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.
DAY TRIPS top Experience the 10 NITA ETTINGER Explore Beyond Sarasota An escape to one of Sarasota’s nearby day trips provides adventures for a memorable getaway. Within easy driving distance are opportunities to visit family themed parks with thrilling rides and interactive shows, as well as world-class gardens and museums. Travel an hour north and across the scenic Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Tampa/St. Pete. This easy one tank trip offers a myriad of adventures including Busch Gardens and the Dali Museum. Just a two-hour drive from Sarasota is Orlando, the theme park capital of the world! A visit with Mickey Mouse and his friends, exciting Universal Studios, a splashing good time at SeaWorld, or a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are sure to please the entire family. Be adventurous with a trip to the Everglades and Everglades National Park. You can even take a ferry ride to the southernmost point in the United States. Go out and explore. It’s easy to take a break from the sun and sand when you’re this close to some of the most exciting one-of-a-kind destinations in the country. Check It Out Tag Us In Your Photos Be sure to post and share photos of your vacation using #MustDoFlorida and #MustDoFL. We encourage you to search those hashtags to see all of the fun vacation memories happening in Southwest Florida! Connect With Us 30 WINTER | SPRING 2018 MustDo.com Coupon Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa 888.800.5447 • BuschGardens.com An African themed park featuring thrilling rides, a world-class zoo with more than 2,700 animals, year-round live shows and entertainment, restaurants, and more. Experience the Serengeti Plain with hundreds of exotic African animals. Young children will love visiting their favorite Sesame Street friends and the kid-sized rides at Safari of Fun play land. See website for hours. Captiva Cruises 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island 239.472.5300 • CaptivaCruises.com Offering scenic narrated cruises to the islands of Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa State Park for over 30 years. Captiva Cruises’ crew share their in-depth knowledge and passion for the area as you cruise through Pine Island Sound taking in the fresh sea air and abundant wildlife. Cruises depart from McCarthy’s Marina and South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. Reservations are required. Dali Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg 727.823.3767 • TheDali.org This 2,800 square foot museum houses the world’s most complete collection of works by surrealist Salvador Dali. Along with its permanent collection, the museum also features special exhibitions, usually including Dali works on loan from other museums and works by other surreal artists. Docent guided tours are available. Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers 239.334.7419 • EdisonFordWinterEstates.org Visitors to Edison Ford can enjoy 20 acres of historical buildings and gardens including Edison’s Botanic Lab and the Museum. The 1929 historic landscape is evident throughout the property, and the Museum has an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts, archive and special exhibits. Also features a gift shop and café. Offers a wide range of tour options. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fishermen’s Village 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 800.639.0020 • Fishville.com Its location on pristine Charlotte Harbor makes this a top stay and play waterfront destination. Enjoy boutiques and shops, fine dining, spacious villa vacation rentals, marina, Military Heritage Museum, live entertainment, and special events. Offers an array of water recreational activities including harbor cruises, fishing charters, and boat and kayak rentals. Open daily. The Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813.273.4000 • FLAquarium.org Explore a variety of diverse ecosystem exhibits that are home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals. Interactive and educational shows presented daily. Rainforest themed splash pad and outdoor play area, dive with sharks, swim with fish, and observe wild dolphins on a boat tour of Tampa Bay. Open daily. Key West Express Fort Myers Beach • Marco Island • Key West 888.539.4843 • KeyWestExpress.us The fast and fun way to visit the southernmost point in the USA. Explore Conk Republic’s historic sites, and the shops, bars, and restaurants on lively Duval Street. Leave in the morning and be in Key West by lunch when you travel aboard the jet-powered vessels of Key West Express. Sundeck, flat-screen TVs, full bar, and food service available. See website for ferry schedule, rates, and reservations information. LEGOLAND Florida 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven 877.350.5346 • Florida.Legoland.com Discover ten different themed areas full of replicas of landmarks from all over the world, and stroll through the magnificent historic botanical gardens. Enjoy more than 50 rides, shows, and interactive experiences at this 150-acre LEGO theme park geared towards families with kids age 2-12. LEGOLAND Waterpark is open seasonally. See website for