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Museums
| South Florida Museum Bishop Planetarium
& Aquarium |
| 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205 |
| Tel: |
941-746-4131 |
| The museum contains more than 50,000 square feet of
exhibits on Florida's history, including a 60,000-gallon aquarium
for Snooty, the oldest manatee born in captivity in Florida. Recently
Snooty gained a pool mate, Mo. The Planetarium features astronomy
presentations and laser light shows. The museum, which is open during
a current renovation project, also generates a full lineup of special
events each year. |
| The Gamble Plantation |
| 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton |
| Tel: |
941-723-4536 |
| Visit this mixture of sand, oyster shells and fresh
water – a relic of southern Florida’s sugar plantations.
Experience a tour through a late 1840s home and take a look at the
life of a wealthy planter where period antiques site in their proper
setting within the mansion. The visitors center houses exhibitions
on the mansions history. |
| De Soto National Memorial |
| 75th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209-5390 |
| Tel: |
941-792-0458 |
| In 1539 the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto landed
on the Florida coast. Searching for legendary gold, he and his small
army of conquistadores spent four years marching through the southeastern
section of the present-day United States. Eventually they took the
Mississippi south, ultimately reaching Mexico with only 300 men. This
park commemorates the first extensive European expedition through
the southeast states.
Both indoors and outdoors you get a taste of the conquistadores'
life during their journey. Inside the visitor center (open from
9 a.m. until 5 p.m.), browse through museum artifacts such as a
suit of armor and weapons. Exhibit panels explain the importance
of de Soto's expedition, its route, and its impact upon Native Americans.
After watching a film about the expedition, catch the living history
programs from mid-December through mid-April; these demonstrations
give you an idea of how the Spanish lived in their new and sometimes
hostile environment. Outside, walk along the half-mile nature trail.
Along the way, you'll see the same kinds of birds and animals de
Soto and his men would have encountered in the southeastern wilderness.
Plaques describe the vegetation, and you'll recognize the pelicans
and herons. Plan on spending an hour or two at this park. Handicapped-accessible
facilities are available.
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| Mote Marine Aquarium |
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
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| Tel: |
941-388-4441 |
Mote Aquarium is located between Longboat Key and St.
Armands Key on City Island. Over 50 exhibits are offered, featuring
manatees, sharks, sea turtles, sea horses, fish, eels and more. A
30-foot "touch tank" gives you a literally hands-on experience:
reach out and get splashed by a stingray or hold a horseshoe crab.
Learn about ecosystems, plants, fish and invertebrates. Visitors can
see Mote Marine Laboratory's aquaculture and learn about the breeding
and growing of fish for stock enhancement. Boat tours of local waters
are available aboard the Sarasota Bay Explorers by calling (941) 388-4200.
Admission for adults is $10 and $7 for ages 4 to 17. Allow two hours
minimum. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more
information call (941) 388-2451.
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| Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary |
| 1708 Ken Thompson Parkway, Lido Key, Sarasota |
| Tel: |
941-388-4444 |
| This attraction proves popular with the kids where they
can see over 200 birds permanently on display. The sanctuary also
treats and houses injured birds. |
| The John & Mable Ringling Museum
of Art |
5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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| Tel: |
941-351-1660 |
| One of the three buildings of the museum complex is
the state museum of art, which has a significant collection that includes
17th-century Flemish, Dutch, and Italian paintings. A circus museum
and the Ringlings' winter home, a Venetian-style villa overlooking
the bay, are also on the 66-acre site. |
| Sarasota American Classic Car Museum |
| 5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 |
| Tel: |
941-355-6228 |
| Three museums in one, the Sarasota Classic Car museum
is the third oldest car museum in the country. Features include an
automobile exhibit displaying more than 100 antique vehicles; a mechanical
music exhibit containing the largest collection of player pianos and
disc boxes in the world; and an arcade exhibit featuring playable
antique arcade machines dating from the 19th century. |
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