Scott Le Roy | Riviera Dunes Marina

6 Family-Friendly Halloween Activities Near Bradenton

10/18/201710/18/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

6 Family-Friendly Halloween Activities Near Bradenton

With just two weeks away from Halloween, there are plenty of ways to have family fun without the fright! From parades to ghost walks and where to trick or treat with the kiddos, keep reading to find the best non-spooky spots for the remaining weeks of this hair-raising season.

Here are six family-friendly halloween activities near Bradenton and surrounding areas.

Bradenton Beach Ghost Tours

From Bridge Street
Ongoing, Tuesday–Saturday, 8 p.m.
$10–$15

Hear about the history of Bradenton Beach, shipwrecks and mysterious ghost stories, some of which are based on eyewitness accounts! The walking tour duration is 90 minutes beginning at 8 p.m. on Bridge Street. Tours are held every Tuesday–Saturday. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or via phone at 941-704-0621.

Night of Fun, Fish & Fright

Mote Marine Aquarium
Oct 20, 6–8:30 p.m.
$10–$14

This weekend, head to Mote Marine Aquarium for an evening of frightful, family-friendly Halloween activities! Discover shark teeth within Coffin Creek, view their exciting underwater pumpkin carving, Mad Science experiments and so much more spooktacular fun!

Boo Fest

Lakewood Main Street
Oct. 27, 6–9 p.m.
Parking: $5

Join in for this exciting annual event held on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch! Kids can trick or treat from local merchants, traverse their Spooktacular Maze and be amazed at the creations of a ghostly balloon artist. Entertainment includes a costume contest, local dancers and eerie music to set the tone for this haunting evening.

Selby Spooktacular

Selby Gardens
Oct. 29, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
$10–$20

Kick off Halloween weekend with an afternoon of wholesome, family fun! With trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, seed planting and even a mad scientist experiment, you don’t want to miss out on all the fun at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Stick around for lunch at the cafe as well as frozen goodies by B’s Cool Treat’s.

Children’s Halloween Parade!

West Venice Avenue
Oct. 31, 4–7 p.m.
Free

Parents, bring the kiddos for the annual Halloween Parade down West Venice Avenue! In true Venice fashion, “Old Betsy,” the city’s antique fire truck, will be leading the parade of hundreds of children showing off their costumes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Following the parade, kids are welcome to trick or treat along Venice Avenue.

22nd Annual Halloween Safe Walk

Dearborn Street
Oct 31, 5–7 p.m.
Free

For family-friendly Halloween activities, look to Dearborn Street in Englewood, which will be closed for your little ones to safely trick or treat. When you’ve fulfilled your kids’ sweet tooths, don’t miss the live music, costume contest and many more exciting treats!

Next: 4 Events for Fall Fun in the Palmetto Area

No Boat, No Problem! 4 Local Fishing Holes

10/12/201710/17/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

No Boat, No Problem! 4 Local Fishing Holes

Who says you need a boat to visit some of the best local fishing holes in our area? While we are certainly boat lovers around here at Riviera Dunes Marina, sometimes it’s nice to walk up to a local pier or park along the shores or banks to drop a line and wait for the next big catch!

Here are four local fishing holes for when you’re going boatless:

South Lido Park

Located on Big Pass shore, South Lido Park offers fun, fishing and more for the entire family. With ample parking, South Lido Park is also more secluded offering extra opportunities for fishing and quiet moments for you to relax. You will also discover pavilions, grills for picnicking and restrooms on-site.

Point of Rocks

While there is less public parking at Point of Rocks in Sarasota, there are ample opportunities to cast a line . . . you just have to arrive a little earlier. Then, when you’ve had your fill of an afternoon of fishing, you can enjoy some snorkeling among lovely coral if the weather permits.

Bay Island Park

This Sarasota hidden gem is a local favorite! Bay Island Park offers scenic views and … you guessed it, plenty of recreational fishing opportunities. In addition, there are hiking trails, a fishing pier, a playground and picnic and bathroom facilities.

Twin Lakes Park

Freshwater, bank fishing is at its finest at Twin Lakes Park, a 123-acre park brimming with catfish, bream and bass! What’s also unique about this park is that it doubles as a training site for minor and major league baseball teams! So, join in on the fun, cast a line and have a picnic at the pavilion, then you might catch some great baseball, too!

