Liz Arme

NATURE AND SCIENCE

Mote Marine Science Aquarium - Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, it includes a 135,000 gallon outdoor tank for sharks and other marine species. Touch stingrays, learn about sea turtles, see the interactive multimedia, "Shark Attack," and take Eco boat tours. Call 941-388-4441.
Website: http://www.mote.org

Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary - A home to care for permanently disabled birds and a rehabilitation center for 55 different species of Florida birds and other   wildlife. They are rehabilitated and returned to the wild. There is an educational tour of Sarasota Bay. Call (941) 388-4444.
Website: http://www.pelicanman.org

Sarasota Jungle Gardens - With acres of beautiful gardens and nature trails, this is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Showcasing exotic plants and animals from around the world, Jungle Gardens features daily bird and reptile shows and a petting zoo. Call 941-355-5305 or visit at 3701 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota.
Website: http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Explore the world's most spectacular display of rare orchids and bromeliads in this 8.5 acre tropical oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. See a living collection of more than 20,000 colorful plants collected mostly in the wild on more than 150 scientific expeditions to tropical rainforests. Call 941-366-5731 or visit at 811 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota.
Website: http://www.selby.org

Myakka River State Park - A 28,000 acre park with wildlife and nature tours by canoe, boat, air boat, train, or along the treetops in a walkway that reaches as high as 74' high. For campsight reservations call 800-326-3521.
Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakkariver/default.asp

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Asolo Theater Company - A professional theater company that performs at the Asolo and in the 500-seat Mertz Theater. Office 800-361-8388.
Website: http://www.asolo.org

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall -  A purple, seashell-shaped building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This unique performing arts hall presents Broadway musicals, national and international performers, world renowned symphony orchestras and classical, modern and ethnic dance. Some of the entertainers have included Luciano Pavarotti, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Dylan, The Boston Pops, The Chicago Symphony, Willie Nelson, and The Temptations.Call 941-953-3368.  Website: http://www.vanwezel.org

Player's Theater - A 70-year-old community theater featuring musical theater, concerts, and other programs. Call 941-365-2494.
Website: http://www.theplayers.org

Sarasota Opera House - Over 40 years of grand performances of Strauss, Verdi, Bizet, and many others. Call 941-366-8450.
Website: http://www.sarasotaopera.org

Sarasota Public Library - Call 941-861-1180
Website: http://suncat.co.sarasota.fl.us

G. Wiz (The Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone) - G.WIZ strives to make science relevant, technology understandable, and learning an interactive adventure for people of all ages. Call 941-365-6404.
Website: http://www.gwiz.org