Peacock Safari on Longboat Key
Longboat Key Village Area - Follow sign to Longboat Key Art Center,
take first left, drive around.

First, keep in mind that these wild peacocks are running loose among private homes! You may not walk on anyone's lawn to feed them, but you can see all you want from the car.  In fact, many will come right up to the window to eat out of your hand (bread, popcorn and crackers work).  Be very sensitive to the residents who live here; do not block driveways or interfere with their privacy.  No one knows exactly how these peacocks got here but they have been roaming the area for at least 20 years.  Current population is estimated between thirty and fifty, running wild in the suburban jungles of Longboat Key.

Towles Court (Artist Colony)
One block east of Hwy 301 between Adams Lane, Morrill Street & Links Ave.
http://www.towlescourt.com/

This authentic art colony is a colorful neighborhood filled with homes/workshops of area artists who are happy to have you visit to observe the creative process, learn about their many art forms or to join their many various workshops and classes which are held on a regular basis.  Most studios also include a sales gallery where the public is encouraged to purchase directly from the artist.  Special events include "3rd Friday Gallery walks" the 3rd Friday of every month (no charge).  Beautiful setting, interesting people, nice cafe.  Well worth a visit.  Or three.

Kokopelli Kustomware
926 12th Street W.
Bradenton, FL  34205
941-746-5443

This "painting it your way" contemporary ceramic studio and pottery place caters to all ages.  Create your own dinnerware or ceramic tiles, or personalize unique gifts from their selection of ready-made items.  No experience necessary.  Great for birthday parties and fun get-together.

Mote Marine Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
City Island
941-388-4441
Mote.org

Come face to face with Florida marine life at Mote Aquarium. Whether you enjoy watching the sharks in their 135,000-gallon tank or petting the stingrays in their touch pool, there is much to see and do as you learn about the fascinating creatures that inhabit our waters. The aquarium is also home to Hugh and Buffett, Mote's resident manatees. Our viewable labs offer visitors a chance to research in action.

Pelican Man’s Bird Sanctuary
1708 Ken Thompson Parkway
City Island
941-388-4444 
Pelicanman.org

This is an open air home and rehabilitation center to 39 different species of Florida Birds. Inside the Sanctuary’s tropical setting, guest may stroll the boardwalks and view pelicans, egrets, owls, herons, hawks, gulls and other wildlife that have been rescued and rehabilitated by the many volunteers. Hannerle strongly believes in extraordinary work of the Pelican Man's sanctuary and its volunteers. Daily 10AM-5PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota
941-366-5731 
Selby.org

Selby Gardens is internationally recognized for their botanical research and plant identification but it is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids. They have 11 bay-front acres that are an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 colorful plants.

The Tropical Display House with its Window to the Tropics exhibit features thousands of exotic plants from around the world, and the Museum features rotating exhibits of the 18th, 19th and 20th century botanical illustration. One of Hannerle's favorite spots in Sarasota. Box lunches served daily in the Banyan Grove. Daily10AM-5PM

Sarasota School of Glass
999A Cattleman Road, Sarasota
941-371-5492

For adults and children, beginner and advanced, day and evening classes in Glass fusing, Glass blowing, glass bead making, Glass Mosaics, Stained glass, Glass painting, Glass etching and more.

Sarasota Main Plaza - Hollywood 20
Main Street and North Washington Blvd.
941-954-5768 
http://www.fandango.com/

The newest movies. Stadium seating in all auditoriums; digital stereo sound; Wall to wall curved screens.

Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th Street, Sarasota
941-365-4460

This is one of the country’s finest baseball training facilities, it is home to the Sarasota Red Sox, a minor-league team that plays a full schedule of games in the Florida State League. The stadium is also the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds. Call for game schedules.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
941-355-5305
Sarasotajunglegardens.com

This beautiful park is a natural paradise composed of cool winding jungle trails, beautiful informal gardens and clear blue lakes dotted with rare flamingos and exotic waterfowl on 10 lush tropical acres. Entertaining and educational bird and reptile shows are featured four times daily in the Gardens. The new Birds of Prey exhibit, shell museum and children’s "Kiddy Jungle" are a delight for all ages.

G. WIZ
1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
941-309-4949 
Gwiz.org

The Gulf coast Wonder and Imagination Zone, is a interactive science center for kids of all ages. You can freeze your shadow, fly airplanes, create graphic images, learn how sound waves travel, experience a gyroscope experiment, touch a plasma ball, listen to music with a laser harp or build and create in the technology hall. Tuesday- Saturday 10AM-5PM; Sunday Noon-5PM.

Historic Spanish Point
337 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey
941-966-52148
Historicspanishpoint.org

A fascinating 30-arce site overlooking Sarasota Bay. This site preserves and interprets 5,000 years of Sarasota County History. Florida’s pioneer life is shared through a homestead house, citrus packing house, chapel, and pioneer cemetery. Formal gardens, nature trail and exhibitions. Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday Noon-5PM

Seminole Gulf Railway- The Dinner Train Theater
239-275-8487 or  800-736-4853
Semgulf.com

Departs from Colonial Station, Colonial Boulevard, Ft. Myers. From I-75 take exit 136 (Colonial Blvd.) west for two miles. Cross over Metro Parkway. Take the next right at the Mobil Station into the mall parking lot. Follow sign left to the Station.

For over nine years, The Dinner Train Theater has entertained guest with its renowned Murder Mysteries and the elegance of railroad dining. You can enjoy an evening of intrigue with fine wines and your favorite drinks while your meal is prepared fresh on board its four 1930’s-1940’s vintage railroad cars. Daytime sightseeing excursions are available. Reservations are required.