park hours. Orlando Theme Parks Walt Disney World • DisneyWorld.com Universal Studios • UniversalOrlando.com SeaWorld Orlando • SeaWorldParks.com Experience thrills, adventures, and memories to last a lifetime. Orlando is less than two hours’ drive from Sarasota. Take a day trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, SeaWorld, Epcot, Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the other family-friendly attractions in Orlando. Village of the Arts Downtown Bradenton 941.747.8056 • VillageOfTheArts.com This community of artists living and working together is Florida’s largest art community. Art galleries and studios, healing arts, specialty shops, bakeries, and award-winning restaurants can all be found as you wander the streets of this charming area of restored colorful cottages. Open year-round. Visit website for merchant directory, gallery hours, and special event information. YOUR KEY TO $ 125 GET AWAY ROUND FROM ONLY TRIP! * Enjoy a tropical drink from the bar or bite to eat from the galley as your adventure begins. Sit back and relax within one of the air conditioned cabins or take in the sun and soft ocean breezes from the sun decks. You’ll arrive in comfort and luxury within walking distance of all there is to see and do on this idyllic palm lined island surrounded by crystal blue waters. 888-539-4843 keywestexpress.net *Minimum 8 day advance purchase, non-refundable fare. Cannot be combined with other offers. Weekend fee applies to any travel Friday thru Sunday. Expires August 31, 2018. Online purchases. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
- Page 1 and 2: SARASOTA • SIESTA KEY • LIDO KE
- Page 4: CONTENTS WINTER | SPRING 2018 WELCO
- Page 8: Ocean Blvd To Anna Maria Island & C
- Page 12: Florida Sunshine Survival Tips Tips
- Page 16: JENNIFER BRINKMAN ACTIVITIES top Ex
- Page 20: ATTRACTIONS top Experience the 10 N
- Page 24: Southwest Florida is a True Fisherm
- Page 28: Florida’s Unique Wildlife Many en
- Page 34: Truly a One-of-a-Kind Place to Shop
- Page 38: SHOPPING top Experience the 10 Souv
- Page 42: Fresh Florida Seafood Pompano - Fir
- Page 46: NIGHTLIFE top Experience the 10 ELI
- Page 50: MUST DO VISITOR GUIDES MUST DO VISI
DAY TRIPS<br />
top<br />
Experience the<br />
10<br />
NITA ETTINGER<br />
Explore Beyond<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong><br />
An escape to one of <strong>Sarasota</strong>’s nearby day trips provides adventures for a<br />
memorable getaway. Within easy driving distance are opportunities to visit family<br />
themed parks with thrilling rides and interactive shows, as well as world-class<br />
gardens and museums. Travel an hour north and across the scenic Sunshine Skyway<br />
Bridge to Tampa/St. Pete. This easy one tank trip offers a myriad of adventures<br />
including Busch Gardens and the Dali Museum. Just a two-hour drive from<br />
<strong>Sarasota</strong> is Orlando, the theme park capital of the world! A visit with Mickey Mouse<br />
and his friends, exciting Universal Studios, a splashing good time at SeaWorld, or a<br />
visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter are sure to please the entire family. Be<br />
adventurous with a trip to the Everglades and Everglades National Park. You can<br />
even take a ferry ride to the southernmost point in the United States. Go out and<br />
explore. It’s easy to take a break from the sun and sand when you’re this close to<br />
some of the most exciting one-of-a-kind destinations in the country.<br />
Check It Out<br />
Tag Us In Your Photos<br />
Be sure to post and share photos of your<br />
vacation using #<strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>Florida and<br />
#<strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>FL.<br />
We encourage you to search those hashtags to<br />
see all of the fun vacation memories<br />
happening in Southwest Florida!<br />
Connect With Us<br />
30 WINTER | SPRING <strong>2018</strong> <strong>Must</strong><strong>Do</strong>.com<br />
Coupon<br />
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<br />
10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa<br />
888.800.5447 • BuschGardens.com<br />
An African themed park featuring thrilling<br />
rides, a world-class zoo with more than<br />
2,700 animals, year-round live shows and<br />
entertainment, restaurants, and more.<br />
Experience the Serengeti Plain with<br />
hundreds of exotic African animals. Young<br />
children will love visiting their favorite<br />
Sesame Street friends and the kid-sized<br />
rides at Safari of Fun play land. See<br />
website for hours.<br />
Captiva Cruises<br />
11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island<br />
239.472.5300 • CaptivaCruises.com<br />
Offering scenic narrated cruises to the<br />
islands of Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca<br />
Grande, and Cayo Costa State Park for over<br />
30 years. Captiva Cruises’ crew share their<br />
in-depth knowledge and passion for the area<br />
as you cruise through Pine Island Sound<br />
taking in the fresh sea air and abundant<br />
wildlife. Cruises depart from McCarthy’s<br />
Marina and South Seas Island Resort on<br />
Captiva Island. Reservations are required.<br />
