Fav 5 Most Inspiring

In the interest of getting back to the point, Gropius is initiating a Sarasota/ Bradentucky Fav 5 series with the top 5 inspiring places in our area. Keep in mind that these are today’s musings; who knows how the list could change on another day. Let's begin with 5 and work our way up to the most inspiring:

5. The Florida West Coast Symphony—um, I mean the Sarasota Orchestra (new name, same place). I will confess that I’ve only been twice (thank you very much, Skunk Ape and Coaching Goddess), but it was so inspiring that I’m contemplating the MasterWorks series. Melt into the music and think of swallows flying low over the Celery Fields.

4. Burns Court Cinemas. Did you know that we have some majorly inspiring flicks come our way—independent films that don’t hit the regular box office? You can check them out and support the Sarasota Film Society while you’re doing it.

3. The Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau. No really, this place is inspiring, and who says you can't be a tourist in your own town? It’s pretty cool to walk in and see the millions of brochures of the totally amazing museums, performances, tours, services, natural areas, etc. that you can see, do and take advantage of in our little corner of the Universe. It makes me proud to live here.

2. Sarasota Bay Front—especially during the months when we have the giant sculptures and art on display. Whether you care for an obnoxiously huge rendition of a sailor’s kiss, a monstrous molar tooth, an empty picture frame, or the variety of other bizarre interpretations, it's a super place to walk and think about life.

....And the number 1 most inspiring place is…

1. Any Sarasota or Manatee County Park. I guess it’s cheating to speak in such generalities, but I couldn’t possibly choose—Carlton Reserve, Robinson Preserve, Red Bug Slough, Pinecraft Park…there are so many. They’re all pretty cheap too—free as a matter of fact. Although I was going to put my house as #1, since it is, for me a place of recharge (ok, some of the time it is), these awesome natural beauties definitely win on the list of most inspiring. Put them on your to do list. Bring your sweetheart or a friend or a kid.

Did I miss any here? Of course, there’s plenty of fodder. Fill me in.