Palmetto Fine Dining

Palmetto Fine Dining

Palmetto, a charming city on the shores of Florida's Gulf Coast, offers a delightful experience for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable fine dining experience. With its picturesque waterfront, historic charm, and an array of dining options, Palmetto is a hidden gem for gastronomes. In this article, we'll take a culinary journey through Palmetto, focusing on the best area places for fine dining, including the beloved Dockside Grill at the Marina. Dockside Grill at the Marina: Nestled alongside the scenic marina, Dockside Grill is a culinary haven known for its delightful seafood fare and stunning waterfront views. The restaurant exudes a relaxed ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or an intimate dinner. With its outdoor seating, guests can savor the sea breeze and watch boats gently sway in the marina while indulging in a delectable selection of fresh seafood, grilled specialties, and craft cocktails. The Dockside Grill's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients ensures a delightful, sustainable dining experience. https://rivieradunesdockside.com The...
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What Makes a Good Marina?

What Makes a Good Marina?

Hospitality and Customer service Hospitality and customer service is the number one item to consider when choosing a marina. Our Marina is known for the friendly faces and relationships we build with our customers. Our customers become more like family and know every time they come to see us, they will be greeted with smiling faces. Proper Equipment It is extremely important to be sure your boats are sheltered from wind, waves, and boat traffic. It provides a sense of security when it comes to the safety of your boat. The percentage of boat owners who prefer having shelter is significantly higher than boat owners who do not for good reasons! On Site Services Having a place to dock is extremely important, however what is available to you on location is also important. RD Marina has an extensive list of on site services that we provide to our customers. Click Here to see our full list of on-site services. Events/Socials Hosted by the Marina Hosting...
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Best Boating in Florida

Best Boating in Florida

Florida, also known as “the sunshine state,” is often thought of as the boating capital of the world. This makes perfect sense because of the sunshine and plenty of access to water.  There are many amazing and beautiful spots for boating in Florida, but these are some of the most gorgeous and  highly-rated locations: Florida Keys The Florida Keys offers variety and a sense of paradise for boaters. It consists of several beautiful islands with off-shore and in-shore fishing, sandbars, warm, clear water, and multiple reefs for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, the Florida Keys has many dining options to choose from and great diversity within communities.  Charlotte Harbor Charlotte Harbor is almost like a smaller version of the Florida Keys. It boasts tons of islands, beautiful, uncrowded beaches, and is a dream come true for boaters! You’ll also find some iconic places here such as Sanibel Island, Boca Grande, Cabbage Key, North Captiva Island, and Useppa Island. Jupiter/Palm Beach Jupiter/Palm Beach is one of the nicest areas...
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Seashell Season in Sarasota: Part 2

Seashell Season in Sarasota: Part 2

There’s no end of amazing discoveries to be made in Sunny Sarasota! Are you looking for some of the best shelling spots in Sarasota? Keep reading to find your unique vacation souvenir!  Shelling Advice Tidal Deposits It’s no secret that Sarasota’s barrier islands have the best shells! A tip from shell experts: follow the tides. The best time to search for shells is an hour before and after low tide. Separating each island, you will find waterways that hold the best shell hauls! Each incoming tide brings fresh treasures to find.  Beat the crowds The further away from the crowds you get, the better your shelling prospects! It’s much easier to find a prime shell selection away from the busy areas of the beach. Sandbars Are you on the search for the famed sand dollar? Find a sandbar! Sandbars are known for having fresh shell deposits, full of sand dollars. Sand Dollar Island, found between Siesta and Lido Keys, promises fresh, breathtaking treasures every evening! Don’t forget! The...
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Sarasota: A Bookworm’s Paradise

Sarasota: A Bookworm’s Paradise What could be more relaxing than spending your vacation venturing into a world of your favorite literary characters? Grab a fresh coffee from one of the many local Sarasota roasters on your way to the book nooks below and get ready to read the day away!  The Ultimate Book Lover’s Adventure: A. Parker’s Book BazaarBeloved by Sarasota locals and a destination bookstore for readers, A. Parker’s Book Bazaar is an antique book utopia filled fascinating collectibles. The lifeline of this unique book lover paradise is the room behind the locked glass door, filled with collectibles and artifacts that the owner, Gary Hurst, sells to international collectors. The oldest book held there is an Italian artifact from 1604! The abundance of history and knowledge you can find here makes it one of the top places to visit on your reading journey. The towering bookshelves create a maze through vintage works of literature, inviting you on an adventure for...
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Festive Florida Events: A New Year’s Eve to Remember!

Festive Florida Events: A New Year’s Eve to Remember!

