Wednesday was our last full day in Florida and we made the best of it! In full disclosure, I must admit that we were all a little "vacationed out" at this point and were actually missing our own beds, showers, etc. When Great Grandpa and Daddy planned a trip to the Ringling Circus Museum, I wasn't totally enthused. Well I can now eat a big piece of you-underestimated-the-awesomeness pie because this place rocked!
Do you know that I don't like circuses? Well, I don't. I don't like the way animals are transported around and then made to perform and yadda yadda yadda. However, I surprised myself as I found this family fascinating right away. Since you probably won't remember an ounce of this, I want to give you a little background: This area was once owned by Mr. John Ringling and his wife, Mable. John was one of the five original circus kings and he became quite wealthy thanks to his success with the circus. Mr. and Mrs. Ringling purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota and decided to build a home there. The mansion was completed in 1926 for a then staggering sum of $1.5 million. This home has a Gothic flare to it but it's inspired by Venetian architecture. It boasts over 50 rooms and the details in each room were magnificent!
The back patio was inviting and hard to leave!
Even the front gardens were spectacular!
Daddy took a liking to these banyan trees and we were all intrigued by their appearance.
We heard about a miniature circus display so we walked a little further...
and *some* of our party got a ride to where we were going!
Their learning center had the coolest replica of a Ringling Bro. Circus on display! It took over 50 years for model builder Howard Tibbals to complete the eight main tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 performers, 800 animals, and 57-car train!
Jax, you were in charge of the map and you lead us well!
Our plan was to drive to Longboat Key for dinner and then go to Siesta Key for one last walk through the sand. Well, the skies opened up mid-dinner to tell us how sad they were that we were leaving soon ; )
After the storm settled, we walked the dock and then searched for shells before deciding that Siesta Key was not an option.
We returned to the house where we just chatted with great grandpa and then enjoyed one final performance from you nudists.
We were on the road by 8 o'clock the next morning so that we could drive back to Orlando for our flight home. It was the best vacation ever and I'm so grateful to grandpa for his hospitality. Now that I know about this little gem, I know we'll be back sooner than later!
We also loved that museum! I am not a big circus fan, but really enjoyed the house.
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