Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2009 - (Page 29) attractions BRADENTON BEACH SCENIC HIGHWAY 107 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach 941-778-1005, www.cityofbradentonbeach.com Relaxed, tropical charm highlighted by narrow, winding streets, sugar-white sand and abundant wildlife. Map grid B-5. GULF COAST HERITAGE TRAIL 111 S. Orange Ave., Ste. 200W, Sarasota 941-955-8085, www.sarasotabay.org Visit an array of environmental, cultural and historical gems throughout the region. The Trail promotes a scenic auto tour route and includes bicycle staging area. Call for a detailed brochure or pick one up at any of the area’s tourist information centers. LINGER LODGE RESTAURANT 7205 Linger Lodge Rd., Bradenton 941-755-2757, www.lingerlodgeresort.com Hundreds of Florida’s creatures are mounted on display. Dining rooms include display cases filled with raccoons, bobcats, armadillos, birds, fish, bugs, spiders, butterflies and reptiles. Map grid F-6. LIPIZZAN STALLIONS 32755 Singletary Rd. Myakka City 941-322-1501 www.hlipizzans.com A must-see. The world-famous dancing horses perform at Ottomar Hermann Training Grounds. Map grid I-7. MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS 811 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota 941-366-5731, www.selby.org Explore the world’s most spectacular display of rare orchids, bromeliads and tropical plants in this 9.5 acre oasis on the shores of Sarasota Bay. Group rates for 20 or more, gift shop and café. Allow 2 hours. Map grid E-8. $$$ MCCURDY’S COMEDY THEATRE 3333 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota 941-925-FUNY, www.mccurdyscomedy.com Bradenton’s most fun night out is in the Trail Plaza, one mile south of the airport at US 41 and Myrtle. Reservations recommended. Map grid E-8. MOTE AQUARIUM 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota 800-691-MOTE, www.mote.org Explore the secrets of the sea. Shark, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits, stingray touch tank and interactive HD theater showcase fascinating marine life and research of Mote Marine Laboratory. Allow 3 hours. Map grid D-8. $$ See ad on page 34. PITTSBURGH PIRATES Pirate City, 1701 – 27th St. E., Bradenton 941-747-3031, www.pirates.com Pirate City is the minor league training facility of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Initial major league work-outs take place at Pirate City in February. The facility also houses the team’s Gulf Coast League team and offer dormitory, conference space, meeting room, and field rentals to interested parties. Map grid E-5. $$ SARASOTA JUNGLE GARDENS 3701 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota 877-861-6547 www.sarasotajunglegardens.com Here’s your chance to explore a wild jungle. Hold a parrot, feed a flamingo, and come face-to-face with both alligators and crocodiles. More than 10 acres of native and exotic plants and animals. Allow up to 4 hours. Map grid E-7. $$ Reader response 4. See ad on page 34. SARASOTA KENNEL CLUB 5400 Bradenton Rd., Sarasota 941-355-7744, www.sarasotakennelclub.com Live greyhound racing year ’round. Simulcast dog and horse racing. 11:30am – 11pm. One-Eyed Jacks card room is now open Mon – Sat 1pm – 1am. Map grid E-7. SMUGGLERS COVE ADVENTURE GOLF 2000 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton 941-756-0043, www.smugglersgolf.com An 18-hole “adventure” style miniature golf course with caves, waterfalls and a shipwreck. They also feature a live alligator exhibit where golfers may feed the ‘gators. Map grid D-5. SOLOMON’S CASTLE – THE BOAT IN THE MOAT 4533 Solomon Rd., Ona 863-494-6077, www.solomonscastle.com Artist’s castle, restaurant, gift shop and nature trails provide a relaxing day of humorous fun. Map grid I-5. $$ ROSA FIORELLI WINERY, INC. 4250 CR 675, Bradenton 941-322-0976, www.fiorelliwinery.com This vineyard and winery is a family-owned and operated business located just south of Lake Manatee in the rolling hills of eastern Manatee County. Recently expanded to 10 acres. Free wine tasting. Allow 1 hour. Map grid H-5. $-$$ farms Just under half of the land in Manatee County is agricultural. Vegetable, fruit and livestock production abounds, including dairy, beef, tomatoes, potatoes, watermelons, snap peas, cucumbers, and, of course, citrus. DAKIN DAIRY FARMS 30771 Betts Rd, Myakka City 941-322-2802 www.DakinDairyFarms.com Get lost in the 9 acre Corn Maze, take a mini tour of the dairy and new milk plant, kids can ride the cow train and feed the goats. Experience some farm fun. Map grid I-7. HUNSADER FARMS 5500 CR 675, Bradenton 941-322-2168, www.hunsaderfarms.com Open mid-Sept. – mid-June. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting Hunsader Farms, a real working farm, with homemade apple cider, a petting farm and old country store. An ideal day in the country for the entire family. Map grid I-5. MIXON FRUIT FARMS, INC. 2712 – 26th Ave., E., Bradenton 800-608-2525, www.mixon.com Tour the grove and Matthews Wildlife Rescue; alligator, deer, hawk and more. The 14,000 sq. ft. gift shop has unique Florida gifts. Have lunch in the deli. Sample fresh citrus, juice, fudge, and Florida wines. Enjoy “Orange Swirl” ice cream. Map grid F-5. $ GERALDSON COMMUNITY FARM 1401 – 99th St. NW, Bradenton 941-792-0895 www.geraldsoncommunityfarm.org Geraldson is a local urban farm in Northwest Bradenton. We aim to provide area members the freshest produce and offer avenues to connect with the growing process. Visitors to Bradenton can volunteer to work the land, including planting, harvesting and weeding. Map grid C-4. Price: $=under $8, $$=$8 -$14, $$$=$15 - $24, $$$$=$25+ 29 http://www.pirates.com http://www.sarasotajunglegardens.com http://www.cityofbradentonbeach.com http://www.sarasotabay.org http://www.sarasotakennelclub.com http://www.lingerlodgeresort.com http://www.smugglersgolf.com http://www.fiorelliwinery.com http://www.hlipizzans.com http://www.solomonscastle.com http://www.selby.org http://www.hunsaderfarms.com http://www.DakinDairyFarms.com http://www.mccurdyscomedy.com http://www.mixon.com http://www.mote.org http://www.geraldsoncommunityfarm.org
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