Came in after getting tickets as a Christmas gift and my first impression was wow!…read moreYou walk in and they still had Christmas decorations up so there was inflatables and Christmas lights. It was so beautiful and when you look back, you see a walkway. I'm just different things for the kids to do. They had a slide with a ball pit. They have a little race track and push on cars. There is a second level of fun that adults are tall enough for and you could climb through with your kids. Also there was more fun in the back and a party area for birthdays. I liked that they had a concession area with snacks and drinks. They even had hotdogs which we ordered. The price wasn't terrible for cheap hotdog. Honestly, we had such a blast of course my kids did not want to so leave highly recommend.

I was looking for an inside place to bring my twin 2 y.o. Nieces. It had to be inside cause the…read moreoutside temps are too hot. As soon as we walked in the twins were looking everywhere. There is so much color and lighting everywhere. I put their socks on, (No shoes or bare feet allowed), one ran right into the big ball area. In the end they had an awesome time, burned off some energy and slept all the way home. Very clean, tons to do for all ages, there is even a second level for older kids and parents too. Some like to go with their kids the first time. We will be going back many times. They have a small kitchen area too for hot dogs and stuff. We didn't use that as we brought our own snacks for the kids.

Took my kids here to paint and they shipped our art to us back in NY after firing the paint on!…read more Would definitely go again on our next vacation to South West Florida!

We had a wonderful experience with our instructor Gina @ the Artful - my husband & I took a…read moreprivate wheel throwing class & she was an amazing teacher - we not only learned a lot but created 3 pieces of pottery each ! In a couple of weeks - our pieces will be ready to be painted by us; then they'll finish those off in their kiln (all steps included in the very reasonable price for the class) - wonderful rainy day or hot summer indoor activity. We also shared the space with an adorable group of children celebrating a birthday and they were all having the best time painting pre made pottery - and enjoyed cupcakes on the picnic tables outside. Afterwards, make sure to visit their gallery for more inspiration and great gifts. Plenty of on-site free parking and several restaurants as well. Sign up for classes in advance online or stop in to paint

Went to a donation based event in the park to see Christmas lights. Great way to see Santa and the…read moreGrinch for a reasonable amount of money (or free). It's been hard to find pictures with Santa for a reasonable amount in the area and now I know to come back here next year! Only thing I struggled with was walking to the entrance after I parked. Bring a flashlight!

Wonderful local park - great for a short hike, an educational trip regarding native plants or a…read moreplace to sit quietly and enjoy nature.

Sailor Circus Academy started in 1949 and is now a top circus training program. The venue is very…read morenice, the inside of the building really gives you a circus tent feeling. 3 times a year they have a show. The spring show we visited was called "Victorious " and it was super. Lights, music, 2 very good announcers made it a spectacular show. It was 2 hours of fun and excitement. I will let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

I last went to the Sailor Circus about 50 years ago. It was great to get to go again. There are…read moreperformances only 3 days, Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and a matinee and evening performance on Saturday. The circus performers are kids! Their ages range from 6-18. It is truly amazing what these youngsters are capable of doing. Not only are they doing many of the typical acts one associates with the circus(tightrope walking, juggling, aerials, unicycle and bicycling feats, high flying on trapezes), but they are incredibly strong. Both the boys and the girls are able to swing from trapeze bars and hold on to other performers who spin and twirl high above the circus floor or catch a performer flying through the air. The boy who pedaled the bike was strong enough to carry 5 other performers who did handstands while in motion. It's a wonderful show put on by school children. Bright costumes and great music! The show is 2 1/2 hours, including a brief intermission.

The winter home of John & Mable Ringling has 36,000 square feet & 56 rooms. Ca' d'Zan was meant…read moreto impress! It was completed in 1926 after 2 years of construction, the mansion quickly became a social hub in Sarasota. Today, Ca' d'Zan offers a glimpse into John & Mable's taste and lifestyle, transporting us back to the glamorous Roaring Twenties. The name Cà d'Zan means "House of John" in the Venetian language; in Italian it would be "Casa di Giovanni". Completed in 1926 by Owen Burns, Cà d'Zan features an eclectic array of architectural styles including Venetian Gothic, Italian Renaissance, Moorish, and Spanish-inspired elements drawn from different historic periods. The Ringling visited Venice, which inspired & influenced the house. Mable Ringling died in 1929, John Ringling continued to visit Cà d'Zan through financial collapse, a quickly dissolved second marriage, and his declining health until his death in 1936. Cà d'Zan was part of John Ringling's bequest to Florida, along with The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which were meant to be a memorial to and the philanthropic legacy of their lives. The estate was in limbo for 10 years,, it took time to settle debts, claims by heirs taxes before the state of Florida could take control of the property. Cà d'Zan was uninhabited from 1936 to 1946, and the home deteriorated during that time with a lack of interior climate control. Cà d'Zan opened to the public in 1946 as part of the State Art Museum of Florida. In 1982, the home was listed as a contributing property on the National Register of Historic Places.

This place is definitely full of luxurious items, art collections and just the detailed artwork in…read morethe ceilings and more. So worth visiting!

This was an amazing and incredibly surprising visit. I am a native of Ohio but have lived in…read moreFlorida over 30 years and this was our 1st visit to The Ringling. It is a little pricy but worth if you love art, the circus and beautiful places. We went to the house first and this is an amazing home. Beautiful use of color, marble and impressive architecture. Loved the window shapes, the floors and the attention to detail throughout the home. The view from the patio was amazing. The circus museum was informative. It was quite incredible the number of people it took to bring the circus to life. So spectacular . ..the shows, the animals and the presentation. The grill restaurant had delicious food with very pleasant staff. The gift shop was also amazing with unique toys and a nice selections of books about the Ringlung family. Lastly the art museum was breath taking with such beautiful Italian art. The courtyard also amazing. Loved this visit! We spent the entire day there with more to see. We plan to return to enjoy the new items under construction. We recommend a visit.

