Discovering Bradenton Florida

Next, while you are in the area, schedule a trip to the Planetarium, the South Florida Museum , and the Aquarium, too! They are all conveniently situated in one location, and THAT'S where you will find the "endangered species" connection.

Everyone loves "Snooty" the resident manatee at the South Florida Museum's Parker Manatee Aquarium, located at 201 W. 10th St., in Bradenton. Snooty has been delighting visitors to the Aquarium for many years. He frolics in a 60,000 gallon tank, amusing audiences of all ages, and is available for your enjoyment almost every day of the year.

While you are at the Aquarium, take a trip to another floor, and visit the Bishop Planetarium, where you will see a state-of-the-art domed theater. Enjoy shows such as The Ultimate Universe, and Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, for starters.

In the same building, is the South Florida Museum, replete with historical exhibits spotlighting events in South Florida's colorful history. Open 7 days a week, their hours of operation are: January through April and the month of July: Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m. All other months, that would be May, June, August, September, October, November, and December, they are open 6 days a week, and the hours are: Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

ALERT! During the months of May, June and August - December the South Florida Museum is closed on Mondays.

Are you a baseball fan? Did you know that the Pittsburgh Pirates conduct their spring training in Bradenton, FL? Well, they do! They train right here, at McKechnie Field - and the locals love it!

McKechnie Field is #16 on the list of locations who have hosted the Pirates, since 1900 - that's over a hundred years. Other Florida cities that have hosted the Pirates are: Miami Beach, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, and Ft. Pierce. McKechnie Field, where the Pirates have come to practice since 1969, was originally built in 1923.

Between 1991-1993, the ballpark underwent extensive renovations. Some of them included: the entire field being moved back from the street, and the addition of concession stands, wide access ramps, and about 2,300 additional seats for the fans.

Further updating in 2006, courtesy of a grant from the state, Florida's Spring Training facilities for the Pirates received the luxury of better lighting, dormitories, and renovations to the minor league clubhouse. McKechnie Field is now considered to be one of the finest baseball facilities in the nation, and it is nestled right in the heart of Manatee County, Florida.

If you plan on visiting Bradenton, anytime in March, plan on squeezing the Pirates Spring Training into your agenda.

Nice day's catch, wouldn't you say? These were all caught, right here in Bradenton in April of 2010. This was just a small part of the day's catch - and they were they good eating!

The two little girls helped their dad catch them, and boy, were they excited! What better way, to teach a child to work for its dinner? Sometimes, the little ones catch more fish than their parents, and there are plenty of good "fishing holes" to be found there. You can ask the locals, or join a chartered fishing trip and go out for the BIG ones!

Bradenton is a great place to catch barracuda, black sea bass, blackfin tuna, filefish, flounder, grouper of all types, grunt, kingfish, ladyfish, mahi mahi, mangrove snapper, permit, pinfish, pompano, porgies, puffer fish - soft and porcupine, redfish, sand perch, sharks, sheepshead, snapper, snook, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, sugar trout - also called sand trout, tarpon, triggerfish, whiting - and more.

Whether you go offshore, on one of the chartered excursions, fish off many of the area's piers, or just cast a line off the many bridges - the fishing is superb.

Who ISN'T intrigued by shark's teeth? Want to collect some of your own?
Do you know what coquinas are? You don't?

Many people visit the west coast of Florida, each year, and don't even know that you can find shark's teeth lying all over the many beaches there. Some beaches have quite an abundance of them, from very tiny ones - smaller than a penny, to quite large ones - as large as the palm of your hand. Shark's teeth that large are few and far between, but several have been found here, over the years. No matter what their size, shark's teeth are an interesting item to collect, for their unique shape and the sheer pleasure of finding a little bit of history - yourself!

If you don't know what coquinas are, you'll find out in Bradenton, at Coquina Beach. Located on the south end of Anna Maria Island, Coquina Beach has great parking, and an abundance of small, colorful coquina clam shells. Locals use the shells in many of their arts and crafts, because their colors are so striking, and they are found all over the beach - within easy reach. Coquina Beach is one of the largest beaches in the area, along with Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. Although it is is technically in Anna Maria, a city in its own right - residents of Bradenton consider still it to be part of Bradenton.

Coquina Beach is a shell collector's dream. You will find shells of many Florida creatures there, not just those of coquina clams. While you are in the area, sample coquina soup, from some of the fine dining establishments in the area. Bradenton's beaches are famous for their easy access to the water, great sunbathing areas, and tremendous fishing - so check all of them out while you are there.

