Attractions
The Manatee/Sarasota County area is FULL of fun and/or relaxing things to do. Since we're getting married on a long, holiday weekend, we encourage any out-of-town guests to make the most of your time here and plan to throw some additional activities into your schedule. Check here for suggestions and ideas!
Ringling Museum
Ringling Museum is owned by Florida State University, so OBVIOUSLY it is awesome. Come check out it's luxurious grounds, and amazing art galleries.
Selby Botanical Gardens
A botanical garden set on the waterfront of Sarasota. It does not get much more beautiful than this place.
Rye Wilderness Park
Hike beautiful nature trails, have picnics, go camping. kayak. Let yourself get "back to nature" out in the woods of the Rye Nature Preserve.
Gamble Plantation State Park
(Copied from website)
This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day, Thursday through Monday and there are picnic tables on the grounds. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thursday through Monday; it is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year´s Day. Located in Ellenton on U.S. 301 East.
St. Armands Circle
(Copied from website)
Sarasota has long since been a vacation attraction for the rich and famous. One of which was quite influential to this area and called Sarasota home. John Ringling, of the circus world, is that man. When John Ringling purchased a group of islands off Sarasota in the 1920s, he had plans for a major tourist attraction with elegant shops, world-class restaurants, and the finest of hotels. Although Ringling did not live to see it, his dream is reality today and has become a destination for world class visitors, better known as St. Armand's Circle on Lido Key.
Anna Maria Island Beaches
White sand beaches, and AMAZING sunsets are what this island off Bradenton's coast are best known for.
Sarasota - Downtown
A beachy, artsy shopping district with a fun social atmosphere (especially at night!) is what can be found at Sarasota's downtown area.
Lakewood Ranch - Main Street
A Rodeo Drive experience, just east of Interstate 75.
