5 Things: IHOP Giving Away Free Pancakes

1. I hope you're hungry and will wake up early to get in line because is giving away free pancakes today as part of National Pancake Day.

In return for a free shortstack of buttermilk pancakes, diners are asked to donate proceeds to the Children's Miracle Network. Donations can also be accepted online.

Both at 4000 S. Tamiami Drive and 1199 N. Washington Blvd. in Sarasota are participating.

2. Dr. Daisy Wang, Chinese Art Project Specialist with the Freer Gallery of Art, America’s national museum of Asian Art will discuss collecting Chinese art in America at a special ViewPoint lecture at on Thursday. 

Tickets are $10; $5 for Florida College students and faculty with a valid school ID. Free for Ringling members at the contributor level (supporting level) and above.

3. You know who's No. 1 again? Sarasota. This time for top spring break destination for families, according to Livability.com. Do you agree or do you think there are more college kids partying here than what they think?

4. More of a chicken fan than pancake fan?  will host a Leap Year giveaway on Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the day that only comes every four years. The restaurants will give customers a free four-count  Chick-n-Minis. There is no purchase necessary but there is a limit of one free item per customer.

5. It's Peace Corps Week and to celebrate the Family Heritage House Museum at  (SCF), 5840 26th St. West, will host Peace Corps volunteers who will share their experiences with the public on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The presentation is free and open to the public. Scheduled to speak are: Kristen Anderson, SCF College Reach-Out Program director; Matthew Keirle, SCF natural sciences assistant professor; Robert Donovan, retired SCF professor and department chair; and Anita Rogers, former museum specialist, will share their experiences as Peace Corps volunteers in Niger, Paraguay, Brazil and Afghanistan.