Playing Tourist

Ours days are not spent entirely on all things boat related.  We do venture out occasionally!  The Dali Museum  is in St. Petersburg, about 25 miles north of our marina in Palmetto, and houses a large permanent collection of Salvador Dali’s works in a most unusual geodesic structure.  In addition, they are currently hosting a travelling exhibit called Picasso/Dali, Dali/Picasso. The works of these two legends, on loan from museums around the world, are presented side by side demonstrating not only the artists' relationship with the times, but also each other. The exhibit moves to the Museu Picasso in Barcelona in March.

 

In front of the Dali Museum

In Sarasota, about 15 miles to our south, is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.  The 66 acre complex includes not just the art museum, but also Ca’ d’Zan, their “Venetian Gothic palace” which served as their winter residence on Sarasota Bay, the Circus Museum including fun memorabilia of the travelling circus era including their rail cars, calliope and animal cages and the Tibbals Learning Center which houses an incredibly detailed and intricate miniature circus covering 4000 square feet. 

Grounds of the Ringling complex, strangling figs and Ca' d'Zan in background

Palmetto is home to the Manatee County Fair.  We had to see what it was all about!  The animal and farm portion was pretty minimal: 5 chickens, 10-12 rabbits, a few goats and cows and a small petting zoo.  But the pig races were stellar with an announcer who really knew how to work the audience.  The amusement area was huge and full of rides and games appropriate for all ages.  

Can you see the 4 Formula 2 Powerboats on the race course?

Today was the Bradenton Area Riverwalk Regatta.  My head is still ringing from the Formula 2 Powerboat races, the Jefferson Starship performance and a spectacular and noisy fireworks show.  There were many other activities during the day: kids' fishing contest, a 5 K run, K-9 frisbee shows, "XPOGO" demos, Hydro Cross jet ski demos and stunts and  more.  Of course, food and drink of all varieties were everywhere.  My choice:  shrimp hushpuppies!  And of course, ice cream before we walked home over the bridge in time to watch the fireworks from the back of our boat.  

Fireworks with Bredenton in the background