There’s always lots of fun to be had at Easter on Anna Maria Island, and Easter 2018 is no different.
The 32nd Annual Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt starts at 9:00 am., at The Sandbar Restaurant on Saturday, March 31st with refreshments served in the Pavilion next to the restaurant starting at 8:30 am.
The hunt will take place on the beach next to the restaurant with sections set up for children aged 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10. Each child is responsible for bringing their own basket to collect eggs. Parking is available in the restaurant lot, across the street and at city hall. We encourage folks to take the free island trolley or monkey bus.
After the Sandbar fun, the Easter Bunny will lead a walking parade down Pine Avenue where the 9th Annual Easter Egg Roll and Easter Bonnet Contest will take place. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family with games, face painting, egg rolling and coloring. Complimentary mimosas, sausage biscuits and frittatas will be provided by the Sandbar Restaurant along with cupcakes from Hometown Desserts. Take home an Easter keepsake – a framed picture with the Easter Bunny with pictures taken by Dara Caudill of IslandPhotography.org. Music will be provided by Chuck Caudill. A fabulous gift basket will be raffled off to one lucky winner. The egg roll and bonnet contest event is also sponsored by the Sandbar Restaurant, PAR and the Anna Maria Sun Newspaper. The roll will take place 9:30am-12:00pm.
Prizes for the best bonnet include a two night stay at the Anna Maria Guest Houses for first prize. There will also be prizes for second and third place. First prize for the best kid’s bonnet is a Sandbar lunch for the winner and three of their BFF’s complete with hot fudge sundaes. There will also be prizes for second and third place. This is the 16th year the Sun Newspaper has been a sponsor for the Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt. For more information on the Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt and Pine Avenue Easter Egg Roll contact Tina Chiles at 941-778-8710 or tchiles@chilesgroup.com.
On Vacation And Don’t want To Cook?
Don’t worry! Check out restaurants that are open on Easter Sunday:
Attend A Beach Front Easter Service
Make Easter extra special with an Easter sunrise service – you’ll never forget this.
The 54th Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sunrise Service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 1 — sunrise is expected at 7:21 a.m. — at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island?
Contact us to stay at Blue Turtle Cottage conveniently located mid-island in Holmes Beach. Close to shopping, dining and the free Trolley.
The cottage is a renovated 3 bedroom pool home just steps to the white powder sand beach.
Until just recently this is what you’d have heard. Irma changed all that!
Anna Maria Island was, until the last minute, right in the center of Irma’s path!
For days, residents and travellers alike held their breath and waited for impact. Most thought the island as we know it would be gone.
Then Irma changed direction and passed just to the east. Phew! Under the circumstances this was the best case scenario!
As of this writing power has been restored to much of the island and cleanup has begun. Businesses are opening as they regain power, Florida Power & Light is busy restoring electricity to those who are waiting, the cities have contracted for tree removal for any downed trees, and property owners are cleaning up and making repairs.
Rest assured that if you have plans to visit Anna Maria island will be waiting for you!
Come visit Anna Maria Island!
Blue Turtle Cottage is 3 bedroom renovated home with a private pool just steps from the beach!
Craft Brewing (and Breweries) in Florida are growing at supersonic speed. There are currently well over 200 in the state of Florida according tobeerinflorida.com, a website dedicated to craft breweries in Florida.
When you’re staying on Anna Maria Island there are several Craft Breweries within easy driving distance. Each one has their own brews (of course) and their own offerings and amenities.
Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton’s first craft brewery, is housed in a 1923 building that used to house an automobile dealership: Hudson Motors – complete with a concrete ramp that was used to move cars from the ground floor to a second floor service area.
Motorworks Brewing boasts the largest beer garden in Florida, complete with a spacious deck built around a magnificent 150+ year-old oak tree, a 3-hole putting green, 2 bocce ball courts, over a dozen cornhole sets, life-sized jenga, a live music stage, 22 ft. projection screen and more.
Featured is acore lineupof 5 brews, plus aseasonal lineup – currently 31 brews. Simply something for everyone! They also have lots onTap.
Though they don’t offer food themselves they’re not about to let you go hungry! they partner with several local Restaurants and Food Trucks. The typical offerings include sliders, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, pulled pork, chicken salad, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, pizza, and Philly cheese steaks. You can check out their food scheduleHere.
Just The Facts:
Address: 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM to Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM
*Children allowed until 9 PM, dogs allowed in the beer garden. Contact for details
Darwin Brewing Co.
