Historic Sites in Sarasota

"Ca' d'Zan, (Venetian for "House of John"), is the waterfront residence built for Mable and John Ringling. The mansion was designed by architect Dwight James Baum with assistance from the Ringlings, built by Owen Burns, and was completed in 1926. It is designed in Venetian Gothic style."

"The winter home for the American circus owners John Ringling and his wife Mable, the Ca d’Zan Mansion is a stunning five-story Mediterranean Revival home overlooking Sarasota Bay."

"Explore Florida's ecosystems with a day of hiking or bicycling around the nature trails at De Soto National Memorial park or take a 45-minute Trail Walk with one of the Park Rangers from the Visitor Center to learn about the rich history and heritage of the grounds. The De Soto National Memorial is home to the living history Camp Uzita; a ten-table picnic area; several small beaches; and The Cove, an anchorage for small pleasure boats. Admission to the De Soto National Memorial is free to the public, but donations are accepted."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Located in Manatee County, DeSoto National Memorial Park is a place that was established to commemorate the landing of Hernando de Soto in 1539, a Spanish explorer and conquistador who made landfall in Tampa Bay along with his army of soldiers. Aside from that, it was also built to remember the Europeans’ first exploration of the southern United States."

"For history buffs, the perfect place to spend the day is the Manatee Village, Historical Park. The park is home to a collection of historical objects, artifacts, and buildings that help show visitors how life in Florida was during the pioneer years. Some of the historic buildings include a smokehouse and mill, Potter's Barn, Fogarty Boatworks, Curator's Corner, a blacksmith shop, Wiggins General Store, and an 1887 church."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0. An open-air museum and a park in Florida’s Bradenton, Manatee Village Historical Park is recognized as a National Historic Site. This space comprises 14 replica and preserved structures to honor Manatee County’s founding period from 1840-1918."

"The only surviving plantation house in South Florida as well as the oldest building in Manatee County, The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park features a plantation restored to resemble its original beauty during the mid-1800s."

"Bonjour French Cafe is another great Sarasota breakfast restaurant located in Siesta Key. This French-inspired restaurant is known for its sweet and savory crepes, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. (They even offer buckwheat crepes if you’re feeling extra healthy that day!) There’s also a great kids menu that offers both lunch and breakfast options."

"offers sandwiches, crepes and other French fare in a quaint cafe. Inside, the place is lined with French memorabilia, and offers patrons a selection of croissant, a variety of crepes, omelettes, quiches, fruits, panini and sandwiches on baguettes. Try the crepe gourmande, which is a spongy crepe filled with strawberries, bananas, and chocolate."

"Had a super yummy croissant with Brie, walnuts, and spinach. The next day had a delicious Eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce..."

"We were a large party of 15 and the our host Pam and server Emily took really good care of us."

"America's neighborhood restaurant, bar & grill, serving up good times, featuring steaks, chicken, burgers, salads, desserts and more. Visit Applebee's today."

"Absolutely fabulous food, perfectly and authentically spiced, seasoned and prepared. Served hot and quickly. The lunch special is a generous portion and ..."

"3 Keys is a craft brewery and family-friendly eatery featuring a weekly evolving selection of small batch, handcrafted beers in an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Their menu consists of interesting and wholesome appetizers, sandwiches, tacos, burgers and pizzas made daily from scratch. (We recommend the tacos and the trivia nights!) They have great food specials, music, activities and community events each week."

"Equal parts Manhattan-style cuisine and Irish pub, O’Bricks guarantees something on the menu that agrees with everyone. The decor is reminiscent of the old Bradenton aesthetic with its hand-carved fixtures featured in both of its dining halls. The weekend brunch consists of many local favorites, including the Old Main Street Grill."

"Whether you choose to dine inside or out, you’ll love the atmosphere. After enjoying one of their martinis or a glass of wine, be sure to order one of their made-from-scratch menu items."

"I didn’t expect to come to Sarasota and find a famous Amish restaurant, but here it is. Yoder’s Restaurant is a fantastic dining spot for the best comfort food and an enormous variety of cream pies. You can dine in, out, or order from the curbside window."