A
nne’s visit is coming to an end. Luckily the weather has warmed enough (60s) to enjoy outdoor activities. We started our day with a walk on Lido Beach, enjoying the late morning sunshine, the soft sand beneath our feet, and easy conversation as we walked the shoreline. I love the beaches in Sarasota and wonder why I don’t visit them as often as I would like.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” ~ John Burroughs
The beach was mostly empty, except for the sun-burned snowbirds and a group of fully-clothed Amish. Only a few intrepid children braved the 62°F waters. Seagulls and terns also enjoyed the sunshine. The birds did not seem to mind being in mixed company. Of course, curious Ann wanted to know what species they were, but I could not identify them.
At the Old Salty Dog, we continued to take in the sunshine and the view while we ate fresh fish for lunch. We topped off the meal with Chocolate Explosion, a rich dessert made of fudge, caramel, pecans and chocolate mousse. Out on the deck, guest sat with their dogs, and I was reminded of the pubs in England that cater to the canine pet owners.
Following the meal, we went to the Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy, one of Sarasota’s little known gems. The parking lot gardens are filled with gaily painted sculptures. There are animal statues made from horseshoes and flowers made from painted beer bottles.
All this fun stuff fit perfectly in the afternoon’s frivolity. We were carefree and enjoying ourselves, the sunshine, and the museum. The front of the pink building is decorated with a mismatch of flags, lights, flamingos, flowers—even a cement snowman.
As we entered, I saw Art, an ultra-realistic sculpture created by Marc Sijan. At first glimpse, I thought he was a security guard, which was most likely the desired effect. I saw the docent smile at me as I took a second look. I’m sure I wasn’t the first to be fooled by this creation. The docent told us that museum founder and curator, Marietta Lee, was a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design. She created the museum to display women’s artwork, humorous art, and works of living artists.
The indoor collection includes bright, light-hearted paintings, sculpture and stained glass. One room has a light show on the ceiling. Every nook and cranny has something to catch the eye.
The outdoor gardens feature a spinning ballerina, a stainless steel rocket ship, and a bathysphere. Gaily painted chairs and benches invite you to sit under the canopied oak grove . Cascading water adds to the garden’s tranquility. Everywhere there is something to see.
We spent several hours appreciating the art, the gardens, and the creativity. The docent returned to ask us our opinion of the museum and to tell us that it was expanding to include a room for featuring local artists, an art storage area, and more gardens. I am glad so many Sarasotans enjoyed this light side of the arts and donated for its maintenance and expansion.
Leaving the museum, we headed downtown to Bay Island Park. As usual this time of year, finding a place to park took time. The park is an excellent place for recreational fishing, scenic viewing, and people watching. We enjoyed seeing the pelicans swoop down to catch a meal—they are such clumsy but effective divers. We marveled at the amount of boats moored there, and what it would be like to live on a house boat. We sat on a bench, soaking in the late afternoon rays, looking at the Ringling Bridge, and having quiet conversation. Today was a good day. Visiting Sarasota can be a lot of fun.
