34. Because of the state's explosive development, the Florida scrub jay is now one of the most threatened species on the continent. You can see these friendly, light-blue natives at Oscar Scherer State Park. (They often approach and even perch on visitors.) Pack binoculars and a picnic lunch and enjoy canoeing or hiking more than 15 miles of trails through the rapidly vanishing ecosystem that used to cover most of Sarasota County. 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. (941) 483-5956.

35. Look down on it all from a parasailing flight with Fun and Sun Parasail on Anna Maria Island or any number of parasailors on the local keys. You'll launch from a motorboat before flying as high as 500 feet. The air up there is wonderfully calm-no wind, no noise, and the best view in town. Fly solo or go tandem, the better to spot dolphins, sharks and some impressive island real estate. And don't sweat the return trip: Coming down is as slow and easy as going up. 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach. (941) 795-1000.

36. Float among the walking trees on a kayak mangrove tour, the coastal equivalent of a nature hike, from Island Style Wind & Watersports. Weave and paddle through the roots and tunnels of the mangrove forests just off south Lido Key. These natural treasures house everything from fiddler crabs to bald eagles, and knowledgeable guides can help you identify every gill, gull and heron. 2433 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 954-1009.

37. In Sarasota the saying goes, "If it's Baroque, don't miss it." Peter Paul Rubens is all the rage at the Ringling Museum. Visit all 21 galleries, and be sure to linger in No. 13 with Rubens' The Departure of Lot and His Family from Sodom. The Flemish master used apprentices for some of his work, but this vibrant painting is all Peter Paul. 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota. (941) 359-5700.

38. Roll up your sleeves and shake hands with a stingray at Mote Aquarium's Ray Touch Pool, where the velvety creatures swim within easy petting range (and all residents have had their stinging barbs removed). Once you've felt a live ray glide under your fingertips, get your hands on starfish, horseshoe crabs and more at Mote's Contact Cove. You can also visit the shark habitat, which is not quite so touchy-feely. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 388-4441.

39. Nothing says Florida like sun and seafood, and no one knows how to turn a simple fishing trip into a daylong sun-stained reel-and-relax excursion quite like Floridians. Charter boats leave daily from downtown's Marina Jack; in addition to fetching dinner fish like grouper and Key West grunts, you can reel in the beautiful views of the bay, keys and Gulf the way they were meant to be enjoyed-from the water. 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota. (941) 955-9488.

40. The sunset over Phillippi Creek is a beautiful sight; add Boris the singing gondolier and his decorated handmade gondola, and it's a sublime experience. This eccentric yet utterly romantic little ride loops through a quiet canal as Boris, a former Russian Olympic rower, serenades in Italian (he'll also sing traditional Ukrainian songs if you ask). Bring a bottle of wine and drift away. By reservation only. (941) 954-1051.

41. Go behind the scenes on the Cà d'Zan Private Places Tour, which takes small groups through the third and fourth floors of John and Mable Ringling's 1920s mansion. Hear the stories behind their homey guest bedrooms and occasionally bizarre Venetian extravagance (the painted ceilings of the game room have reduced many a visitor to laughter). Top it off with a 360-degree view from the tower, John's private spot for showing Longboat Key to prospective land buyers. 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota. (941) 359-5700.

42. Start the day off right with breakfast on Siesta Key Beach. Sure, sunsets get all the attention, but mornings on Siesta are simply heaven: wide-open sugar sand, calm waters, and peace and quiet. Wake up with an early-morning swim before fixing scrambled eggs and bacon (on the beach's charcoal grills or your own camp stove), to be enjoyed with a cold glass of Florida O.J. in the shade of the Australian pines. 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. (941) 346-3207.