Local Attractions ~ Sports Centers ~ State Attractions ~ Theaters

Local Attractions:   Anna Maria Island Historical Museum   941-778-0492 402 Pine Ave., Anna Maria Island, FL   The Anna Maria Island Historical Museum exhibits memorabilia linked to the early days on Anna Maria Island     Crosley Museum   941-722-3244  One Seagate Dr., Sarasota, FL     Crowley Museum Web Site 941-322-1000  CrowleyMuseum@aol.com 16405 Myakka Road, Sarasota, FL 34240 The Center is a wildlife sanctuary and education center where visitors can enjoy nature trails, a boardwalk traversing Maple Branch Swamp, an observation tower overlooking the marsh and Myakka River, a pioneer cabin and museum, a working blacksmith shop and sugar cane mill, and a restored 1892 "Cracker" house.      Desoto National Memorial Web Site 941-992-0458 Visitors can attend living history demonstrations, try on a piece of armor, or walk the nature trail through a Florida coastal landscape similar to the one encountered by conquistadors almost five hundred years ago.     Family Heritage House Web Site 941-752-5319  brownf@mccfl.edu 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207 A gallery and resource center for the study of African American achievements.     Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum Web Site 941-776-0906  traininfo@frrm.org Parrish, FL The Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, Inc. was founded in 1981 to acquire, protect, preserve and operate interesting and historic examples of railroad rolling stock, artifacts, and other aspects of railroad history, with emphasis on railroads that served the state of Florida.      G. Wiz Web Site 941-309-4949  info@gwiz.org 1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 South Florida’s Hands-On Science Museum with over 85 exhibits and over a dozen educational programs.     Gamble Plantation Historical State Park   941-723-4536  3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton, FL 34222 The Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park serves as a memorial to a way of life and an economic system that existed before the War between the States. Gamble Mansion is the only surviving antebellum plantation house in south Florida.         Historic Spanish Point Web Site 941-966-5214  diane@historicspanishpoint.org 337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229 The mission is to connect people of today with 5,000 years of human history in southwest coastal Florida by collecting, preserving, and interpreting objects and traditions significant to our region's past.     John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Web Site 941-359-5700  Info@ringling.org 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243 The 66-acre estate is the legacy of John Ringling (1866-1936), one of the great business tycoons of his day.     Manatee Village Historic Park Web Site 941-741-4075 604 15th St. E., Bradenton The Manatee County Historical Commission collects, records and preserves the history of Manatee County and strives to share this information with county residents and visitors.     Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Web Site 941-366-5730  contactus@selby.org  811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34236 Stroll winding pathways along Sarasota Bay and visit the Tropical Display House with hundreds of blooming orchids. This tropical oasis was recently named one of America’s Top Ten Botanical Gardens.     Mote Marine Aquarium Web Site 941-388-4441 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota FL 34236 Mote Marine Laboratory (MML) is an independent, nonprofit research organization dedicated to excellence in marine science and education.     Museum of Asian Art Web Site 941-954-7117 640 South Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34236 A precious haven of beauty and serenity reflecting the long-enduring aesthetics and spiritual values of Asian cultures.     Myakka State Park Web Site 941-361-6511  Biology@MyakkaRiver.org 9 miles E of I-75 at 13207 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The "Florida Wild and Scenic Myakka River" flows through 45 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Myakka is popular for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation.     Parker Manatee Aquarium Web Site 941-746-4131  info@southfloridamuseum.org 201 10th St. W., Bradenton Home of Snooty™, the world's most recognized Manatee. Born at the old Miami Aquarium and Tackle Company, Snooty™ came to the South Florida Museum in 1949 as Baby Snoots.     Palmetto Historic Park Web Site 941-723-4991 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto Site includes the Carnegie Library (built in 1914), Palmetto's first post office (built in 1880), one-room schoolhouse (built about 1920), Cottage House Museum (built about 1913) and a Heritage Chapel (built in 1999).     Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary Web Site 941-388-4444  pelicanmans@aol.com  1708 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236-1000 The Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary is an open air home and rehabilitation center to 55 different species of Florida birds.      Pirates Cove Fun Park Web Site 941-755-4608  bhhollifield@aol.com 5410 U.S. 41, Bradenton A five-acre entertainment facility featuring go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, batting cages and an arcade. The Pit Stop Grille offers burgers, wings, fries, shakes and malts.     Rosa Fiorelli Winery Web Site 941-322-0976  Info@FloridaWinery.com 250 CR 675 Bradenton, FL 34211 Enjoy a visit to our area's first winery and vineyard. Learn about the art of growing grapes and making wine, taste Florida's finest locally produced wines, or just spend some time experiencing something new and unique.     