As you can see, great fishing in our area doesn’t have to be synonymous with being a boat owner! If you decide to go boatless, why not keep your boat safe and secure here at Riviera Dunes Marina? Here’s a full list of the luxury services we offer to our customers.

Next: The Best Freshwater Fishing in Bradenton

8 Tips for Boating with Your Pups

10/06/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

8 Tips for Boating with Your Pups

Your dogs are like family, which is why it’s always fun to take them along for a joyride on the water every once in awhile!

However, boating with your pups isn’t always a walk in the park. Here are eight quick tips to ensure that your boat ride is enjoyable for both you and your furry loved ones!

Pack a collapsible, travel-friendly bowl that you can fill with fresh water for your pup. You can easily find these in most stores as well as online.
While you’re at it, pack your pup’s food, treats and toys to make him feel at peace in a new environment.
Take some time before your boat trip to get your pup acquainted with your boat.
Make sure there is a shaded area on your boat. If you don’t always have a boat shade installed on your vessel, now’s the time when you’re boating with your pups. Shade keeps them from being dehydrated and also acts as a cool area for them to protect and land their paws from too much sun exposure.
If you happen to be fishing, make sure that you stow away all bait, lures and other harmful equipment so they’re not within your pup’s reach.
The day of your boat ride, set aside enough time to allow your dog to relieve himself before boarding your vessel.
Even if your dog is used to swimming, it can be a good idea to fit him with a pet life jacket. Though there are no regulations for life jackets for your pet, it’s another precaution you can take to ensure your pup’s safety.
Lastly, if this is your pup’s first boat ride, keep this excursion to a minimum until your furry friend warms up and gains his sea legs.

Next: 4 Events for Fall Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

4 Events for Fall Fun in the Palmetto Area

09/29/201709/29/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

4 Events for Fall Fun in the Palmetto Area

Now that it’s officially fall, make sure you clear your schedules for all of the fall fun our area has to offer!

From pumpkin festivals to art festivals, you’ll want to make sure you plan accordingly so that you don’t miss out.

2017 World Rowing Championships

When: Through Oct. 1.

Where: Nathan Benderson Park.

Admission: Starting at $10.

There’s still time to check out the World Rowing Championships! Representing more than 60 countries, around 1,700 athletes and coaches have travelled to Sarasota’s own Nathan Benderson Park for a thrilling international regatta! This weekend, you can expect expos on local attractions, boating and fishing and health and wellness. Though the races officially started last Saturday, Sept. 23, there’s still time to catch the closing ceremony as well as special events including Row for the Cure in honor of cancer fighters and survivors on Sunday, Oct. 1.

29th Annual Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival

When: Every weekend in October.

Where: Fruitville Grove.

Admission: Free.

Join in for the annual pumpkin festival held every weekend in October for ultimate fall fun! Once you pick your pumpkin, make sure you stop by the petting zoo, playground, bounce house, game booth and many more fun activities. There will also be live music as well as a rock wall and pony rides available for the little ones. If you visit on a Saturday, come dressed in your best costume for the weekly contest at 1 p.m.

Ringling International Arts Festival

When: Oct. 18–21.

Where: Throughout The Ringling.

Admission: Varies depending on event.

Prepare for four days of innovative performance art ranging from dance performances to an African singing ensemble. Every year, the line-up includes exciting international performance artists, and this year is no different! This year, artists hail from Germany, Italy and Zimbabwe! The festival kicks off on Oct. 18 with a gala celebration and performance of eVenti Verticale’s WANTED. With performances being held throughout each day, festivalgoers can remain on-site as lunch and dinner are available. The full line-up of events can be found here.

Sun Fiesta

When: Oct. 20–Oct. 22.

Where: Centennial Park.

Admission: Free.

Head to Centennial Park in Venice for an action-packed, family-friendly event. The kids will enjoy crafts, contests, a bounce house and even facing their fears with bungee jumping. Other special events include a Miss Sun Fiesta pageant and a Young Marines Breakfast on Sunday morning. In addition, there will also be live entertainment, a beer and wine tent, a parade, a variety of food vendors and so much more.

Next: Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

09/22/201709/22/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

Just because the sun is on vacation for a day or so doesn’t mean the fun stops near Riviera Dunes Marina! There are plenty of activities that you and your family will enjoy when in Palmetto and nearby Sarasota . . . even when it’s a rainy day! From museums to the local family skating center, a rainy day in Palmetto will certainly be well spent.

