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Bradenton featured on Boston.com

bea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:21:51 +0000

Bradenton, especially Downtown Bradenton and the Village of the Arts have been recognized by Boston.com. I reprinted the article below:

BRADENTON, Fla. – Turn onto 12th Street West, and it’s clear that this isn’t your average neighborhood. Instead of the usual bungalows, there is a riot of lime green picket fencing, a mural that pairs Frida Kahlo with an emaciated Christ figure, and a giant cow statue painted blue. And that’s just within two blocks.

Welcome to Village of the Arts, a funky collection of more than 35 galleries, studios, cafes, and shops stretching between 9th Street and 16th Street West, and 9th and 14th Street West in what was once a rough section just south of downtown Bradenton, 50 miles south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Formerly a place known for crack houses and prostitutes, Village of the Arts started as a grass-roots attempt to reclaim the neighborhood by a few brave artists in search of cheap real estate and a community. A decade later, what began as a social experiment has become a reason for locals and visitors to spend time away from Bradenton’s sandy beaches.

Bonni Brown was one of the first to stake a claim. The former New York clinical social worker opened a bakery cafe in September 1999. “We bought this place from a man arrested for shooting at crackheads. Got a great deal.’’ Today, the 100-year-old building houses Bonni Bakes, a friendly spot to have fresh mango lassi, a curried chicken salad sandwich, and a slice of red velvet cake. “We still get locals who’ve lived here all their lives and say, ‘When did all this happen?’ We’ve finally got some signs up, which will help a lot.’’

Brenda Smoak is the newest kid on the block. She opened Alchemy, a fair trade consignment shop representing 145 artists, in early October, leaving her gallery in Silver Springs, Md., behind. “I moved here because of this place – it felt like a community,’’ Smoak said.

Divine Excess Folk Art is definitely one of 12th Street’s catchiest facades. Painted lime and scarlet, the outside of the gallery is marked by a towering live oak that doubles as a repository of Mexican milagros and Mardi Gras beads. Inside, Zoe Von Averkamp showcases top Florida folk and outsider artists, including Missionary Mary Proctor, whose work hangs at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore. “I love folk art because it’s raw, real, and from the soul,’’ said Von Averkamp, an artist who creates moody shrines and altars from found objects. “I’m here to tell you that you’re never too old or too late to realize your dream.’’

Bradenton (population 53,000) has become the little arts town that could, harnessing existing resources and adding attractions to create a package with plenty of cultural cachet. In a recent Soul of the Community study done by Gallup and the Knight Foundation, Bradenton ranked first as a place whose citizens felt attached to their community and eager to spread the word.

Plans to revitalize downtown, adjust traffic flow, and attract more restaurants and shops are slowly taking root. “You won’t recognize downtown in the next five years,’’ said Rick Fawley, the local architect working on the transformation, which will start with a half-mile pedestrian walkway linking the river walk to the Village of the Arts, called Artisan Avenue. Monthly events like a street and craft fair with live music, an outdoor movie in the park, and the art walk on the first weekend of each month are enthusiastically attended.

“It’s such a friendly place,’’ said Jenny Taylor, who along with her husband, John, and daughter Christina own The Londoner Inn B&B and Tea Rooms, a six-room inn within a few blocks of downtown. After moving from South London, the Taylors first opened a hotel on swanky Longboat Key. “When I had a 5-year-old ask me if we’d be going condo soon, I knew we were in the wrong spot,’’ she said. After a nine-week stint back in England -“We really didn’t fit in there anymore, and it was so cold!’’ – the family returned to Bradenton and bought a dilapidated house in what used to be called the Silk Stocking District. “It was quite posh at one time, before it got run down,’’ she said.

Renovated and outfitted with six spacious rooms, the Londoner is a cheery place for an overnight stay or a spot of tea. Try the coronation chicken salad, the same recipe enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth on her big day.

After staying at the Londoner for three weeks, Winchester native Lyn Di Mambro decided never to leave. “I’m not in the mood for another winter,’’ said the freelance puzzle writer, who went home, packed her stuff, and is renting the carriage house behind the B&B. “I can work anywhere. But this feels like home.’’

What to see

Farmer’s Market Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Old Main Street, the market features local produce, joined by artists selling everything from jewelry to antiques on the third Saturday of the month. Live music. 941-544-8077 South Florida Museum This gem of a museum covers local history, offers a state of the art digital planetarium, and is home to Snooty, the world’s oldest known manatee (he turned 61 last summer). 201 10th St. West, 941-746-4131, www.southfloridamuseum.org

ArtCenter Manatee This vibrant haven for artists for more than 75 years attracts impressive exhibits and fosters local (and visiting) talent in workshops and classes in pottery to jewelry making and watercolor. Nice gift shop. 209 9th St. West, 941-746-2862, www.artcentermanatee.org

Where to shop

Village of the Arts www.villageofthearts.com (Note: Many galleries are open only a few days a week, so call before you visit.)

