Must Do Sarasota Visitor Guide Winter/Spring 2018
Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Sarasota Winter/Spring 2018 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.
Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Sarasota Winter/Spring 2018 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to awe-inspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.
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FAMILY FUN<br />
top<br />
Experience the<br />
10<br />
Kay Rosaire’s<br />
DEBI PITTMAN WILKEY<br />
Family vacations wouldn’t be complete without fun, educational, and exciting<br />
activities you can all enjoy together. There is no better place for a ‘playcation’ than<br />
in Southwest Florida!<br />
While the beach or pool may hold the most interest for you and your kids,<br />
exploring the area’s other family-friendly options will be equally rewarding.<br />
You’ll find the region provides pint-sized fun, ideal for every family member.<br />
Spend a morning or afternoon exploring at a zoo, museum, or sanctuary and<br />
learn about alligators, exotic birds, marine life, and more. Take a fun filled trip to<br />
an arcade or challenge your kids to an exciting round of miniature golf. No matter<br />
what you’re looking to do with the kids, the <strong>Sarasota</strong> area promises miles of<br />
smiles for the entire family.<br />
Check It Out<br />
Not To Be Missed<br />
Visit our Events Calendar at <strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>.com for<br />
additional things to do while you visit the area.<br />
You’ll find information about <strong>Sarasota</strong> and<br />
Venice area events, exhibits, concerts, holiday<br />
festivities, art shows, and more. There is plenty<br />
to see and do whether you are here for a<br />
couple of days, a week, or more than a month.<br />
Coupon<br />
Make Laughter-Filled<br />
Memories<br />
22 WINTER | SPRING <strong>2018</strong> <strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>.com<br />
Cannon’s Marina Boat Rentals<br />
6040 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key<br />
941.383.1311 • Cannons.com<br />
Explore the area with a center console,<br />
deck boat, or runabout boat rental. Boats<br />
are equipped with everything you need<br />
to enjoy a great day on the Intracoastal<br />
Waterway, <strong>Sarasota</strong> Bay, or the Gulf of<br />
Mexico. Available by the half-day, full<br />
day, week, or month. Also offers tube<br />
and waterski rentals. Reservations are<br />
recommended.<br />
Children’s Rainforest Garden<br />
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens<br />
900 S. Palm Avenue, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.366.5731 • Selby.org<br />
A tropical jungle environment where<br />
kids can freely explore and play. Features<br />
a 12’ waterfall, swinging bridges, field<br />
research stations to inspire curious minds,<br />
caves for exploring, and an adventure trail<br />
in addition to an Amazon village with an<br />
amphitheater. Single entry/exit assures<br />
that no child can enter or exit without<br />
parental supervision.<br />
Duffy Electric Boat Rentals<br />
Crow’s Nest Marina<br />
1968 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice<br />
941.484.7661 • CrowsNest-Venice.com<br />
Easy to operate and quiet 18’ boats can<br />
accommodate up to eight adults, and are<br />
the perfect way for families to explore<br />
Venice’s waterways. Boats feature full<br />
canopy tops, full window enclosures, and<br />
satellite radio. Bring your own food and<br />
beverages or pre-order from the Crow’s<br />
Nest restaurant. Open daily from 8 a.m.<br />
to 6 p.m. Reservations are recommended.<br />
Evie’s Family Fun Center<br />
4735 Bee Ridge Road, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.377.0990 • EviesOnline.com<br />
Fun options for the entire family.<br />
Features a challenging western-themed<br />
18-hole waterfall adventure mini-golf<br />
course, pizzeria, ice cream parlor, and<br />
arcade with pool table and air hockey.<br />
Golfers of all ages can improve their<br />
game at the 60-station driving range,<br />
and chipping and putting greens. Watch<br />
your favorite team in the sports tavern<br />
with food, bar, and 31 TVs.<br />
Hunting For Sharks’ Teeth<br />
Caspersen & Venice Beaches, Venice<br />
Buried treasure isn’t just about gold<br />
and jewels. Kids and adults will have fun<br />