Head to the museum.

From classics cars to sharks, the museums here will provide much fun, rain or shine. At the Ringling estate, visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art for nonstop rainy day fun! Here you can view 21 galleries chock-full of Renaissance and Baroque art as well as American contemporary art. In addition, head to the Circus Museum on the property, which is included in your art museum admission, to view authentic costumes and other neat treasures from “The Greatest Show on Earth.” At the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, feast your eyes on rare and classic cars. See Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and even a car resembling the famous DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” For marine fun without getting wet, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is home to a sea turtles, manatees and a 135,000-gallon shark tank!

Create your own art.

There are several spots to exercise your creativity, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. Once you peruse the gift shop and the lovely art by local artists at the Artful Giraffe gallery, head to their pottery studio where you can mold and paint your own works of art. The studio will glaze and fire your pottery, then you can take it home! At Arts A Blaze in Lakewood Ranch, try your hand at pottery making, glass painting and infusing, pallet painting and more! This walk-in studio has it all, no matter your age or skillset.

Release some energy.

Even though it’s wet out, there is plenty of rainy day fun to be had! From roller skating to speed skating, show off your skills and even get some exercise in at Astro Skate Family Fun Center in Bradenton. If you’re still working on your skating skills, the center also offers skating lessons. The fun doesn’t stop when you tire of skating! There are also dance rooms, inflatables, an arcade and so much more.

Next: 4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

6 Tips for Prepping for Hurricane Season

09/15/201709/01/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

6 Tips for Prepping for Hurricane Season

Did you know that hurricane seasons runs through Nov. 30? Even if you don’t live in the hurricane hot spots like Orlando or Jacksonville, it’s always good to keep in mind the precautions for hurricane season if you plan to vacation there. Here are six tips to make sure you’re ready for hurricane season.

1. Plan ahead for emergencies.

When you’re in the thick of hurricane preparation, it can be hard to gather your thoughts for what to do next. You’ll need emergency supplies for you and your family, insurance will need to be ready in case of an emergency, and you must have a plan for your vehicles in the event that you need to evacuate.

2. Determine your hurricane season risk.

How will your home stand during flooding or wind? Are there trees leaning toward your home? Flooding is known to cause the most damage to your home, and this is especially a greater risk during hurricane season. You can see how your home rates for flood risk with these helpful maps.

3. Make sure you have insurance coverage.

Insurance coverage can often take up to 30 days to take effect, so it’s important to make sure you are covered now! From special deductibles to private homeowners insurance, there are several varieties of coverage that you can look into for your home. Flood insurance is a separate type of insurance that must be purchased outside of your homeowners insurance.

4. Locate your evacuation zone.

Investigate whether or not your home or vacation home is located in an evacuation zone. Evacuation zones are essentially any areas that can be affected by flooding.

5. Form your hurricane emergency plan.

Hurricane season emergency plans are crucial to ensure the safety of you and your family. From knowing where the emergency supplies are to where your family will meet in the event that you are dispersed, there are several scenarios that must be discussed just in case.

Your emergency plan might include where you will evacuate to and the basic procedures for securing your home. These procedures might include boarding the windows, moving patio furniture indoors, gathering essential supplies and knowing the plan for caring for your pets.

6. Be prepared for evacuation.

There are a few steps you can take to ensure a smoother evacuation process. First, make sure you have a full tank of gas. In the event that there’s a power outage, you might be unable to fill your car’s tank. Pack one car that you and your family will be using. Since congestion is expected on the road, taking one car will ensure that you can exit the area together and safely.

Next: 7 Things We Love About Sarasota, FL

Don’t Miss these 4 Breweries near Sarasota

09/08/201709/01/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Don’t Miss these 4 Breweries near Sarasota

Calling all beer lovers! The craft beer scene has taken off in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas! There are several breweries near Sarasota where you can have a brew, have a bite and enjoy beautiful Manatee County. Here are four breweries you do not want to miss during your visit.

3 Keys Brewing and Eatery

2505 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton

3KeysBrewing.com

This family-owned brewery is known for their exquisite small-batch brews and fresh, wholesome menu! Unlike other breweries near Sarasota that partner with food trucks to provide delicious nosh, the folks at 3 Keys pride themselves in a well-rounded offering of appetizers, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches. Bring the kids and pups and enjoy a visit at 3 Keys.