Rule of thumb - when in Rome, do what the Romans do - well, up to a point, anyway. If you are in a strange town, and you want to know where to eat - ask the locals! In Bradenton, the locals love a little, tiny restaurant called - "Taste of Tokyo". What makes it so special?

Well, it is certainly not the staccato chopping, knife tossing, or the "chef at your table" routines, as are found in most Japanese restaurants. Do go there, expecting that - you'll be disappointed. By the way, their "chef" - as you can see - is not tall enough to cook at your table.

Taste of Tokyo's niche, is in their extensive menu, just loaded with selections you rarely see in most restaurants. You want sushi? They have it. How about octopus? Yup! Japanese noodles - the thick, fat ones? You bet! They have eel, shrimp, soft-shell crab, fish roe, and quail eggs. What more could you want?

Visit their website's link, on the Fine Dining link list below, and check out their menu. You will be IMPRESSED!

Here's where the locals go, for the freshest seafood around. No, you will not be seated at a fancy table. No cloth napkins, no condescending waiters, and no extensive wine list. Shoot, you don't even get china plates! Once you take a taste of their fare - we guarantee, you won't care!

In their own words, from their website, which we have linked below, they say: "Star Fish Company strives to serve simple Florida seafood prepared in the simplest of ways. Most items are either fried, grilled, blackened or sauteed. Sides are kept simple, too. There's cole slaw, cheese grits and french fries. Of course, don't forget the hush puppies!" This is direct quote, because we went straight to the horse's mouth.

Starfish Company is not just a restaurant, it is a seafood market, and a dockside restaurant - all in one. For those who like a bit of history with their cuisine, the Starfish Company just happens to be one of the few working waterfronts, still left in Florida. You'll love the view of Longboat Key, Bradenton Beach, and the mangrove islands, and some of the local fishing fleet.

Although technically located in Cortez Village, Bradenton residents consider it to be part of Bradenton. It is one of the few remaining working waterfronts left in Florida, and one of the few places that you can eat fish that was just caught - that same day!

Take a look at their website, in the Fine Dining links, below, for more information on one of the all-time favorite places to eat in Bradenton.

Want a bit more elegant dining experience? Then, Beach Bistro is the place to go! Right on the beach, with fabulous views, they have been consistently rated one of the TOP best restaurants for fine dining in the state of Florida.

Established in 1985, by Sean Murphy and his wife Susan Timmins, Beach Bistro's opening came right on the heels of a hurricane that pummeled their location, and the surrounding area, for three full days. Undaunted by adversity, Sean and Susan, with help from friends and family scrambled to get the restuarant prepared to open by their November first deadline.

From their own website, they say: "The Bistro endeavors to procure the very best American food product and serve it at its best. The Bistro Serves only 'real fresh grouper', 'Prime' American beef, domestic lamb and 'the best Smoked Salmon in the free world'."

Evidently, the customers agree, as they have been given kudos from: the Sarasota Herald, the Tampa Tribune and the St Petersburg Times. From the early 90's the Bistro has been rated one of the "Top 20" restaurants in Florida, and given the Florida Trend Golden Spoon award, and they have repeatedly received some of the highest Zagat ratings in the region.

View their website; check out their menu, look in the Fine Dining links below...

If you have ever lived in "Pennsylvania Dutch" country, as we have, you know that they are famous for their cuisine. The Amish just -have a "way with food"! It's hard to pass up a good, hearty Amish meal, and especially at Miller's Dutch Kitchen.

For starters, try their homestyle Chicken and Dumplings, Homemade Meatloaf, or Country Fried Steak. Side dishes - there are a lot, including their Dutch Potato Cake, creamy Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Baked Beans. For dessert, you have over 20 different pies to choose from, including Erma's Shoo-Fly Pie, their "mountain-high" Peanut Butter Pie, and traditional Mincemeat. Amish lifestyle is basic, and the way they prepare their food is simple, and simply delicious! Start to finish - you are destined to enjoy a memorable farm-style homecooked meal.

Ervin and Erma Miller came from Ohio, and settled down in the Tampa Bay area, in 1981. They purchased an old restaurant in Bradenton, FL, and Miller's Dutch Kitchen was born. Their six children came shortly thereafter, to help Mom and Dad run the restaurant. Ervin passed away, in 1982, but Erma and the children continued the dream.

