Traveling alone, not lonely.

Wordless Wednesday: Backstage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, Fla.

Last month I had the honor of hearing Harvard Economist Professor Roland Fryer speak at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (NOT pronounced like “van weasel”) in Sarasota. His presentation on economics and race was fascinating and what made the evening more interesting was was watching him speak as I sat backstage of the Van Wezel.

Harvard Economist Professor Roland Fryer Speaking at the Van Wezel, Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 31, 2012

While everyone can’t watch a performance from the backstage, you can take a backstage tour of the Van Wezel. Tours are offered the first Tuesday of the month, October through May for $5 per person. Call 941-953-3368 for additional information or to book your tickets.

Enjoy these snapshots from the Van Wezel’s backstage.

One of Three Dolls I Spotted Chilling Around the Van Wezel's Backstage, Sarasota, Fla.

No, It Wasn't Creepy at All Seeing These Dolls. Not at All.

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

Steamed blue crabs during Blue Crab University at Peace River Seafood, Punta Gorda, Fla., Aug. 17, 2026.

Learning to Crack Crabs during Peace River Seafood’s Blue Crab University

At Peace River Seafood & Botanicals in Punta Gorda, Blue Crab University turns a Monday night into a hands-on lesson in Southwest Florida crabbing culture. From crab biology and local history to blue crab cornbread and all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, the inaugural class delivers a uniquely Old Florida experience. I left with my Masters in Crabology.

Savor Sarasota Celebrates 20th Year, June 1 - 20, 2025. Pictured, samples of Cochinita Pibil from Kolucan

Culinary Travel Featured Florida Fun

Savoring Sarasota with a New Perspective: Planning for Restaurant Week While on a GLP-1

Savor Sarasota returns for its 20th season, June 1 – 20, 2025. Although I’m taking a GLP-1 for type 2 diabetes, I’m planning my culinary adventure. More than 50 Sarasota area restaurants are offering delicious and creative prix-fixe menus. New this year is the Savor Sarasota Flavor Trail.

That's me, Solo Travel Girl, swimming in Weeki Wachee Springs. Photo: Tammy Middleton/Studios Middleton

Adventure Featured Florida Fun

Weeki Wachee Springs: My Ultimate Mermaid Camp Experience

Weeki Wachee Springs offers the Sirens of the Deep Mermaid Camps several times a year. I grabbed a spot, put on a tail, and learned mermaiding is hard work!