Things To Do
While You're Here
Sarasota is noted for its beautiful public beaches, theater, art and music. Average temperatures in March are a pleasant high of 77F/25C and a low of 57F/14C. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, next door to New College, offers tours arranged for conference participants. A few further local attractions are listed below; guidebooks and online resources will quickly supplement this list.
Interested in a night out?
March is the height of "the season" in Sarasota, which is known for its restaurants, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreation amenities, many of them nationally renowned:
Bringing your kids?
If you are visiting with young children, the Ringling Museum next door has a great playground (pictured above), and does not charge admission for access to the grounds. We also recommend the classic Jungle Gardens and Smuggler's Cove Mini-Golf (both right in the neighborhood of the College). In the marina downtown, Island Park (in aerial photo at top of page) has a playground and family-friendly tiki bar.
If you need childcare while you are here, please contact one of the committee chairs; the on-campus preschool employs many New College students and we can usually hook you up with a great babysitter.
Looking for outdoor fun?
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Historic Spanish Point
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
If you're into kayaking or paddleboarding, we particularly recommend the mangrove tunnels of South Lido Key—several local companies offer equipment and/or guided tours out of Ted Sperling Park.
Love baseball?
Major League Baseball's Spring Training season usually coincides with the conference: The Pittsburgh Pirates (Bradenton) and Baltimore Orioles (Sarasota) are local, while the Devil Rays, Yankees, and Red Sox are all within an hour's drive.