After dinner, you can relax in their interesting gift shop, or take home some of their dishes, to enjoy at home. A taste of Amish cooking and folklore, in Florida, of all things - definitely a must, if you are in the Bradenton area!

Check out the Fine Dining links below, to read more about Millers...

Mr. Bones BBQ is just the best place in the Bradenton area, for finger-lickin', palate-pleasin' barbequed ribs! Even though they are located on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton locals have counted on Mr. Bones since 1992, to provide the best baby back ribs in town.

In addition to their famous ribs, Mr. Bones has quite an array of homemade recipes - something to suit everyone's taste! The theme is full-flavored food, enjoyed in a funky, eclectic casual atmosphere. How about General Moe's Watercress over curried fried rice, or Chicken Tikka Masala - sound good? You can feast on half-pound burgers or barbeque sandwiches, if you're in to grab a quick lunch, or opt for one of their unique vegetarian dishes.

One of their specialties, is Biryani Rice - hot, curried rice sweetened with raisins, almonds and coconut served with a cucumber yogurt riata on the side. That, is a dish! Mr. Bones serves up traditional Creole dishes, Indian dishes, and good old homestyle favorites.

You can't miss the sign - it has become a local landmark. In the mood for ribs by the beach - try Mr. Bones!

More details? Look in the Fine Dining links, below...

Ours, right here in Bradenton, is the only one in Florida. The other Mexicali Border Cafe, started by Julio Tumatoe, is in Oklahoma. Well, you don't have to go that far, to get the real deal. Mexicali Border Cafe serves up the finest guacamolé in the Bradenton area. As guacamolé lovers, we ought to know!

Quesadilla lover? Great! You can have your quesadillas made with seafood, blackened chicken, spinach and chicken, or steak - on a regular flour tortilla, or a garlic herb tortilla, or a spinach tortilla - and pretty much, made-to-order as you like it. They are really good!

Julio's specialties are: Shrimp Acapulco, Cozumel Rellano, Juio's Bones - ribs, of course, Tampico Platter, and Ixtapa Platter. All unique creations of Mexicali's owner.

Of course, you will also find burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, and assorted appetizers. For dessert - who could pass up Fried Ice Cream or a Chocolate Chimichanga? Simply put, Mexicali's fare is just the best Mexican food around!

Check out the details, in the Fine Dining links, below...

You've gotta love it! What a horrible name for a restaurant, but the locals love it, and Rotten Ralph's has been around for quite some time! The name certainly does not deter the area residents, because Rotten Ralph's is one hopping little place - uh, make that - are two hopping little places!

Whether you dine at Rotten Ralph's on the Bridge Street Pier, or at their other location on South Bay Blvd, you are in for a treat! Personally, we like the pier location. We like to look out over the water, while we eat. You just never know what you are going to see! Dolphins are frequent the waters there, and the weather in Bradenton is usually nice enough, for you to eat outside. For those who like to relax with a cigarette after their meal, Rotten Ralph's outdoor area is perfect! They request that people refrain from smoking pipes and cigars, but that is their only request. Oh! The GOOD NEWS is - they are open 7 days a week, until 10 pm - isn't that great?

Their fare? Well, here's a small sample:

APPETIZERS
Escargot - Prepared with Mushrooms, Garlic Butter and Cheese.
Oyster Rockefeller - Rotten Ralph's own version.
Chicken Wings - You choose, from mild to suicide.
let's skip to dinner...
ENTREÉS
Fisherman's Platter - Shrimp, Scallops, Grouper, and Crab Cake or Oyster.
Chicken Rockefeller - Rotten Ralph's own version, again.
Rotten Ralph Steak - Choice beef, grilled to your specifications.
~all served with the vegetable of the day, and potato or rice ~
and...
*** THEIR SPECIALTY! ***
AUTHENTIC BRITISH STYLE FISH AND CHIPS
~served all day, every day~
This is merely a random selection of some of the food that draws
locals and tourists alike, to Rotten Ralph's!

For their complete menu, visit the Fine Dining links, below...

