Singers at Historic Spanish Point
Family gatherings, home-baked cookies, chilly nights and warm memories… the holidays are upon us, and so are some of our favorite traditions. At Sarasota County's museums and historic sites, they go back centuries. Try spicing up the season by reliving Florida's pioneer days or celebrating Christmas in grand Victorian style.
Historic Spanish Point
Step back in time at "Heritage Holidays at Historic Spanish Point – Victorian Traditions on Little Sarasota Bay," an annual celebration.
History dramas throughout the season by the Historic Spanish Point Performers will bring the past to life for visitors of all ages. The stories of holidays during Florida's pioneer era take place at the Webb citrus-packing house and Mary's Chapel; afterwards, meet "Mrs. Potter Palmer," founder of the estate, and "her guests" in the formal Sunken Garden. The grounds will be beautifully decorated, and guides give enlightening tours of the 30-acre archaeological and historic site.
Traditional holiday decorations with a Victorian theme will beautify the Visitors Center, White Cottage, Mary's Chapel and the pioneer Guptill House through the season.
Current admission prices are: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and Florida residents and $3 for kids ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted for free. Discount coupons are often available on the website.
Visit www.historicspanishpoint.org for more information.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Visitors and locals alike can enjoy panthers, hummingbirds and other creatures peeping through the nighttime foliage at Sarasota Jungle Gardens. The annual Holiday Lights and Jungle Nights features lighting displays scattered throughout the botanical and zoological gardens in Sarasota. Holiday Cocktail Nights in the open gardens are held on select nights throughout the event. Kids can enjoy a sneak peek at Santa every night until Christmas Day.
For more information, visit www.sarasotajunglegardens.com.
Powel Crosley Museum
Imagine seeing a Christmas tree decorated in living hibiscus blooms, railroad memorabilia – even red hats! A mélange of colorfully adorned trees grace the rooms and porch of the historic Crosley mansion during the Festival of Trees.
The bay front, Mediterranean mansion and museum honors Powel Crosley, an industrialist, inventor and visionary who is responsible for many innovations, including the fax machine, 35mm camera and the first compact economy car, to name just a few. Every year, members of the Crosley Automobile Club drive from all over the country in their antique Crosley cars to showcase them for the weekend (this year, Dec. 2 and 3) during the festival. There is also a history room with video presentation and historians on site to answer questions, a rarely seen antique railroad display and a holiday boutique.
For more information, visit http://www.crosleymuseum.com/pages/holidayphoto.html.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
This botanical attraction is already a Sarasota gem, with its exotic plants and lush foliage, but in December it truly sparkles with the addition of rainforest-themed lights at Selby Lights in Bloom. Among the sights and activities are a living bromeliad tree and a Secret Garden for the children. Tour the Selby mansion, which is transformed into a true holiday house with all the trimmings. The Rainforest and Banyan Treasures stores will host holiday gifts. Refreshments are also available.
Call 941-366-5731 or visit www.selby.org for more information.