Darwin Brewing Co. was established in 2012 and brews artisan ales and lagers influenced by the flavors and spices of South America’s Andean and Amazonian Regions with a focus on ingredients sourced in Florida.
DBC is a full fledged brewery also featuring a Taproom and a garden. The selection of brews is large and includes theirFlagship Core Beers, as well as seasonal offerings.
Being right next to *McKechnie Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates spring train and the hometown heroes – the Bradenton Mauraders – play, this is a good place for a cold brew before or after the baseball game. A thriving Trivia League is held on Thursday nights as well.
*Family friendly
Just The Facts:
Address: 803 17th Avenue West, Bradenton (next to *McKechnie Field)
The newest Craft Brewery to call Bradenton home,3 Keys Brewing & Eateryis also the closest to Anna Maria Island – along the Manatee Ave. business and shopping stretch. The focus is on community, friends & family (including welcoming dogs on the patio). There is a kids area in sight of the dining tables with books, legos, games, toys and a Nintendo Wii.
Established and run by the Douglas family – Jeff, Cathy & their eldest son Scott, opened the brewery after a nationwide brewery tour that included 126 breweries. When they returned they turned their dreams of opening a restaurant/pub in to opening a brewery & eatery.
3 Keys philosopy is “Beer should be for everyone, so we offer flavorful, light, fruity and low alcohol beers alongside of traditional favorites such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, dubbels, bocks, porters and wheat beers.” The of beer is large, you can see itHere, and they also serve a selection of wine and cider.
The fact that 3 Keys is also an eatery sets them apart from many craft breweries that are often serviced by food trucks or local restaurants. Their menuis pub inspired and includes a kid’s menu. The full service and community focus has made the brewery a favorite of locals and visitors.
Naughty Monk Brewery is the only Craft Brewery in the Lakewood Ranch area and has been a welcome addition. The focus is onBelgian inspired brews, with wine, cider and several guest taps of local and national craft brewers also available.
While enjoying your chosen brew you can play a game of pool on the only two Diamond pool tables in Manatee County. Also for fun darts, cornhole and a variety of games and entertainment are available.
While there is no food served by Naughty Monk Brewery, bringing your own food or snacks is encouraged. You are also welcome to order from any local fast food business or restaurants with delivery available.
Jdubs’S Brewing Company was founded byJeremy “JDub” Joerger in 2011 in Sarasota. A former soldier turned government worker, Jdub made his first (“terrible”) batch of home brew in 2003 with a buddy. In 2011, with a nudge from his father-in-law, Jeremy decided to follow his dreams of working in the craft beer industry and to do it in Sarasota.
In the years since Jdub’s has continued to grow in sales, employees and distribution – to the point where they now need to brew at “The Brew Hub” in Lakeland in addition to on site, but continue to stay committed our our core values of Quality, Innovation and Culture. Thebeer selectionis eclectic and with 14 flavorsOn Tap there is something for everyone.
Like most other craft breweries Jdub’s does not serve food but it does have a local food trucks on aschedule. Expect food that goes well with beer – burgers to BBQ to tacos. Check out the schedule and visit when your favorite food is available, or just enjoy a beer!
Big Top Brewing Company’sBrewmaster Josh Wilson crafted beer for many years with only his friends enjoying his efforts. Big Top was the first Craft Brewery in Sarasota, and Josh wanted to compliment Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture.
There is a rotating list ofcore beersas well as rotating list ofbeers on tap. Live music and food trucks are featured regularly, take a look at theirevents calendarto plan your visit.
Just The Facts:
Address: 6111 Porter Way Sarasota
Hours: Monday – Saturday 2 -10 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM
Contact: 1.800.590.Bigtop
Enjoy the Craft Beer explosion – choose your brewery or make your way through the list. Cheers!
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us for a reservation at Blue Turtle Cottage and let us help you with your vacation planning.
Let’s face it, if anyone deserves a great meal out it’s Mom on Mother’s Day! She’ll thank you for the break, yay! No cooking and no dirty dishes.
If you and your Mom (or a Mom you love) are lucky enough to be on Anna Maria Island on Mother’s Day and you’re taking her out for dinner (c’mon, take her out!) you’ll have lots of options to choose from. Some are on the island and some are near the island.
