Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall has been at the center of the City of Sarasota’s dynamic performing arts scene for over 35 years. Built along the bayfront in 1968 and partly funded by a bequest from Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel, the hall brings a wide range of first-class performances and artists to the Sarasota community.

The hall opened its doors in 1970 with a performance of Fiddler on the Roof. Since then, a host of Broadway shows, world-class symphony orchestras, top national and international performers, and an array of dance troupes have performed to meet the theatrical needs of Sarasota’s residents and visitors.

The Van Wezel’s unique design and color have helped in making the building a Sarasota landmark. The seashell design was the brainchild of William Wesley Peters, an architect with Taliesin Associated Architects of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the lavender and purple color scheme was the idea of Wright’s widow, Olgivanna Lloyd Wright. The 1,736-seat hall also offers a spectacular dining opportunity at Michael’s at the Van Wezel, the delectable cuisine of Michael’s on the East in a fabulous dinner buffet.

There are still many great shows to catch in the 2009 season, including Kathy Griffin Live (appearing Aug. 14th), Camelot, Avenue Q, and the Moscow Ballet performing The Nutcracker, and the 2010 season has a wonderful calendar already booked.

The Van Wezel is located along Sarasota’s beautiful Bayfront and easily accessible from any of the Downtown Sarasota Condos or barrier islands.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key or Manasota Key. Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Golden Apple Dinner Theater “Always a Good Dinner, Always a Good Show”

Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, the Golden Apple Dinner Theater has been providing top-notch dining and entertainment to our area since 1971. It is the longest-running, continually operating, professional dinner theater in America. The horse-shoe shaped theater seats 281 guests and serves a delicious buffet dinner before presenting an entertaining production on its 704 square-foot stage.

In its 38 years of business, the Golden Apple has produced over 300 plays and musicals, including 5 original plays (one of which went to Broadway). The plays and musicals presented have been seen worldwide on stages in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Ontario, and Hong Kong - to name a few.

The buffet dinner is just as popular as the shows. With selections such as Carved Prime Rib, Roast Loin of Pork, chicken dishes, vegetarian dishes, a salad bar, and a selection of desserts along with a full service bar offering mixed drinks, beer, and wine, there is something to satisfy everyone’s delight.

The Golden Apple Dinner Theater is right over the Ringling Bridge from Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key in the heart of Historic Downtown Sarasota.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the Downtown Condos or any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Bird Key. Call 941.350.5035.
Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream

Sarasota’s Barrier Islands Escape to Paradise

Several barrier islands separate Sarasota’s mainland from the Gulf of Mexico. These islands are known as the “keys” and include the islands of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key.

Longboat Key and Lido Key are the northernmost barrier islands in Sarasota County. They are known for their pristine, private access beaches and world-class shopping and dining at St. Armand’s Circle which lies midway between the two keys.
Bird Key lies just east of Lido Key and is home to one of the most exclusive residential communities in the country.

Siesta Key is the most well-known of the Sarasota barrier islands. This 8-mile island is known worldwide for its white sandy beach-made of 99% pure quartz, it is always cool and soft to the touch. Siesta Key Beach has made the top ten of Dr. Beach’s “Best Beaches in America” list for three straight years, coming in second place in 2009. Siesta Key Village offers shopping and dining in a laid-back atmosphere.

Casey Key lies just south of Siesta, but has a very different feel. Casey Key is “Old Florida” at its best. A canopy of tropical trees and Australian pines cover the winding road that leads you to luxurious homes, quaint inns, and beautiful beaches.

Manasota Key is the southernmost barrier island and lies off the coast of Englewood. It is home to four wonderful beaches each offering much to do. Two thirds of Manasota Key is in Sarasota County and the South third is in Charlotte County. Manasota Beach boasts 14-acres of sandy dunes along the Gulf of Mexico and offers sheltered tables, barbecue pits, boardwalks, and bathhouse facilities. Blind Pass Beach has over 60 acres of nature trails and is great for fishing and swimming. Englewood Beach has a concession stand, picnic tables, and recreation areas and is located close to local restaurants and shops. Stump Pass Beach is a narrow strip of beach, great for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The north end of Manasota Key offers private homes on one-acre lots.

Nick Herron & Kathleen Herron of the Herron Group would be glad to show you any of the properties listed on Sarasota’s Barrier Island of Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key Call 941.350.5035.

Beach, Bay or Back Nine…Live the Dream