Dali Museum<br />
One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg<br />
727.823.3767 • TheDali.org<br />
This 2,800 square foot museum houses the<br />
world’s most complete collection of works<br />
by surrealist Salvador Dali. Along with its<br />
permanent collection, the museum also<br />
features special exhibitions, usually<br />
including Dali works on loan from other<br />
museums and works by other surreal<br />
artists. <strong>Do</strong>cent guided tours are available.<br />
Edison & Ford <strong>Winter</strong> Estates<br />
2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers<br />
239.334.7419 • EdisonFord<strong>Winter</strong>Estates.org<br />
<strong>Visitor</strong>s to Edison Ford can enjoy 20<br />
acres of historical buildings and gardens<br />
including Edison’s Botanic Lab and the<br />
Museum. The 1929 historic landscape is<br />
evident throughout the property, and the<br />
Museum has an impressive collection of<br />
inventions, artifacts, archive and special<br />
exhibits. Also features a gift shop and<br />
café. Offers a wide range of tour options.<br />
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.<br />
Fishermen’s Village<br />
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda<br />
800.639.0020 • Fishville.com<br />
Its location on pristine Charlotte Harbor<br />
makes this a top stay and play waterfront<br />
destination. Enjoy boutiques and shops,<br />
fine dining, spacious villa vacation rentals,<br />
marina, Military Heritage Museum, live<br />
entertainment, and special events. Offers<br />
an array of water recreational activities<br />
including harbor cruises, fishing charters,<br />
and boat and kayak rentals. Open daily.<br />
The Florida Aquarium<br />
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa<br />
813.273.4000 • FLAquarium.org<br />
Explore a variety of diverse ecosystem<br />
exhibits that are home to more than 20,000<br />
aquatic plants and animals. Interactive<br />
and educational shows presented daily.<br />
Rainforest themed splash pad and outdoor<br />
play area, dive with sharks, swim with fish,<br />
and observe wild dolphins on a boat tour<br />
of Tampa Bay. Open daily.<br />
Key West Express<br />
Fort Myers Beach • Marco Island • Key West<br />
888.539.4843 • KeyWestExpress.us<br />
The fast and fun way to visit the<br />
southernmost point in the USA. Explore<br />
Conk Republic’s historic sites, and the<br />
shops, bars, and restaurants on lively<br />
Duval Street. Leave in the morning and<br />
be in Key West by lunch when you travel<br />
aboard the jet-powered vessels of Key<br />
West Express. Sundeck, flat-screen TVs,<br />
full bar, and food service available. See<br />
website for ferry schedule, rates, and<br />
reservations information.<br />
LEGOLAND Florida<br />
1 Legoland Way, <strong>Winter</strong> Haven<br />
877.350.5346 • Florida.Legoland.com<br />
Discover ten different themed areas full<br />
of replicas of landmarks from all over the<br />
world, and stroll through the magnificent<br />
historic botanical gardens. Enjoy more<br />
than 50 rides, shows, and interactive<br />
experiences at this 150-acre LEGO theme<br />
park geared towards families with kids<br />
age 2-12. LEGOLAND Waterpark is open<br />
seasonally. See website for park hours.<br />
Orlando Theme Parks<br />
Walt Disney World • DisneyWorld.com<br />
Universal Studios • UniversalOrlando.com<br />
SeaWorld Orlando • SeaWorldParks.com<br />
Experience thrills, adventures, and<br />
memories to last a lifetime. Orlando is<br />
less than two hours’ drive from <strong>Sarasota</strong>.<br />
Take a day trip to Disney’s Magic Kingdom,<br />
SeaWorld, Epcot, Wizarding World<br />
of Harry Potter at Universal Studios,<br />
Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the other<br />
family-friendly attractions in Orlando.<br />
Village of the Arts<br />
<strong>Do</strong>wntown Bradenton<br />
941.747.8056 • VillageOfTheArts.com<br />
This community of artists living and<br />
working together is Florida’s largest art<br />
community. Art galleries and studios,<br />
healing arts, specialty shops, bakeries,<br />
and award-winning restaurants can all<br />
be found as you wander the streets of<br />
this charming area of restored colorful<br />
cottages. Open year-round. Visit website<br />
for merchant directory, gallery hours, and<br />
special event information.<br />
YOUR KEY TO<br />
$<br />
125<br />
GET AWAY<br />
ROUND<br />
FROM ONLY TRIP! *<br />
Enjoy a tropical drink from the bar or bite to eat from<br />
the galley as your adventure begins. Sit back and relax<br />
within one of the air conditioned cabins or take in the<br />
sun and soft ocean breezes from the sun decks. You’ll<br />
arrive in comfort and luxury within walking distance<br />
of all there is to see and do on this idyllic palm lined<br />
island surrounded by crystal blue waters.<br />
888-539-4843<br />
keywestexpress.net<br />
*Minimum 8 day advance purchase, non-refundable fare. Cannot be combined with other offers. Weekend fee applies to any travel Friday thru Sunday. Expires August 31, <strong>2018</strong>. Online purchases.<br />
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA
Change language