Not on Anna Maria Island but very close,Pier 22on Bradenton’s gorgeous Riverwalk is offering a special Mother’s Day Brunch and Dinnermenu. Not only is the food delicious, but the sweeping view of the Manatee River is spectacular. Inside and patio dining is available. Reservations suggested.
AMOB On The Pier doesn’t have a special menu for Mother’s Day, but they don’t have to, they have something for everybody – from fresh seafood to burgers and everything in between. They even have a kids menu so the little ones won’t be left out. Bonus Points: they have a full bar. All Mom’s will receive a free cup of soup and a carnation.
Located on the pier in Bradenton Beach at the end of Bridge St., the view of Sarasota Bay is spectacular. Watch the moored boats bobbing on the sparkling blue water as well as the boat traffic coming and going and a dizzying array of seabirds.
Just The Facts
Location: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach
Phone: 941-778-AMOB
Email: info@oysterbar.net
Hours: 8:00 am-Close
Cost: varies
Motorworks Brewing
The building housingMotorworksBrewing of Bradenton was originally a Hudson Motors car dealership (hence the name) built in 1923. Motorworks transformed the 27,000 sq ft building in to a full production brewery and taproom. They also boast the largest beer garden in Florida with a 150 year old oak tree, a huge deck and outdoor games including Bocce Ball and Corn hole.
On Sunday May 14th aMother’s Day Brunchwill be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the garden featuring beermosas and mimosas in addition to their regular draft, wine and spirits.
On hand will beStuffed Food Truck Tampaserving up deliciousness like grilled cheese tacos and apple pie french toast. Enjoy the music of acoustic artist Sandi Grecco 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Just The Facts
Location: 1019 9th Street W, Bradenton
Phone: 941-567-6218
Email: info@motorworksbrewing.com
Hours: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Cost: varies
Sandbar Restaurant
Every Sunday the Sandbar Restaurant features a Jazz lunch from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on their gorgeous outdoor patio overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of The Gulf of Mexico, and the impossibly white sand beach on Anna Maria Island. Bring Mom here to enjoy the freshest local seafood, produce grown on their own Gamble Creek Farms and fruit from their own Jubilee Orchards.
Feast on seafood, chicken, steaks, salads and more – wash it down with a cold cocktail of choice, all with your toes in the warm sand gazing at a view to die for. All of this while listening to live jazz – Mom will definitely be a happy camper after this experience!
Just The Facts
Location: 100 Spring St., Anna Maria
Phone: 941-778-0444 (No Reservations)
Hours: 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Cost: varies
The Seafood Shack
The Seafood Shackis hosting their 3rd annualMother’s Day Brunchfrom 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in their second floor banquet room – The Neptune Room. Enjoy buffet style dining for the whole family including traditional breakfast food, salads, seafood and more. The Neptune Room features expansive panoramic windows overlooking the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay. It’s worth noting that kiddos 4 and under eat free.
Mark Sickles, a professional photographer, will be on hand to take complimentary family portraits to preserve your memories. There will also be a social media contest with a prize of $100.00.
Reservations available
Just The Facts
Location: 4110 127th St W, Cortez
Phone: 941-794-1235
Hours: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Cost: $34.95 adults, $14.95 5-12, Free 4 and under
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island?
Stay at Blue Turtle Cottage and find out why guests keep coming back!
Hint – it’s the comfortably renovated 3 bedroom cottage with a private pool just steps from the beach, and the way we treat our guests like family 🙂
The 3rd annual Blues, Brews & BBQ on Anna Maria Island’s hot spot, Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, is a super fun family friendly event happening on April 22 from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Enjoy the stellar music lineup curated by Steve Arvey, known as “Stone Crab Steve” all while partaking in delicious BBQ, drinks and shopping.
Featuring craft brews from Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton’s first full production craft microbrewery. A full bar along with standard domestic beers, wine and non-alcoholic selections will also be available.
The menu features mouth-watering BBQ with ribs and pulled pork platters from Island Time Bar & Grill, plus favorites from Fire and Stone including barbeque-themed pizzas.
Bridge St is all about fun, food and boutique shopping, expect to find some amazing deals from the Bridge Street Merchants!
This is an all ages event with gates opening at 2:00 pm with wrist bands issued so you can come and go at will. Bring chairs and blankets so you can be comfy (no outside food or coolers). A bargain at $5.00 with 12 and under free.
Best of all, proceeds of the event will benefit All Island Denomination’s Food Pantry at Roser Church, without being an on-site food drive. A silent auction will further fundraising efforts without interrupting the entertainment.
