Things to Do – Riviera Dunes Marina

Palmetto Paradise: Where Shopping and Dining Collide with Flavor

09/10/202310/09/2023 by extremeidaho@gmail.com Comment Closed

Tucked away on Florida's enchanting Gulf Coast, Palmetto is more than just a destination; it's an experience. This charming coastal town marries old-world charm with a vibrant dining and shopping scene that'll leave you smitten. So, get ready for an insider's tour of the most alluring places to shop and dine in Palmetto. From retail therapy to gastronomic delights, Palmetto's got it all, and we're about to spill the beans! Shopping Spree in Palmetto Palmetto Village Shopping Center: Kickstart your shopping escapade at the Palmetto Village Shopping Center, conveniently perched along U.S. Route 41. It's a shopaholic's dream come true, with a mix of popular national brands and quaint local boutiques. From trendy apparel and accessories to cutting-edge electronics and home essentials, this place has everything your shopping heart desires. Riverfront Antique Mall: If you're a vintage enthusiast with a knack for the unique, the Riverfront Antique Mall should be your first stop. Here, treasure hunting is an art form. Meander through aisles...

Busiest days to go boating

09/16/202209/16/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

While most boaters want to spend as much time on the water as they can, obstacles like hectic work schedules and bad weather frequently stand in the way. People who are fortunate enough to reside in an area with pleasant weather all year round, such as South Florida, can spend more days on the water boating. The busiest boating days of the year still tend to be in the spring and summer. 72 The majority of individuals launch their boat from their docks and into the water on three specific days out of the 365 in a year. These days are all holidays, which typically last over extended weekends. Here are the busiest boating days of the year, so you can decide whether you want to celebrate with other boaters or stay away from the crowded waterways. 64 Memorial Day. Americans enjoy this federal holiday, which falls on the final Monday of May, as a three-day weekend. Memorial Day recognizes and commemorates...

Enjoy boating!

08/19/202208/19/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Have you ever had the excitement of a relaxing afternoon on a lake or the ocean? If yes, you already know how much fun boating can be. There is nothing quite like the sensation of being on the water and having fun in the beautiful weather. Boating is an excellent activity for a variety of reasons. For starters, it is wonderful because it allows people to be outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. There is no better way to enjoy the spring, summer, or cool fall day than by boating. It is not just a chance to enjoy the outdoors; you also enjoy being on and in the water. People need to get outside, and boating is one of the best ways to do so. Boating also allows family and friends to get together and enjoy each other's company. Busy families can take a break from the hustle and bustle of work and activities to enjoy a quiet day away from...

Jump Ship!: Award-winning Local Activities for Non-Boat Owners

07/22/202207/22/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Let’s be honest: As much as we love boating (and we do love boating), of course not everyone owns their own craft or even wants to spend every day being in charge of where it’s going. With that in mind, we were thrilled to see a recent roundup from our local Bradenton Herald of eight local attractions that have won the Travelers’ Choice award from TripAdvisor. We’ve gathered a few of them below to add some variety to the end of your summer. Full Boat Charters Backed by over 30 years of local fishing experience, Captain Brook Wallace operates the MISS KENZIE, a 31-foot Pursuit open for boat tours, charters, and even kids’ fishing with free fishing licenses, Rates for a date out with Captain Brook vary depending on your species goal and the size of your party (up to 6), and you can contact Full Boat Charters directly at their website. With recent reviews highlighting a captain who is “extremely attentive,”...

