Taste the other side of Florida

You’ll be very pleasantly surprised in Sarasota.

Known as the cultural capital of Florida, Sarasota offers theatres, classical music, opera and a number of highly-regarded art galleries not quite what you expect from Florida!

Sarasota County is a beautiful subtropical destination located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, 50 miles south of Tampa (served by BA from Gatwick).

It has a great year-round climate with, on average, 249 days of sunshine and highs of 33C in the summer.

I just loved my few days out there. It’s so laid-back and relaxing, and the people are super-friendly in that lovely Southern way.

There were two highlights to this trip one was my visit to The Ringling, the centre of Sarasota’s art scene and circus heritage, and the other was a dinner at what has to be one of the best restaurants in the USA, Michael’s on East.

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John and Mable Ringling brought the circus to Sarasota in 1927 and created a legacy that continues to this day, as well as amassing billions of dollars for themselves in the process.

Forget Billy Smart’s Circus, these guys were in a different league. You can visit their amazing estate which houses their astonishing personal collection of Baroque masters such as Reubens.

Their home is the Ca d’Zan, a stunning 1920s Venetian Gothic mansion, and there is also the world’s most impressive Circus Museum. If you’re interested in circus life this really will be a visit like no other.

There used to be a clown college in Sarasota that trained professional clowns, and former circus performers in Sarasota are members of Showfolks, a club for active and retired performers.

There’s even a house in Sarasota with lower door knobs and windows that accommodated the circus “little people” when they lived here during the winter months.

In 1925, John Ringling was named one of the richest men in the world, however the Stock Market crash of 1929 almost bankrupted him. Thankfully his extensive and expensive art collection kept him solvent.

He invested heavily in civic improvements for his adopted city of Sarasota, building hotels and island causeways, and generally subsidising the Arts.

When John died at the age of 70 he left his home, museum and art collection to the state of Florida. Check it out on ringling.org.

As for the delights of Michael’s on East, Sarasota’s only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant, well the restaurant dates back to 1987.

In a 1940s supper club atmosphere they produce the most delicious fare, with stunning seafood, amazing steaks, all other manner of fish and meat, and a healthy number of veggie options.

I loved Phil’s Chicken Spaetzle crusted chicken breast with lemon caper butter, spaetzle (egg noodles), red cabbage and apple a massive portion (I took the remainder back for lunch the next day!) and just $27.

Everything from the warm homemade bread to the delicious cheeses and mouth-watering desserts makes this a place you simply have to go to if you are in the area.

Nice touches like unlimited bottles of still or sparkling water for $2 per person, and a great wine pairing service puts this place into the “splurge but affordable” bracket.

They have regular Epicurean Adventure menus which are even better value. Last month’s was Mexican and you could have three courses for $34.95 with an added $10 for wine pairing.

Add into this mix Michael’s wine cellar with more than 1,000 estate-bottled wines (at least 200 wines under $20 to buy and take away), and the tinkling of the ivories in the restaurant by experienced pianist, Joe Micals, and you have a winning formula.

The waiting staff, especially Joe, the maitre d’, are superb. It’s not a well-kept secret though, so book well ahead! It’s at 1212 SE Ave, Sarasota. Phone 941-366-0007, or look up bestfood.com.

What else to do in this beautiful area?

Check out Mote Marine where you explore the secrets of the sea through touch pools, viewable working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory.

See sharks, manatees and sea turtles, along with more than 100 other species of marine life. Check out mote.org.

You simply have to get to Siesta Key Beach which was awarded the Best Beach in the US title in 2011. Famous for its icing-sugar white sand made of 99% quartz, it’s truly breath-taking.

If you’re looking for a magnificent Spa with great treatments check into the Ritz Carlton Spa.

Really luxurious, with excellent therapists and massages from £70. See ritzcarlton.com/Sarasota.

For a comfortable base, Lido Beach Resort is hard to beat. With great views from their beachfront, the resort offers 222 guestrooms and suites, has two swimming pools and some great bars and restaurants.

Costs vary from $139 to $500, depending on room type and time of year.

For upmarket shopping get to St Armand’s Circle, a complex of more than 100 specialty shops with plenty gifts and crafts to take home. For lower prices and a larger choice, head for the Sarasota Square Mall at 8201 South Tamiani Trail.

Like all of Florida there’s no getting around unless you have a car. Walking just isn’t an option, so be prepared to drive pretty much everywhere. Good deals for wheels can be had from floridacarhire.com.

For more information, go to visitsarasota.org. British Airways flies to Tampa from Gatwick. Fares start from £534 return including taxes and charges. Book at ba.com or call 0844 4930787.