How to get there: Consider taking the free Island Trolley right to Bridge Street. Car parking: The city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro, up and down Bridge Street, including by the pier, Bradenton Beach City Hall / Tingley Library, along the beach just south of Bridge Street, and down at Coquina Beach. The “Monkey Bus” is another option at 941-565-6542 as well as RIDE AMI1-877-743-3264. For more information call Eric 607-346-4126. Here is a Map and directions to Bridge St..
Do you want to visit Anna Maria Island?
Come stay at Blue Turtle Cottage – a renovated 3 bedroom pool home just steps to the soft, white sands Anna Maria island is famous for.
April – the first full month of spring – ahhhhhh. Full of promise, the air has taken on a decidedly gentle feel, the nights are warmer, and best of all summer is just around the corner.
April is the month that makes you want to spend your time outside again. Day trips and weekends away are planned, the barbecue is dusted off, flowers are planted, and you just might want to jump in the pool again.
So what’s up on Anna Maria Island in April you ask? Plenty!
What to expect: This festival is a celebration of music, food, arts and crafts. There will also be an AMAZING Classic Car show featuring exotic, vintage, and muscle cars on display from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm (along Pine Ave in Anna Maria). A special Kids Zone will have fun and games for the kids!
Where: Just south of the Coquina Beach Cafe 2650 Gulf Drive South Bradenton Beach, FL
Food: Seafood, hot dogs, burgers, pizza, chicken, Bar-B-Q and more, in addition to a variety of desserts, beer, wine, margaritas, rum coolers (OMG!) and beverages
How to Get There: There is plenty of free parking, but because this is a very popular event consider taking the Free Trolley, biking, or walking if you’re close enough.
Cool Factor: Sponsored by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce & a portion of the proceeds go to support the AMI Chamber’s scholarship fund for Manatee County seniors.
Easter Egg Hunt at the Sandbar
April 15, 2017 9:00 AM
Bring the whole family to this fun Easter egg hunt at the Sandbar Restaurant. Kids 10 and under can search for hidden eggs – don’t forget to bring your Easter basket!
After the egg hunt the Easter Bunny will lead everyone will to Pine Ave for games, an Easter Egg roll, and an Easter Bonnet contest. At 10:30 am the Easter Bonnets will be judged – kids and adults alike are invited to compete. First prize for adults is is a 2 night stay at Anna Maria Guest Houses. First prize for the kids is a Sandbar lunch with 3 friends that includes hot fudge sundaes.
There will be face painters, Shooting Star Photography will be on hand to offer complimentary of kids with the Easter Bunny, all while listening to live music with John Rinell.
A beautiful start to your Easter Sunday, all are welcome. Trolleys start running at 6:00 am and the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe will open at 6:00 am (side note: the cafe is a great place to grab a meal, an ice cream, or buy a souvenir). Bring a blanket or chairs.
All 6 of the island’s churches participate in the service.
Picture an old Florida fishing village of days gone by and you’ll be picturing Cortez as it is today. Located just before the bridge that leads to Anna Maria Island, snuggled on Sarasota Bay, Cortez is still a working fishing village.
Designated as Historic, the population of this small village hovers just under 5000, and day to day life hums along as it always has. But once a year during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival almost 20,000 people visit over a 2 day period – this year is the 36th annual festival. The first festival was attended by “only” 500 people.
Image: Pinterest
Why do so many people attend? There are very few places like Cortez left in Florida. The city is a small collection of original cottages, many with boats and fishing gear in their yards – just the way it has always been. The residents are people with a great spirit who enjoy a simple lifestyle of fishing and porch sitting and helping their neighbor.
Image: Pinterest
Festival with a purpose
In 2000 a community wide effort lead by the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), resulted in the purchase of 100 acres of land adjacent to the village. The land is made up of mangrove, wetland, and upland habitats along the shoreline of Sarasota Bay and protects the coastline that is critical to many species that Cortez depends on. The purchase of the F.I.S.H. Preserve lands is funded primarily by the Festival.
Fish Preserve Image: University of Florida
What’s At The Festival?
Of course there will be an abundance of delicious seafood, but that’s not all! There will be lots of vendors including nautical arts and crafts, a marine life touch tank for the young and young-at-heart, “Dock Talks” featuring Florida Sea Grant Biologists, tours of the Florida Maritime Museum for history buffs as well as the newly renovated Cortez Cultural Center. If you’ve ever wondered about boat building visit the F.I.S.H. Boatworks to see this lost art in action – you can even enter a raffle to win a custom built boat!
