Is Florida’s Cultural Coast the ultimate dopamine hit? Stick with me on this one! It was only when I was slowly strolling through the butterfly garden in The Bay, Sarasota, a stunning purpose-built nature reserve, that it struck me.
I should be fraught with hangover blues, pre flight nerves and the anxiety of an impending ‘To Do’ list. But there was none of that. I felt supremely calm in Sarasota, and that is when it hit me. Maybe, the true art to a Wellbeing holiday is more holistic than we thought.
Music alone is known to raise dopamine levels by 50% and combined with the visual arts on display in Sarasota I can only imagine the impact when combined with the endless white beaches and stunning Florida sunshine.
Sarasota is a relatively small town in comparison to its big hitting theatre productions. The Arts here amounts to $342million in the local economy, which is astounding when you think of its size. Yet it makes more sense when you look and the list of wealthy patrons. The ‘snowbirds’, (wealthy out of towners with second homes in Florida), who love the arts, flock here to be entertained by an ever-rolling stream of theatre shows, galleries and of course their world-famous ballet.
Theatre life in Sarasota
If musicals and plays are your thing there are two main theatres, the modern Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall who houses touring productions such Hamilton and the Lion King, and the Asolo Repertory Theatre which brings all the drama of the West End to the sunshine state.
The Sarasota Ballet
The jewel in the crown has to be The Sarasota Ballet. Directed by Ian Webb formerly of The Royal Ballet, the standard is world class. The triple bill performance Conflicted Beauty blew me away, it was utterly mesmerising. The performance has been so popular that they may be appearing at The Royal Ballet in Covent Garden next year so watch this space.
Statue of John Ringling and The Circus Museum
Throughout this sophisticated, charming town, the name Ringling, rings loud and clear. John Ringling, once the richest man in America after making is fortune through pioneering a travelling circus, left all his assets including his fantastical home to the state.
The Ca’ d’Zan (his home), is now a well protected museum and is a must visit for anyone who loves eccentric history and flamboyant interiors. I was engrossed by this story and The Circus Museum was literally mind blowing.
Art and cafe culture
All of this art and culture is set against the stunning backdrop of exotic nature and a dopamine inducing colour pallet of palms, pinks and blues. Of course, the town offers all of the usual amenities of a normal beach resort but with this incredible side of culture.
If you want your holiday to enrich, calm and delight you whilst securing that tan – this could be the ultimate wellbeing destination for you.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com. Video courtesy of Visit Sarasota County
