While the temperature is dropping rapidly over most of the country, those in sunny Florida are enjoying mild weather with cool evenings and warm afternoons. While the natives don’t consider this to be good beach weather, some of the tourists do. It’s not uncommon for residents of the Sarasota, Florida, area to see people from the north bobbing in the Gulf of Mexico surf in December. (The locals are staying dry and enjoying things like the Siesta Key Drum Circle, which takes place at sunset on Sunday nights.) If you are planning to visit the palm trees, white sand and sunny skies of Sarasota to get away from Old Man Winter, here are some additional things you could do, as well:
- Catch a show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Located right on the Sarasota Bay, the Van Wezel is a local landmark. Performances geared toward various populations, including toddlers, retirees and everyone in between, include plays, Broadway shows, comedians, and a wide variety of musical productions. Some highlights of December include performances by the Kings of Swing, Broadway musicals, Catch Me if You Can and West Side Story, and The Nutcracker by the Sarasota Ballet.
- Browse the masterpieces at the Ringling Museum of Art. Located in the art district as well as steps from the campus of New College, the Ringling is located on a picturesque estate on the Sarasota Bay. The grounds are beautiful, and the perfect place to relax and have a picnic while inhaling the fragrance of Mabel Ringling’s rose garden. While you’re on the grounds, check out the Circus Museum, which is offered for a separate admission. On Mondays, admission to the Museum of Art and the grounds is free.
- Enjoy upscale shopping and dining on St. Armand’s Circle. St. Armand’s Key, one of Sarasota’s barrier islands, features a high-quality shopping district called St. Armand’s Circle. This is world famous attracts residents, snowbirds and tourists alike. Dine on sushi, stop by an Irish pub or savor traditional Cuban cuisine. Buy spices, teas, offbeat clothing and much more at the myriad of little boutiques. End your day with a stop for ice cream or coffee.
- Learn something new at one of the educational facilities in the area. Stop by G.Wiz, an interactive science museum, located right next door to the Van Wezel. A day at the Mote Aquarium will immerse you in the life of those creatures dwelling under the sea, and will also give you a glimpse of what goes on in the Mote Laboratory. Visit Jungle Gardens to get a up close and personal look at animals like parrots and Florida crocodiles, and don’t forget to feed the flamingoes!
Sarasota is a wonderful place to spend a week or two during the coldest days of the year. While the area occasionally experiences frost in the morning, most of the time, the temperatures in the winter are balmy, in the low- to mid-70s during the day and colder at night. Pack a pair of sandals and you might be able to wear them comfortably in the winter; no wonder so many people consider it Paradise!
