by DK
Test your circus IQ…
Can you name three props you would need to look like a clown?
The biggest miniature circus in the world was made by one man, Howard Tibbals. How long do you think it took him? How many figures are in the circus?
Circus people have their own lingo: can you guess what a Joey is? And a funambulist?
>> Answers
Big clown, midget car
One of the clowns featured in the Circus Museum is Lou Jacobs, who had a midget car. The car was 2 ft (60 cm) wide by 3 ft (90 cm) long, and Lou was over 6 ft (2 m) tall. But he managed to fold himself inside the car and drive it into the center ring, amazing everyone when he popped out.
Going for Baroque
John Ringling’s favorite artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, created elaborate paintings in the style known as Baroque. Popular in Europe from the early 17th to the mid-18th century Baroque paintings were dramatic, grand in scale, and at times exaggerated in detail. Housed in the Ringling Museum of Art, Rubens’ Eucharist series is a famous example. Can you make a drawing in Baroque style?
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< The Gulf Coast
14. The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory
Close encounters of the marine kind
Children observing tropical fish at The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory
From seeing shark habitats, a dolphin lagoon, and a 23-ft (7-m) giant squid to getting up close with sea turtles and manatees and feeling a stingray’s velvety back in a touch pool, The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory, has it all. Attached to a major marine research facility, The Aquarium showcases the Lab’s work and includes exhibits that feature real scientific studies on coral reefs and with other species. The chance to see exhibits where sea horses are hatched and raised, or learn how injured sea creatures are healed and returned to the wild at Mote’s Dolphin & Whale Hospital and the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, are exceptional opportunities that make a visit to this aquarium unique.
>>Practical Information
>>Letting Off Steam
>>Eat and Drink
< The Gulf Coast
15. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Orchids, fish, and an enchanted garden
The more than 6,000 orchids are the showstoppers, but not the only lures, at this beautiful world of exotic plants. While known for its epiphytes – plants such as orchids that grow on other plants – the gardens also include bamboo and banyan groves, hibiscus, ferns, tropical fruits, cactus, native Florida plants, a mangrove forest, and eight plant-filled greenhouses. Kids are welcomed here and encouraged to wander the paths and run on the great lawn. Check out the weird plants that live on trees, feed the fish in the koi pond, and conduct a plant hunt, which can be printed out from the website, with one of the children’s guides.
A short drive 1 mile (2 km) north is the Sarasota Children’s Garden (sarasotachildrensgarden.com), a magical world where a tunnel leads to a space filled with whimsical sculptures of friendly dragons and octopuses, a pirate ship with rigging to be climbed, a maze to be explored, a tree fort, and a fairy garden for tea parties.
>>Practical Information
>>Take Cover
>>Eat and Drink
>>Kids' Corner
Kids’ Corner
Garden games
When you visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, see if you can find these plants: A plant with leaves smaller than your thumb.
Plants with furry leaves, spiky leaves, red flowers, and orange flowers.
A plant taller than you are.
A plant growing on a tree.
Make a list of their names and look them up on the Internet when you get home.
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< The Gulf Coast
16. The Circus Arts Conservatory
Circus by kids – for kids
The Sailor Circus Academy, America’s oldest youth circus, is a key element of The Circus Arts Conservatory, a performing arts educational organization. What started in 1949 as a high-school gymnastics class has grown into a spectacular training program for youngsters aged 8–18. In a fun atmosphere, students learn circus skills, but also the importance of discipline, self-confidence, and a commitment to achievement. The students’ annual performances are a major attraction in Southwest Florida.
>>Practical Information
>>Letting Off Steam
>>Eat and Drink
>>Kids' Corner
Kids’ Corner
Alligator adventures in Myakka River State Park…
Alligators are found in only two places in the world. One is Florida. What is the other?
How many teeth does an alligator have at any one time?
When an alligator’s teeth wear down, they grow back. How many teeth can an alligator go through in a lifetime?
The park has some of the state’s oldest and largest alligators. How big are the biggest?
>> Answers
Clowning around
For more than 80 years, circus families have been living in Sarasota, making this city one of America’s foremost circus and arts communities. Kids can learn a wide variety of skills at the Sailor Circus Academy, from trapeze and juggling to riding and clowning. If you were a student at the Academy, which circus skills would you most like to learn?
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Where to Stay on the Gulf Coast
A major draw for families, the Gulf Coast offers everything from campsites and budget motels to luxurious condos. Numerous all-suite properties afford extra space and even modest lodgings usually offer air-conditioning and swimming pools – welcome features in the warm climate.
