Best History Museum in Siesta Key

"The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida and an exceptional cultural and educational centre. This famous American museum is the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and located within the 66 acre grounds of their Winter estate. John Ringling was the founder of the Ringling Bros. circus and later became the co-owner of the Barnum & Bailey Circus."

"Sarasota is known as a circus town after John Ringling built his winter home here. After his passing, the estate was turned into a museum that receives thousands of visitors each year. Ringling has a few different areas."

"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."

"I have included this restaurant on my Tampaand St. Augustine restaurant guides as well, but it is worth mentioning the Columbia’s in Sarasota as well!. This Florida chain serves Spanish cuisine throughout the sunshine state and is always a family favorite. Whether you get a plate of roast pork or share paella and appetizers around the table, the flavors alone with explain why this restaurant has been around for over 100 years!"

"For shoppers in St. Armands Circle, Columbia Restaurant is practically a mandatory stop for lunch or dinner. The elegant dining room is decorated with hand-painted tiles and opens onto the spacious patio. Either setting is ideal for the restaurant's Spanish-Cuban cuisine, including mojitos and sangria that is best by the pitcher."

"Columbia is something of an institution in Southwest Florida, dating back to 1905, when the first restaurant was opened in Ybor City. The Sarasota location at Saint Armands Circle, lives up to the name. It was opened in 1959, making it the oldest restaurant in the city.Why go?"

"Two locations in Venice: 370 Commercial Ct & 525 Tamiami Trail BrewBurgers has all the makings of a hometown favorite place. With fun retro-style decor for casual indoor/outdoor dining, you can feel comfortable bringing in your kids and still enjoy an awesome meal. Serving bar and grill-type fare with a flair, they are kid and pet-friendly."

"Maddie B was our waitress, what an asset she is to this business, friendly, attentive and funny. Our food started with pretzel... (941) 484-2337Order online"

"Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse provides an upscale, white tablecloth experience with the best cuts of meat in town. Located in downtown Sarasota on Lemon Avenue, this iconic establishment is renowned for its filets and oldschool manned bar with impeccable service and quality at every turn. Celebrate special occasions here and do not skip the oversized chocolate molten lava cake."

"Hyde Park – Sarasota sits at the corner of Lemon Avenue and State Street, ½ block south of Main Street; minutes from Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armand’s Circle. Hyde Park is located near the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Hotel Indigo, and Lido Beach hotels. Upscale bar and dining with a late night happy hour menu."

"What a wonderful evening my husband and I had while on vacation in Sarasota. The service and atmosphere was perfect. Our meal + drinks were great."