Sarasota, Florida: Fine Art and White Sand
Sarasota stands out from typical Florida beach towns by offering a rich tapestry of performing arts and museum culture. Thanks to the legacy of circus magnate John Ringling, the city possesses an artistic infrastructure that rivals major metropolitan areas, all set against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
Costs & passes: The crown jewel of the city is The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. The sprawling 66-acre waterfront estate includes the art museum, a circus museum, and magnificent bayfront gardens. General admission is $25 for adults. However, budget travelers should plan their itinerary around the start of the week: every Monday, entry to the Museum of Art and the Bayfront Gardens is completely free to the public. You only need to pay if you wish to enter the Circus Museum or the Ca’ d’Zan mansion.
Getting around: You can access Siesta Key—frequently ranked among the best beaches in the United States—without worrying about expensive parking fees. Take advantage of the Siesta Key Breeze Trolley, a free open-air transit service that runs continuously up and down the island seven days a week.
Just visited and didn’t like Santa Fe. Agree, Traverse City is a gem. Newport can be pretty pricey but is a nice place to visit. San Antonio is delightful! Hoping Savannah and Wilmington will be part of next year’s road trip.
Last time we toured the Breakers it was told that the magnificent carved front doors came from a European hotel. I said “Gee, most people just take the towels”