Circus and Opulance

Ca'd'Zan

part of world's largest miniature circus

 The Turk and I headed over to beautiful Sarasota this weekend to visit dear friends Jess and Ken. for our weekend activity, Jess and I opted for a cultural experience - a visit to the Ringling House and museums. Ken and the Turk headed for the dog track!  You'll see the more interesting pictures were from the girls.

John Ringling and 4 of his brothers created Ringling Brothers Circus. John helped grow the business to cross the country every year in a train of close to 100 cars. A self contained city, complete with a zoo of hundreds of animals. After buying Barnum and Bailey circus in 1907, he became quite wealthy and expanded his business ventures, even becoming a board member of Madison Square Gardens.  Then he got into Florida real estate and discovered Sarasota.  That is where he and his wife, Mabel ended up building their dream home Ca'd'Zan in 1925 which is based on Venice's Doge Palace. Venice was their favorite city and the source of much of their culture inspiration.

 

a couple of the 100 train cars used for the circus

 

Venetian architecture

Picking my room

dances of nations ceiling panel in the ball room

After the circus museum, we headed to Ca'd'Zan. It is right on the water looking out to Long Boat Key. A beautiful view - amidst beautiful grounds. The rose garden was in full spring bloom and you could smell a mix of rose scents along every step.

We then got to explore the art museum based on the extensive Ringling collection.  He even bought 2 rooms from the Astor mansion in NYC when the mansion was being torn down.

all marble bathroom!

one of the images on the playroom ceiling

ceiling of great room

Jess in the TOWER

Guys recover from tough day

What about the guys?   They went to the dog track and the Turk learned that the greyhounds chase a fake rabbit, not a live one.  After our busy day, we arrived home to find the guys....recovering!