Manatee Beach in Holmes Beach on Beautiful Anna Maria Island is a large public beach with free parking, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, showers and the Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe where one can get anything from a snack to a full lunch or dinner right on the beach!  Discover the charm of Old Florida.  One can walk the entire 7.5 mile long Anna Maria Island Beach without ever leaving the waters edge!  Travel West on Manatee Avenue all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

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Recreational area located on Palma Sola Bay Causeway, Bradenton, FL. Enjoy sailing, wind surfing, jet skiing, fishing, and picnicking. Dogs are allowed on a leash, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, covered pavilion, charcoal grills are provided, there's free parking, a boat launch and restrooms.  Occasionally visitors bring their horses to ride in the surf others bring their BBQ grills, a canopy and friends for a waterside party!

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Coquina Beach, Bradenton Beach, FL. located on the south end of Anna Maria Island, is one of the largest beaches in the area with all of the amenities. Plenty of free parking, often under shade trees. Lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, playground, restrooms and showers are all available. A boat launch, on the bay side, is across the street from the beach. Plenty of parking there too, sunshine and breathtaking sunsets that Florida is famous for!

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Casperson Beach, Venice, FL. located at the southern tip of Venice Island, is a quiet beach with free parking, lifeguards, concessions, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. This is the best location for finding prehistoric sharks' teeth. Plenty of free parking...but it is best to get there early on weekends and holidays! Boardwalks stretch from the free parking areas along the coast. There are literally miles of unspoiled and uncrowded beaches and, of course, spectacular Florida West Coast sunsets. 

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Fort De Soto Park, St. Petersburg, FL. was named America’s Top Beach for the second consecutive year by TripAdvisor, the world's largest online travel community, citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water and a laid-back atmosphere.” This is the second time in three years the perfect Pinellas County beach has received top honors on an annual “best-of” list.  Fort Desoto Beach is just a half hour north of Bradenton in St. Petersburg.   

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Clearwater Beach, an hour north of Bradenton, has won recognition as Best City Beach, one of America’s Top Family Beaches, one of the Top Singles Beaches in Florida, and one of the Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii, and boasts an array of water recreation and special events.  Enjoy walking the white sugar sand beach, play in the surf or get a snack at the pavilion. There is plenty to see and do including Pier 60, a city owned and operated fishing pier providing visitors with a safe, clean, and family friendly fishing destination.  Pier 60 hosts the daily “Sunsets at Pier 60″ festival featuring local artisans and performers, weather permitting from 2 hours prior till 2 hours after sunset.
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Caladesi Island State Park’s white sand beaches were rated America's Best Beach in 2008. About an hour north of Bradenton, it is one of the few completely natural islands along Florida´s Gulf Coast. Beach goers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. Saltwater fishermen can cast a line from their boats or surf fish. Nature lovers can spot wildlife while hiking the three mile nature trail through the island´s interior or paddling a three mile kayak trail through the mangroves and bay. Picnic tables and shelters are located near the beach, and picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has a marina with electric and water hookups, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. The 661-acre park is only accessible by boat or ferry and departs from Honeymoon Island State Park.

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Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL. Explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, dolphin, shark,  manatee and sea turtle exhibits and other species of marine life. See working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits that showcase the world-class research of Mote Marine Laboratory.  Mote Marine also offers sepcialized tours and educational events geared to children as well as college and adult expeditions and lectures. 

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Deep Sea Fishing off Anna Maria Island, FL!  Whether fishing from the beach, a boat, a pier or bridges, enthusiasts have the opportunity reel in black drum, trout, snook, redfish, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, and tarpon or at least have a good story to tell.  Charter day trip cruises are also available.   If you wish to launch your own boat, there is a launch ramp available at Kingfish Ramp, on Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach or on the Manatee Avenue causeway leading to Anna Maria Island. 

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Robinson Preserve, Bradenton, FL. is one of the newest public parks in the Bradenton area and features boardwalks, a 40 foot tall observation tower, and a Vistors Center. You can explore a native salt marsh habitat and there is camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and nature trails plus a nature interpretive center.  You'll aslo fine swimming, snorkeling, occasional wildlife siteings, kayaking, bicycle trails, a nature preserve, birding, and water recreation.  There is free parking, interpretive displays as well as guided tours. Pets on a leash are allowed, and customized tours are available with advance reservations. 