Festive Florida Events: A New Year's Eve to Remember!By Hannah M. New Year’s Eve Events in Sarasota and BradentonAre you looking for festive, fun ways to celebrate The New Year? Check out these coastal celebrations in Sarasota and Bradenton! Fireworks Cruises and DisplaysOne of the many exciting ways to ring in The New Year on the West Florida Coast is by watching the dazzling firework displays. There are many options to experience the extravagant exhibits, including from the water! It’s the perfect time of year to board a New Year’s Eve firework cruise; the pleasant tropical climate paired with dazzling lights against the Florida night sky will bring an unforgettable evening. Marina Jack Dinner and Dancing CruiseOne of the top dining destinations in West Florida, this celebration cruise promises an exquisite evening of entertainment. Included in your ticket will be live music, dancing, a delicious buffet, and a champagne toast to finish the night under the fireworks. Don’t forget to call...
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Riviera Dunes Dockside Social Bar & Grill!

Riviera Dunes Dockside Social Bar & Grill!

As you may know Blu Mangrove isbecomingRiviera Dunes Dockside Social Bar & GrillBelow is some helpful information regarding this transition. We sincerely hope this will be a great change for our valued guests and staff! As you have seen we continue to operate as Blu Mangrove and will continue to do sointo early January. PLEASE COME JOIN US NEW YEARS EVE as we will have GlassOnion playing the area’s BEST Beatles cover band. Our phone number has changedto 941-304-3689 please make a note. Here’s a brief overview of upcoming events. We will be open until 8pm Xmas Eve then closed Xmas We are open until 1am on New Years Eve with live musicWe are open New Year’s DayWe plan to close the Blu Mangrove on Monday, January 7th for renovationsWe plan on re-opening Thursday, January 10th as Riviera Dunes Dockside withthe following changes:             o ALL NEW FOOD MENU             o NEW WINE MENU       ...
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Sarasota’s Best Locations for Fresh Produce and More!

Sarasota’s Best Locations for Fresh Produce and More!

Sarasota's Best Locations for Fresh Produce and More!By Hannah M.Navigate Sunny Sarasota’s Farmers Markets Like a ProIf you’re looking for ideal activities to make your vacation unforgettable, there’s no end to the possibilities in Sunny Sarasota! The Sunshine State is known for the abundance of fresh produce. One great way to experience Florida’s tasty local fruits is by visiting one of the nearby farmers markets. Not only will you get your fill of fresh fruit, but the fun doesn’t end there at Florida’s farmers markets! Here you’ll find many different creatives and skills sets unique to this region.Keep this advice in mind for the most memorable experience of captivating Sarasota!The early bird gets the worm! The earlier you are, the wider your selection will be!Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen for your Sunshine State adventure.Pack snacks and drinks - you’ll want to stay refreshed and bringing a small cooler is a great way to do so. Talk to the sellers...
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Escape the hustle and bustle!  Castaway for the day on Cayo Costa Island.

Escape the hustle and bustle! Castaway for the day on Cayo Costa Island.

If you’re looking for a hideaway from the excitement of Southwest Florida for the day, Cayo Costa Island State Park is the perfect oasis. This barrier island, accessible by boat or ferry, is tucked away near Punta Gorda and North Fort Myers, making it the ideal private retreat. This remarkable Gulf Coast location, renowned for the white sand beaches and shelling, is a seclusive and relaxing getaway. Getting to Cayo Costa IslandCayo Costa Island lies at the entrance of Charlotte Harbor, nestled between North Captiva Island and Boca Grande, and is reached by boat or ferry. If you don’t have a boat to visit this breathtaking island, Captiva Cruises, the official state park concessionaire, has you covered! The ferry accommodates all kinds of family fun, offering private cruises for special events and conveniently running from several locations including: Captiva Island, Punta Gorda, Boca Grande, and Pine Island.Cayo Costa State Park FeaturesThe ferry docks at the State Park and from there...
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Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

Learn About Bonito Fishing in Sarasota

Learn About Bonito Fishing in SarasotaDo you know about the bonito fish? Let’s learn about this feisty game fish that you may encounter this winter.The bonito fish is a game fish that is known to frequent the Sarasota area. You may hear these fish referred to as ‘bonita’ or even ‘bonehead.’ Bonito fish, named for their aesthetically pleasing exterior, are speedy and powerful game fish. Their speed and power often causes spools to empty very quickly since they put up quite a fight when you’ve hooked them.Bonito often travel in schools and will remain in our waters much longer after most pelagics have migrated. You’ll find that seabirds easily spot them when an underwater commotion arises while they're feeding on small baitfish.Wondering how to catch them? You’ll be successful with small jigs, spoons and flies, which are often used by sportsmen. Try going to nearshore reefs and catching them by way of bottom fishing; you’ll be surprised when they’re suddenly...
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