Bradenton, Florida
Bradenton is located on US 41 just south of Tampa near Sarasota. A more scenic place would be hard to imagine with its miles of waterway both fresh and salt water and pristine beaches shaded by tall Australian Pines. Bradenton is an interesting place with many artistic and historical attractions. It is home to all types of water and boat adventures including fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing and hot air balloon rides. It is well known as a golfer’s paradise with the popular River Run Golf Links in town. Bradenton offers an exciting vacation adventure or a lifetime of relaxed living with its increasingly cosmopolitan character and alluring small-town charm.
About The Community
Bradenton was earlier known as the Village of Manatee and is the largest city in Manatee County, with a multicultural population of approximately 52 thousand. It was discovered in 1539, by Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto when he landed on Shaw’s Point just west of Bradenton. He led an expedition in the quest of the legendary El Dorado from the mouth of the Manatee River. This absorbing tale of adventure and a few exhibits are seen at the De Soto National Memorial Park. This park has an unspoiled nature trail that overlooks the beautiful Manatee River. Each spring his landing is commemorated with a month-long celebration called “The Florida Heritage Festival.”
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
Vicinity of Bradenton
Additional Details
Located on the Manatee River in downtown Bradenton is the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium. Here one can see Snooty, the long-time resident manatee and other manatees. The museum, planetarium and aquarium complex offers a glimpse of Florida’s history, and a star and laser show. The internationally known Tropicana is headquartered in Bradenton . The Village of the Arts District is the latest attraction in downtown Bradenton. It is home to artists who were keen to redevelop a walk-to town community where artists live, work and sell their wares. The Artists Guild of Manatee includes artists of all disciplines who have undertaken the task of revitalizing a blighted neighborhood into a quaint, picturesque showplace.
People interested in relocating to Bradenton can be assured of excellent medical facilities at the Blake Medical Hospital and the Manatee Memorial Hospital. Children have access to a good public school system with higher education needs being fulfilled by the Manatee Community College. There are exciting restaurants offering all sorts of cuisine at very affordable prices. Apple Basket Cafe brings in a country ambience right in the heart of downtown Bradenton. It is a colorful café serving soups salads and standard American fare at very attractive prices. The portions are generous and the food delicious and attractively served.
For the more adventurous, Bamboo, an original coffee house-bistro, offers Asian fusion cuisine. The décor and food of this unusual and trendy restaurant combine the best of both worlds. The pecan chicken salad is excellent and the desserts to die for. Bamboo features wines and beers from all over and prides itself over its premium coffees, lattes, espressos, cappuccinos and teas.
The Sunshine Skyway to the north of the city is a cross-bay bridge that provides a link to St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Remnants of the old Skyway Bridge have been converted into fishing pier extending into Tampa Bay. The historic island of Egmont Key stands at the mouth of Tampa Bay. Parts of an old fort dating back to the Spanish-American war still remain. It is accessible by boat only and a day trip to this lovely island is well worth the visit.