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Palma Sola Botanical Park, Bradenton, FL. provides the Bradenton area with a unique opportunity to enjoy educational programs, passive recreation and public events in the midst of 10 acres of natural beauty. The Park is located in the Old Palma Sola section of northwest Bradenton. The site is an unusually warm microclimate and a protected parcel of land, and, fortunately it is frost-free. Because of these environmental conditions, the Park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees. Other subtropical plants can be safely grown in the protective environment. The Park contains lush tranquil gardens and three lakes for enjoyment. It is also a populare location for weddings! 
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The Bishop Planetarium, Bradenton, FL is a multipurpose, “state of the art” domed theater, boasting one of the most advanced all-digital projection systems in the world. It incorporates stadium style seating, high definition DVD, TV, and PowerPoint projection, and a digital 25,000 watt Dolby 5.1 surround sound system.  The Bishop Planetarium is capable of accommodating a wide range of programs. It is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore their universe through traditional live star talks and immersive virtual journeys to the far reaches of the universe.

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The South Florida Museum, Bradenton, FL. is the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast.  It interprets the region from the Pleistocene to the present with stunning life-size dioramas and dramatic exhibits based on its extensive collections of anthropological artifacts, paleontological specimens and objects of cultural interest. The South Florida Museum maintains it's tradition of excellence in education, care of collections, interesting exhibits with programs for visitors and students appropriate for all ages.
 

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Parker Manatee Aquarium, Bradenton, FL. is the permanent home to Manatee County's most famous resident and official mascot, ‘Snooty’, the manatee.  The Aquarium, designed to house three adult manatees, holds nearly 60,000 gallons of water, including a medication pool.  The pool offers both deep and shallow water, allowing the manatees to maintain natural feeding behaviors.  An exhibit area within the facility allows the public to view manatees above and below water.   The facility is like a half way house for injured Manatees.  They continue recovering here after receiving critical care at Lowry Park Zoo prior to being released back into the wild.

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Parasailing off Anna Maria Island, FL!  Float high above the clear, teal blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, while looking down at turtles, dolphins,  stingrays and expansive views of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Lido Key. Parasailing could be the most exciting thing you do all year! Up to three persons can fly together. You'll have a dry take off from the back deck of the boat and return to the back deck, so you won't get wet unless of course, you ask the Captain to  let your feet touch the water as you return to the deck.  Anyone can parasail!

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The Tampa Bay Rays is the areas Major League Baseball which plays at Tropicana Field's 1.1 million square foot indoor, fully air conditioned stadium which includes unique design features and fan amenities found nowhere else in the Major Leagues.  It's a great opportunity to watch a major league baseball team possibly playing your home town team in indoor air conditioned comfort!

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For the past 38 years the Pittsburgh Pirates have been spring training in Bradenton and playing games at McKechnie Park. Though there has been baseball played at McKechnie Field since 1923, it's actually one of the newer stadiums in Florida spring training, as the facility was completely rebuilt in 1993. McKechnie Field is a comfortable ballpark fit into a Bradenton neighborhood, where it has stood on the same ground since opening in 1923.  The words that come to mind to describe McKechnie are cozy, intimate and classic. Its distinct look and location make it a throwback to a past era when Spring Training wasn’t the big business that it is today.   

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In 2010 the new Bradenton Marauders high Single-A baseball team owned by the Pittsburgh Pirates started playing at McKechnie Park. The 140 game schedule, including 70 at home games bring crowds throughout the summer and most will be night games at the newly lighted field. The young players on the new minor league team begin their first season with hopes for a winning year. The ballpark experience itself is very welcoming for fans, thanks in large part to the Bradenton Boosters. This volunteer club of local residents not only raises funds for ballpark improvements, they operate McKechnie Field on game day! The pleasantness of their personal touch is evident for anyone attending a game in Bradenton. 

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Busch Gardens, Tampa, FL. is the bay area’s No. 1 tourist destination, where wildlife and wild rides come together in an unparalleled combination of shows, a top notch zoo with more than 2,500 exotic and endangered animals and more extraordinary roller coasters than any destination in Florida. Busch Gardens in Tampa is about an hours drive north of Bradenton.

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Disney World The Magic Kingdom, Orlando, FL. theme park, one of 4 Parks in Walt Disney World, creates the enchantment of fairy tales come true with exciting entertainment, renouned attractions, and all those Disney Characters. Designed like a wheel in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways lead out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom and lead to 7 mythical lands.  Get caught up in the excitement of colorful parades and fireworks shows at night.  Dreams can come true for everyone!  