Hearts Desire Local jewelry designer and graphic artist Vicki Rollo spotlights art to wear, interesting textiles, and her own work. 1221 12th St. West, 941-302-1069, www.heartsdesirefl.com

Alchemy An eclectic mix of 145 artists’ work, from sculpture to oils to painted leather and more. 1215 12th St. West, 941-746-3508, www.artandalchemy2.com

Divine Excess Surprisingly affordable outsider and folk art. 125 12th St. West, 941-747-1320, http://www.villageofthearts.com/show_member.php?id=37

Where to eat

Bonni Bakes Homemade baked goods, wraps, salads, and blintzes served for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, $4-$7.50. 930 12th St., 941-746-6647, bonnibakes.blogspot.com Ristorante Ortygia In a homey bungalow, chef/owner Gaetano Cannata creates authentic Sicilian specialties like sweet red peppers stuffed with provolone, tomatoes, pine nuts, and black currants. If you’re lucky, Joseph Spinella will be singing Italian folk songs and the chef may just break out his harmonica. 1418 13th St. West, 941 741-8646, ortygiarestaurant.com

SOMA Diner SOMA, which stands for South of Manatee, is the latest from chef/owner David Shiplett, who brings chic comfort food to the table, including a killer four-cheese mac and cheese and a parmesan-crusted chicken schnitzel, $5-$22. 616 10th St. East, 941-748-0002

Mattison’s Riverside Just one of local chef Paul Mattison’s eateries, this spot offers river views, live music on the weekends, and a Mediterranean inspired menu that focuses on seafood, lamb, duck, beef, and sushi, $7.95-$29.95. www.mattisons.com, 941-748-8087

What to do

Manatee Players This national award-winning community theater group delivers crowd-pleasing musicals with plenty of spunk. A new playhouse is in the works. 102 12th Street West, 941-748-011, www.manateeplayers.com Around the Bend Nature Tours Naturalist Karen Fraley and her guides offer interactive and interpretive outdoor adventures in places like the 487-acre Robinson Preserve, with its nest of federally protected bald eagles, and Emerson Point Park, a birders’ paradise and home to the largest remaining Native American temple mound on Tampa Bay. Fun activities for groups, families. 941-794-8773, www.aroundbend.com

Manatee Segway Tours This is a fun way to see Bradenton, gliding along the River Walk past the South Florida Museum and onto Old Main Street, or on tour in Village of the Arts. Pick up at your hotel, $35-$45. 941-224-8079, www.manateesegwaytours.com

Horse Surfing Great World Nature Tours offers horseback riding in the sand and water, a gentle experience of riding bareback and swimming in balmy Palma Sola Bay outside Bradenton. www.beachhorses.com

Where to stay

Courtyard Marriott Newly renovated business hotel includes 153 rooms, pool, and onsite bistro/bar with a riverside address, from $149. 100 Riverfront St., 941-747-3727, www.marriott.com/srqbdThe Londoner Inn B&B Stylish B&B geared to Anglophiles and creatures of comfort. Airy, comfy rooms, full English breakfast, and optional afternoon tea. 304 15th St. West, 941-748-5658, from $120 per night. www.thelondonerinn.com

The Londoner Inn B&B Stylish B&B geared to Anglophiles and creatures of comfort. Airy, comfy rooms, full English breakfast, and optional afternoon tea. 304 15th St. West, 941-748-5658, from $120 per night. www.thelondonerinn.com

Taste of Manatee 2009

bea — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:14:15 +0000

The weekend includes one of the area’s most popular events, the 23rd Annual Taste of Manatee from 11-10 p.m. Saturday and 11-7 p.m. Sunday. The ‘Taste’ is a two-day celebration along Bradenton’s beautiful, downtown riverfront. Six live bands are scheduled to perform and dozens of vendors from local restaurants will pack Barcarrota Boulevard. More Information:
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Sarasota – one of the most undervalued U.S. Cities

bea — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:00:48 +0000

AOL is reporting that Sarasota, Florida is the 2nd most undervalued cities in the United States:

Sarasota is a relatively upscale community on Florida’s west coast. “It’s a nice boating community, and they have got a lot of beautiful homes there,” says Jack McCabe of Florida-based McCabe Research & Consulting. After home prices plunged 44 percent from the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter this year, the market presents would-be buyers with some attractive opportunities. IHS Global Insight considers the median home price in Sarasota — $141,000 — to be 28 percent undervalued.

