The jewel of Sarasota (putting aside the
multi-million dollar homes which don’t impress us much, and the Gulf of Mexico,
which does) is the Ringling Museum and incredible gardens and architecture
which surround the numerous galleries.
John Ringling, apart from being the
impresario of the Ringling Brothers Circus (later combined with Barnum and Bailey), was a
multi-millionaire who was a major developer of Sarasota in the 20’s. The
history of John and his wife, Mable’s, contribution is impressive, as is the
legacy they have left to Sarasota.
Wandering the grounds around the galleries
felt like being in Versailles or Rome, and the collection of art is astounding.
Most fun, though, were the two circus galleries, with actual artifacts from the
Ringling Brothers Circus – train cars, circus posters, costumes, etc., as well
as an entire diorama of the circus grounds in miniature, complete with moving
parts. Interactive displays allowed me
to practice being a bareback rider and walk a tightrope J.
Our old friends, Ingrid and Chuck Bens,
have been hosting us around town, and tomorrow we may go on an Anna Maria
Island bike ride with them. Still having fun …
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