In the mood for PIZZA? There are lots of places to go, in the Bradenton area, to get some excellent pizza. Every one of them has a different style, and a different following, but Oma's Pizza is a definite "must-go"!

have Casa Italiano, Capalbo's, Gio's, Rico's, Demetrio's - that's it, for the "O's", Bella Mia's, and of course Pizza Hut, Hungry Howie's, and Little Caesar's...and...there are more. Oma's is our featured Pizza Place, 'cause everyone loves Oma's and they are open 'til midnight!

Here are just SOME of the wonderful things at Oma's...Regular Pizza - hand-tossed, thick or thin, Sicilian Pizza, Veal Parmesan, Hero Sandwiches, Lasagna, Stuffed Mushrooms, Fried Eggplant, Fried Calamari, and Pasta with just about anything you'd like to have, on it.

More? How about Ziti, Spaghetti, Ravioli, Manicotti, Tortellini, Grouper Fradiavolo, Chicken Marsala, Cheese Sticks, Garlic Bread, Antipasto, Fettucini Alfredo, Cannoli, Tiramisu - I could go on and on.

Oma's food is made fresh daily, and frequented by locals and tourists alike. They have been around for a long time, and we hope to see them around for a lot longer!

Check out the link to their website, under Fine Dining, below. Their entire menu is right there to "whet your whistle"!

Are you a theatre lover? You are? Well then, when you come to Bradenton, don't miss The Manatee Players. Here, we have another "sleeper". Believe it or not, some of the locals don't even know we have an excellent theatre group, right here in Bradenton.

They may be small, but they pack quite a lot of talent into their performances, and since 2007 they have annually entertained an average of over 30,000 people. At present, they have been entertaining us in Manatee County for over 50 years.

Here are some of the shows - past, present and future! Gypsy, South Pacific, Annie, Singin' in the Rain, Guys and Dolls, Oliver, Metamorphoses, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Hello, Dolly!

The The Manatee Players have a new building under construction, which promises to become a hotspot for the arts, right in downtown Bradenton. From their own website, paraphrased:

The new Manatee Players Performing Arts Center will be a state-of-the-art, one of a kind facility for the State of Florida...for professionals and non-professionals alike. Every facet of the theatre will be handicapped accessible, including: the stage, catwalks, light and sound control booth, and orchestra pit. This added value to the community will allow the Manatee Players to engage all theatre supporters, without obstructions due to physical limitations.

So, there - you have it. What more can I say? When you come to Bradenton, go downtown, and see the shows. You'll be glad you did!

According to most historians, Hernando de Soto landed in Manatee County, in May of 1539 - at Shaw's Point, right where Bradenton is today. There remains some controversy over exactly where de Soto's expedition landed, but Manatee County claims it, and since 1948, has a De Soto National Memorial commemorating it.

His intent was not to establish a city. He was under orders, from Spain's King Charles V, to "conquer, populate, and pacify" the area, which meant - in a word - exploitation. De Soto came to "La Florida", as the Spaniards called it, in nine ships, with over 600 soldiers - to do just that.

Along with the soldiers, De Soto brought over 200 horses, and dogs, a herd of pigs, cannons, muskets, armor, tools, and other supplies. Hernando de Soto's pig herd rapidly grew, and is responsible for the wild pigs that permeate Florida. They provide sportsmen with plenty of opportunities to hunt wild boar, as they are commonly called, which helps to thin out their ever-increasing numbers.

Unfortunately for de Soto, he did not find the gold and treasure that he came seeking, but his expedition managed rather successfully, to disturb the native Seminole Indian population, and change the direction of Florida's history, forever.

When you come to Florida, be sure to visit the De Soto National Memorial, which is located at Shaw's Point. Admission to the park is free, and you will get the opportunity to try on armor, see weapons typical of that period of history, and watch their free movie; "Hernando de Soto in America". If you plan your visit between December and April, you can also visit Camp Uzita, which was established to give park visitors a taste of how things were for De Soto and his men, over 500 years ago. Park officials end Camp Uzita's season, with an actual re-enactment of De Soto's landing, on the beach.

Bring your walking shoes to explore the trails, your binoculars to watch the birds, and your lunch, to enjoy at the picnic facilities. Before you leave, visit the bookstore, and take a little bit of Florida's history home with you. The park is a delightful excursion back in time, and an experience that you will never forget.

Bradenton's Logo - simple, yet effective.

Whenever you see this - you'll think of Bradenton, FL - the "sleeper" vacation spot! They might have added a fish, the beach, and a manatee, but the simple style is unforgettable, and you'll not forget your visit there, either!