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Universal Orlando® Resort, Orlando, FL. theme park. is a terrific location for action and thrills featuring two theme parks in Orlando about a 2 hour drive from Bradenton. At both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure there’s unforgettable experiences for the entire family. Find adventure, have fun with your kids, envigorate yourself, have a romantic dinner, challenge yourself on incredible theme park rides, and relax by a tropical pool in a beautiful Florida setting.

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The Village of the Arts, Bradenton, FL. is a unique and exciting community of artists living and working together in Bradenton, Florida. With over forty artists, the Village is Florida’s largest art community. Stop in their galleries or enjoy the monthly art walks that fill the streets with art lovers looking for affordable fine art, jewelry, ceramics, designer wear and collectibles of all kinds. You'll also find inviting bookstores, eclectic gourmet cafes and many special events free to the public.

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Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's oldest and largest state parks. The Scenic Myakka River flows through 57 square miles of wetlands, prairies and woodlands. Go for hiking, fishing, camping, and wildlife observation for a day, weekend or extended camping excursion.  View wildlife in their natural habitat, great for birders too! 


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The sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community In Tarpon Springs that is now famous not only for sponges, but for authentic Greek restaurants and bakeries, sponge diving, sightseeing cruises,  lots of shopping, art galleries an aquarium, hand rolled cigars, and live entertainment.  Just a hour and 10 minute drive north of Bradenton.  Try Gyros like you've never tasted before or flaming Saganaki and ouzo!

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Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is today ranked the number-one family-friendly zoo in the U.S. (Child magazine) and recognized by the State of Florida as a center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity. It’s about 50 miles and one hour north of Bradenton. Natural outdoor exhibits for more than 2,000 animals from Florida and similar habitats include a Native Florida Wildlife Center and manatee hospital, Asian Gardens, Primate World, Free-Flight Aviaries, Wallaroo Station children's zoo, and Safari Africa. It's the perfect place for a family outing since the Zoo also features rides, shows and hands-on interactive exhibits designed to give you an unusual, exciting and entertaining experience. 
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The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, about an hour north of Bradenton, features a dolphin show, otter presentations, educational movies, and an interactive stingray exhibit, to name a few of the delightfully entertaining presentations.  They are also a working animal hospital that rescues and rehabs sea creatures unfit to survive on their own in the wild. The dolphin performance is a major highlight at the Aquarium, but there are other events going on throughout the day. Visit the shallow stingray pool, where you can dip your hand in the water and pet the stingrays. Don't worry; the stingers have all been removed.  A perfect family outing destination!   

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The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), about an hour north of Bradenton, is a “hands-on” location for all ages. Pedal a bicycle balanced on a 1-inch steel cable suspended 30 feet above the ground, see one of the largest moving dinosaurs ever discovered and experience the impact of 74 mph hurricane force winds. Visit the IMAX® Dome Theatre for the ultimate movie-going experience. Then go to The Saunders Planetarium  featuring a state-of-the-art star projector capable of recreating the night sky from any time and anywhere on the planet, and can play ultra 3D graphics and live videos from NASA. The Children's Science Center is for children twelve and under and is based on cutting-edge theories about learning and skill building. Plan to spend an exciting day exploring and discovering!   Learn more here  