A place you can spend a day at if Art is your thing. Lots to see and do. The mini version of the…read morecircus that he spend 50yrs building is super cool. The home that you visit the first floor shows how the rich lived. They came from poor start and turn a circus into a cash cow and in to other things that made him more money. High recommended to stop and see everything

This is the best place in Florida. I have been in n Tea Rooms in both the states and Europe…read more The enchanting experience begins as you past through the wooden gateway into the garden. You are surrounded by beautiful flowers and plants creating a wonderful world away from the busyness of everyday life. The cottage is in the middle the secret garden. The interior creates a whimsical mood that will enchant you and take you back in time. Each course is carefully crafted to your liking and can be adapted to meet the needs of food allergies. The service is spot on and the 1:1 attention to detail will leave you wanting to return with more friends. The owner is simply enchanting and will make you feel like royalty. I certainly plan on returning for more adventures. Thank you for making my mother's birthday just perfect!

Just... wow! Bear with me through this long review, but it deserves every single praise it's given!…read more Once you step through the door of this magical hideaway, you'll find yourself transported to a realm where time slows, and every sip of tea feels like a gentle whisper from an old, beloved storybook. The moment you enter, you are embraced by a cascade of twinkling fairy lights that shimmer like stardust against a twilight sky. Fresh flowers bloom in every corner, their sweet fragrance mingling with the comforting aroma of steeping tea and freshly baked cakes. The menu is a delightful symphony of flavors, with each dish crafted as if by fairy hands. The tea sandwiches are dainty yet satisfying, their ingredients so fresh they seem to have been gathered from a mystical garden just moments before. The salads are vibrant and bursting with life, each leaf and garnish adding to the overall tapestry of flavors. And, of course, the cakes! The cakes are tiny works of art, each bite a burst of sweetness that leaves you floating on clouds of pure bliss. Even the soups, served in charming little teacups, are more than just a meal--they are comfort and warmth, a gentle embrace on a slow afternoon. Each spoonful is like a chapter in a story you never want to end. In this enchanting restaurant, you don't just dine--you dream. Every moment here feels like a stolen piece of a fairy tale, and you'll find yourself lingering, not wanting to break the spell. Whether you come alone to sip tea and read by the soft glow of the fairy lights or with friends to share laughter over a tray of delicate sandwiches, you'll leave with your heart a little lighter and your spirit a little brighter. To say that the owner of this enchanting establishment is just as magical as the place she's created would be an understatement. Kathryn is the heart and soul of this fairy-tale haven, a living embodiment of the kindness and beauty that fills every corner of her restaurant. Her presence is like a gentle breeze, warm and soothing, making everyone who walks through the door feel instantly at home. Her generosity is evident not just in the thoughtful touches that make each visit special--like the fresh flowers that greet you at every table or the extra care taken to ensure each dish is perfect--but in the way she treats each guest like an old friend. There's a sweetness in her smile that makes you feel as though you've known her for years, and a gentle warmth in her words that wraps around you like a comforting blanket. She moves with a quiet grace, always attentive, yet never intrusive. Whether she's offering a kind word, making sure your tea is just right, or sharing a delightful story, she does so with a lightness that leaves you feeling cherished and cared for. It's clear that this restaurant is more than just a business to her--it's a labor of love, a place where she pours her heart into every detail. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, the owner's presence is a reminder of the beauty of kindness and the power of a generous spirit. She has created not just a restaurant, but a sanctuary--a place where time slows down, and you can savor not just the food, but the warmth of human connection. To dine here is to be touched by her sweetness, and to leave with your heart a little fuller, your day a little brighter. Thank you, Kathryn, for creating such a beautiful safe haven for all who enter. As long as this establishment is standing, I will be there in attendance.

If you're on the beach on Sunday afternoon- it's worth a stop. Depending on when sunset is, it…read morestarts about an hour before. Here in May, sunset is at 8:15 and this started around 6:30. It's a bunch of locals that dance and play drums and other instruments. It's a great for people watching. Local beach goers will join in on the dancing and the kids are all out there playing as well. They form a bit of a circle, leaving a large dance floor area and people set up chairs to enjoy the spectacle. There is no leader. People just play. The music is repetitive and catchy. I just had random conversations with people around me. Everyone was in a good mood and happy to be there. It's totally free. You'll hear the music as you approach. It's close to public beach access.

It was a dark and dismal day on Siesta Beach, but the lure of the sea still drew us in. I asked the…read morelifeguard where the Drum Circle met, and it was just a short ways over. I have never been to a Drum Circle, but in my mind I pictured guys pounding away on bongo and other types of drums. Boy was I off base! As more and more drummers arrived, it was apparent that I didn't have a clue. This event turned out to be a percussion extravaganza of the likes I have never seen. These were talented and gifted musicians that performed in such a manner that they were totally in snyc. No microphones or any type of electrical enhancements were necessary. After it started to rain, the party moved to a covered Pavillion, and the acoustics were incredible! They played and played and played as many other guys & gals joined in and took turns taking breaks. Not only were they gifted percussionists they were also athletes to maintain the strength and energy needed to perform like that. Freaking unbelievable. The final set I heard was so moving that it filled my soul and my heart. It turned into a rhythmic frenzy that conjured up visions of half naked women dancing around a fire . An unbelievable amount of energy & stamina was required to complete that presentation. IMPRESSIVE!! I left the beach with a peaceful, yet exhilarated spirit. If you do not experience the same emotions, you didn't open your mind and soul. Bring a tambourine, beverages, glow in the dark bracelets, or any hand percussion instrument you have and join the fun! Be prepared to DANCE!