There is good reason why the Gulf Coast of Florida is often referred to as Florida's cultural capital. We really do have it all. From galleries and theaters, to a renowned opera, symphony and ballet and a world-class performing arts center, you can fill your afternoons and evenings with performances that will leave you wanting more. Here are just a few you won't want to miss:

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 953-3366. With its famous seashell shape and purple color, the Van Wezel presents a full season of theater, music, dance, children's programs, Broadway productions and more.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota, 359-5700. The state art museum of Florida, the Ringling Museum houses an extensive Baroque collection, modern collection and visiting exhibitions. Also be sure to visit Ca'd'Zan, John and Mable Ringling's home and the Circus Museum.

Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 351-8000 or 351-9010. This $15 million center is home to the professional Asolo Theatre Company, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory of Professional Actor Training and the Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The main stage schedule of plays runs from November to June.

Sarasota Opera Association
61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 366-8450 or 953-7030. Four professional opera productions ranging from Mozart to Verdi to Puccini are offered in February and March of each year at the historic Sarasota Opera House.

Florida West Coast Music Inc
709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 953-4252. Under this musical umbrella are the following groups: the Florida West Coast Symphony, the Florida String Quartet, New Artists Piano Quartet, Florida Wind Quintet and Florida Brass Quintet and several Youth Orchestras.

Festivals
Sarasota plays host to several world-class charity festivals throughout the year, including the Sarasota Film Festival in January and the Florida Winefest and Auction in April.