No festival would be complete without music and beer, and there is plenty of both available at The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.
2018 Entertainment Schedule
Saturday February 17th
10:00 – 11:00 am: Shanty Singers 11:15 – 12:45 pm: Doug Deming 12:45 – 1:30pm Awards and Introductions 2:00 – 4:00 pm: Eric Von Band 4:30 – 6:00 pm: Jason Haram
Sunday February 18th
10:30 – 12:00 am: Soupy Davis and his Band 12.30 – 2:00 pm Manatee River BlueGrass 2:30 – 4:00 pm: Soul R Coaster 4:30 – 6:00 pm: Koko Ray
Sunday Afternoon
On the Bratton Store Porch
1:00 – 5:00 pm: Eric Von
Both Days Be sure to visit the waterfront docks for:
Fishing For Freedom – Demonstration and interactive displays
“Dock Talks” – by Florida Sea Grant representatives
Also see the FISH Boatworks, Cortez Cultural Center and The
Florida Maritime Museum: admission is free
With So Many People Attending Where Will I Park?
Remote Parking
Every year there is a something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton. You can avoid the traffic and enjoy the bus ride with your friends to the Festival ($1.50 one way $3.00 round trip). The new parking site is located at G. T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, 34209). Just turn east off of 59th St. onto 33rd Ave. W. You can’t miss it.
As in past years, this same shuttle service is being provided from the remote parking area located at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Island folks can take the free trolley to the parking site.
Also, the parking area just east of the village off of Cortez Road has been expanded again this year. But get there early or later in the day as this parking area tends to fill up quickly. Parking spots open up later in the day.
Another option is to park in the western part of town. Many folks manage small parking areas throughout the village with some charging a fee depending on how close they are to the village.
Quick Facts
Dates: February 17-18, 2017
Place: Cortez Village, FL
Admission: $4.00 Adults, Children 12 and under Free
Parking: Coquina Beach, G.T. Bray Park, Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island On-site
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us to reserve Blue Turtle Cottage – a renovated 3 bedroom home with a private heated pool just steps to the sugar-sand beaches Anna Maria Island is famous for amihouserental.com
The Bridge Tender Inn at the east end of Bridge Street is hosting a New Year’s Eve Pyjama Party! Go out, eat, drink, ring in the new year and when you arrive home you’re ready for bed, perfect!
When: Starting at 7:00 PM
Where: 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach
Sandbar/Beach House/Mar Vista
The Chiles Group Restaurants are all featuring a Caviar dish for New Year’s Eve. The Sandbar: Stone Crab and Caviar, The Beach House: Florida Lobster and Gulf Shrimp roll served with lemon aioli and Caviar, Mar Vista: Tater Tots combined with caviar.
When: Anytime New Year’s Eve
Where: Sandbar 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria/Beach House 200 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach/Mar Vista 760 Broadway Street N., Longboat Key
Slim’s Place
Slim’s Place is holding a New Year’s Eve Jam Party hosted by Rick Quimby – live music, watch the ball drop in NYC . Free Champagne at midnight! If you know Slim’s Place you know it’s always a party atmosphere, fun is sure to be had!
When: 8:00 PM-Midnight
Where: 9701 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria
Stay in at Your Rental!
Enjoy ushering in the New Year Island Style at your Vacation Rental. Keep it small with just the family or invite a few friends over, but either way enjoy some good food, a toast, and good company.
Publix in Holmes Beach at 3900 East Bay Dr. can supply you with anything from ready made food to something for the barbecue.
You shouldn’t forget to stop by Walgreens Liquor Department at 3200 East Bay Dr. to pick up some champagne – open until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
A Little Bit Off Anna Maria Island
(but not too far)
Pier 22
Pier 22 , on downtown Bradenton’s Riverwalk, is offering several New Year’s Eve options:
Starting at 4 p.m., in the PIER 22 dining room, restaurant goers may choose to enjoy a meal from a special holiday menu.
Beginning in late evening, the PIER 22 Terrace, back dropped by the beautiful Manatee River, will include a dance floor and party DJ entertainment.
Starting at 9 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom, a VIP party will take place, which includes a delectable buffet, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a decadent dessert display, an open bar, and a dance floor and party DJ entertainment. Reservations to the VIP party are required and include restaurant party entry along with exclusive access into the Grand Ballroom for $119 per person (tax and gratuity are not included).