Price Guide
The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and additional taxes.
$: Under $150; $$: $150–300; $$$: over $300
Agencies
Find Vacation Rentals
www.findvacationrentals.com/florida.html
This website provides condo listings throughout the state, including the Gulf Coast.
Florida Vacation Connection
3720 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, 34228; 877 702 9980; www.flvacationconnection.com
Use this reservation service for vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront resorts to condos, on Longboat Key and Lido Key, Sarasota’s choice beach locations.
< The Gulf Coast
Bradenton Beach
Hotel
Bridgewalk, a Landmark Resort
100 Bridge St, 34217; 941 779 2545; www.silverresorts.com
Bradenton’s historic Bridge Street is charming, and this well-appointed property is right across the road from the beach. The hotel has suites and apartments with kitchens, with shops and restaurants next door. The free Bradenton trolley takes guests to the town and other Gulf Coast beaches.
$$ • Lift • Swimming pool • Kitchen facilities
St. Pete Beach
Hotels
Plaza Beach Hotel
4506 Gulf Blvd, 33706; 800 257 8998; www.plazabeachresorts.com
For families who want to be on the beach, this small, low-key resort of just 39 suites is right on the sands. The good-size suites come with full kitchens. Besides the pool, kids will find mini-golf, shuffleboard, and other games here. Beach cabanas and beachside BBQ grills are free, as is the Wi-Fi service.
$–$$ • Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Kitchen facilities • Swimming pool • Beach
Don CeSar Hotel
3400 Gulf Blvd, 33706; 727 360 1881; www.loewshotels.com/en/Don-CeSar-Hotel
A luxury landmark since it opened in 1928, this cotton-candy pink palace by the sea is hard to miss. The building is well maintained and enjoys a beachfront location.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool • Beach
Don CeSar Hotel, a renowned beachfront luxury hotel
St. Petersburg
Resort
The Vinoy Renaissance
501 5th Ave NE, 33701; 727 894 1000; www.marriot
t.com
This beautifully restored historic hotel blends the grandeur of the past with modern conveniences, including a lavish pool, tennis, golf and spa, and a highly regarded restaurant. It overlooks Tampa Bay and makes a good base for visiting nearby sights.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool
Inns & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg
80 Beach Dr NE, 33701; 727 892 9900; www.stpetehamptonsuites.com
This property offers good-size rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, and DVD players. There is a laundry facility, as well as free Wi-Fi and hot breakfasts. Guests can check email at the business kiosk.
$$ • Wi-Fi • Swimming pool
Bed & Breakfast
Dickens House Bed and Breakfast
335 8th Ave Northeast, 33701; 727 822 8622; www.dickenshouse.com
Bed and breakfast fans, with kids aged 9 plus, will love this warm 1912 Craftsman-style home. It serves sumptuous breakfasts and is located two blocks from the waterfront parks. Amenities include refrigerators in rooms and a computer for guests.
$–$$ • Wi-Fi • Parking
Camping
Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, 33715; 727 552 1862; www.pinellascounty.org/park
This beautiful park, 12 miles (19 km) southwest of St. Petersburg, offers tent camping just steps from the beach and full-service RV hook-ups. There are fishing piers, hiking trails, and canoe, kayak, and bike rentals, as well as a fort to explore.
$ • Parking • Beach • Playground
Camping near the water at Fort De Soto Park
Sarasota
Hotels
Siesta Key Banyan Tree Resort and Vacation Rentals
378 Canal Rd, Siesta Key, 34242; 941 346 0651
Studio apartments and one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos are available by the week here. All units have full kitchens. The award-winning Siesta Key Beach and Siesta Key Village are within walking distance.
$–$$ • Family rooms • Kitchen facilities • Swimming pool
Lido Beach Resort
700 Ben Franklin Dr, 34236; 941 388 2161; www.lidobeachresort.com
This resort offers the choice of a tower with spacious condo suites or a low-rise hotel. Even basic hotel rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators. Check website for discounts.
$$–$$$ • Wi-Fi • Lift • Kitchen facilities • Swimming pool • Beach
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr, 34236; 941 309 2000; www.ritzcarlton.com
The most elegant accommodation in Sarasota welcomes kids with board games at the concierge desk, assorted games at the pool, and a children’s menu. Shuttles take guests to a private club on Lido Beach with counselor-supervised kids’ programs.
$$–$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool • Beach
Inn & Suites
La Quinta Inn & Suites
1803 N Tamiami Trail, 34234; 800 233 1234; www.lq.com
A well-kept motel within an easy drive of the Ringling Museum or the beach, La Quinta has rooms with mini-refrigerators and comfy beds. Free Internet access and Continental breakfast are offered.
