Bradenton, Anna Maria Is., to Longboat Key
Bradenton is a working community that produces much of our tomato and orange juice. If it’s beaches we’re talking about, take the bridge west (there are two) and now we find Bradenton Beach, on Anna Maria Island, and now we see a Bradenton to love, ramshackle beach houses and all. Here you will see an oddity: screened in porches on houses loved by local beachgoers for generations, the real deal, un condo-ized. Anna Maria Island actually made a sensible city plan more than thirty years ago and they’ve stuck to it so the rest of us can see the beach, feel the beach, and celebrate people’s needs over developer’s needs. A Guinness Record was set here for the longest stretch of consecutive sunny days, 768 to be exact, so bring lots of lotion and head gear. You’re at the beach!
The sister beaches on Anna Maria Island, full of that famous white sand, line up one after another in their eagerness to show you a good time. Easy access is one way they make you feel welcome, with free parking lots, concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, and showers. From south to north, a quick list of some of the finest relaxed places to be: Coquina, Cortez, Manatee, Holmes, Anna Maria Beach (sadly with no facilities, one free parking lot). A point of great history is here. De Soto, of Conquistador fame, came ashore right here in 1539. Park rangers in 16th century garb will fill you in on the details of the Spaniards’ hack thru the dense tropical swamp at the De Soto National Memorial on Manatee Ave.
Longboat Key was once John Ringling North’s, of circus fame, idea of an ideal resort but the Depression took care of that. What happened next is what has happened to alot of Florida; the manicured look of big wealth, and the concerted effort of those already there not to share this piece of Anna Maria Island. It’s tough to access the beach though it can be done at just 4 accesses from 3000 to 3500 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Another near Atlas St, but with no restrooms, what kind of day at the beach will it be?? The sea turtles who lay their eggs here, and have for a thousand years, used to own this narrow lovely piece of Paradise. We gotta wake up here! Longboat needs to share more, a lesson from kindergarden.
Local stone crabs are reason enough to come play awhile here. You’ll find them offered at most eateries, which also offer beautiful vistas for chowing down. See our list of local favorites.
Restaurants:
Cool Beans Cafe & Art: Good breakfasts and lunches in a very pleasant setting. Relax. Enjoy. Open until 3pm.
904 Manatee Ave. East, Bradenton, (941) 748-3838
Jose’s Real Cuban Food: A lively, friendly Cuban kitchen full of great food. Join the fun and go away happy.
8799 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, (941) 795-4898
Sushi-Sam Oh Jung: Best sushi in town in an nice atmosphere.
6032 14th St W, Bradenton, (941) 755-3568
Thai Palace: Amazingly rich (palatial?) atmosphere with very attentive staff and a well priced excellent menu. Don’t miss it if you’re a Thai food fan.
4756 W Cortez Rd, Bradenton, (941) 761-9100
Cristellie’s Italian Restaurant: Good family owned Italian. Great folks, real good food, and lots of it.
5718 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, (941) 792-4195
Caragiulos: We’re blessed with two real good Italian places. This one is slightly more upscale.
4726 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, (941) 792-7878
D. Americo’s Pizzeria: Family owned pizza joint and you can feel it in the food and service.
812 62nd St. Circle E #102, Bradenton, (941) 747-7888
Hickory Hollow Barbeque: Good, solid Florida barbecue and a surprising beer selection.
4705 US Highway 301 N., Ellenton, (941) 722-3932
Watercolor by Peter Bailey