Discover Sarasota this September during the 2011 30 Days of Discovery event, a monthlong promotion offering 2-for-1 admission to participating attractions throughout Sarasota County.

Whether you're a visitor discovering Sarasota for the first time or a returning visitor or local looking to rediscover some of the county's most exciting attractions, you're eligible for the promotion. Simply print the coupon from www.30daysofdiscovery.com and present it when you arrive at the attraction.

Returning participants are G.WIZ - The Hands-On Science Museum (1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, 941-309-4949, www.gwiz.org), Historic Spanish Point (337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, 941-966-5214, www.historicspanishpoint.org),  Mote Aquarium (1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, 941-388-4441, www.mote.org),  The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, 941-359-5700, www.ringling.org) and the South Florida Museum (201 10th St. West, Bradenton, Florida, 941-746-4131, www.southfloridamuseum.org).

About the Attractions

G.WIZ - The Hands-On Science Museum is fun for the whole family. G.WIZ strives to be "the gateway for lifelong adventures in science." The interactive, hands-on center features science, technology, engineering and math displays and activities to educate youth and ignite the imagination. You'll find a critter habitat and the region's only Fab Lab, an exciting "fabrication laboratory" first developed at MIT.

Historic Spanish Point provides a fascinating look at 5,000 years of Florida's cultural history, from archaeological exhibits like prehistoric Indian mounds to areas to reflect on the pioneer homestead life. Outdoor trails and boardwalks offer glimpses into natural habitats. Situated across 30 acres on Little Sarasota Bay, Spanish Point is accredited by the American Association of Museums and was the first site in Sarasota County named to the National Register of Historic Places. 

Mote Aquarium allows visitors to explore the depths of the sea, from shark, dolphin, manatee and marine life exhibits to viewable working laboratories and displays showing off the world-renowned research of the Mote Marine Laboratory. Exhibits include Fossil Creek, Seahorse Conservation Lab, Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors and Narrated Training Sessions with Sharks.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a crown jewel of Sarasota, a museum with spacious grounds and gardens. It is the lasting legacy of John Ringling of the Ringling circus and his wife, Mable. In addition to the art museum, the estate features the Ca' d'Zan mansion, the winter home of the Ringlings, the Historic Asolo Theater, an 18th-century playhouse, and the Circus Museum, which houses the world's largest miniature circus.

The South Florida Museum is the largest natural and cultural history museum along the Gulf Coast of Florida, featuring galleries highlighting archaeology and paleontology. There is also a planetarium and aquarium, which is home to Snooty, the world's oldest manatee in captivity. The museum's galleries highlight fascinating pieces of Florida's history, from prehistoric times to modern day.

Hours and Admission

G.WIZ - The Hands-On Science Museum: Hours - Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Admission-Adults (16+) $10, Seniors, Students, Military $9, Children 3-16 $7, Children under 3 free, G.WIZ Members free, $1 off for Florida Residents.

Historic Spanish Point: Hours - Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays 12-5 p.m. Admission: Adults $10, Seniors and Sarasota County Residents $9, Children age 5-12 $5,  Members and children under 5 free.

Mote Aquarium: Hours - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission - Adults (over 12) $17, Seniors (over 65) $16, Youth (4-12) $12, Children under 4 free, Mote members free.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art: Hours - 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. Admission - Adults $25, Seniors $20, Active U.S. Military $10, Students and Florida teachers w/ID $10, Children 6-17 $10, Children under 6 free, Ringling members free.

South Florida Museum: Hours - Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 12-5 p.m. Admission - Adults $15.95, Seniors (65+) $13.95, Children 4-12 $11.95, Children under 4 free.

For more information, visit www.30daysofdiscovery.com. Remember to print your coupon. It pays to discover Sarasota!