On my most recent vacation in March 2018, I went to Sarasota, Florida with my boyfriend, Nick to visit my grandparents whom live there half of the year to avoid the Canadian winters. It was our first time visiting Florida and my boyfriend’s first time on an airplane! We had an incredible trip visiting my grandparents, exploring the tourist spots, shopping and eating at new places. The most notable stops on our adventure were the beach on Anna Maria Island (it had such beautiful white sand and great weather), the Ringling Circus Museum and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
We tried many popular restaurants that we don’t have in Canada such as Olive Garden, Sonic and IHOP. I will tell you that I have never had to eat ice cream so quickly as when I had a cone in the Florida heat; it was melting all over my hands!
We enjoyed spending time on the beach at Anna Maria Island, swimming, taking in the gorgeous sunshine and checking out the outdoor flea market. There were many souvenir shops, local restaurants and musicians busking on Anna Maria Island; we had fun walking around to experience everything.
To prepare for the next day’s tour of the Ringling Circus Museum, we watched the movie “The Greatest Showman” which is loosely based on the real life Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey traveling circus company billed as The Greatest Show on Earth. It was spectacular getting a glimpse inside the world of Circus. We got to see many original props, trailers and costumes that were used in the travelling Circus show. At the same location as the Ringling Museum is the “Ca’ d’Zan.” It is a waterfront mansion owned by one of America’s most wealthy couples, the Ringlings. We were able to go for a tour throughout the home to see the many rooms, incredible furnishings and original paintings. We even spotted a few dolphins in the water when we were on the back patio.
Our final adventure involved a drive to Tampa to explore The Florida Aquarium. We spent the day walking through the many exhibits, seeing and learning about many different animals. They had so much to take in and do there, it truly had something for anyone. Other than the exhibits, the Aquarium had a restaurant to eat lunch, a splash pad for kids, a small theater that showed documentaries and a touch and feel exhibit where you could pet stingrays and underwater plants.
Nick and I had wonderful trip to Sarasota, Florida and would go visit again in a heartbeat. We recommend it as a travel destination for people of all ages, just don’t forget your sunscreen! Have you been to Florida? What did you do there? I’d love to hear your experiences.
Algonquin College Social Media Certificate Program 