A hands-on science and technology center, GWIZ complements the science curriculum of regional school districts and serves as an exciting “recreational learning” destination for people of all ages. Central to its educational mission is the demystification of new technologies, providing visitors with personal experiences that allow them to better understand and use current technology in their daily lives.
At Sarasota Jungle Gardens, you can stroll along a trail that wanders through an ever-changing landscape of cool, under-story jungle growth and around open pond shorelines. As you meander through Sarasota Jungle Gardens, a magnificent and wildy overgrown paradise, you will encoungter thousands of tropical plants, trees, flowers and even animals from all over the world.
Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art. The estate features the spectacular Cà d'Zan ("House of John"), a waterfront mansion that was restored in 2002. The Circus Museums, including the Tibbals Learning Center, display the world's largest miniature circus, costumes, wagons, performance equipment, and other artifacts chronicling the history of the Circus. The estate also features Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, completed in 1913, and beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.
Mote recognizes the importance of advancing the understanding of sea science to the general public. To that end, Mote conducts extensive public outreach and operates a public aquarium that serves nearly 400,000 visitors a year. From the original focus on sharks, Mote research has expanded to include seven major areas of concentration, organized into seven research centers. While each center focuses on its own specialty, Mote scientists are able to partner with others within the lab to integrate efforts across a number of fields. Mote scientists are committed to that process of discovery: Advancing our understanding of the sea and what is needed to sustain it.
Located in a quaint area of downtown, The Towles Court Artists Colony consists of more than 40 artists’ studios, galleries, restaurants and more, offering art classes and featuring “Art Walk Evenings” with an open studio tour.
This Week in Sarasota is the most comprehensive spot to find the most interesting events in town. This website is 100% locally operated. In addition to actively promoting the creative arts in Sarasota and surrounding areas, they also have a dedication to supporting small and local businesses.
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Sarasota Opera produces outstanding opera true to the vision of the composer to entertain, enrich, and educate our communities, as well as patrons from across the state and around the world. The Sarasota Opera House has become the cornerstone of Sarasota's Theater Arts District and The Sarasota Opera has come to merit accolades from all over the world.
Florida Studio Theatere (FST) operates three theatres: the 173-seat Keating Mainstage Theatre, the 160-seat Gompertz Theatre and the 109-seat Goldstein Cabaret Theatre. FST produces world premieres and contemporary works which have been produced on or off-Broadway within the last five years. By focusing on the works of contemporary writers, FST has been able to offer plays to its audiences that are not normally produced by other area theatres.
Founded in 1949, the Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. A dynamic, multi-faceted organization dedicated to excellence in both performance and education, the Symphony’s performing ensembles include the Florida West Coast Symphony and four resident chamber ensembles. The season includes approximately 75 concerts each year.
The Ballet boasts a repertoire that includes the great classics, works of internationally recognized contemporary choreographers such as Alvin Ailey and Ben Stevenson, as well as works from Florida artists Todd Allen, Demetrius Klein, Jimmy Gamonet de los Heros, and James Buckley. Its repertoire also includes such beloved classics as Swan Lake and Giselle, and original works as Madame Butterfly, Echo & Narcissus and Zal & Rudabeh - ballets that have received outstanding critical acclaim.
Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 35 years. The Van Wezel's educational and outreach programs have also touched the community, reaching out to everyone from toddlers to senior citizens.
A world-renowned acting company known for producing the highest quality professional theatre in true rotating repertory. Once a shared dream of many regional theatres, rotating repertory is a now rare method of performance that challenges everyone involved, especially the artists.
The flagship franchise of the Arena Football League, The Tampa Bay Storm hold AFL records for ArenaBowl victories, having won championships in 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2003. The Storm keep the football action going throughout the spring and into the summer at St. Pete Times Forum on Tampa's downtown waterfront.
The 2003 Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers begin the pre-season in August and play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico are rich with native grouper, snapper, snook and tarpon. Experienced and novice anglers alike will enjoy fishing in and around Sarasota.
A variety of small and large fishing, sailing and recreational boats are available for individual or group charter year round with friendly captains and crew. Most charters are located within walking distance from the resort at Bayfront park and Marina Jack. Flats fishing is also available for those who enjoy wielding a fly.
For full information on fishing in Florida and details of boat rentals, contact The Ritz-Carlton Concierge at (941) 309-2160.
Three lighted player-friendly Cushion-Life tennis courts for guests' enjoyment. Innovative, world-class tennis instruction from Tony Driscoll Academy (TDA). Tennis is available in a variety of special packages which include private lessons, video analysis and customized tennis programs. In addition, ball machines, rackets and other equipment are available for rental.
For court reservation, professional instruction and equipment rental, please dial (941) 309-2090.
Major League Baseball came here to stay when the Tampa Bay Baseball Partnership was awarded an expansion franchise. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays began play in 1998 in St. Petersburg.
The Rays play their regular season games at Tropicana Field, a 45,360 seat, climate-controlled domed ballpark, April through September.
Baseball fans enjoy America's pastime all year round in Florida. Many major league teams hold spring training camps and exhibition games here including the Cincinnatti Reds who take the field at Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium.
Nearby are the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox spring training camps.
Give someone special a taste of the elegance and luxury you enjoyed at the resort, or indulge yourself with a remembrance of your time with us. Our gift shop offers signature apparel and other items with the distinctive Ritz-Carlton attention to detail.
Another wonderful way to share your Ritz-Carlton experience is with a gift certificate redeemable at our hotels and resorts. Better yet, send your favorite couple off on a Gracious Getaway, which includes a one-night stay at any of our hotels or resorts and an American breakfast for two. It's a wonderful way to make someone feel pampered and special.
At The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club we offer a vast assortment of the finest attire and equipment for all golfers. You will find styles from the top clothing retailers such as Adidas, Burberry, Bobby Jones, Fairway & Greene, Lilly Pulitzer, Nike, and many more.
You’ll also have the opportunity to demo some of the latest clubs from Titleist, Taylor Made, Callaway, and Nike. Stop by our golf shop to see the latest in golf fashion or dial (941) 309-2900 for more information.