photo provided

At Mote Aquarium, visitors get up close with manatees, dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and sea turtles. Edgar is an albino loggerhead sea turtle, 17 years old.

photo provided

photo by Warren Lieb

photo by Warren Lieb

photo by Warren Lieb

photo by Warren Lieb

Architecturally gleaming, culturally chic, Sarasota exudes joie de vivre. Nature lovers stroll sugar white beaches, artists paint the cerulean sea and sky. History and art are alive and well at world-class museums, theatres, and galleries.

But beware: the ivory moon hovering over a turquoise Gulf of Mexico may capture your heart.

Our Sarasota tour begins at Mote Aquarium, a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the science of the sea. The largest shark research center in the world, Mote Marine Laboratory's 150 staff scientists investigate lives of sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays, uncovering mysteries about our oceans.

Devoted volunteers happily answer all your marine questions. What is the lifespan of sea turtles? (Over fifty years, depending on the species). What's the difference between dolphins and porpoises? (Dolphins have a long beak and conical teeth; porpoises have a blunt beak and spade shaped teeth.) What is the closet land relative to a manatee? (Surprise: Elephants).

Mote's Dolphin and Whale Hospital, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, provide state of the art care for stranded and sick aquatic animals. The Aquarium offers family programs, sleepovers, and summer camps for kids eager to learn about marine creatures.

After our fascinating morning at Mote Aquarium, we relax onboard "Key Breeze, "a forty-one foot sailboat owned by U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain Tim Solomon, and his wife, First Mate Jan Solomon. Captain Tim is also an ordained minister, so you can tie the knot or renew your vows while sailing past the city's sleek skyline of mirrored high rises. Jan shares her favorite areas of Sarasota. "I hope you'll spend time on Siesta Key," she says. "The white sand is gorgeous, cool on your feet, and awarded America's #2 Best Beach by Dr. Beach, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, director or Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research."

Jan and Tim are a lively couple, madly in love with Sarasota. Jan's currently writing her memoir, "Sailing Home," about a girl who grew up in America's most famous circus town.

Plan a full day to explore The John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art. The 66- acre estate is the legacy of circus entrepreneur, art collector, and financier John Ringling (1866-1936), and his wife Mabel, (1875-1929). Visitors will enjoy the Museum of Art, and Ca' d'Zan mansion, John and Mabel's Venetian style winter residence. Classic and contemporary productions are staged at the 18th century Historic Asolo Theater, and the Circus Museum's collection of circus memorabilia is stunning.

At the Museum of Art, we strolled among masterpieces like "The Triumph of Divine Love" by Peter Paul Rubens, as well as paintings by Van Dyck, Titian, Velazquez, and El Greco. Clearly, their European travels kindled the Ringling's passion for art.

Entrepreneurs John Ringling and his brothers created and produced the Greatest Show on Earth The legendary circus entertained crowds with Emmett Kelly the clown, animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, and the famous flying Wallendas.

The Circus Museum displays beautiful parade wagons, art prints, props, and costumes. Our favorite exhibit is the replica of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Eight tents showcase miniatures: 152 wagons, 1300 circus performers, 800+ animals, and a 57-car train, all created by master model builder and philanthropist, Howard Tibbals.

Sarasota's sensational culinary scene is a highlight of any visit. We loved these restaurants:

Caraguilos is a bustling downtown eatery, serving wonderful Italian-American dishes like Fra Diavolo-shrimp, clams, mussels and whitefish in spicy tomato sauce over homemade linguini.

Warren inhaled The Godfather, a hearty Italian sandwich stuffed with ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone.

Libby's is a friendly neighborhood bistro where Sarasota's beautiful people dine on wild mushroom torte, and tuna sashimi salad with avocado, cashews, and miso dressing. We also loved the braised short ribs in creamy horseradish sauce and blueberry panacotta for dessert.

At the elegant Lido Beach Grille, we feasted on fresh mozzarella tomato caprese salad and macadamia nut grouper, while admiring sensational Gulf views. We were guests at this lovely resort on Lido Beach, so we dressed up and rode the elevator to the 8th floor. Toasting champagne as the sunset blazed fiery scarlet was the perfect end for our perfect Sarasota vacation.

Story c2010

Sharon Spence Lieb

Photos c2010

Warren Lieb