Throughout the evening, all PIER 22 guests are encouraged to commemorate the night with unlimited photos from the onsite photo booth. As the New Year is ushered in a celebratory midnight toast will ensue; restaurant-goers and VIP guests will receive a glass of sparkling champagne.
When: 4:00 PM-1:00 AM
Where: Pier 22, 1200 1st Ave West, Bradenton
Downtown Bradenton
Old Main Street
Realize Bradenton will one of their Main Street Live! events – a new year’s eve party on Old Main Street (12th Street West) between Manatee and 3rd avenues.
The street will be closed to vehicular traffic, and alcohol consumption is permitted on Old Main Street while it is closed to vehicles.
Bradenton folk-rockers Have Gun, Will Travel headline at 10 p.m. with opening act The Dram performing 6 p.m. at this block party, with local restaurant booths, food trucks and vendors adding to the fun.
WHEN: December 31, 2016 at 5pm – 11pm
WHERE: Old Main Street, Bradenton
2016 Sarasota Pineapple Drop
ticket.heraldtribune.com
Downtown Sarasota has a day into night celebration ending with the famous Pineapple Drop at midnight.
Kids and family games, rides and attractions start at 2:00 PM at Pineapple and 1st st, and the fun continues in to the night with live bands, a DJ, food vendors, and beer & full bar vendors starting at 3:00 PM.
Meet at midnight at the intersection of Lemon and Main for the Pineapple Drop!
Located on the water just over the Ringling Bridge Marina Jack will be offering dinner in the lounge, dining room (early seating 4-7 pm for those not staying for fireworks), and patio topped off with fireworks in conjunction with the City of Sarasota.
Marina Jack II offers a New Year’s Eve cruise with a dinner and full bar (extra). Featuring air conditioned salons and open air outside deck – every seat has a water view!
Marina Jack II
When: 8:30 PM-1:00 AM
Where: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? We’d love to host you at Blue Turtle Cottage! Get comfortable in our renovated 3 bedroom home featuring a private, heated pool less than 100 steps from the 7 miles of sugar sand beaches Anna Maria Island is famous for.
When staying on Anna Maria Island there really isn’t ever a shortage of things to do and see. And food? Anna Maria Island has the finest dining options to fit any budget or style. The Island also offers plenty of opportunity to shop until you drop.
BUT there is so much to do and see just across the bridge in Bradenton too! Bradenton has been growing in population and sophistication the last several years – it really is up and coming – and is also home to some awe inspiring nature.
If you like to be physically challenged and crave that adrenaline rush then Tree Umph! is for you. Featuring 5 progressive courses of wobbly bridges, rope nets, zip lines and more. There is something for every level and age to enjoy.
Where: 21805 E State Road 70, Bradenton, FL
When: Opens at 8:30 AM, Last Walk t 11:30 Weekdays & 1:30 Weekends, Closed some Wednesdays
The Village of the Arts is an eclectic live-work community made up of colorful historic cottages that house everything from award-winning restaurants to speciality shops, studios, healing arts, bakeries and Bradenton’s best art galleries. Located in Downtown Bradenton. Click Here for a list of merchants. Insider tip: Go visit and stroll on your own or participate in a Monthly Artwalk.
Where: Village boundaries stretch from 9th Ave West to 17th Ave West between 9th St West and 14th St West
Learn about dinosaurs, history and nature at The South Florida Museum. Did you know The Bishop Planetarium is part of the museum? Learn about astronomy through talks and shows in the Bishop Theatre with it’s new Digistar system. Most famously the museum is home to The Parker Manatee Aquarium – the address of the oldest living manatee in captivity – Snooty (he’s 68!). You can watch Snooty on the SnootyCam
Where: 201 10th St. W | Bradenton
When: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sundays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Museum is CLOSED on Mondays and CLOSED the 1st Saturday in November, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Running October through May, Bradenton’s Farmer’s Market features fresh local produce, local art, music, demonstrations by local chefs and family activities- bring the whole family including the dog!
Where: Old Main St. in Downtown Bradenton -Old Main Street is a tree-lined retail district of cafes and restaurants running three blocks north from Manatee Avenue to the Manatee River, where it meets the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Downtown Bradenton’s showpiece, Riverwalk is our outdoor gathering place. Overlooking the Manatee River, the Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible park spanning downtown with many features: Great Lawn, Day Dock, Tower Plaza, Botanical Walk, Mosaic Amphitheatre, Family Fun Zone, Pavilion Event Area, Fishing Pier, The Tidal Discovery Zone and Outdoor Living Rooms. There really is something for everybody.
