Presenting

Museum District Nearby Attractions 40 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE The Ringling Museum of Art Home to one of the largest collections of Baroque art, the Ringling's art collection contains more than 10,000 paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs, and decorative arts from ancient through contemporary periods. ringling.org Indigenous Sustainable, simple, and well-sourced cuisine shines at this restaurant under the culinary direction of a James Beard semifinalist nominee. indigenoussarasota.com The Mall at University Town Center With more than 100 luxury brand stores carrying a range of fashion, electronics and jewelry, the Mall at University Town Center is a top destination among locals and visitors. UTC also features the best in fine and casual dining with several eateries to enjoy an alfresco dinner or quick bite. mallatutc.com e Museum District was founded by some of Sarasota's earliest selers, with many of their descendants still living there. A mid the towering oaks and lush foliage, an array of stately, meticulously landscaped residences with impressive details blend with newer modern residences into the historic tapestr y of the neighborhood, with prices ranging from $300,000 to well over $5 million. e creative and quiet neighborhood draws a harmonious blend of homeowners, from students to young professionals to retirees. Each property, expressing a unique raison d 'être, artistically blends a respect for the past with the area's brilliant future. Waterfront properties continue to be rare opportunities for a privileged few, offering spectacular views. e neighborhood is home to many of the area's world-class arts and cultural destinations, including the Ca d 'Zan estate, the Asolo Repertor y eatre, the R ingling Museum of A rt and the Sarasota Ballet. Four of the area's top universities and colleges also call the Museum District home, aracting an eclectic and vibrant community of students, artists, writers, and professionals. Public parks along the Bay add to the quaint charm of the historic area mak ing it a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely bike ride or picnic lunch. For outdoor enthusiasts, several public and private golf and tennis clubs offer programs for all ages, while Marina Jack is the perfect escape for boat lovers to spend a leisurely day on the water. Access to the sugar y sands of Lido and Longboat Keys and spectacular nightly sunsets are just a few minutes away, while shoppers can indulge in an array of high-end boutiques and shops surrounding St. A rmands Circle. With its close prox imity to both Sarasota and Bradenton, the Museum District is just minutes away from downtown Sarasota's main corridor, presenting a European flair for visitors. A collection of fine dining and open-air cafes surrounding art galleries and a thriving entertainment district presents options to enjoy the arts at the Van Wezel, Florida Studio eatre, Sarasota Opera and the Burns Court Cinemas. e week ly Farmer's Market on Main Street adds to the appeal of the area, aracting crowds year-round. Pride of ownership and histor y combined with arts and cultural, shopping and dining destinations continue the tradition of living well in the Museum District. Contributing Writers K laus Lang and Nora Johnson M ichael Sau nders & Compa ny K laus 941. 320.1223 Nora 941. 809.170 0 The creative and quiet neighborhood draws a harmonious blend of homeowners.

• Cover