Best History Museum in Sarasota

"The 66-acre winter estate of railroad, real-estate and circus baron John Ringling and his wife, Mable, is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier attractions and incorporates their personal collection of artworks in what..."

"The Ringling, the State Art Museum of Florida, is home to one of the preeminent art and cultural collections in the United..."

"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."

"If you would like to learn a little more about the history of the area, the Florida Maritime Museum provides you with a glimpse of the people and events that shaped Florida into the state it is today. The museum occupies 4 acres of land and includes the historic fishing village of Cortez as well as a 1912 schoolhouse building. The Florida Maritime Museum was designed to showcase the significance of the regional commercial fishing industry."

"Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th Street W Cortez, Florida 34215 • 941-708-6121. A non-profit organization, the old Cortez Rural Graded School was transformed into the Florida Maritime Museum to educate visitors on the topic of Florida’s maritime heritage. It sits on 1.6 hectares (four acres) of land in the historic fishing village of Cortez."

"Discover old Florida through the history of Cortez Fishing Village. Explore the traveling exhibits such as the current attraction, Caught in the Storm, 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes. Permanent exhibits feature an expansive shell collection, ship models, and more."

"The Circus Museum, established in 1948, is the first museum of its kind to document the history of the circus. The museum has a collection of handbills, posters and art prints, circus paper, business records, wardrobe, performing props, circus equipment, and parade wagons. The adjacent Tibbals Learning Center contains The Howard Bros."

"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."

"Steak 'n Shake, a classic American brand, was founded in 1934 in Normal, Illinois by Gus Belt who pioneered the concept of premium burgers and milkshakes. For over 85 years, the company’s name has been symbolic of its heritage. The word “steak” stood for steakburger..."

"Brunch probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you hear about Bonefish Grill, but if you haven’t been there for bottomless bubbles yet, you’re missing out. Brunch is served from 11 am until 2 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays. The best part about this brunch is the ability to upgrade to bottomless mimosas, bellinis, or Bloody Marys for a single upcharge."

"If you are a baseball fan, one of the must-dos for the spring season is stopping by LECOM Park to watch the Pittsburg Pirates complete their spring training. The park was initially called McKechnie Field when it was built in 1923, in honor of Bill McKechnie, who was a Pittsburg native and Hall of Fame manager. The park was renamed after receiving new sponsorship from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, shortened to the acronym LECOM."

"1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, (941) 999-3467, finsatsharkys.com. The views alone justify making a reservation at this Venice landmark, an upscale dining room connected to the more laid-back Jimmy Buffett vibe of its sister restaurant Sharky’s. As its fishy name implies, Fins is known for its seafood, particularly for its quality sushi."

"Fins at Sharky's, adjacent to Venice favorite Sharky's on the Pier, features an inventive, ever-changing menu inspired by an array of global cuisines..."

"Using the tagline “Gem of Spanish Restaurants,” you expect to be wowed at Columbia Restaurant, and you will be. The Columbia is probably Florida’s best-known eatery featuring Spanish and Cuban cuisine and amazing sangria and coffee. If you enjoy the sangria, buy the six-pack packet mix in the gift shop and take it home with you."

"Columbia Restaurant, a St. Armand’s staple, serves outstanding paella, sangria, and their signature 1905 Salad. Tapas, seafood, and fun facts abound on the fourteen-page menu of Cuban deliciousnesses. It’s the perfect break from the strolling and shopping around the Circle."