Summary of Florida's Cultural Coast

Sarasota, which is the main city of Florida's Cultural Coast, has been recognized as the cultural center of the state of Florida since the early 1920s. Artists of many disciplines, writers, performers, musicians, and architects have been attracted to the community in great numbers. Sarasota is the home of Florida West Coast Symphony, founded by Ruth Cotton Butler in 1949, and its famous Sarasota Music Festival which draws students, musicians, professors, and lovers of chamber music from around the world for a three-week event of international importance; Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, The Players, and numerous other musical, dance, artistic, and theatrical venues. In its early days, as the winter headquarters for Ringling's Circus, it was best known as a circus town with many circus people living in the area. For many years Sarasota has been a popular retirement and vacation destination.

Recreational Interests

Florida's Cultural Coast golfing offers something for players of all levels and tastes. Fine public facilities and upscale semi-private golf communities join posh private clubs in making the Cultural Coast area a dream golf getaway. This sophisticated seaside community has a thriving cultural district and a wealth of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, golf, shell collecting, and tennis, just to name a few.

Unique Qualities

The arts were brought to this area early on by wealthy families like the Ringlings, who made Sarasota their winter playground. What was once considered a haven for the wealthy, is now a paradise for musicians and artists. The Cultural Coast offers breathtaking sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico, year round tropical foilage and is known for it's beautiful white sandy beaches.

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Venice, Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton

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