Darwin Brewing Company

803 17th Avenue West, Bradenton

DarwinBrewingCo.com

Inspired by exotic flavors and spices, Darwin Brewing Company translates this to their brews, too. From tropical pineapple and grapefruit notes in their Summadayze IPA to the Amazonian chocolate notes you’ll find in the Llama Mama Milk Stout, the brewers at Darwin Brewing always keep your tastebuds entertained.

Motorworks Brewing

1014 9th Street West, Bradenton

MotorworksBrewing.com

As Bradenton’s first craft brewery, you won’t want to miss a pint (or two) of their delicious brews amid the largest beer garden in the state! Their flagship lineup includes award-winning brews Rollcage Red Ale, Midnight Espresso, Pulp Friction Grapefruit IPA and V Twin Vienna Lager. Of course there are specialty offerings that are offered seasonally such as their Pumpkin Ale.

JDub’s Brewing

1215 Mango Avenue, Sarasota

JDubsBrewing.com

What began as a homebrewing mishap by a soldier stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington is now JDub’s Brewing in sunny Sarasota. The brewers at JDub’s pride themselves in creating funky, wild brews that are also high-quality and distinctive. Flagship beers include Up Top! an IPA, the Kolsch-style ale Poolside, Bell Cow, a milk chocolate porter, and Passion Wheat brewed with passionfruit and mango. You’ll also find rotating limited releases such as En Haut, a French Oak aged IPA, a rye amber ale and many others.

Next: 4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

09/01/201709/01/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

There’s never a dull moment when vacationing in Bradenton! Next to our beautiful beaches and year-round sunny weather, there’s an abundance of unique, top spots to visit while you’re in Bradenton.

Manatee Village Historical Park

The history of Manatee County truly comes alive with a visit to Manatee Village Historical Park. From historic buildings to artifacts, learn about decades of Manatee County’s rich history and pioneer life. In the park, peruse 14 buildings and exhibits including Wiggins General Store, Blacksmith Shop, The Settler’s House, The 1860 Courthouse and so much more. Little ones will also love the Junior Junction play area. In addition, the park hosts several special events throughout the year including lecture and craft shops!

South Florida Museum

If you’re a natural and cultural history buff, then you’ve come to the right place! As one of the top spots to visit while here, it’s also the largest museum of its kind on the sunshine state’s Gulf Coast! From collections of historical archeological artifacts to the Parker Manatee Aquarium, there’s never a dull moment when at the museum. For ultimate stargazing, you don’t want to miss the Bishop Planetarium, which showcases films, art performances and of course an interactive way for visitors to learn more about the universe!

De Soto National Memorial

Get out in nature to traverse Florida’s ecosystems with an afternoon at De Soto National Memorial. Take your bike or travel by foot along the park’s nature trails. Accompany a park ranger to learn about the area’s culture and heritage. Relive history at the park’s Camp Uzita, a replica village where costumed rangers and volunteers present historical talks and demonstrations. Then if you visit the park on a Saturday or Sunday, make sure to schedule an unforgettable kayak tour!

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Ten acres of lush, picturesque gardens, lakes and bridges await you at Palma Sola Botanical Park. From unique flowering trees to subtropical plants, there is no corner of this park that you’ll want to leave unseen. You might even bring your own picnic lunch so you can pause at one of the three lakes, each complete with stunning views. Then, throughout the year, the parks hosts educational programs as well as public events that are perfect for you and your family.

Next: 5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

5 Tips for Boating with Your Kids

08/25/201708/25/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

5 Tips for Boating with Your Kids

With the holiday weekend approaching, it’s one of the best times of the year to go boating with your kids. Though, this is sometimes easier said than done. Save yourself from the stress, and look to these tips to prepare for boating with your kids of all ages!

1. Make safety your No. 1 priority.

Everyone must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket or personal flotation device, including the tiniest members of your family. The little ones that are under 6 years old must wear their lifejackets at all times when aboard a recreational vessel less than 26 feet long. These are just a few of the Florida regulations for lifejackets. See the full list here to know the various types one must wear if on a Jet Ski or operating the vessel outside of Florida, for example.