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, about an hour and and a half north of Bradenton, on the West Coast of Florida is home to manatees, fish, birds and other protected wildlife as well as Mermaids!  Mermaids at Weeki Wachee provide shows for visitors in the show theater which allows guests to view them from comfortable chairs inside a 400-seat theater separated by thick glass from the depths of the spring. The mermaids perform to music, using air hoses in order to stay under water throughout the entire show. In addition, the Buccaneer Bay water park offers fun for the entire family with a white sand beach, flume rides and a lazy river ride plus a kiddy pool a water slide and picnic pavilions.
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At the Kennedy Space Center, about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Bradenton, you get the unique chance to tour – up close – NASA’s launch and landing facilities, experience interactive simulators, enjoy live shows and have eye popping encounters with huge rockets. You can even meet a veteran NASA astronaut.  In two huge IMAX theaters, the dream of spaceflight comes alive with spectacular sound, a five-story screen and realistic 3-D effects. Rarely seen film shot by NASA astronauts during actual missions will make you feel like you’re floating alongside them. Expect all this and more from a day or two at Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  
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At SeaWorld Orlando duck into a lush, tropical atmosphere, where you can choose between adventure and relaxation, relax on pristine beaches float along a tropical river or snorkel in crystal clear waters packed with fabulous rays or exotic fish. See coral reefs and grottos.  Experience tropical birds feeding from your hand, then reach the high point of your day as you make friends with a dolphin who welcomes you to share a swim in a tranquil lagoon. Enjoy Discovery Cove at plus the many other features of SeaWorld!
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Since 1899, generations of families have visited The Pier in downtown St. Pete.  There’s free entertainment, great things to do with the kids like watching the dolphins, listening to bands, having your face painted, getting a balloon animal and enjoying inexpensive food and beverages. Horse drawn carriage rides are available at the Pier that take you on a delightful waterfront and downtown St. Petersburg tour.Dolphin Sightseeing Cruises, Electric Marina Boat Rentals, Wheel Fun Rentals and the new catamaran boat ride at The Pier.


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The Sarasota Kennel Club features championship Greyhound Dog Racing December though April with day and evening racing on most days of the week. The club has numerous concession stands as well as buffet and menu dining in the Clubhouse dining rooms. Pari-Mutuel wagering is available on all races as well as live simulcast wagering year round from all major Greyhound and Horse Tracks from across the Country.

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At Historic Spanish Point, about 40 minutes south of Bradenton, discover  a fascinating 30-acre historical, archaeological and environmental museum. Experience prehistory by stepping inside “A Window to the Past,” an archaeology exhibition about the gulf coast region’s earliest people. Explore Florida’s pioneer life by touring a home built in 1901 and reflect on the early 1900s in Sarasota as you stroll through formal gardens.                               

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Sarasota Jungle Gardens features 10 acres of vibrant tropical vegetation, meandering jungle trails and entertaining, educational reptile and bird shows plus the many of the animals that you will see. Your visit isn’t complete without feeding free roaming Flamingos! When was the last time you had a Flamingo eating out of your hand? 


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The Florida Railroad Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world. Here you "Ride the Exhibits!" Hop aboard one of the original, refurbished passenger cars for a 90 minute ride on a real steam engine pulled train. The Museum operates weekend excursions year-round from the Train Station in Parrish about 20 minutes from Bradenton. Special weekend events are scheduled throughout the year featuring themed train rides. Charter the caboose for small, private parties or receive hands on training in the operation of the locomotive and then take the controls for an hour for the experience of a lifetime! 

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Bok Tower and Gardens is located on one of the highest hills of Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge, 298 feet above sea level and about 2 hours northeast of Bradenton. In 1921 Edward Bok commissioned world-renowned masters to create a stunning landscape garden, a majestic singing carillon tower and a haven for birds, plants and wildlife. In all the natural beauty of the Gardens, Bok believed something was missing. Remembering the glorious sound of carillons in his native Netherlands, he decided to build a beautiful Singing Tower as the focal point of the Gardens which would be crowned by a large carillon. Looking up at the 205 foot neo-Gothic and art deco Singing Tower carillon is an experience like no other.  Concerts from the 60 bell carillon at 1 and 3 p.m. fill the Gardens daily.

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Crowley Museum and Nature Center where Southwest Florida History and Nature meet is located about 40 minutes south of Bradenton in Sarasota. One of the main attractions is its half mile long, scenic, wooden boardwalk. This trail has been the main hiking path that winds through portions of the pine flatwoods, oak hammock and over the Maple Branch Swamp and Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. The boardwalk guides you to the two-story, Selby Tower overlooking the marsh and the Myakka River. There is also a museum of pioneer history, pioneer cabin, blacksmith shop, working sugar cane mill and the restored Tatum House.      

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Tour the Edison-Ford Museum, the winter home of Thomas A. Edison and adjacent home of Henry Ford, about an hour and a half south of Bradenton in Ft. Myers. Edison and Ford spent many winters working, talking and even relaxing together in tropical southwest Florida. The inventive genius of Edison and Ford are evident throughout these 17-acres of riverfront estates.  When you visit, you enter a world unlike any you have ever seen. The furnishings and architecture of these gracious buildings are preserved from a bygone era.  See Edison’s Laboratory filled with the original equipment used to conduct his rubber research. Here Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone combined their efforts, talents and finances in search of a natural source for rubber.  Enjoy the grounds, buildings and 400 foot Banyon tree!  
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Marina Jack II, luxurious dinner cruise in downtown Sarasota. Take a relaxing cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy delicious dining and outstanding views. Indoor space is air conditioned and the open air outside deck will provide you with the best way to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Each day you can choose from a lunch or dinner buffet. While dining, enjoy playful dolphins, warm sunshine and relaxing Gulf of Mexico breezes. 

