The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bradenton, Florida Now
BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
May 2021 • 2 min read
Surrounded by water, alongside the Manatee River at the tip of the Gulf of Mexico—you’ll find the perfect blend of culture and fun in Bradenton, Florida. Explore Old Florida history and visit all of the destinations that make Bradenton “The Friendly City.”
Image courtesy of Bradenton Area CVB
1. THE SHOPPING
From the eclectic art galleries within Village of the Arts to the seaside boutiques of Bradenton Beach—there’s something for everyone in Bradenton, Florida.
Jackie is a boutique subscription styling service that styles women across the United States with monthly and quarterly subscription boxes. Jackie also offers in-house styling appointments for local shoppers and those visiting the Tampa Bay Area.
2. THE ART
Village of the Arts is an eclectic live-work community made up of 50 once rundown bungalows from the 1920s that are now colorful historic cottages that contain everything from crafting studios, healing arts, and Bradenton’s best art galleries. A stroll through the color-filled streets offer a taste of why it was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 cities in the country for working artists.
Village of the Arts is known for its vibrant Art Walks on the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month. Be prepared to be greeted with live music and unique indie art spanning every genre.
3. THE COCKTAILS & CUISINE
With magnificent waterfront views both inside and out, Pier 22 is Bradenton's landmark waterfront dining destination. Pier 22 is known for its nautical ambiance and scratch-cooked, farm-to-table cuisine, as well as hand-crafted libations that are both seasonally influenced and well balanced. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Manhattan—concocted with premium whiskey, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters.
Pier 22 Restaurant in Bradenton, Florida
Highlighting Florida’s coastal cuisine and the freshest seafood and small plates—favorite dishes to indulge on at Pier 22 include Fish Tacos with tempura fried cod, pico de gallo, and slaw lemon aioli, Sweet Thai Chicken with chicken and Asian vegetables tossed in sweet and spicy sauce, as well as Spinach and Apple Salad with spinach, Granny Smith apples, bacon, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola and apple vinaigrette.
For those craving something sweet, indulge on one of Pier 22’s many desserts. We’re smitten for the Florida Key Lime Meringue Pie.
4. THE GARDENS
Located in the “Old Palma Sola” section of Bradenton, Palma Sola Botanical Park is an interactive learning environment that fosters an appreciation of nature and landscaping, preserves our natural resources, and promotes environmental education. From the time of the Timucuan Indians to the Conquistadors to the present, Palma Sola has been host to many cultures. The park has a protected warm micro climate, which allows the display of rare, tropical fruit and the ability to showcase collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees.
Relax in a gazebo or walk the lush tranquil gardens, while enjoying the abundant wildlife in and around the three lakes. Palma Sola Botanical Park is open daily and is free to the public.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Seagate is what many consider the finest mansion on Sarasota Bay. Powel Crosley, an inventor and industrialist, built the Florida winter home for his wife, Gwendolyn, in 1929. The Mediterranean-style mansion was built in the southwest corner of Bradenton on Sarasota Bay adjacent to the John Ringling Estate. The 21 room mansion originally had a swimming pool, a seaplane dock and yacht basin.
Seagate featured many innovations for its time, including a steel frame encased in cast stone, embedded pipes and wiring. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, Seagate was purchased by the Manatee County Commission in 1991 to prevent this historic structure being lost to the pressures of urban development.
WHERE TO STAY IN BRADENTON, FLORIDA
Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound is a breath of fresh tropical air. The first of its kind, this brand-new, boutique hotel is situated at the gateway to Anna Maria Island and located just a short ten minute drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The hotel brings all the easy, breezy fun of Margaritaville resorts to a quaint Florida beach town steeped in history. Anna Maria Island is a private, 220-acre island escape, and this unique, seaside destination boasts 123 gorgeously appointed rooms overlooking a stunning marina on one side and the picturesque Neal Preserve on the other. Boaters will appreciate the convenience of dropping anchor just behind the hotel at the stunning marina, which provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Anna Maria Island beaches.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE
Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound in Bradenton, Florida
ELEGANT ANNA MARIA SOUND ACCOMMODATIONS. Elevate your escape far beyond the ordinary with color palettes that invoke sun, sand, and surf. With standard, deluxe and king one bedroom suites, relax with tropical touches that echo the swaying palms and sun-soaked beaches just outside your guest room door. Thoughtful amenities ensure your every need has been anticipated, such as premium Margaritaville bedding, rainfall-style showers, and high-definition smart TVs. No matter which room or suite is right for you, you’ll experience all the magic of Margaritaville’s legendary laid-back lifestyle and casual luxury.
COMPLIMENTARY PERKS. Enjoy courtesy snacks at check-in and kick-off your day with a breakfast buffet. Enjoy the lobby Living Lounge, where you can also pick a book to get lost in or play cards, board games, and other tabletop amusements.
SMILING FACES EVERYWHERE YOU TURN. An attentive team genuinely welcomes all guests with the warm feeling they’ve come to know and love. They aim to make this feel like “home away from home” for all who visit.
RELAX & UNWIND. Take a dip in the outdoor pool complete with cabanas, chaise loungers, cocktail service and of course—views of Anna Maria Sound.
THE BEST LOCATION. Situated at the gateway to Anna Maria Island besides a marina, the hotel is located just a short ten minute drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Anna Maria Island is a private, 220-acre island escape, with the hotel perfectly situated at its entrance.
