When someone travels, they always have a story to tell … Bradenton. Morning: breathing in the fresh sea air instantly sparks a motivating sense of happiness. It’s a mix of drive, anticipation, and curiosity. That must have been how Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez felt when he landed on Florida’s east coast in 1528 with a handful of brave soldiers and war dogs. According to historical accounts, he cut off a Tocobago chief’s nose to demonstrate the seriousness of his mission and his strength.
Ships, swords, compasses, and binoculars of the former European conquerors are long obsolete. Today’s modern Florida explorer prefers to gear up with a convertible, GPS, golf clubs, digital camera, and credit card. Located south of Tampa, Bradenton is the perfect place to enjoy the typical Floridian mix of entertainment, art, culture, water sports, sunbathing, and golf. Despite its cosmopolitan flair, this town of 50,000 residents has retained its charming small-town character over the years.
One of the nearby state parks is perfect for a relaxing morning. Lake Manatee State Park and Egmont Key State Park boast beautiful natural landscapes and idyllic spots. The afternoon is ideal for visiting the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast: the South Florida Museum. Recently renovated for five million dollars, it showcases valuable archaeological and paleontological treasures.
The museum also includes the Bishop Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. A special attraction is Snooty the manatee, who has become the unofficial mascot of Bradenton. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the Manatee Players. Thanks to the mild temperatures, outdoor events are no problem. The theater troupe brings revues, classics, and crowd-pleasers like “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Cinderella,” and “The Elephant Man” to the stage.
On the second day in Bradenton, a visit to Downtown is a must – home to an artist village. As part of revitalization efforts, local officials once called on all interested artists to participate. A community was formed where artists live, work, and sell their creations at the Village of the Arts. In summer 1999, an artists' guild formed, bringing together creators from every artistic discipline. The neighborhood has since transformed into a picturesque destination.
About twelve miles and a leisurely 20-minute drive down US 41 lies the idyllic Sarasota. The colorful scene of turquoise waters and brilliant white, award-winning sand beaches is inviting and stirs wanderlust. At the intersection of US 41 and University Parkway stands the city’s gem: the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – the largest museum and university complex in the country.
The 26,000-acre estate is the legacy of circus legend John Ringling. After his death in 1936, the passionate philanthropist left his entire collection and estate to the state of Florida. The 21 galleries and exhibition spaces house 500 years of art history, including Greek and Roman sculptures and baroque masterpieces by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Poussin. Contemporary works by Florida State University students are also featured.
Those less interested in art can visit the Circus Museum or stroll through the expansive rose garden. Few visitors leave without seeing the Ringlings’ grand mansion: Ca’ d’Zan – a recently restored, 32-room villa in Venetian style.
After a dose of culture, it’s time for cappuccinos, ice cream, and shopping. St. Armands Key and St. Armands Circle in southern Sarasota are ideal for this: sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and charming courtyards with fountains and benches – a place to relax. Rest is encouraged here – only the credit card keeps moving, thanks to numerous boutiques and shops.
Before continuing on, make a stop at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The striking, shell-shaped lavender building is unforgettable and a popular photo spot. Filled with impressions, end the day with a cool drink and count the stars.
The half-hour drive from Sarasota to Venice along US 41 features stunning coastal scenery. Many U.S. cities bear European names – including Venice. Like its Italian namesake, Florida’s Venice is crisscrossed by canals. Crossing one of the three bridges into downtown feels like stepping into another world: the pace slows, and the mood is relaxed. Italian Renaissance architecture is reflected in lampposts, fountains, and arcades.
A highlight is the Venice Train Depot, built in 1927 – now a historic landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Island Avenues in the city center offer a picture-perfect setting: souvenir shops, boutiques, crafts, antique stores, flower beds, and sidewalk cafés create the perfect shopping atmosphere. Just a few minutes away, dreamy beaches await.
The quiet, family-friendly Nokomis Beach, the Venice Municipal Beach with its offshore coral reef, and especially the pristine Caspersen Beach are a paradise for collectors of fossilized shark teeth – Venice is rightly known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”. Each year, it hosts the popular Shark’s Tooth Festival.
Wrap up the journey with a visit to Sharky’s on the Beach. No longer a hidden gem, the open-air restaurant serves up fresh seafood – the perfect end to an unforgettable journey along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Bedroom: 4 (King, 2 Queen, 2 Full)
Bathroom: 3