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Gamble Plantation Historic State Park. This antebellum mansion in Ellenton just east of Bradenton was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. Today, the mansion, on 16 acres, is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day, Thursday through Monday and there is a covered pavilion with picnic tables on the grounds. 

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Emerson Point Preserve is located at the tip of Snead Island in western Palmetto. At Emerson Point, visitors can take in the 365 acres of Florida's wildlife and native plant communities while exploring both prehistoric and historic sites. 

Trails and boardwalks are aligned so that the natural habitat and cultural resources are protected. There are two picnic shelters available for small groups and a large ten table picnic shelter available for rental by reservation. A canoe and kayak launch allows access to the tidal canals and Terra Ceia Bay. 

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Ybor City has been known as Tampa’s Latin Quarter for over a century. It is an blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. Come early and enjoy the scent of roasting Cuban coffee early in the morning and stay late for the rhythms of Latin music into the night. Choose from Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek and French dining or share authentic tapas and a pitcher of Spanish sangria in a café atmosphere reminiscent of a Mediterranean village.  Browse shops and art galleries, or see a “hand-rolled cigar” being made with a cup of cafe con leche.. Listen to the music of the night - jazz, blues, salsa, reggae and even hip-hop emanate from a selection of pubs, patio bars and nightclubs. Founded as a cigar-manufacturing center, Ybor City today is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida with red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets. Ybor is alive with activities for everyone! 
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Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands are just an hour and a quarter south of Bradenton and an eco-tourism destination off the beaten path and away from the crowds.  Charlotte Harbor offers world-class boating, fishing, and sailing in one of SAIL Magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail.”  Or paddle your boat on hundreds of miles of Blueways trails, exploring five National Wildllife Refuges and discovering prime birding opportunities. Go tarpon fishing in Boca Grande, the tarpon fishing Capital of the World or fish the calm unspoiled waters of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound known for the best inshore flats fishing in Florida. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Palm Island, and Punta Gorda. 
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Historic Spanish Point is a 30-acre historical, archaeological and environmental museum overlooking Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey, just south of Bradenton. This is the only place in the United States where you can be surrounded by a 15 foot high prehistoric shell mound called a midden. View a recreated dwelling from 1,000 years ago. Explore Florida’s pioneer life by touring a home built in 1901, a citrus packing house and the charming Mary’s Chapel where many couples marry. You can also interact with a maritime heritage boatyard and take seasonal excursions on Lizzie G. a Florida style sharpie sailboat. Stroll through formal gardens, Duchene Lawn and Classic Portal is a calm respite on your walk to the Butterfly Garden, which is the largest on the gulf coast. An aqueduct empties over a shell cascade in the Jungle Walk. Walk shady nature trails through native plant communities and stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay from large boardwalks and scenic overlooks. Bring a picnic lunch and dine under the branches of a majestic Southern Magnolia. 

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Spaniard Hernando de Soto splashed ashore at this 26 acre DeSoto National Memorial in 1539 intent on capturing the riches of La Florida. A film depicting the De Soto Expedition and the Native Americans it encountered during the four year journey is shown daily in the Visitor Center theatre. Nature Trails now wind along the shoreline and through several ecosystems, including a mangrove forest and have interpretive signage and waysides that tell the story of the De Soto Expedition and the natural history of the area at this Northwest Bradenton park. Forty-five minute guided Trail Walks are offered by Park Rangers. The Cove is a popular temporary anchorage for small pleasure boats and canoes and kayaks may be launched from park beaches. Fishing is allowed as well as picnicking   The Visitor Center includes displays of historic armor, weapons, and related period items and helmets and armor are available to try on. 
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See the Commercial Fishing Village of Cortez by car or foot, a favorite outdoor gathering spot for locals and tourists alike located south of Cortez Rd just before the bridge to Anna Maria Island. Walk along one of the public docks and see brown and white pelicans, herons and other water birds.  See the fishing boats unloading their catch or preparing for a trip. Pick up fresh seafood in one of the markets on the water visit one of the gift shops and see native crafts and art, take a cruise with one of the ecology tours or see the Florida Maritime Museum and restored 1912 Cortez Schoolhouse. Visit the Taylor Boat works Museum where many of the wooden boats that fished the waters around Cortez were built. Have a great meal at Star Fish and be sure to try the grouper sandwich or fried mullet. Sit on the deck and watch the fishing boats come in or listen to live music at Cortez Kitchen. 

