Sarasota to Rhinebeck 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.

With its stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, Rhinebeck is a charming and historical town in the northwestern area of the Hudson Valley. Despite being only 2 hours by car from one of the world's busiest cities, Rhinebeck remains a peaceful, quaint town filled with much to explore.

The best way to discover the town is simply by walking through its beautiful streets. Take a walk along Market Street and Montgomery Street for many independent shops and local food fares, as well as hushed bookstores and charming cafes.

Rhinebeck offers many hiking and bike trails, so adventurous travelers should consider bringing a bike along. With several National Parks around the area featuring some of the most stunning mountain views, Rhinebeck offers the perfect place to explore the outdoors. Rhinebeck is also home to the famous Dutchess County Fair. Although the fair is only held annually (usually in August), the fairgrounds are open year-round, exhibiting many events and shows.

Travel to Rhinebeck is straightforward due to its proximity to New York City. Rhinebeck is near several major airports, including Albany International and New York's airports. You can take an Amtrak train or a Trailways NY bus to get to Rhinebeck itself.