Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Historic Spanish Point, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – these renowned Sarasota attractions all have fascinating histories. What you may not know is that all of the histories have something special in common – a woman played a major role in their creation.
Historic Spanish Point in Osprey was once the winter estate of Bertha Palmer, a Chicago native and one of the Sarasota’s first “snowbirds.”
In 1910, the socialite, art patron and businesswoman designed elaborate gardens at her bayfront estate while preserving the prehistoric Indian burial mound on the property. Today, visitors can enjoy the gardens and nature trails as well as the well-preserved historic features.
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota were created when Marie Selby willed her home and five acres of landscaped grounds to be developed as a botanical garden for the public to enjoy.
Visitors to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – the official State Art Museum of Florida – can also enjoy the Ringling's mansion, the Cà d'Zan, as well as a circus museum and Mable Ringling's Rose Garden, which was completed in 1913.
Palmer, Selby and Ringling were instrumental in making Sarasota the destination it is today. Female leaders in all types of industries continue to carry on the tradition.
To visit:
Historic Spanish Point:
337 N Tamiami Trl.
Osprey, FL
(941) 966-5214
Selby Gardens:
811 S Palm Ave.
Sarasota, FL
(941) 366-5731
Ringling Museum:
5401 Bay Shore Rd.
Sarasota, FL
(941) 359-5700
