Another Trip to the Ringling
📍 Sarasota, Florida

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A few weeks ago, we had the privilege of hosting David’s parents for their week in Florida. They still call Vermont home, and we only get to see them a few times a year. So, this was such an incredible treat! In fact, we realized that this was their first trip back to the Sunshine State since our wedding in 2018. My word! Where does the time go? While hosting, we wanted to make sure we sprinkled in some fun day trips and helped them explore new corners of Tampa Bay. An obvious choice was taking them to one of my favorite secrets in the area, Sarasota’s Ringling Museum!

The Ca’ d’Zan

When you arrive at the museum, make a bee-line for the Ca’ d’Zan. A lover of all things Venetian, the Ringlings were inspired by the Floating City in Italy to create a Gothic revival mansion steps from Sarasota Bay. In fact, Ca’ d’Zan translates to House of John in Venetian dialect. As you walk through the mansion, you can’t help and think, “if these walls could talk.” John and Mable Ringling would frequently hold extravagant parties here. Nearly 100 years later, every corner still oozes the opulence and gild associated with the Roaring Twenties.

Sarasota Bay

Not to be outdone is the bayfront façade. Here, you get a full view of the home’s stain-glassed windows and gothic features. It was enough to leave me speechless. Take a moment to take in spans of Sarasota Bay. On our most recent trip, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, allowing for the colors of the stained glass to shine. Maybe next time, I’ll bring a book to sit on the steps that lead directly into the water.

The Gardens

After the Ca’ d’zan, we took the time to walk through the sprawling gardens on the Ringling property. Mrs. Kennedy is an avant gardeners and particularly loved this portion of our trip. Mable Ringling, in particular, had a very green thumb and took great pride in her work. Her greatest joy was the Rose Garden which serves as a central point to the museum. In total, there are about 66 acres of garden space, includes 14 sweeping Banyan trees that make you feel like you’re in an ancient forest. To take full advantage of the gardens, I recommend coming during the cooler Spring or Fall months.

The Art Museum

The piece de resistance of The Ringling must be the Art Museum. It’s the greatest testament to John Ringling’s legacy. The exterior is designed to look like a Renaissance Italian palace in the prettiest shade of pink. As you walk through the sweeping archways and statues, you instantly feel transported to Europe. Inside, there are 21 different galleries filled with Baroque and Late Medieval art straight from Ringling’s extensive collection. Throughout his life, he had acquired well over 1,000 pieces. Although I don’t have an art background, visiting art museums is one of my favorite pastimes. Walking through the museum was such a joy. I just can’t believe such a beautiful collection was right in my backyard all along.

What an experience! The Ringling Museum was the perfect excuse to visit Sarasota. As you plan a trip to the Gulf Coast, maybe even with your own in-laws, be sure to make time away from our world-renowned beaches for an opportunity to explore a different side of Florida. Happy travels!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

My Florida Bucket List with Sailor-Sailor
📍 Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach

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I have lived in Florida for nearly my entire life. I am happy to call myself a local Floridian and know how lucky I am to have grown up here. The Sunshine State truly has so much to offer. People instantly think of beaches and amusement parks, but we are more than tourist spots. With some inspiration from Sailor-Sailor, I’ve been daydreaming about all of the wonderful places to see. Here are the top eight things on my Florida bucket list.

Swim With The Manatees

Manatees are my favorite animal! They are friendly, gentle, slow-moving sea cows that love to spend their winter vacations in Florida springs. While they can be found all around the state, their favorite hangout is Crystal River. It’s a small town, about 90 miles north of St. Pete, but manatees are their business! Here, you can book a tour and take a swim with the manatees. Of all the things on this list, this is the one I want to check off this year.

Take A Tour Of The Everglades

While we’re on the topic of outdoor pursuits, I have to mention the Everglades. It spans the entire width of the state at the southern tip and is a diverse ecosystem only found in Florida. While an airboat tour is an option, it is often gimmicky to entertain the tourists. A quieter alternative, and much more up my alley, is to take a guided kayak tour. Visiting historic Everglades City is also part of this bucket list trip.

Spend A Long Weekend In Miami

Floridians joke that Miami practically feels like another state compared to the rest of Florida, but it’s still part of our identity. Even in Tampa Bay, Cuban culture is weaved into who we are, and that all started in Miami’s Little Havana. You may need to brush up on your Spanish skills, but strolling by the Art Deco hotels and never-ending nightlife sounds like a fun way to spend a long weekend.

Eat Key Lime Pie In Key West

I think people don’t quite realize how big Florida actually is. While it is narrow, the drive from Pensacola to Key West will take you well over 12 hours. For some perspective, that’s about the same amount of time it would take you to drive the length of California. That being said, if you’ve never gone to the Keys, you’re missing out. While you may want to bar hop and pay your respects to the great Ernest Hemingway, your number one priority should be to eat a slice of fresh key lime pie. This dessert is a Florida must and a personal favorite.

Stay At Some Bucket List Hotels

Since Florida history is almost entirely rooted in escaping the cold winter weather, some simply impeccable resorts have been built in the process. I have a specific bucket list of just hotels in the state I want to visit (or revisit). They include the Gasparilla Beach Club in Boca Grande, the Biltmore in Coral Gables, The Colony in Palm Beach, and the Don Caesar right here in St. Pete Beach.

Relive Your Childhood At Disney World

Trips to Disney World define Florida childhoods. I went for the first time in years just a few months ago. It was an entire day of nostalgia and reliving cherished memories with David and our friends. I know I said Florida is so much more besides theme parks. Sometimes, though, you need to appreciate what really put my home state on the map.

Road Trip to 30A

I fell in love with picturesque 30A a few summers ago while visiting my dear friend. The towns that make up this stretch of Gulf Coast highway are prime examples of southern living at its best. It’s called the Emerald Coast for a reason. Impossibly colorful waters and pristine white sand beaches are the perfect destinations for a laidback summer day. Whether you choose charming Seaside or immaculate Alys Beach, you can’t go wrong.

Take A Day Trip to Cedar Key

Florida, especially along the coast, has so many small towns that are dripping in southern charm and off the beaten path. The first town that comes to mind is Cedar Key, here on the Gulf Coast. The pace will feel slower, the seafood will be world-class, and it’s a great opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world for a few hours. After Saint Augustine, it’s actually Florida’s second-oldest town, so you 100% know how rich the history will be here.

If you couldn’t tell, the eternal Floridian in me loves calling this state home. Whatever you think you know about the Sunshine State can be thrown out the window because what you’ll find is so unexpected. Join me on my bucket list and if you have any suggestions, be sure to let me know!

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.