This is good news for buyers who are planning to buy a home in Sarasota.

We often hear from buyers that they are trying to time the bottom. But don´t wait too long. We are seeing that the better properties are again being sold within weeks or even days. Many investors are coming back to the Florida Real Estate market and buying well priced properties in good locations. There are still bargains out there – but remember that this buyer´s market won´t last forever!

If we can help you find a Sarasota home for sale give us a call at 941.866.1666 or use our Sarasota MLS search to find your next home.

Calling it Home…

bea — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:17:58 +0000

Enjoying your time in the sun and the sand between your toes? That feeling doesn´t have to be limited to only a couple of weeks a year. Make the Bradenton/Sarasota area your home and let everyday life become something truly spectacular!

Our beautiful area is definitely a great place to be all year round. We admit it – we´re crazy about this region, from the blue-green Gulf and wild rivers to buzzling Sarasota Downtown and a word-class cultural and restaurant scene.

Unlike many beach communities, things don´t come to a halt in the off season. Rather the off season allows locals to enjoy our serene white sandy beaches all to themselves.

There is plenty of activity all year round: boaters, golfers and sun-seekers all find happiness in the Bradenton/Sarasota region!

Wheather you have your eye on a condo on the island, a home on the golf course or an expansive rural home, the Bradenton/Sarasota offers lots of choices for all budgets and tastes.

From an investment standpoint, you may be nervous about the current housing market. But especially this market offers lots of opportunities for buyers. Low interest rates and a large market favor anybody who is looking to invest.

Take advantage of the buyer´s market by checking out the local real estate. The variety of homes makes sure thateveryone can find their personal paradise. Enjoy the lifestyle you deserve – make your vacation last a lifetime!

‘Bradenton Courthouse Square Concerts’ coming to downtown

bea — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:06:02 +0000

The Bradenton Downtown Development Authority will host weekly, lunchtime concerts outside the county courthouse from January through the end of May.

The first “Bradenton Courthouse Square Concert” will be on Friday, Jan. 9, on the Manatee County Courthouse Square, located at Manatee Avenue West between 10th and 12th streets. The concerts will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Friday and feature a different musical performance each week.

Citizens and business professionals are welcome to grab a bite to eat from one of downtown Bradenton’s restaurants, or bring your lunch from home and swing by Courthouse Square and enjoy the entertainment.

Some tables and chairs will be provided, and there are park benches on the courthouse grounds. The concerts are free.

Visit Disney Park for free!

bea — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:25:17 +0000

Next year, everyone will be able to visit a Walt Disney World theme park on his or her birthday and get in free!

Anyone showing up with a valid ID including proof of birth date will get a free ticket on that date in 2009 for one of the theme parks at Disney World. Visitors can register in advance online at disneyparks.com and read the rules. Or they can just show up at the gate with a photo ID as birth date proof. A free birthday ticket amounts to a $75 discount.

Golf Courses

bea — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:56:42 +0000

In the Bradenton – Sarasota area you will find plenty of public and private golf courses – some among the best in the country. If you are a beginner or already a pro – there are courses for all levels. This area offers challenging golf courses as well as golf courses that are just fun to play. Check out the list below to find the right course for you!

If you are interested in living in a golf community it would be our pleasure to find a golf course property that is ideal for you!

Manatee County Golf Courses

Bradenton Country Club

El Conquistador Country Club

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club

Links at Greenfield Plantation

Manatee County Golf Course

Peridia Golf & Country Club

Pinebrook Ironwood Golf Course

River Club Golf Course

River Run Golf Links

Stoneybrook Golf Club

Waterlefe Golf & River Club

Sarasota County Golf Courses

Bent Tree Country Club

Bobcat Trail Golf

Boca Royale Country Club

Concession Golf & Country Club

Founders Club

Heritage Oaks Golf & Country club

Heron Creek Golf & Country Club

Jacaranda West Country Club

Laurel Oak Country Club

Lemon Bay Club

Longboat Key Club

Meadows Country Club

Misty Creek country Club

Myakka Pines Golf Club

Oak Ford Golf Club

Oaks Club

Oyster Creek Golf & Country Club

Palm Aire Country Club

Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club

Plantation Golf & Country

Rolling Green Golf Club

Sara Bay Country Club

Sarasota Golf Club

Venetian Golf & River Club

One Day Trips

bea — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:27:34 +0000

Manatee Snorkel & Dive Tours - Chrystal RiverEver thought about swimming with the Manatees? If so you should consider a snorkel tour at Chrystal River, home to the largest concentration of Manatees in the world. Manatees are air-breathing water-dwelling mammals that can grow up to 12 feet long, and weigh up to 3500 pounds. The best time to see wild manatees at the Crystal River is from December to March, when the weather is coolest, and the manatees seek the warm water springs.

