Sarasota to Bridgeport train

A culturally-rich alternative to the nearby theme parks of Orlando, Sarasota's Gulf Coast location is hard to resist. It became the winter base for many well-to-do families in the early twentieth century, during which time much of the town developed a subtle Italian feel.

Not only is the climate similar to what you might experience in southern Italy, but many of Sarasota's buildings were constructed to resemble the country's renaissance masterworks too. A good example is the Ringling family's Ca' d'Zan Venetian-style mansion.

The Ringlings made their money from circuses before giving their name to the much-celebrated John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. It contains 21 galleries of European paintings, archaeological artifacts, and American art totaling 10,000 objects.

With weather so fine, you'll probably be looking with more than half an eye at Sarasota's numerous excellent resorts and beaches, many of which lie on a group of keys within the city limits. Bonus: our research ranked Sarasota as the #3 cheapest Spring Break destination, so you can soak up the sun on the cheap.

Arriving in Sarasota is equally easy thanks to its Cattleman Transfer Centre and Fruitville Road bus stations. Between them, travelers can connect by bus everywhere from Tampa to Tucson. Amtrak also operates a Thruway bus service from the defunct Sarasota rail station to Tampa for onward connections by train on the Silver Service. This service runs between Miami and New York City via Washington, D.C.

While it has fallen on hard times after WW2, Bridgeport has seen many new development projects that have breathed an air of life to the city, making it an attractive destination for many young travelers. The city’s prime attraction is the Klein Memorial Auditorium, which features amazing art-deco architecture and a lavish marble lobby. The auditorium is being used as a theater, so check out their calendar when you’re in town. Nature lovers should consider giving Beardsley Zoo a visit, as it holds a wide variety of ecosystems, including a rainforest building. It is also a good picnic spot if you simply want to lounge around. For those who enjoy learning more about the city and its people, head over to the Barnum Museum.

For those who just can’t have enough steaks, Joseph’s Steakhouse is the place to be. If you wish to try an authentically American culinary experience, Walrus + Carpenter is a famous local spot.

The city’s main bus station is the Greyhound Bus Terminal located at 710 Water St in Downtown Bridgeport. The main Amtrak train station is also located on Water St, just a block south from the bus station. Bridgeport is served by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Vermonter lines. The city’s main airport is the Sikorsky Memorial Airport, which is three miles southeast of downtown.