Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes Marina

Rainy Day Fun Near Riviera Dunes MarinaJust 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...
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Don’t Miss these 4 Breweries near Sarasota

Don’t Miss these 4 Breweries near Sarasota

Don’t Miss these 4 Breweries near SarasotaCalling 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 Eatery2505 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton3KeysBrewing.comThis 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 Company803 17th Avenue West, BradentonDarwinBrewingCo.comInspired 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...
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4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

4 Top Spots to Visit in Bradenton

4 Top Spots to Visit in BradentonThere’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 ParkThe 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 MuseumIf 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...
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5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near Bradenton

5 Labor Day 2017 Events Near BradentonLabor 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 RegattaWhen: 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 FestWhen: Sept. 2, 5–10 p.m.Where: JDub’s Brewing Company & Tap Room,...
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August 2017: Fun Things to Do in Sarasota

August 2017: Fun Things to Do in Sarasota

August 2017: Fun Things to Do in SarasotaLooking for fun things to do this month? While summer is nearly over, there are still plenty of things to do in the Sarasota area! Here’s your guide for weekend fun in the Sarasota area for August 2017.This weekend, Aug. 11–13, head to Historic Spanish Point in Osprey for a docent-guided walking tour! During this enriching tour, you’ll get to experience the history, architecture and nature of Old Florida. For home goods lovers, you’ll enjoy perusing the vintage and antique goods at Vintiquity Lane’s European-style, monthly market on Aug. 19–20. It’s also important to note that this market opens every third weekend of the month in Sarasota’s Design District, which is located at 1540 N. Lime Ave. At the market, you will discover repurposed, kitschy home treasures, clothing and other unique artifacts from yesteryear. Here are the upcoming market hours:Saturday—8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday—10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.If you haven’t heard by now, Venice, FL is known...
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Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.

Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.

Local Beaches Among Top Family Beaches in U.S.Three beaches near Palmetto, Florida were named among Reader's Digest's top family beaches to visit in the U.S. and Carribean! You're in luck when visiting our area because these top family beaches are just a short drive away. Below, you'll get the scoop on each beach as well as the amount of travel time it takes to reach your destination from Palmetto.Clearwater BeachTravel Time: 57 minutesWith it's pearly-white sand against the lucid ocean waters, what's not to love about Clearwater Beach? Take the kids to a pirate ship cruise where they can hear pirate stories, play games, go on treasure hunts and much more. You may even spot a dolphin! Speaking of dolphins, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium also boasts a one-of-a-kind experience as you'll get to meet the movie star dolphin Winter, who starred in Dolphin Tale. Sanibel IslandTravel Time: 2 hours, 3 minutesWhen you visit Sanibel Island, there's one pastime that might take over your entire day: shelling. That's right—Sanibel is...
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3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near Bradenton

3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near Bradenton

3 Affordable Travel Destinations Near BradentonAre you on a budget this summer? While there is much to see and do in the Bradenton area, there are many affordable travel destinations nearby!In fact, three cities in Florida were named among the Top 10 Most Affordable Travel Destinations in the country by AOL! Orlando ranked at No. 1 for the second consecutive year, Fort Lauderdale came in at No. 3, and Jacksonville ranked at No. 9.For a family of four, the total vacation costs for three days and nights are $2,284 in Orlando, $2,560 in Fort Lauderdale and $2,852 in Jacksonville. To find the most affordable travel destinations, AOL considered the average cost for a family of four and individuals using these four key factors: roundtrip airfare, hotel rates, car rental rates and dining.If you're on a budget and looking for an affordable getaway for you and your family, learn more about these cities near Bradenton: When in Orlando, located just a couple hours from...
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Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017

Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017

Free Things to Do Near Bradenton in Summer 2017From gazing at unique artwork to admiring national memorials and parks, there are several free things to do near Bradenton this summer! Whether you’re on a budget or are just searching for some fun things to do to give your wallet a break, the fun never stops near Bradenton!Visit the Cortez Historic Fishing Village.Immerse yourself in history as you enter the charming fishing village of Cortez. Traverse through Cortez's Florida Maritime Museum offering free admission every day! Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t miss the latest exhibit, Florida Through the Lens, which displays the work of nature photographer Richard Estabrook. This exhibit continues through July 28. In addition to the museum, you can take a stroll through charming, old fish houses!Admire the Riverwalk’s public art collection.Stroll Bradenton’s Riverwalk to view 19 pieces of public art. From acoustic sculptures to the drum yard, the public art is enjoyable...
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4 Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

4 Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach

4 Tips for Staying Safe at the BeachWhether you're a seasoned beachgoer in Bradenton or traveling here for your annual vacation, staying safe at the beach should always be your top priority.Here are four simple tips to make sure you're safe at the beach this summer!1. Don't overestimate your swimming abilities.Since you know how skilled you are in swimming, it's best to keep within your abilities in order to stay safe at the beach this summer. For instance, if you're a novice swimmer, it's certainly not wise to be swimming in the deeper areas where you can't touch the bottom. Don't find yourself in trouble by overestimating your swimming abilities this summer. In addition, there are often stronger currents or rip tides in the water that are much more difficult to escape. So be sure to not attempt to swim during these conditions if you are not equipped to handle them.2. Be aware of drop-off points in the water.Make sure to identify...
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2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton Area

2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton Area

2017 July 4th Weekend in the Bradenton AreaFourth of July weekend is here, and you don’t want to miss all that our area has to offer. Amongst the barbecues, yard games and—of course—fireworks, join in at these exciting events! Here’s the scoop on what to do July 4th weekend in Bradenton and surrounding areas.Tomorrow, you can begin the all-American weekend watching The Marauders play Florida at LECOM Park in Bradenton! Tickets are $6–$10, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a complimentary t-shirt! Once the game ends, make sure to stick around for a post-game fireworks show! Game begins at 6:30 p.m. Also tomorrow, head to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota for a free Fireworks Festival complete with games, music, refreshments and fireworks, of course! The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets for this exciting event. While the event is free, parking is $5 on Regatta Island.On July 4, head to the Sarasota Bayfront for Fireworks...
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