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“G.WIZ” is a non-profit, hands-on world-class Science and Technology center.  The $3.5 million 33,000 sq. ft. facility is located on Sarasota’s down town bay front. In the Exploration Zone discover electricity, light, sound and magnetism. Learn using levers, screw, gears, pulleys and hydraulics in the Machine Village. Make an animated video then add sound at the Animation Workstation. Design your own paper airplane and then see how it takes off and lands at Aero Engineer then in the Wave Zone experiment with light and sound waves. Visit the Body Zone to see how fast, how high, how strong and how flexible you are  See renewable energy exhibits, twentieth century dinosaurs, the illusion room and play Mind Ball! There’s something for ever one at “G. Wiz”!

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The Pinellas Pioneer Settlement is in St. Petersburg just a half hour north of Bradenton.  Life styles of Pinellas County pioneers are recreated. The Settlement is a living history museum located next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve where visitors can observe and take part in the skills, crafts and social customs of late 19th century life in west central Florida. Visit the Brantley Building built in 1888 and the  Endicott House built in1898, a blacksmith, sugar cane shed, saw mill and pole barn. These buildings have been the backdrop of music festivals, Civil War reenactments, antique shows and other period themed events. 

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The Florida Aquarium, 50 minutes north of Bradenton is ranked as a "Top-5 Kid-Friendly Aquarium" by Parents Magazine and is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and marine animals from around the world. See river otters, alligators, stingrays and sharks!  Then, participate in guest-dive programs like 'Swim with the Fishes' or 'Dive with the Sharks' or sign up for a special behind the scenes experience like the Penguins: backstage pass or shark feeding. Continue the journey to the 2-acre outdoor, water adventure park at Explore A Shore where water cannons are plentiful and children can explore a two-story, water-logged pirate ship. Go on a 90-minute Wild Dolphin Ecotour aboard The Florida Aquarium's Bay Spirit II, a 72-foot-long catamaran and bring a pair of binoculars!

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The Science Center of Pinellas is located 45 minutes north of Bradenton.  Here you’ll see live American Alligators and play in a Marine Touch Tank, which includes over ten species of marine life.  Vsit The Spirit of Columbia Theater & Planetarium which boasts a state of the art Minolta MediaGlobe projector. This high powered machine takes visitors to the outer reaches of space and beyond. There is also an Observatory with a powerful 16-inch Meade telescope, Then see a replica of a 16th Century Native American Village where you can learn where early Florida Natives lived, worked and socialized.  The Center appeals to kids and adults!  

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Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located 30 minutes north of Bradenton in St. Petersburg along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The 245-acre award-winning park features a bird of prey aviary, over three miles of boardwalks and trails, five unique ecosystems including pine flat woods, hardwood hammocks, willow marsh, sand pine scrub and lake shore and it is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The Preserve offers interpretive programming on a variety of natural history and environmental topics plus guided tours, overnight camping, picnic areas a playground and gift shop.   

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Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota, FL performs primarily in a rotating repertory with a resident company, to attract regional, national and international audiences and to provide a training ground for FSU graduate students.

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Circus Sarasota continues the legacy and broadens the artistic contribution of circus. Circus Sarasota presents professional family entertainment in a summer theatre show, winter performances under the big-top and special events and classes throughout the year.  Learn more here.

Sarasota Orchestra is the oldest continuing orchestra in the state of Florida, and has twice been ranked first among all major Florida musical organizations by the Florida Arts Council's Cultural Institutions program.  The Orchestra has played at various venues since 1949.

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Island Players is a small, quaint theater in Anna Maria is in its fifty nineth year of providing wonderful theatrical entertainment in a delightful setting.

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Manatee Players is a National Award-Winning Theatrical Group, the cultural jewel on the waterfront in downtown Bradenton!   From classics like Hello Dolly and Gypsy to favorites such as Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Nunsense and Crazy For You, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.  Learn more here.

