The grounds and gardens are equally spectacular and just across the way is the acclaimed Asolo Theater, the largest repertory theater in the Southeast. It's hard to decide which is more impressive — the innovative performances (the one I saw, Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," had a scene-stealing squid) or the theater itself, which was originally located outside of Venice, Italy, and was moved piece by piece to Sarasota and recreated in all its splendor.