Sunday, March 21, 2010

Inspiration Avenue: My Town

Ringling House, Sarasota, FL - Nikon D40 with 55mm lens

My town is Sarasota, Florida. There are a thousand reasons why I love this town so much. One of them is the proximity to art and history. Above is the John and Mabel Ringling house, built in the 1920s. It is gorgeous and well-preserved and was a gift to the city of Sarasota from the Ringling estate. I try to go at least once a year just to soak up all that history. I love that my town makes preserving this beautiful old mansion a priority.

What do you love about your town?

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I LOVE Sarasota, my brother used to live in St. Pete's and we always made it a priority to hop over Sarasota- such a charming town and the image you chose was a perfect representation!

Luthien Thye said...

that ... is a GORGEOUS building! so well preserved and still so charismatic with it's vintage aura ... what a beautiful capture!

artangel said...

This is lovely - I love old buildings. Your town looks very pituresque Chris! And warm - a million miles from rainy Manchester lol!

Sandy said...

Oh wow this is gorgeous.
A wonderful look to your town.

Chris said...

Stephanie - I was born in St. Pete! We moved down here when I was a kid.

luthien - thank you, sweetie! It's amazing how well-kept that old mansion is.

angie - Ha! This morning I woke up to rain and cold. This has been the coldest, rainiest winter in 30 years. I can't wait for spring, whenever it gets here!

Sandy - thank you!

Charlie said...

Oh wow lovely mansion! I love old buildings and architecture too. It's wonderful that towns are trying to preserve their past. I love touring peoples homes from the past. This place sounds like its right up my alley. Would love to visit it one day.
Thanks for playing.

Maggie said...

Wow, I had no idea that was a private residence at one time! I thought it was a public building of some sort ~ it's so huge! I love old buildings, and one as special as this would be amazing to visit someday!

Chris said...

Charlie - The Ringling mansion is also part of the Ringling Art Museum, so for the price of one ticket you get to see the entire museum (which is stunning) and the house.

Maggie - John Ringling (of the of the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus) was one of the wealthiest Sarasota residents in the 20's. The house is preserved with the original furniture and windows, which is kind of amazing because the house sits on Sarasota Bay, so it's survived all the hurricanes that have come through here. There's even a gymnasium upstairs. That was back in the 20's! Amazing.

pat said...

wow, when i came on & saw your photo... i knew i'd seen it before! my sister in law lives in northport & i visit every few years. i must have been here! yes sarasota is gorgeous & i can see why you love it there!

Priti Lisa said...

A very European, old worldy building...and the palm trees! I love those guys!
Hugs