<p><<due to=“” a=“” school=“” trip=“” nyc=“” and=“” airfare=“” prices,=“” looks=“” like=“” i=“” will=“” visit=“” ringling=“” the=“” week=“” of=“” feb=“” 8th.=“” are=“” you=“” familiar=“” with=“” la=“” quinta=“” (hotel)=“” it=“” be=“” less=“” than=“” half=“” mile=“” from=“” school?=“” how=“” about=“” shuttle=“” airport,=“” any=“” info=“” there=“” -=“” or=“” what=“” is=“” cab=“” fare=“” sights=“” should=“” sure=“” see=“” walking=“” distance=“” public=“” transportation.=“” thought=“” renting=“” car=“” but=“” not=“” do=“” so,=“” this=“” way=“” more=“” similar=“” my=“” life=“” as=“” student=“” without=“” save=“” cash.=“” always,=“” thanks.=“”>></due></p>
<p>Hi, sorry I dropped out of sight for awhile! Lucky you to be getting out of the NE in early Feb! I am so done with all the snow we’ve been getting, with 2 more storms predicted this coming week! </p>
<p>I haven’t stayed at the La Quinta in Sarasota but I know my daughter’s roommate’s parents have more than once, so I would guess it is fine. Haven’t heard of the Southland Inn, but like someone else said, tripadvisor.com is my go-to site for reviews! I usually stay at the Hyatt Place or the Springhill Suites by the airport since I rent a car. I think I would choose the La Quinta over the Southland, just thinking of the general area. Cab fare from the airport to the campus is about $10; there is a Diplomat taxi stand right inside the airport by the door to ground transportation, on the same level as baggage claim. Sometimes they charge $12, so verify before you commit. There are other taxi drivers right outside that door, so you can shop the price! It is usually pretty inexpensive to rent a car at the airport, so you might still want to consider that.</p>
<p>How long will you be in Sarasota? Are you travelling alone? If you are staying a few days maybe Admissions can set you up with a student admissions ambassador for longer than just a tour. If there is some way that I can put you in touch with my daughter without posting private e-mail and phone #s here on the board, let me know. She, like most of the kids, is always working, but maybe you can meet for a meal or snack and she can show you around. It would be great if you could sit in on some classes, too! </p>
<p>Definitely visit all the galleries on campus, visit the awesome facilities and talk, tallk, talk to people! I think you will meet a lot of friendly people there, I know that was our experience every time. As far as what to see, we always visited not just the tourist spots but also just everyday places. If you have a car drive south on 41 and take the Ringling Causeway over the bridge to St. Armand’s Circle…so pretty with upscale shops and everything from pizza and ice cream to pricey restaurants. The views are gorgeous! You will see the performing arts center on the way; Ringling often offers students free tickets to events there (most recently, a ballet, George Will (political analyst), and various performances either free or drastically reduced prices). Downtown Sarasota, around Main St., is also a very hip area, very fun. We are still exploring; the Ringling Museum is just breathtaking and is somewhere you will need to visit for your Art History classes (free for ringling students). You will see the Museum as you leave the airport and head south on 41. There are several very active artist colonies in the area, as well as art associations that always have something going on or asking for work to exhibit, lots of community service projects available, and a “made by Ringling” students, faculty, alumni store in downtown. You will wish you had time for all of this when you’re a student!</p>
<p>I am behind in posting so will move on to comment above!</p>