In previous posts, I have suggested a few off-the-beaten-path things to do while in Florida. Here is one a bit more conventional.
Our friend found The Ringling Estate in the AAA guidebook. This magnificent estate was owned by John and Mable Ringling and includes The Ca d’zan (their summer residence), the Ringling Museum of Art, and the circus museum. For $15 you receive admission to all three, but just the first floor of the residence. Located in Sarasota it is convenient to Bradenton, Ft. Myers, and Tampa.
Don’t let that first floor exception deter you from visiting this attraction. I cannot tell a lie we missed the Ringling Museum of Art and we still felt like we got our $15 worth. You see the women in our group wanted to tour the museum, but the men overruled us. I guess we know who has the culture in our group!!!
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was walking out on the terrace at the Ca d’zan where there was a wonderful breeze blowing off the bay. As we sat and watched the water we saw some other guests pointing at the bay and decided to go closer and see what it was all about. Much to our surprise and delight there were 3 or 4 dolphins frolicking in the bay less than 15 feet from us. They were so beautiful and calming that we stood for several minutes and enjoyed their playfulness. They definitely played to the audience.
If you are fan of roses then you must see Mable’s Rose Garden and Florida’s only rose test garden. I am not a rose expert but to walk through the garden and smell that wonderful sweet smell was heavenly. We visited in April with the garden in full bloom, so I cannot guarantee it smells like all year long, but it’s worth taking a chance if you like roses.
Perhaps the most unique attraction at the Ringling Estate is Tibbal’s Miniature Circus. It’s mind boggling to think about the effort the Howard Brothers took to recreate the timeline of the circus--from its arrival into town, unpacking, the trek of the local’s to the Big Top, the actual big top show, and finally re-packing and transporting the circus to the next town. This truly shows how logistically savvy the real life Ringling Brothers were in getting their shows throughout the United States.
So awaken that inner child in you again and visit The Ringling Estate.
Our friend found The Ringling Estate in the AAA guidebook. This magnificent estate was owned by John and Mable Ringling and includes The Ca d’zan (their summer residence), the Ringling Museum of Art, and the circus museum. For $15 you receive admission to all three, but just the first floor of the residence. Located in Sarasota it is convenient to Bradenton, Ft. Myers, and Tampa.
Don’t let that first floor exception deter you from visiting this attraction. I cannot tell a lie we missed the Ringling Museum of Art and we still felt like we got our $15 worth. You see the women in our group wanted to tour the museum, but the men overruled us. I guess we know who has the culture in our group!!!
One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was walking out on the terrace at the Ca d’zan where there was a wonderful breeze blowing off the bay. As we sat and watched the water we saw some other guests pointing at the bay and decided to go closer and see what it was all about. Much to our surprise and delight there were 3 or 4 dolphins frolicking in the bay less than 15 feet from us. They were so beautiful and calming that we stood for several minutes and enjoyed their playfulness. They definitely played to the audience.
If you are fan of roses then you must see Mable’s Rose Garden and Florida’s only rose test garden. I am not a rose expert but to walk through the garden and smell that wonderful sweet smell was heavenly. We visited in April with the garden in full bloom, so I cannot guarantee it smells like all year long, but it’s worth taking a chance if you like roses.
Perhaps the most unique attraction at the Ringling Estate is Tibbal’s Miniature Circus. It’s mind boggling to think about the effort the Howard Brothers took to recreate the timeline of the circus--from its arrival into town, unpacking, the trek of the local’s to the Big Top, the actual big top show, and finally re-packing and transporting the circus to the next town. This truly shows how logistically savvy the real life Ringling Brothers were in getting their shows throughout the United States.
So awaken that inner child in you again and visit The Ringling Estate.
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