| Located just south of Tampa Bay on the southern shores
of the Manatee River, the greater Bradenton area includes the municipalities
of Palmetto and Ellenton as well as the islands of Anna Maria and
the northern half of Longboat Key. Both islands are accessed
by the Manatee avenue Bridge via SR 64 or SR 684 over the Cortez Bridge;
then again at Longboat Pass to Longboat Key. The Anna
Maria Island Beaches and Longboat
Key Beaches are a favorite destination of many visitors to
the area.
Bradenton has four distinctive seasons. By mid-October,
the humidity of summer has passed and the cold fronts of the north
drop temperatures into the 70's at night with highs in the 80's. Toward
the end of December, the days are mostly warm and sunny with temperatures
remaining in the 70's. Sweaters and light jackets may
be required in the evenings. By spring, dry cloudless
days begin a steady rise of temperatures into the 80's, punctuated
by wonderful sea breezes and magnificent sunsets. The
trade winds typically influence the climate by mid-May into the
summer months with daytime temperatures in the 80's & 90's. Steady
breezes and tropical afternoon showers lend to refreshing comfortable
evenings.
To sample historical, cultural and ecological points of interest,
visit the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and the Parker
Manatee Aquarium. All are housed in the same facility
where Snooty, the Manatee, resides. Don't forget the
oldest ante-bellum plantation house in Southwest Florida, The Gamble
Plantation, the Manatee Historical Village and the Gulf Coast Railroad
Museum. Then, just south of Longboat Key on City Island
is The Pelican Man's Bird
Sanctuary. Visitors are invited to stroll along
a boardwalk on two waterfront acres filled with lush vegetation. Pens
and pools feature a variety of injured and soon to be released native
and migratory birds. Admission: $4.00 donation (Children
are Free). Directly across the parking lot is the Mote
Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Guided tours of
indoor and outdoor aquariums filled with native marine life can
be viewed and also handled.
For sports enthusiasts, Bradenton is home to the world's largest
tennis and training facility, the Nick Bollettieri's Sports Academy. This
is where Monica Seles, Andre Agassi, Mary Pierce and others have
trained. David Leddbetter's Golf Training Center has
combined with Bollettieri as part of an "All Sport Facility" that
includes soccer, ice skating, baseball, and fitness conditioning,
for athletes of all levels…including YOU! If training
is not part of your vacation plan, there are numerous Golf
Courses and tennis facilities nearby.
The Pittsburgh Pirates train in Bradenton prior to every season. So,
if it should fit into your vacation schedule, catch a game or possibly
a pop fly to take home for a souvenir.
Anglers will be challenged by the abundance of freshwater lakes
teaming with bass, backwater fishing along rivers and estuaries
as well as Deep
Sea Fishing for tarpon, shark or dolphin. Boat
Rentals are available as well as local guides.
Shopping is a must, featuring flea markets, antique shops, art
galleries, malls and a huge factory outlet center nearby.
Bradenton offers a vast array of arts and cultural attractions. The
Asolo Theatre is home to one of the area's leading regional theatrical
companies. Performances are scheduled from November through
June on a turn-of-the-century stage. Professionals from
around the United States gather to present a unique repertory ranging
from classics to new works. They provide audio described
performances for the visually impaired, wireless headsets for those
with hearing loss, and wheelchair access and positioning on the
ground level.
Sharing the stage with the Asolo is the acclaimed Sarasota Ballet
of Florida, offering a repertoire of classical and modern dance
performed throughout the year. If you recall the sophisticated
apparel worn by Joan Collins featured on the weekly series "Dynasty",
then you will be dazzled by the striking costumes worn by these
dancers.
Legendary fine dining and family restaurants with exceptional
food can be found most anywhere, so be sure to refer to Restaurant
Listings while planning your stay.
Annual Average Temperature 74.8
degrees Fahrenheit
Annual Average Rainfall 55.67
inches
See 'Suncost Bits and Bites' for more information about the area:
http://members.aol.com/habu/Sarasota.htm
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