C.J. Bader; President
Gulf Coast Destinations
Sarasota, Fla.
What are three of the top artistic experiences you would recommend for groups visiting Sarasota?
Gulf Coast Destinations
Sarasota, Fla.
What are three of the top artistic experiences you would recommend for groups visiting Sarasota?
- The Ringling Museum of Art: We love to take any size group here, as there is literally something for everyone. Set on acres of property on beautiful Sarasota Bay, the museum has 21 galleries showcasing European, Asian, American, and contemporary art as well as visiting exhibits. We also love the spectacular waterfront Ca d’Zan mansion (the Ringling’s home), which guests can tour and where groups enjoy incredible, themed sunset dinners set on the 8,000-square-foot terrace of Italian marble and over the sprawling lawns. Spending time in the Tibbals Learning Center just simply amuses and delights so many visitors, bringing back childhood circus memories and surprising many with information they never knew. You’ll even see a complete miniature circus model, with town, tents, performers, and all.
- Towles Court Artist Colony: This colorful enclave in downtown Sarasota is composed of numerous galleries where a variety of artists practice and sharpen their skills, whether it’s sketching, sculpture, writing, or music. As you stroll through this very walkable area, you might see someone creating works of art to wear and someone else creating your next lawn decoration. Musicians may be serenading you in the open air. It is great to see that freedom of expression is abundant and encouraged in this area. Tours or self-guided viewing and shopping let visitors and residents alike experience firsthand a vast array of art from the heart. The area is composed of cottages and bungalows that seem to be protected and watched over by amazing large oaks with hanging moss, creating a sight all by itself in the midst of an amazing, tropical city setting.
- The City of Sarasota: Watch people’s faces as they crest the top of the Intracoastal Bridge for the first time and see the downtown area with its new buildings of unique and eye-catching architecture, all forming an incredible skyline bordered by the gorgeous coastline. It is jaw-dropping, and a work of art in itself. Sarasota is an art lover’s paradise, home to the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Sarasota (a nonprofit performing/educational institution), the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, the Sarasota Ballet, the Sarasota Film Festival (which is becoming more noted and larger every year), the Sarasota Opera, and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, which brings an impressive list of top entertainment and entertainers to the area each year. Arrange for a group “post-performance” reception in Van Wezel’s Grand Foyer.