Canoe & Kayak Tours - Thonotosassa

Escape to nature and enjoy a canoe/kayak trip on Hillsborough River. Hillsborough River is one of the best rivers in the state to observe wildlife. Watch the birds, turtles and aligators along the river. Average canoe trips range from two hours to a full day. You will definitely have a lot of fun!

Sponge Docks – Tarpon Springs

The “sponge capital of the world” is still alive at the original sponge docks where sponge boats berth alongside authentic Greek restaurants, shops and bakeries. Shop in more than 100 stores, including originals still owned by the founding families. Eat at more than 15 restaurants, including eateries such as Pappas, which are internationally known. Take cruises down the Anclote River, go deep-sea fishing, visit the Coral Sea Aquarium, see a movie depicting the sponge industry and gawk at the authentic sponge boats that are still in use. The town is known for celebrating such things as Greek Independence Day in March and an arts and crafts festival in April. But by far the most noteworthy event takes place every January 6 with the Epiphany ceremony, an old Greek Orthodox rite.

Bush Gardens - Tampa

Combining thrill rides with wonderful animal attractions, a trip to Busch Gardens will fascinate everyone in the family. The theme park is divided into nine different areas fashioned after locations in Africa. It features some of the nation’s best roller coasters. The park has also devoted considerable attention to wild-animal rescue and attractions. Visitors can observe lions, giraffes, hippos, gorillas and other creatures from the safety of the Serengeti Railway, walkways or the Skyride. Adults without kids have the luxury of enjoying some of the cultural shows, whether performed right on the street or in a theater. Later, enjoy a free beer sample and stay for pizza and deli sandwiches, jazz and ragtime open-air music.

Hanging around not knowing what to do? Here you find great area attractions!

bea — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 16:07:17 +0000

Bradenton and Sarasota are not only famous for their beautiful nature and golf courses, they also offer a broad range of historical attractions, museums or theaters. Sarasota is home to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. You will also find a multitude of art galleries lining the streets and one of the finest art schools in the world, Ringling School of Art and Design. Music and film are also important venues of creativity in Sarasota.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sarasota

Florida Studio Theatre

Sarasota

Sarasota Film Festival

Sarasota

Golden Apple Dinner Theatre

Sarasota

Asolo Repertory Theatre

Sarasota

Towles Court Arts District Sarasota

Sarasota

Sarasota

Sarasota

Bradenton

Sarasota

Sarasota

Sarasota

Bradenton

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory

Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Sarasota

Village of the Arts

Bradenton

Art Center Manatee

Bradenton

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum

Parrish

Banyan Theatre

Sarasota

DeSoto Museum

Bradenton

bea — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 21:09:23 +0000

Bradenton is the largest city in Manatee County.

Located just south of Tampa Bay, the Bradenton Area is a fabulous place to explore historical attractions, fishing adventures, golfing excursions and shopping diversions. Go to Myakka State Park, visit the South Florida Museum or the De Soto National Memorial to see real Florida. Have fun in the sun, enjoy the beach and all types of water and boat adventures!

Regarding real estate – in Bradenton you discover a mix of old town, beach front properties and new construction. Whether you are looking for a single family home, condo, villa, duplex, handy man, investment property or a vacation home, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Bradenton. The median sales price for a single family home is about $300,000, but you find properties in every price range. Bradenton is a beautiful city and a wonderful relocation option.

Bradenton is served by the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, but you can also fly into Tampa International airport. Bradenton is connected to St. Petersburg, Florida by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

Bradenton is home to numerous businesses, including Tropicana and Champs Sports, and is host to many fun family attractions.

Bradenton is also home to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. If you are interested in professional tennis, you’ve probably heard about Nick Bollettieri. If not, you may know the names Boris Becker, Andre Agassi, Anna Kornikova, Monica Seles or the Williams sisters. At the IMG Academy you can get tennis lessons from a host of famous pros.

Colleges near Bradenton include Manatee Community College, Lake Erie College of Osteopathetic Medicine (LECOM) and Manatee Technical Institute.

The Bradenton area is surrounded by miles of waterways. Along the Gulf of Mexico and at the Tampa Bay are over 20 miles of fine Florida beaches. The swimming, boating and fishing activities available in Bradenton and the surrounding locations make this also a great recreational area.

Bradenton is separated from the outer barrier islands of Anna Maria and Longboat Key by the Intracoastal Waterway.

The residents of Bradenton have all the benefits offered by nearby cities like Sarasota and St. Petersburg, while living in a quiet, charming and still affordable area.