A glamorous week in January including film screenings, premieres, and parties for both fans and creators of documentary, foreign, domestic, and student films. There is a children's film festival and premiere events throughout the year.

Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix Call 941-371-2827.

Join approximately 50,000-100,000 racing fans and more than 500 spectator boats to watch 45 of the fastest boats in an exciting exhibition of offshore racing on a 13-mile race course in the Gulf of Mexico.

Taste the delicious food from Sarasota's most popular restaurants and enjoy the live entertainment, attractions, kid's games, crafts, ice carving and much more.

Arts Day Call 941-365-5118.

Sarasota Arts Council, the Tourist Development Council, and 50 arts organizations celebrate Sarasota's visual and performing arts with dance and theatrical performances, music, and art exhibitions.

Thousands of Sarasota music fans gather for the Sarasota Blues Fest at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. This annual November event has included Delbert McClinton, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jimmie Vaughn, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Dr. John, Junior Wells, and more great blues musicians

Sarasota Music Festival Call 941-953-4252

This annual event held in March showcases soloist, recitalist and principal musicians from America's leading orchestras and talented students. This 3-week series features some of the best in chamber music concerts.

Mote Marine Science Aquarium Call 941-388-4441.

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.

Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary Call (941) 388-4444.

A home to care for permanently disabled birds and 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.

Stroll and shop while you enjoy all of the events on the Circle including the Jag Fest, St. Armands Art Festival, Classic Mercedes Car Show, Ferrari's on St. Armands, Sip 'n Shop, Fourth Fridays, and Holidays on St. Armands.

Siesta Key Chamber Events Call 888-837-3969.

Celebrate the sand at Sand Fest at Siesta Key Beach.

Enter the Annual Sand Sculpting Contest.

Other festivities include:

• Island Fest and Boat Show,
• Siesta Key Craft Show,
• The grand Siesta Key 4th of July Fireworks Exhibit.

Sarasota Water Taxi Call 941-359-2837.

Linking Sarasota's finest waterfront dining, shopping, hotels, parks and attractions dock to dock with sightseeing and sunset cruises.

Flying Fish Fleet Call 941-366-3373.

Offers three large vessels for fun trips and deep-sea fishing with 4, 6, or 8-hour trips in the Gulf of Mexico. Located at Marina Jack, Highway 41 Downtown.

Le Barge Tropical Cruises Call 941-366-6116.

Have a ball on this floating tropical island with live entertainment, dancing, and fabulous sunsets over the Gulf. Don't miss their Dolphin Watch cruise where you will see hundreds of bottlenosed dolphins that live in Sarasota Bay. Located at Marina Jack Plaza on Highway 41 Downtown.

Para-Sail and Jet-Ski Rides Call 941-921-2754

Soar over Siesta Key Beach with a seven-mile riding area in a colorful para-sail. Dry take offs and landings are launched from the boat deck. Located at 1504 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota.

CB's Saltwater Outfitters Call 941-349-4400.

Rent a bike, a boat, a rod and reel, or book a fishing trip. Have fun and see Sarasota from a different angle. Located on Siesta Key just over the south bridge

Sarasota Bay Explorers Call 941-388-4200.

See dolphins, manatees, osprey and other wildlife on an eco-tour boat. Cruise the Sarasota waterways on a guided kayak adventure and enjoy relaxing on a secluded beach.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Call 941-366-5731

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.

Myakka River State Park Call 800-326-3521.

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. Campsights reservations are available.

Ringling Circus Museum Call 941-359-5744.

A large collection depicting the history of the circus including beautifully carved parade wagons, elaborate costumes, and circus memorabilia.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Call 941-354-1660.

Affilliated with Florida State University, it is the state art museum and includes 66 acres with 21 galleries of American and European art. The Museum contains over 10,000 pieces of art and the library has a reference collection of more than 60,000 volumes covering all art periods.

Ca' d' Zaan Call 941-359-5700.

Translating to "House of John," Ca' d' Zaan is a restored 32-room 1920's era Venetian Gothic Mansion with a rose garden and lavish lawns overlooking Sarasota Bay. John and Mable Ringling's home was designed to feature architectural elements from her favorite Venetian hotels.

Historic Spanish Point Call 941-966-5214.

Explore Florida's past with archaeology exhibits, pioneer homestead, formal gardens and lawns created by Mrs. Potter Palmer for her winter estate on 30 acres on Little Sarasota Bay.

South Florida Museum Call 941-746-4131.

Discover Florida's prehistoric past with full-sized casts of Ice Age mammals that lived in Southwest Florida over 12,000 years ago, realistic dioramas, and archaeological collections that explain how Florida was formed. Exhibits include over 15,000 diverse and unique objects that are rotated throughout the year.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum Call 941-355-6228.

Surrounded by 100 cars representing 100 years, the museum has a 4,000 square foot garden atrium for dining and dancing at night. Have fun in the Antique Game Arcade and gift shop.

Over 140 specialty stores, includes major department stores, a food court and two movie theatres.

More than 145 shops and boutiques located in a tropical paradise between Bird Key and Lido Key. Elegant restaurants, lush landscaping, statues, courtyards, patios, and contemporary design offer European-style shopping and gourmet dining.

Walk down this historic street while shopping for fine art, antiques, jewelry and fashions

Mall has a very large number of Outlet stores. About 20 miles north of Sarasota.

Sarasota Public Library Call 941-861-1180

G. Wiz (The Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone) - Call 941-365-6404.

G.WIZ strives to make science relevant, technology understandable, and learning an interactive adventure for people of all ages.

Copyright KL 2001, All Rights Reserved.