Leading Ladies of Sarasota
Overview
Actress and tour guide Kathryn Chesley specializes in donning period costumes and portraying Sarasota's most influential women -- Mable Ringling, Marie Selby, and Bertha Palmer -- and telling the story of the Sarasota and how each of these women and their unique contributions helped to make the city what it is today.
The past comes to life in an informative and entertaining way on this historical 90-minute city trolley tour led by costumed guide, Kathryn Chesley, as she plays the parts of Mable Ringling (wife of John Ringling), Marie Selby (wife of William Selby and Philanthropist), or Bertha Palmer (Rancher and Developer) on alternating tours.
Find out what Sarasota was like 100 years ago through the eyes of each of these impactful women during the time they lived here. See the historical places in Sarasota and learn about its key development.
Each week’s air-conditioned tour features a different leading lady founder and focuses on her unique contributions to Sarasota.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting Location
1826 4th Street
Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests must be 12+; no children under 12 allowed except on our family tours designed for children 3-11. No children under 3. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
- PLEASE NOTE: Video, audio and film recording of any performance by patrons is strictly prohibited.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Leading Ladies of Sarasota?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-120329P19
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Circus Secrets of Sarasota
Discover Circus City USA’s secret places and charming stories on this unforgettable tour! It is a tour of the circus history in Sarasota and provides...
$86
St Armands Shop, Sip & Stroll
Discover the charming allure of St. Armands Circle, once owned by circus magnate John Ringling, on this engaging afternoon tour. Delight in a unique blend...
$95
Lido Key Pedal Kayak Tour in Sarasota
Liquid Blue Outfitters offers guided pedal kayak tours in Sarasota, Florida, featuring easy-to-use pedal-drive kayaks that feel just like riding a bike. This hands-free design...
$74
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to...
$23
Discover Circus City USA’s secret places and charming stories on this unforgettable tour! It is a tour of the circus history in Sarasota and provides...
$86
Discover the charming allure of St. Armands Circle, once owned by circus magnate John Ringling, on this engaging afternoon tour. Delight in a unique blend...
$95
Liquid Blue Outfitters offers guided pedal kayak tours in Sarasota, Florida, featuring easy-to-use pedal-drive kayaks that feel just like riding a bike. This hands-free design...
$74
Our very unique, immersive adventures are the only ones of their kind. We, unlike other companies, provide your very own remote, interactive, live host to...
$23
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Sarasota Guided Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour
There is a reason that the Mangrove Tunnels of Lido Key are a must-do experience when visiting the Gulf Coast. We launch from Ted Sperling...
$59
City Sightseeing Trolley Tour of Sarasota
Sarasota's BEST City Sightseeing Tour, a wonderful way to learn where to eat, shop and visit, and about Sarasota's interesting past, whether you are a...
$86
Mangrove Tunnel & Manatee Kayak Eco-Tour
Paddle into one of Lido Key’s most unique eco-adventures: the mangrove tunnels. This guided kayak tour takes you through calm, winding waterways where mangrove branches...
$59
Our most popular Tour is the Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Night Tour in Sarasota Florida. We use 10,000 Lumens of LED Light to brighten...
$65
There is a reason that the Mangrove Tunnels of Lido Key are a must-do experience when visiting the Gulf Coast. We launch from Ted Sperling...
$59
Sarasota's BEST City Sightseeing Tour, a wonderful way to learn where to eat, shop and visit, and about Sarasota's interesting past, whether you are a...
$86
Paddle into one of Lido Key’s most unique eco-adventures: the mangrove tunnels. This guided kayak tour takes you through calm, winding waterways where mangrove branches...
$59
Our most popular Tour is the Clear Kayak LED Glass Bottom Night Tour in Sarasota Florida. We use 10,000 Lumens of LED Light to brighten...
$65
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Bottled water.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
The minimum age to participate is 12. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Leading Ladies of Sarasota is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Leading Ladies of Sarasota will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Guests must be 12+; no children under 12 allowed except on our family tours designed for children 3-11. No children under 3. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
- PLEASE NOTE: Video, audio and film recording of any performance by patrons is strictly prohibited.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
