Sarasota exudes an air of relaxed sophistication. Long considered the cultural capital of Florida, the Ringling’s and other wealthy families made Sarasota their winter playground, imparting the legacy of the arts early on. The powder white sands of the keys attracted more visitors and they soon developed into rustic, laid-back beach communities.

Sarasota boasts world-class museums and arts venues. Sarasota is also rich in lush natural beauty. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, set on Sarasota’s sparkling bay, is an orchid research center with beautiful and bountiful grounds that showcase these and other exotic blooms. The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail, the state’s first ecotourism trail, winds through Sarasota County.