McCurdys Comedy Theater, Sarasota, FL.  Over the past 16 years, comedians who have performed at MCCurdy's Comedy Theater read like a Who's Who list of the greatest names in comedy.  Enjoy comedy in a nightclub like setting with tables, snacks and cocktails!

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Sarasota Ballet of Florida has the honor of being voted Sarasota's Best Performing Arts Group for eight consecutive years and has gained in stature and regional prominence over the course of its ten-year history.  Members of the Sarasota Ballet Association volunteer their time and talent to produce activities and events which help to support the Sarasota Ballet.

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Sarasota Opera is an internationally respected producer of the highest quality professional opera.  The Sarasota Opera House is an intimate venue similar in size to European opera houses with less than 1,200 seats. The acoustics in the theater are superb.   It's small size allows the audience to be closer and more a part of the action than in a larger venue.

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The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, Sarasota, FL. is celebrating its 38th anniversary Season with a 281 seat theatre complete with a buffet style dinner! The theatre presents first-class Broadway entertainment after a delicious and tasty dining experience in a comfortable candlelit setting. “Always a Good Dinner, Always a Good Show! and Broadway on the Suncoast!”

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The Jazz Club of Sarasota is the most active jazz club in the United States, with over 80 concerts and lectures each year. The club has about 750 members and sponsors, with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Sarasota Jazz Festival, one of the major US jazz festivals, The Venice Jazz Festival in Venice Florida and the Gulf Coast High School Jazz Festival in Sarasota.

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Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the Van Wezel has been presenting audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater and comedy for more than 33 years.  This is the premier theatre in Sarasota for the biggest names in entertainment.  You can even enjoy a fabulous buffet dinner by Sarasota's Michael's On East and relax without having to worry about being late for the show.

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A tour of Cà d’Zan The Ringlings' spectacular palatial mansion provides a view of the romance and splendor of Italy. Described as “the last of the Gilded Age mansions” to be built in America.   Cà d’Zan has 56 amazing rooms filled with art and original furnishings.  Built by John and Mable Ringling of Ringling Bros. Circus fame.  The Museum of Art was built to house Ringling's personal collection of masterpieces; which today, features sculptures and paintings by the great Old Masters.   Take a walk under the Banyon trees or play in the rose garden.

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Visit the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist at the Salvador Dali Museum. Located in St. Petersburg, a half hour north of Bradenton, the Dali Museum spans Dali’s legendary lifetime. See the strange, exotic and sometimes bizarre world he created in and ever-changing museum that is ranked as one the best in the American south.

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The Players Theatre of Sarasota is a non-professional community theatre, and since they are located on the "Cultural Coast" an incredible talent pool is available. Half of the volunteers working on a production have been professionally paid performers. Many professional performers retire and are drawn to the area thanks to all of Sarasota's arts offerings.  These professionals bring their experience, training, their families and extensive resumes with them to the Players stage. In 2010, Broadway productions include Fantasticks, Oklahoma, Mame and Big: The Musical. 

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American Stage is Tampa Bay's best professional regional equity theatre and is located in St. Petersburg. American Stage presents its six play Main stage Series in its brand new, 182-seat Raymond James Theatre each year. The very popular American Stage in the Park celebrates its 25th Anniversary year. In 2010, American Stage Theatre Company celebrated its 31th Anniversary Season with performances of Driving Miss Daisy, Hair, the comedy November and The Seafarer. 

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The Venice Theatre is about 40 minutes south of Bradenton. The theatre exists to celebrate and nurture creative expression and to delight and challenge audiences through theatre and the performing arts of the highest quality. Venice Theatre has been a leading community theatre with consistently sold-out performances. The current performance schedule includes Honk, Loveland Follies 2010 and Married Alive.

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The Banyan Theater Company, located in Sarasota, continues to produce professional theater in the summer. Performing plays of literary merit in the summer the theater company is now entering their ninth season.  As a special feature you can participate for free in an informal discussion with the cast immediately following the show. There is free parking at the intimate and comfortable Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

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Ruth Eckerd Hall was nominated one of the top five concert halls in the United States and is located just an hour north of Bradenton. The 2,184-seat auditorium hosts nationally known musical artists and theater performances. The Hall's continental-style seating features no center aisles to bring the audience closer to the performers and afford an ideal view from all seats. 

