In Sarasota and Her Islands, September 2008 will be known as "30 Days of Discovery," a month-long promotion that gives Florida residents "buy-one-get-one-free" admission to area museums.

The eight participating museums range from gardens and a wildlife sanctuary to science centers and a historic art museum. You can choose to spend an afternoon at one or make a weekend out of it and explore several or all of them.

The museums:

• Crowley Museum and Nature Center, a wildlife sanctuary and education center
• G. WIZ, The Hands-on Science Museum, an interactive science center
• Historic Spanish Point, a complex containing a pioneer homestead, heritage exhibitions and gardens
• John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, a compound featuring a mansion, a circus museum, a historic theater and an art museum
• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, nine-and-a-half acres of gardens, greenhouses and ponds
• Mote Aquarium, a

  In Osprey, Historic Spanish Point depicts the lives of Sarasota County pioneers

  marine museum and research lab
• Sarasota Jungle Gardens, 10 acres filled with animal exhibits, tropical plants and flowers, and a playground
• South Florida Museum, a natural and cultural history museum, a planetarium and an aquarium, all in one.

In addition to exploring these museums, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by browsing downtown Sarasota's art galleries, attending theatrical performances and shopping at chic boutiques. Towles Court, a unique artists' neighborhood and Venice Main Street are other options for artistic adventures.

More than a dozen hotels and resorts in the county are offering discounts and packages during the "30 Days of Discovery" event. Some include dinner, massages and additional perks. For a list of participating properties, visit www.30daysofdiscovery.com.

If you go:

"30 Days of Discovery," www.30daysofdiscovery.com
Crowley Museum and Nature Center, www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org
G. WIZ, The Hands-on Science Museum, www.gwiz.org
Historic Spanish Point, www.historicspanishpoint.org
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, www.ringling.org
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, www.selby.org
Mote Aquarium, www.mote.org
Sarasota Jungle Gardens, www.sarasotajunglegardens.com
South Florida Museum, www.southfloridamuseum.org