$ • Wi-Fi • Parking • Swimming pool
Regency Inn and Suites
4200 N Tamiami Trail, 34234; 941 954 5775; www.regencyinnandsuitessarasota.com
This budget motel offers 14 rooms with refrigerators and microwaves, and 20 one-bedroom suites with full-size kitchens. Its location on the main highway is convenient for visiting the city’s best attractions.
$ • Wi-Fi • Kitchen facilities • Swimming pool
Holiday Inn Lido Beach
233 Ben Franklin Dr, 34236; 941 388 5555; www.holidayinn.com
This property boasts an unmatched location directly across the road from Lido Beach. Amenities include an indoor fitness center. The enclosed-rooftop dining room offers great views, and kids eat free.
$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Lift • Swimming pool
Camping
Myakka River State Park Cabins and Camping
13208 State Rd 72, 34241; 941 361 6511; www.floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River
Stay near the city but in the heart of unspoiled nature in these five rustic log cabins lodging up to six people. Amenities include linen and blankets, kitchen utensils, and microwaves.
$ • Family rooms • Kitchen facilities • Beach • Playground
Tampa
Hotels
Hampton Inn-International Airport/Westshore
4817 W Laurel St, 33607; 813 287 0778; www.hamptoninn.hilton.com
Among the hotels clustered near Tampa Airport, where expressway connections make it easy to reach downtown, the Hampton Inn is one of the best. The spacious rooms are equipped with refrigerators and microwaves. Free breakfast.
$ • Wi-Fi • Lift • Swimming pool
Wingate By Wyndham
3751 E Fowler Ave, 33612; 813 979 2828813 979 2828; www.wingatehotels.com
This hotel is a good base for visiting Busch Gardens, and offers a free daily shuttle to the park. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, and the full breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi are free. The outdoor pool and indoor hot tub are refreshing after a day out in the theme park.
$ • Wi-Fi • Parking • Swimming pool
Embassy Suites Tampa Airport/Westshore
555 N Westshore Blvd; 813 875 1555; www.embassysuites.com
This all-suite property stands out for families, as it provides a full living room with sofa bed and the privacy of a separate bedroom, plus two TVs. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves. The cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly cocktails are free.
$$ • Babysitting • Wi-Fi • Lift • Family rooms • Swimming pool
Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center
513 South Florida Ave, 33602; 813 769 8300; www.embassysuites.com
This excellent family choice has the added plus of a downtown location served by the TECO trolley, making it easy to get to The Florida Aquarium or the Glazer’s Children’s Museum.
$$ • Wi-Fi • Lift • Family rooms • Swimming pool
Westin Tampa Harbour Island
725 S Harbour Island Blvd, 33602; 813 229 5000; www.starwoodhotels.com
On a private island but just a footbridge away from downtown, the luxurious Westin has spacious rooms with oversize windows, many of which overlook Tampa Bay.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool
Westin Tampa Harbour Island, a luxury waterfront hotel in downtown Tampa
Camping
Hillsborough River State Park
15402 US 301 N, Thonotosassa, 33592; 800 326 3521; www.stateparks.com
This state park on the river 12 miles (19 km) north of Tampa has a 108-site campground for tents and RVs. Most sites have electricity and all have water. Fishing, hiking, and bike trails.
$ • Swimming pool • Beach • Playground
>>Hotels Map
< Exploring Florida
The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Florida’s southernmost tip offers an irresistible package for families interested in history, culture, watersports, and nature. Lying close to the Caribbean islands, the Keys also share some of the former’s characteristics. The Everglades are the culmination of the state’s wilds, and have a Native American heritage. In the Fort Myers-Naples area, the barrier islands boast some of the state’s best beaches, while Naples is famous for arts and golf.
Signboards at the entrance to Robbie’s Marina, Islamorada
Highlights
Sanibel Island
Collect shells at this famous island and enjoy its safe beaches, family resorts, and great museums (see Sanibel and Captiva Islands).
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Stimulate inventive young minds at the homes, gardens, and laboratories of two of America’s greatest geniuses (see Edison and Ford Winter Estates).
Eve
rglades National Park