Take a Hike: 3 Trails and Parks to Explore Around Bradenton

07/08/202207/08/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

We’ve heard the rumors (mostly from kids) that “summer’s already almost over,” but we’re not sure we believe them. If you don’t either, you know there’s still plenty of time to get outside, stretch, and take a long walk down a trail or through a local park. We’ve listed a few local hikes below to give your perfect summer day a perfect destination. LAKE MANATEE STATE PARK 20007 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212 With three separate trails making up the Main Park Trails, totaling just under three miles, there’s plenty of room to spread out at this state park, with excellent views of the prairie, a nearby lakefront to walk, and even bicycle and canoe rentals. Looking for an overnight outing? The park also offers camping, fishing, and a separate area for boat put-in. ROBINSON PRESERVE 1704 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209 Looking for something a little longer? Robinson Preserve is a county-managed former farmland that’s undergone restoration to include over 8 miles of walking and...

‘Tis The Season for Fireworks

07/01/202207/01/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Happy 4th of July, boaters! With the long holiday weekend right in front of us, we wanted to give you a heads-up and a roundup of some of the best fireworks displays around the marina, and how to catch them. The Bradenton Marauders’ Independence Day Celebration Sunday, July 3 | 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Maybe you can’t stay for the holiday itself, or maybe you just want to catch a baseball game while you’re here. On Sunday, the Bradenton Marauders host the Tampa Tarpons for their annual Independence Day game, with all the fun of the regular season plus souvenir T-shirts for the first 1,500 guests through the gate and a post-game fireworks show. Check the Marauders’ website for tickets and availability. Red, White, and Boom at The Bishop Monday, July 4 | 6 - 10 p.m. This year, the Bishop Museum is hosting a family-friendly, all-ages event with some of the best views of the Manatee River you’ll find. You’ll have plenty of room to...

Around The Marina: 3 Spots for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

06/10/202206/10/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

Whether you’re a year-round local or just in the area for a vacation, you’re bound to wonder at some point, “What’s for dinner?” It’s a good question, but (obviously) grabbing something to eat isn’t just for sunset after a day on the water. Below we’re highlighting three local spots not too far from the marina to keep you covered and full all day long. And who knows? Stay long enough for dessert and you might run into just the person with all the best hidden fishing spots. Breakfast: D’s Breakfast and Burgers 423 10th Ave W, Palmetto, FL 34211 Open for the early birds, D’s is just west of the marina and just a few blocks away from the river. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. you can stop by for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner, from country-style skillet breakfasts and traditional house-special plates to half-pound burgers, specialty sandwiches, and D’s “mighty melts.” (And don’t worry–D’s also has a few items on the...

Best Florida Cruises and Boat Tours

05/20/202205/20/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

If you’re looking for some of the best waterways to explore in the country, look no further than the sunshine state. Florida features over 1,800 miles of coastline and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams. Some visitors bring their own boat or opt to rent one, but there are other options for travelers such as taking a cruise or boating tour. Here are some of the top cruises and tours that you’ll want to check out in sunny Florida: Tarpon Springs Take a boat tour from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Dock where you tour the Anclote River while learning some history about Tarpon Springs. You will also be able to gaze out on the gulf waters and spot dolphins as well as make a stop on the beautiful Anclote Key, a white sand barrier island that is only reachable by boat. Celebrity Spotting at Miami Beach Many celebrities pay millions of dollars for a home with waterfront views in Miami. If you want to see...

Best Boating in Florida

04/22/202204/22/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

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...

Fourth Annual Chad Day Fishing Tournament Set For April 10

03/30/202203/30/2022 by Scott Le Roy Comment Closed

The fourth annual Chad Day Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, April 10th at the Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar, located at 7150 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243. The family-friendly tournament will kick off on Saturday, April 9th after the mandatory captain’s meeting, held at the Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar, at 3PM. All anglers are encouraged to attend, but at least one member of each team must be present. The catch and release tournament includes snook, redfish, and trout and all entry photos must be submitted by Sunday at 2PM. The entry fee per boat is $280 for up to 4 anglers. Each additional angler is $70, with a max of 6 people per team. A total of $6000 worth of prizes will be awarded to tournament winners. For each species, first prize will receive $1000, second $700, and third $300. The event will also include raffles, silent auctions, and live music. Raffle tickets can be purchased 11AM-6PM...