Official VISIT FLORIDA Travel Guide 2008 - (Page 76) Roll up for Sarasota’s circus heritage As individual acts of philanthropy go, circus owner John Ringling’s contribution to the artistic life of sophisticated west coast town Sarasota is a substantial one. In his lifetime, Mr. Ringling was most famous for his big-top empire but visitors to Sarasota today enjoy both his own extensive art collection, housed in the impressive Ringling Museum of Art, and Cà d’Zan (House of John), the lavish 30-room waterfront property designed by Ringling and his wife Mable. His influence on Sarasota is also evident in the town’s arts and theatre district, where visitors will find a rich seam of galleries, antiques shops and restaurants. Must-Sees SARASOTA AREA 1 Nowhere is Sarasota’s chic side more evident than at St. Armands Circle, where even window shoppers dress to impress. Main Street and Palm Avenue are essential stops for absorbing the city’s culture while a quick bridge hop south lands visitors on the alabaster sands of Siesta Key, a perfect spot for a sundowner. 2 Cà d’Zan FORT MYERS/SANIBEL AREA The gateway to a string of barrier islands, Fort Myers can count history, art, beautiful beaches and nature as strings to its bow. The neighbouring homes of inventor Thomas Edison and car magnate Henry Ford are among the town’s top attractions. Young children will love hands-on museum Imaginarium while nearby Sanibel Island and its seemingly neverending supply of seashells win over travellers of all ages. NAPLES/MARCO ISLAND AREA Fine dining, galleries and boutiques make Fifth Avenue South the place to be seen in Naples. It is also the last stop for serious shoppers before the west coast gives way completely to nature. Laid-back Marco Island offers dolphin spotting and picturesque beaches while at Everglades City, the unrivalled wildlife of America’s second largest national park beckons. VISITFLORIDA.com/uk 3 76 http://VISITFLORIDA.com/uk
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