSITE: www.pelicanman.org GWIZ - Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone!: Located right next to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, GWIZ has tons of educational (and fun!) hands-on exhibits for children to experience. WEBSITE: www.GWIZ.org MOTE MARINE LABORATORY: Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the world’s few remaining private marine research laboratories that is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the sea and what is needed to sustain it. Here you can learn about the marine life found off of Florida's coast and see their public aquariums with sharks, manatees, whales, dolphins, stingrays, turtles, etc. WEBSITE: www.mote.org