![Lounging in front of the Ca D’Zan](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-179.jpg)
A Solo Trip to The Ringling Museum of Art & Gardens
I don’t often get over to Florida’s Gulf coast. But everytime I do, I wonder why I don’t visit more often.
I drove to Sarasota midweek before a weekend of birthday celebrations for a friend. I wanted a few days to myself to explore Sarasota’s main attractions and hidden gems. I found myself enchanted by the tropical flowers growing in front yards, the Mediterranean architecture that made me feel like I was in Spain, and the warmth of the coastal air as I zipped around on an e-bike.
Wend with me on a quick trip to this art-rich coastal city to explore it’s main attraction – The Ringling Museum of Art & Gardens. If you’re thinking of going solo – do it! It’s a great place to get lost in thoughts and stories of art and history. I love going to museums as a solo artist’s date. I found myself enjoying halls of artwork, while pausing to create myself when I spotted a photo I wanted to take.
The Ringling Museum
![Statue of David The Ringling](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-158.jpg)
![The RIngling grounds](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-159.jpg)
![Statue of David THe Ringling](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-167.jpg)
![Florentine gardens as the RIngling Museum](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-155.jpg)
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The famous Ringling museum (yes, that Ringling – of circus fame). I knew there was so much European art here and I‘m so inspired by Renaissance art, so I was eager to explore. It didn’t dissapoint, I could’ve ambled my way through here for most of the afternoon, but I had more of the property to explore. The grounds here are lovely and you feel like you’re wandering a private Italian villa.
![Peter Paul Rubens](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-161.jpg)
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The RIngling museum sits on a sizable estate with lovely grounds filled with tropical flora and fauna. Take time to explore the gardens, particularly Mabel Ringling’s Rose garden. I was there in summer, so not much was in bloom, but I do love a rose garden. I took some time to dance underneath the tall Banyan trees, which felt stately and elegant.
![](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-180.jpg)
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![Florentine gardens as the RIngling Museum](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-155.jpg)
The other attraction on the Ringling estate is Ca’ D’Zan. This was the private home of the Ringling’s, and it sits right on the water’s edge, much like a Venetian palace. Pay for a ticket to roam the interior and see the artwork that is the home’s architecture, interior design, and construction.
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![Ca D’Zaan windows](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-173.jpg)
![Ca D’Zaan](https://www.kelseyannglennon.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KG-171.jpg)
Give yourself all day, perhaps 2 days, to explore the beauty of the museum and grounds. I found every corner to be enchanting. Since I didn’t make a trip to Europe this year, this was a little jolt of European art and architecture that has inspired a future Italian getaway.
Have you visited The Ringling Museum of Art and Gardens? How did you enjoy it?