Sarasota Classic Car Museum Web Site 941-355-6228  Info@SarasotaCarMuseum.org 5500 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, FL 34243 The Museum features a “living” collection of over 100 automobiles, constantly being updated through acquisitions, exchanges with other car museums, and through donations of vehicles from collectors.     Sarasota Jungle Gardens Web Site 941-355-5305 3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34234 enjoy a stroll along a trail that wanders through an ever-changing landscape of cool, under-story jungle growth and around open pond shorelines.     South County Historic Center   941-861-1181       South Florida Museum Web Site 941-746-4131  info@southfloridamuseum.org 201 10th St. W., Bradenton Museum depicts Florida's story from the prehistoric to the present with life-size dioramas and exhibits of Indian life, southwest Florida's maritime traditions and medical facilities.     Sweet Adeline's   941-794-6252       Towles Court Artist's Colony Web Site 941-363-0087 1938 Adams Ln Sarasota, FL 34236-6952 this is the place where art comes alive. In the shade of venerable moss-draped oak trees you’ll discover a colorful collection of quaint and quirky bungalows and cottages set in the midst of tropical gardens and sculptural installations.     Oscar Scherer State Park Web Site 941-483-5956 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, Florida 34229 Oscar Scherer State Park provides many recreational opportunities in a natural park setting and is conveniently located between Sarasota and Venice in the town of Osprey.       Back To Top ^
Sports Centers:       Ed Smith Stadium - Red Sox Web Site 941-954-4101  info@sarasox.com 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237     McKechnie Field - Pittsburgh Pirates   941-748-4610 1533 9th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205     Raymond James Stadium - Tampa Bay Buchaneers Web Site 800-282-0683 4201 Dale Mabry Hwy N, Tampa, FL 33607 The “crown jewel” of the National Football League, Raymond James Stadium® is the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, University of South Florida Bulls football and the New Year’s Day Outback Bowl, as well as concerts and special events. It was also the host of Super Bowl XXXV on January 28, 2001.     St. Pete Times Forum - Tampa Bay Lightning - Web Site 813-223-6100 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602 Home of the Tampa Bay Lightning, the St. Pete Times Forum is the jewel of downtown Tampa. The arena features state-of-the-art technology and innovative design which combine to make the St. Pete Times Forum one of the finest facilities in North America. In addition to NHL hockey, the St. Pete Times Forum hosts more than 150 events annually, including concerts, family events, ice shows, the circus and indoor sports.     Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Devil Rays Web Site 888-326-7297 One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 1.1 million square feet include unique design features and fan amenities found nowhere else in the Major Leagues.     JP Igloo   941-723-3663       Sarasota Kennel Club Web Site 941-355-7744  info@FloridaGreyHoundRacing.com 5400 Bradenton Road, Sarasota, FL 34234     Sarasota Polo Club Web Site 941-907-0000  sarasotapolo@smrranch.com 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota, FL 34240       Back To Top ^
State Attractions:   Adventure Island Web Site 888-800-5447 4500 Bougainvillea Ave., Tampa, FL 33612 (Adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay) Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun features the ultimate combination of high- speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages.       Blizzard Beach Web Site 407-939-7812 1500 W Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Disney legend has it that after a freak winter storm blanketed the area with snow, Florida's first ski resort was born. When temperatures returned to normal, the powdery snow turned to slippery slush. Slalom courses, bobsled and toboggan runs became downhill waterslides. The chair lift carried swimmers instead of skiers. The ski jump became the tallest, fastest waterslide in the nation. You are invited to what has become Disney's Blizzard Beach, the most slushy, slippery, exhilarating beach water park anywhere! Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Busch Gardens Web Site 888-800-5447 Corner of Busch Boulevard and 40th Street, Tampa  Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. 2nd Day FREE! Buy your tickets online     Cirque Du Soleil® La Nouba Web Site 407-939-7600 Downtown Disney. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Experience the wonder of this one-of-a-kind theatrical delight. "Live it up" at this spellbinding Cirque du Soleil® creation, a must-see for anyone who desires a truly dazzling evening of spectacular entertainment -- created exclusively for the Walt Disney World® Resort. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Disney Animal Kingdom Park Web Site 407-654-6461 - 407-WDW-INFO 10870 Seidel Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Disney storytelling comes to life in a kingdom brimming with fun, wonder and adventure. Join together with your circle of loved ones to savor thrilling attractions, shows, the majesty of nature and the fascinating animals — real and imagined — that enrich our planet. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Disney-MGM Studios Web Site 407-839-3900 - 407-WDW-INFO 3111 World Drive. Orlando, FL 32830 Salute the world of showbiz — from the Hollywood classics of yesteryear to the best in popular entertainment. Take center stage as the star of your own adventure: from rock 'n' roll fantasy to Broadway-style stage spectaculars, from the silver screen to the TV screen to behind the scenes.   Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Disney Quest Web Site 407-939-1289 1486 E Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8422 (Downtown Disney) Disney Quest is an indoor interactive park that combines the magic of Disney with the cutting-edge immersive technologies, such as virtual reality and real-time 3-D, spanning five floors, Disney Quest has four unique zones of entertainment bursting with attractions rides and games. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online       Disney World Web Site 407-WDW-INFO Orlando Discover the Walt Disney World® Resort - a magical place with four exciting Theme Parks and two incredible Water Parks. 4 day Base - Adult (ages 10+) FREE UPGRADE!       Epcot Web Site 407-824-4321 - 407-WDW-INFO 1320 Avenue of the Stars. Bay Lake, FL 32830 Gather with family and friends to celebrate the fascinating cultures and numerous wonders of the world around you through dazzling shows, interactive experiences and amazing attractions. Marvel at the power of the human imagination to set the spirits soaring.   Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Fantasy of Flight Web Site 863-984-3500 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, FL 33868 Located halfway between Tampa and Orlando in Polk City, Florida, Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction that takes visitors back to Early Flight, World War I (aviation’s Golden Era during the 1920’s-1930’s), World War II and beyond - including some of the very airplanes that made aviation history.     Florida Aquarium Web Site 813-273-4000 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 With over 10,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and beyond, The Florida Aquarium features 152,000 square-feet of air-conditioned fun.     Florida Holocaust Museum Web Site 800-960-7448 55 Fifth Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women, and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The Museum is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides.     Florida International Museum Web Site 727-822-3693 St. Pete       Island of Adventure Web Site 407-363-8000 Parking Garage Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard. Orlando, FL 32819 (Adjacent to Universal Studios) Journey with your family through five remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoon heroes and children’s stories come to life on the most innovative rides and attractions ever created. From high-speed roller coasters to whimsical children’s rides to groundbreaking 3-D attractions, Islands of Adventure is where once-in-a-lifetime experiences happen every day. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online   Kennedy Space Center Web Site 321-449-4444 Cape Canaveral, located 45 minutes East of Orlando NASA’s launch headquarters – the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet an Astronaut, see giant rockets, train in spaceflight simulators, and even view a launch.     Lowery Park Zoo Web Site 813-935-8552 1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604-5958 Ranked as one of the top three mid-sized zoos in the country.     Magic Kingdom® Park Web Site (407) 824-2222 - 407-WDW-INFO 311 World Drive. Bay Lake, FL 32830 Follow your Disney dreams to a place where storybook fantasy comes to life for children of all ages. Seek out adventures, create magical memories with beloved Characters and discover the fun where imagination reigns. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online Enter a fantasy storybook world of beloved characters, timeless tales and bold adventures.     Museum of Fine Arts Web Site 727-896-2667 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 The Museum is dedicated to serving all people by pursuing excellence in art from antiquity to the present through collection, exhibitions, and education for its diverse audiences.     Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) Web Site 813-987-6100 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33617 MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource that is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. MOSI's core ideology is to make a difference in people's lives by making science real for people of all ages and backgrounds.     Pleasure Island Web Site 407-WDW-2NITE (939-2648) 1780 East Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 (Downtown Disney) Party all night under the lights! This island of entertainment is an oasis of non-stop fun. Whatever your pleasure — from dynamite dancing to non-stop laughs — one ticket allows you unlimited access to all the late-night clubs where you're sure to have an electrifying time! Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online   Sea World Web Site 800-4-ADVENTURE 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premiere marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters. 2nd Day FREE! Buy your tickets online     Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Web Site 813-222-1000 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Florida 33602 The Center is located on a nine acre site along the east bank of the Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa, and provides an environment for a wide variety of performances, concerts, and events. The 300,000 square foot, state-of-the-art complex is the largest performing arts center in the Southeastern United States.     Tampa Museum of Art Web Site 813-274-8130 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 Located along the scenic Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida, the Tampa Museum of Art provides a broad range of art-related experiences for visitors of all ages.     Typhoon Lagoon Web Site Disney legend has it that a furious storm once roared across the sea, hurling surfboards into trees, blowing small boats through roofs and impaling a shrimp boat on a peak of a great volcanic mountain. Left in the typhoon's wake was a water park filled with twisting tides, roaring rapids, wonderful waterways and relaxing rivers. