Bob’s
Top Must-See
Circus Sites in
Sarasota
No trip to Sarasota is complete
without hitting the popular locations
on Bob’s Top Ten List.
1. St. Martha’s Catholic Church, better known as
“the Church that the Circus Built,” an annual benefi t
performance by circus performers throughout the
late1930s helped fi nance the construction of the church.
Many circus performers still attend, and a special circus
mass is held each January. 200 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.
2. The Ringling Museum Complex
3. Home of Charles and Edith Ringling
(now New College campus)**
4. Circus Performers Home (including legendary homes of
the “Little People” and also Mademoiselle Toto)
Right off of Bee Ridge Road there was a group of small
houses where little people that worked for the circus
lived. Between Midland, Bee Ridge and Worcester
Roads stands a neighborhood with smaller homes,
small doors, windows, everything on a smaller scale.
It was rumored that some of the Munchkins from “The
Wizard of Oz” live in the neighborhood. **
5. Ringing Isles Real Estate Development by John Ringling/
Circus Ring of Fame St. Armands Circle**
6. Sarasota Opera House (site of the world premiere of
The Greatest Show on Earth fi lm).
7. Circus Arts Conservatory/Sailor Circus Academy
8. Development by Charles Ringling Main Street
Downtown Sarasota
9. The JOMAR, John Ringling’s private railroad car, still
exists and is a highlight of the tour. **
10. The Ringling College of Art and Design campus.
For more information about Bob’s Discover Sarasota Tours. Book tickets
online at discoversarasotatours.com.
Tours leave from The Trolley Cottage, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota.
**Denotes fan favorites
/discoversarasotatours.com