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The Ford Amphitheatre is located in Tampa. They consistently book 30 to 40 top notch musical acts year.  The Ford Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue, with both reserved seats as well as those that are general admission for the lawn. With several seating choices, high quality concessions, and easy access it is a popular concert location.  


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The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota over the past ten years has produced over 30 main stage productions and has gained a reputation for the uniqueness and quality its performances. In 2007, WBTT was named a finalist for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Cultural Organization of the Year Award.  WBTT currently performs its productions in partnership with Arts Center Sarasota at the center’s home in Sarasota’s Cultural District

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The Mahaffey Theatre is located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.  The newly renovated Theater is a 2030-seat performing arts center featuring superb ballroom space, captivating waterfront views, and European box-style seating. The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international performances and artists including Broadway shows, classical, pop, rock, comedy, dance, family, and the respected Florida Orchestra.  

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The Florida Orchestra enhances the life of the Tampa Bay area by educating and entertaining a broad audience with the exhilarating experience of live symphonic music. The Florida Orchestra is recognized as one of Tampa Bay's leading performing arts institutions and is among the best orchestras in America. Concert series include Raymond James Pops, Masterworks, Pops in the Park Concerts, Coffee Concerts, and youth concerts.

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St. Armands Circle - an island shopping center reached by two bridges over Sarasota Bay. Set in a tropical paradise, St. Armands is a circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. Renowned as a market place with a continental flavor and lush tropical plantings, courtyards and patios, antique statuary and contemporary architecture. Relax in the restaurants, explore the shops - from trinkets to treasures, gourmet snacks to a candlelight repast, you'll find it on St. Armands Circle.

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Main Street At Lakewood Ranch is an outdoor venue offering more than 30 fashion boutiques, several international restaurants, and the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas all in an intimate small-town atmosphere.  Famous names and specialty shops line the streets. The open-air environment provides a unique plaza for strolling and shopping and often offers evening, free music concerts overlooking Lake Uihlein.   

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Prime Outlets Ellenton, just east of Bradenton, showcases luxury outdoor factory outlet shopping with over 130 designer and top-name stores including COACH Factory, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store and Dooney & Bourke. The center offers a delightful setting as you stroll outdoors under covered walkways from store to store while enjoying Florida's beautiful weather and tropical surroundings. 

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DeSoto Square Mall in Bradenton makes shopping easy and convenient. Favorite department stores include Macy's, JC Penney, Sears and more than 100 specialty stores and a food court.  There is always plenty of free parking! 

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International Plaza and Bay Street, adjacent to Tampa International Airport, is a spectacular shopping and dining destination in Tampa.  There are three major department stores including Dillard's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom plus over 200 specialty shops and Bay Street at the Plaza... an open-air village of fine restaurants and distinctive boutiques.  All are just 50 minutes north of Bradenton at West Shore & Boy Scout Blvd. 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 342-3790. 

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Miromar Outlets is a shopping center with over 140 designer and brand name outlet stores including Ann Taylor, Adidas, Banana Republic, Bass, Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers, DKNY, Gap, Izod, Nike, Neiman Marcus Levi’s, Van Heusen and many, many more!  Voted Southwest Florida’s “Best Factory Outlet Shopping Center” ten years in a row, the center is located between Fort Myers and Naples on I-75 about an hour and 45 minutes south of Bradenton.                            

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Southgate Shopping Mall has over 40 stores, including: Dillard's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Banana Republic, Macy's, Pottery Barn, Talbots, Williams-Sonoma and more! Westfield Southgate Shopping Center is just a half hour south of Bradenton at 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34239. 941-955-0900. 


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Orlando Premium Outlets is located about an hour and forty minutes east of Bradenton and near Universal and Disney theme parks. 

The 150 outlet stores include: Ann Taylor, Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Diesel, Gap Outlet, Giorgio Armani, Kenneth Cole, Fendi, Lacoste, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger as well as
Polo Ralph Lauren.
                        
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The Red Barn is Bradenton's one-stop flea market destination for the whole family. Search for every conceivable kind of great stuff in air conditioned comfort! Explore an unbelievable variety in over 600 booths and specialty shops. Park free on 15 acres of space around the market. Stroll paved lanes to find your deals. Then head outside for even more…practically anything you can think of! It’s a fun day of discovering what you need and then negotiating the price! Get a deal! 

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