There are no lack of activities and events in our area. Here are just a few of the local highlights. Feel free to check out our links for areas of interest and additional area information.
ART
Displays of the visual arts both from local and world renowned talent are featured in our museums and art galleries. There are many festivals, and showcases throughout the year that support and celebrate expression and creativity. The gift of music is a much valued part of our communities, anywhere you go you can hear local musicians playing in clubs, bars, restaurants and open air events.
Visit the Village of the Arts community where a large group of artists work and live. The Ringling School of Art and Design is one of the nations leading private, not-for-profit accredited colleges located in Sarasota. It provides an incredible educational opportunity for students with campus galleries where the public can view their finished pieces.
SPORTS
Florida may be known as the sunshine state, however it is also known as the golf capital of the world having more golf courses than any other state. A game steeped in tradition and regal history, golf is given appropriate attention thanks to our fabulous Florida sunshine. Sarasota and Bradenton have both been ranked among the top ten Florida golfing destinations. Some of the most beautifully designed championship golf courses grace the Bradenton/Sarasota area.
Select courses have been developed and tested by the leaders of the profession such as:
TomFazio
Ritz-Carlton – Sarasota
Ron Garl, architect
Oak Ford Golf Club - Sarasota
University Park Country Club – Sarasota
Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates design team
River Strand Golf & Country Club – Bradenton
Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
The Founders Club – Sarasota
Ted McAnlis, architect
The Preserve Golf Club At Tara - Sarasota
Waterlefe Golf & River Club - Bradenton
Jack Nicklaus
Signature Golf Course
(in association with)
Tony Jacklin
The Concessions Golf Club and Residence – Bradenton
Arnold Palmer
Lakewood Ranch Country Club – Bradenton
Legacy Golf Club – Bradenton
Gary Player/partial redesign by Rees Jones
Laurel Oak Country Club - Sarasota
Those who appreciate the game, treasure the ability to enjoy these and other exquisite courses yearlong. (For a more complete list of area golf courses please see our area links section)
The Tampa Bay area is a sports mecca, attracting the attention of sports teams from around the world. Our local teams include:
2003 Super Bowl Champions - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Raymond James Stadium)
Tampa Bay Rays (St, Pete Forum)
2004 Stanley Cup Winners - The Tampa Bay Lightning (St. Pete Forum)
1960 & 1979 World Series Championship Winners - Pittsburg Pirates (McKechnie Field)
5 Time World Champions – Tampa Bay Storm (St. Pete Forum)
The sunshine state is also very lucky to be visited throughout the year by other Major League Baseball Teams of the Grapefruit League. These teams include:
New York Yankees - spring home: Tampa at Legends Field
Toronto Blue Jays - spring home: Dunedin
Philadelphia Phillies spring home: Brighthouse Networks Field in Clearwater
Pittsburg Pirates – spring home: McKechnie Field in Bradenton
BEACHES
Our aquamarine and sapphire hewed water and pristine sugar sand beaches are the pride and joy of our residents. Art and seafood festivals, breathtaking sunsets and numerous water activities bring thousands to our islands everyday. The annual sandcastle building contests produce some of the most unbelievable creations by professional and amateur competitors alike.
If spending time in or on the water suits your fancy there are activities that range from the least strenuous sports of sun bathing, walking along the shore while collecting shells and relaxing on a sunset cruise to sinking your teeth into some real excitement. Jet ski, scuba dive, snorkel, take a fishing charter or for the most incredible experience of them all, get a birds eye view while parasailing along the shoreline.
Shopping on the islands always proves to be a unique experience. You’ll find everything from knick-knacks, handcrafted treasures and novelty t-shirts to high end designer fashion. Just as unique as the shopping is the dining and nightlife, no one can resist the temptation of being serenaded at sunset while tasting delectable treats and enjoying home made ice-cream or 5 star cuisine.