Robinson’s Preserve is a 600+-acre coastal preserve located in northwestern Bradenton. The interior of the preserve features hiking paths, kayak and canoe waterways, bridges, picnic spots, mangrove forests and a 53-foot-tall tower with a wide-open view of the Tampa Bay area. Things to do at Robinson’s Preserve:Kayaking, Biking, Trail Walking (leashed Dogs allowed), Bird watching, Fishing, Skateboarding, Children’s playground & Covered Pavillion
To kayak or stand up paddle board through the preserve you can rent equipment from surfer bus found on the Palma Sola Causeway at 9800 Manatee Ave.
Where: There are multiple entrances for your convience:
One aquatic entrance: 9800 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
The main entrance: 1704 99th st, Bradenton Fl 34209
Perico Island hike in entrance: 10600 block of Manatee Ave W. under the hump back bridge.
When: Sunrise to Sunset
Contact: (941) 745-3723 Manatee County Natural Resources
Perico Preserve offers a unique experience to get close to wildlife while doing so in a way that does not startle or impact the native creatures’ behavior. The County’s first site to offer a bird blind, the entire preserve has been planned to allow visitors with the opportunity to view, photograph, and move alongside birds and other animals while preserving their natural habitat. Because the preserve is a bird sanctuary, unlike most other Manatee County parks, no dogs (service dogs excepted) are allowed. Things to Do: Hiking, Biking, Bird Watching
Where: 11700 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton
When: Sunrise to Sunset
Contact: (941)742-5923
Craft Breweries
You may have noticed that craft breweries have become very popular in the last few years. That fact is very true in Florida, and craft breweries are really burgeoning in Bradenton.
Motorworks Brewery, named after the fact that it is located in a 1923 building that originally housed a car dealership.It boasts the largest beer garden in Florida, complete with a spacious deck built around a magnificent 150+ year-old oak tree, a 3-hole putting green, 2 bocce ball courts, over a dozen cornhole sets, life-sized jenga, a live music stage, 22 ft. projection screen and more. It hosts many events, you can see their calendar Here.
Darwin Brewing Company brews artisan ales and lagers influenced by the flavors and spices of South America’s Andean and Amazonian Regions. Its roots trace back to January 2012 to a modest brewing system within the brewpub Darwin’s on 4th, which offered authentic Andean cuisine to the communities of Bradenton and Sarasota. As Darwin’s on 4th became known throughout the culinary world, Brewmaster Jorge Rosabal began crafting artisan brews to pair with the brewpub’s cuisine.
3 Keys Brewing Company is the newest craft brewery in Bradenton, and it’s a family affair. Jeff and Cathy Douglas and their oldest son Scott were inspired by a love of craft beer and a nationwide road trip/brewery tour to open their own family friendly brewery/eatery. They are also kid-friendly up until 9:00 pm – toys, books and video games provided – as well as dog-friendly on their patio/grassy area.
Historic downtown Bradenton has been exploding with new businesses developing very quickly in the last couple years.
There is a multitude of restaurants to suit any desire or craving. Pizza? Mexican? Sandwiches? Steak? Ice Cream? Baked Goods? Whatever you’re thinking you’ll find it! Special mention: Sage Biscuit has opened a second location in Downtown Bradenton and everyone is super happy about that! You can see a comprehensive restaurant list here.
Want a night out on the town with friends or family? There is a mix of establishments including the the craft breweries mentioned above. Find the list here. Insider’s tip: O’Bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar is smoke free.
If you like to shop in unique boutique style stores Bradenton can make your dreams come true. Everything from fashion to jewellery to art to gifts and souvenirs can be found. For the scoop on shops click here.
McKechnie Field
A Downtown Bradenton list would be incomplete without mentioning McKechnie Field! It’s a beloved landmark that has been around since 1923.
McKechnie Field is the site of the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training. Fans start coming to watch their team get ready for the season starting in April every year. Here is the 2017 schedule so you can start planning now! Interesting fact: the field was named after Pittsburgh native, former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie.
If you can’t get enough of The Boys of Summer you can attend a Bradenton Marauders – the pride of Bradenton -game throughout the summer. Come out and root for the hometown team! Plan your visit here
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