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online       The Pier Web Site 727-821-6443 800 Second Avenue N.E., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 Shopping, Dining, Adventure - The five-story complex contains sixteen (16) specialty stores, specialty carts, the Dockside Eatery food court and four sit-down restaurants. The Pier Aquarium is located on the 2nd floor and contains a gift shop, tropical fish and educational information.     Universal City Walk Web Site Parking Garage Address: 6000 Universal Boulevard. Orlando, FL 32819 Ask any local — Universal CityWalk® is Orlando’s hottest spot for dining and entertainment. It’s a 30-acre entertainment complex where you can experience the best of the best in live music, casual and fine dining, dancing, shopping, movies, and more. Offering everything from a night of family fun to a great place to hang out with friends to romantic fun for couples.   Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Universal Studios Web Site 407-363-8000 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, Florida 32819-7610 You’re the star at Universal Studios, the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world. At this real film and television studio you’ll go behind the scenes, beyond the screen and right into the action of your favorite movies. Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Water Mania Web Site 407-396-4009 - 1-800-544-7646 6073 W. Irlo Bronson Highway (U.S. 192). Kissimmee, Florida 34747 A water park for 20 years in the Kissimmee / Disney area, Watermania closed their doors for good on Sept. 5th , 2005. They will be greatly missed. But with SeaWorld opening a new water park, there is plenty of opportunity to make up for what might be missing with Watermania.   Click here to buy $$$ discounted tickets online     Wet N Wild Web Site 407-351-1800 or (800) 992-WILD 6200 International Drive. Orlando, FL 32819 Wet 'n Wild - Orlando, voted by Amusement Business magazine as America's number - one water park, features a full-day of fun for the entire family. Honored by Aquatic's International as the first true water park, Wet 'n Wild's world-class signature thrill rides and quality service offer something for fun-lovers of all ages, with over 30 action-packed acres of slides and flumes, surf and sun. Get the Rest of '07 FREE! Click here to buy $$$         Back To Top ^
Theaters:   Art Center Web Site 941-365-2032  artsarasota@aol.com  707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Art Center Sarasota proudly presents the community with a broad spectrum of workshops, exhibits, classes, and arts education programming in the visual arts, led by respected and nationally known professionals, and emphasizing the work of living artists.     Art League of Manatee County Web Site 941-746-2862  artleague@almc.org 209 Ninth Street, West, Bradenton, FL 34205     Asolo Center for Performing Arts Web Site 941-351-8000 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34243-2141 The Asolo is dedicated to work which moves, enlightens, entertains, and educated individuals of all ages and backgrounds.     Florida Studio Theater Web Site 941-366-9000 1241 N Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236-5602 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. FST is comprised of five main programs: Keating Mainstage, Cabaret, Touring (In the schools), Education and New play development.     Florida West Coast Symphony Web Site 941-953-4252  symphony@fwcs.org 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 Established in 1949 and now presenting a 37-week season, the Florida West Coast Symphony is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida. The orchestra has twice been ranked first among all major Florida musical organizations by the Florida Arts Council’s Cultural Institutions program.     Golden Apple Dinner Theater Web Site 941-366-5454 25 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34236 The Golden Apple is an exciting Dinner Theatre presenting professional Broadway-style shows, including an exquisite buffet prepared by our in house Chef and his staff.     Island Players Web Site 941-778-5755  islandplayers@earthlink.net 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria The Best Little Playhouse in Florida!     Manatee Convention Center Web Site 941-722-3244  manatee.civiccenter@co.manatee.fl.us Located on the scenic Manatee River, this flexible full-service facility has the space and the staff necessary to make your event an overwhelming success. An ideal location for everything from seminars, banquets and trade shows to sporting events and concerts.     The Players Theater Web Site 941-365-2494  boxoffice@theplayers.org 838 North Tamiami Trail (US 41 at 9th Street), Sarasota, Florida 34236     Riverfront Theater Web Site 941-748-5878 102 Old Main Street, Bradenton, Florida 34205       Samuel R. Neel Performing Arts Center Web Site 941-752-5252 For over 30 years, the Samuel R. Neel Performing Arts Center has served as a cultural center for the community hosting both college and community sponsored events.     Sarasota Ballet of Florida Web Site 941-359-0099  sarasotaballet@sarasotaballet.org 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 The Ballet has the unique distinction of being voted Sarasota’s Best Performing Arts Group for eight consecutive years and has gained in stature and regional prominence over the course of its ten-year history.     Sarasota County Historic Center Web Site 941-861-1180 701 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236     Sarasota Opera House Web Site 941-366-8454  info@sarasotaopera.org 61 North Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236 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.     Sarasota Pops Orchestra   941-795-7677       Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Web Site 941-953-3368 or 800-826-9303 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236 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 33 years.