hunting for sharks’ teeth on the beach.<br />
Head to the beach with a plastic sand sieve<br />
and a little patience, and you’ll likely to be<br />
rewarded with a one-of-a-kind prehistoric<br />
shark’s tooth souvenir. See the top 10<br />
Beaches listings for Caspersen and Venice<br />
Beach location details.<br />
The Ringling Circus Museum<br />
5401 Bay Shore Road, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.359.5700 • Ringling.org<br />
Interactive exhibits and displays showcasing<br />
circus history, including circus posters, lavish<br />
costumes, intricately painted and carved<br />
wagons, clown and performing arts<br />
memorabilia, and the world’s largest<br />
miniature circus: The Howard Bros. Circus<br />
Model. <strong>Guide</strong>d Circus Museum tours are<br />
offered each day and are included with<br />
Ringling Museum admission. Open daily<br />
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m.<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong> Jungle Gardens<br />
3701 Bay Shore Road, <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.355.5305 • <strong>Sarasota</strong>JungleGardens.com<br />
This Old Florida attraction has been<br />
delighting visitors since 1939. Wildlife<br />
exhibits, acclaimed shows, and a playground<br />
surrounded by beautiful gardens and jungle<br />
trails nestled within ten lush tropical acres.<br />
Hand feed flamingoes. Pose with a parrot.<br />
Hold an alligator or pet a skunk. Enjoy lunch<br />
or refreshments at the café. Gift shop<br />
features unique and locally crafted items.<br />
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
Siesta Key Drum Circle<br />
Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key<br />
This popular tradition attracts big crowds<br />
of participants and onlookers for drumming<br />
and dancing on Siesta Beach. Drum Circle<br />
regulars occasionally perform with swords<br />
and fire or offer flowers to patrons; you<br />
may even see a belly dancer. Everyone is<br />
welcome and encouraged to join in the fun.<br />
This free event takes place each Sunday<br />
year-round about an hour before sunset.<br />
Ski-A-Rees<br />
1602 Ken Thompson Pkwy., <strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
941.388.1666 • SkiARees.com<br />
This is the only saltwater ski team in the US<br />
and the 2017 National Champions. Marvel<br />
at young adults performing spectacular<br />
water ski tricks. The one-hour show features<br />
stunts such as jump, barefoot, ballet, and<br />
pyramid. Bleacher seats or bring your own<br />
lawn chair. Free parking and concessions<br />
available. Free entertaining performances<br />
every Sunday at 2 p.m. from February 4<br />
to May 6.<br />
Venice Pier Fishing<br />
1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice<br />
VeniceFishingPier.com<br />
The beach and the Pier extending 700 feet<br />
into the Gulf of Mexico is a fantastic spot<br />
to drop a line or gather to watch sunset.<br />
Fish from the Pier 24 hours a day, no license<br />
required. Papa’s Bait Shop offers live and<br />
frozen bait, coffee, treats, and more. Picnic<br />
shelters and restrooms facilities located<br />
nearby. Located at Brohard Park and<br />
Sharky’s on the Pier restaurant.<br />
Respect • Love • Sanctuary for Life<br />
See Animals in Action<br />
Experience the most exciting,<br />
interactive, educational animal<br />
adventure in Florida.<br />
Exotic animal encounters<br />
A safe permanent home for African<br />
Lions, Tigers, Bears, Primates, Exotic<br />
Birds, and over 30 unique species of<br />
exotic and domestic animals.<br />
Open Rain or Shine<br />
PLEASE CALL AHEAD OR VISIT OUR<br />
WEBSITE FOR CURRENT SCHEDULING<br />
of our animal Training demonstrations<br />
and open visiting hours<br />
Including a<br />
charming<br />
Petting Zoo!<br />
$18.00 adults<br />
$8.00 children (ages 2-12)<br />
Free Parking<br />
7101 Palmer Blvd., <strong>Sarasota</strong>, FL 34240 • (941) 371-6377<br />
www.bigcathabitat.org 501(c)3 CH18749<br />
KIDS<br />
LOVE<br />
US!<br />
3701 Bay Shore Road<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong>, FL 34234<br />
Air<br />
Conditioned<br />
Arena!<br />
Hold a parrot, touch an<br />
alligator, feed free-roaming<br />
flamingos and explore<br />
acres of jungle paradise!.<br />
941-355-5305<br />
sarasotajunglegardens.com
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