Summer 2008: Sarasota and Her Islands Encourages Travelers to Explore Arts and Culture

Destination Announces Special Deals, Activities and Events for the Season

SARASOTA, Fla. (May 7, 2008) - Sarasota and Her Islands, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida and known for her sugar-white sand beaches,  in conjunction with the Sarasota County Arts Council, announces its schedule of arts and cultural events, local attraction offerings, and concurrent hotel and resort package deals for the 2008 summer season.

The Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau (SCVB) has put a spin on the typical summer vacation.  In addition to relaxing on the beach or splashing through the surf, the SCVB is encouraging travelers to explore some of Sarasota's enriching arts and cultural attractions.  Whether it's music, theater and dance, or science, museums and the visual arts, children and adults alike will find enjoyment along this stretch of the Gulf Coast.  Currently, travelers who order a Sarasota Visitors' Guide from www.sarasotafl.org will also receive a Sarasota Arts and Culture Summer Guide.                         

Attractions

Sarasota's collection of cultural attractions will be offering exciting activities for all ages during the summer of 2008.  The Fuzion Dance Artists, Sarasota's first contemporary dance company, offers workshops of various styles throughout the summer; www.fuziondance.com.  The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art displays Ringling Retro, an exhibit featuring important pieces of Modern and Contemporary art, from May 10-Setpember 7, 2008; www.ringling.org.

The Gloria Musicae presents a joyous salute to America with choruses and solos from an all-American classical and Broadway program, July 4, 2008; www.gloriamusicae.com.  Art Center Sarasota holds its Fifth Annual Photography Exhibition, entitled Humanity in Black and White, an Open Juried Art Show, entitled MLK Boulevard, and a Special Curated One-Woman Show, featuring Elizabeth Stevens, from May 20-July 26, 2008; www.artsarasota.org. 

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium hosts Service Industry Summer at Mote, inviting employees of Southwest Florida hotels, restaurants and bars to visit Mote this summer at a special $5 admission rate; www.mote.org.  The Asolo Reperatory Theatre presents Working, a musical by Stephen Schwartz, May 16-June 8, and Menopause the Musical^TM, June 13-July 13, by Jeanie Linders; www.asolo.org.    

Accommodations

Sarasota's hotels and resorts are offering special package deals and discounts for travelers who visit for a summer of art and culture.  The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is offering a three day/two night package that includes accommodations in a one or two bedroom suite, a welcome gift from Tastebuds Gourmet Market & Wine Shop, daily breakfast for each adult, and a $100 dining credit for use in any of the three Colony restaurants.  The package starts at $57/per person/per day; reservations can be made by calling 941-383-6464, ext. 2187, or at www.colonybeachresort.com/arts.          

The Captiva Beach Resort is featuring a four day/three night package that includes lodging in a suite with two queen beds and full kitchen, bottle of wine upon arrival, breakfast for two at Word of Mouth Restaurant & Bakery, dinner for two at one of four premier restaurants, one in-room breakfast delivery basket, and two one-hour in-room massages.  The package starts at $128.33/per person/per night; reservations can be made by calling 800-349-4131, or at www.captivabeachresort.com.

Casa del Mar is offering eight nights for the price of seven, and 14 nights for the price of 12, during the summer season; reservations can be made by calling 941-383-5549, or at www.casadelmar.net.  A Beach Retreat is featuring buy three nights, get the fourth night free, or 20% off a shorter stay, during the summer.  Reservations can be made by calling 866-232-2480, or at www.abeachretreat.com.   

ResortQuest is featuring its Photos in the Sand package, which includes a sunset session with a professional photographer on one of Sarasota's beautiful Gulf coast beaches.  Session includes two 8x10 and 5x7 photos and a CD of all your proofs, plus a $50 gift card to a local supermarket.  Travelers can mention PKG 8PS at the time of booking.  Reservations can be made by calling 866-501-7521, or at www.resortquestSWFL.com.  

Sarasota and her string of eight islands are located along Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast between Tampa and Ft. Myers.  Sarasota and Her Islands is comprised of Sarasota, Longboat Key, Lido Key, St. Armands Key, Manasota Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, Englewood, Nokomis, North Port, Osprey and Venice. In addition to sandy beaches, Sarasota and Her Islands also offer numerous cultural and ecological attractions.  For more information on saving and discovering in Sarasota, call the Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 522-9799 or visit [Back to Press Releases Main]