2. Pack more than enough supplies for your boat ride.

When bringing the little ones and the youngsters, there are much more supplies to bring than a few bottles of water. Make sure your diaper bag is stocked with extra pacifiers, swim diapers, baby formula, etc. Of course you’ll want to have plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, juice and ice pops to keep everyone refreshed and hydrated! An extra change of clothes and plenty of towels are also notables items to bring.

3. Inform everyone of the basic boat rules.

Just like there are house rules, there are also basic boat rules that your children should keep in mind when riding on the boat. Here are a few basic boat rules:

Hands and feet should be kept in the boat at all times.
The lifejacket must be worn at all times.
No running on the boat is permitted since it is often slippery, and there are several places where one could be injured.

4. Create shade.

Bimini tops and covers are great for creating a shaded area when boating with your kids. This helps to shelter them from the heat to prevent them from becoming overheated. In addition, you could bring a beach umbrella or sun hat to add extra coverage.

5. Make it fun!

Boating with your kids is a memorable experience for all ages, especially when there are fun water activities. You may decide to bring your fishing poles and bait, snorkeling gear, water tubes or play a fun round of ‘who can find the most fish!’ If you decide to anchor, plan to bring some floats and beach toys as well!

Next: 5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

08/18/201708/18/2017 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

Labor Day 2017 is right around the corner, and you do not want to miss all that will be happening near Bradenton. The holiday weekend will be chock-full of events from the annual Labor Day Regatta to an event dedicated to bacon and so much more!

Check out our round-up of Labor Day 2017 events near Bradenton:

71st Annual Labor Day Regatta

When: Sept. 2, 9 a.m. to Sept. 3 at 4 p.m.

Where: City Island, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota.

Admission: Free.

Make way for the Sarasota Sailing Squadron’s grand event! Every year, competitive sailors from around the country and Canada gather in Sarasota for the annual Labor Day Regatta! Hundreds of sailors spanning ages 8–80 are expected at this year’s event. In addition to the five race courses, there will be live entertainment, food, beverages and an awards ceremony to commemorate the winning sailors.

When Pigs Fly Bacon Fest

When: Sept. 2, 5–10 p.m.

Where: JDub’s Brewing Company & Tap Room, 1215 Mango Ave., Sarasota.

Admission: Free.

Who doesn’t love bacon? What better way to celebrate International Bacon Day than at the When Pigs Fly Bacon Fest during Labor Day weekend? Sarasota’s own JDub’s Brewing Company will be hosting a bacon festival featuring food trucks serving dishes for the bacon lovers. Food trucks include Solid Slab BBQ, Mobstah Lobstah, Mouthole BBQ, The Schnitzel Trailer and Create bakery & gifts. If you’re still craving more bacon, you’ll even find it in some of their brews.

Florida Studio Theatre’s Family Day

When: Sept. 2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Where: Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota.

Admission: Free.

Join in for the theatre’s first ever Family Day event! Florida Studio Theatre will be partnering with Selby Gardens and Sarasota Opera to present an action-packed day for children and adults to explore the arts through hands-on activities. You and your family will get to discover your opera voice, take the stage with the theatre company and even go on a safari.

9th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

When: Sept. 2–3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Where: 220 Miami Ave. W, Venice.

Admission: Free.

It’s that time of the year again! Enjoy this two-day craft festival as vendors display their intricate masterpieces. From ceramics to stained glass and jewelry to metalworks and more, there will be many unique treasures for you to discover and purchase. In addition, there will be a Green Market with a variety of flora as well as food items including spices, sauces and kettle corn.

61st Annual Englewood Pioneer Days Parade & Festival

When:

Sept. 3, Noon–8 p.m.
Sept. 4, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Parade—Sept. 4, 9 a.m.

Where: Festival at Pioneer Park on Dearborn St.; Parade begins at St. Raphael’s Church.

Admission: Free.

Englewood’s Pioneer Days concludes its two-week celebration with the annual parade and festival! The fun kicks off on Sunday for the Parade Days Festival. Join in on delicious food, music, beard contests, car shows and so much more! Then on Labor Day—in addition to the festival—the parade will start at St. Raphael’s Church, continue down Olde Englewood Road and west Dearborn Street before turning on North McCall Road. Don’t miss this exciting annual extravaganza!

Next: August 2017: Fun Things to Do in Sarasota

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