Bradenton and St. Petersburg Florida: Training for sun and fun | Travel, Florida | DONNE TEMPO
Bradenton and St. Petersburg Florida: Training for sun and fun
May/23/10 01:31 PM Filed in: Travel,
Florida
St. Petersburg-Bradenton,
Florida —
With an advancing summer on our minds, a small
band of merry makers headed to the West Coast of
Florida where beautiful beaches, great
restaurants and baseball’s spring training were
in full swing (pun fully intended!).
And what we found was not only entertaining but also surprising in the number of stellar amusements we found to keep us busy.
Map of Bradenton and St. Petersburg
(Google Maps))While
St. Petersburg enjoys an island like life on a
peninsula of land with the Gulf of Mexico to the
west and Tampa Bay to the east, Bradenton is
across the Bay on the mainland town sitting near
the mouth of the Manatee River where it meets
Tampa Bay.
Bradenton and St. Petersburg connect via that over-the-bay Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The 5.5 mile span with its distinctive bright yellow cable-stays rising skyward from the center main span is exciting to drive over.
Bradenton emerged from two historic cities – Manatee that dates back to the late 1800s and Bradenton, which formed at the start of the twentieth century.
In 1943 these areas where combined to create one vibrant city filled with rich history and heritage.
Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto discovered the area when his ships landed at the mouth of the Manatee River in May 1539, four hundred and seventy-one years ago.
Today the De Soto Historical Society, a group of 225 modern day Conquistadors are the keepers of that Spanish heritage. The group stays busy promoting an appreciation of the historical and cultural alliance between America and Spain through education and events. The spring De Soto Heritage festival, 5K runs, which runs from late March through April includes Seafood Fest, Bottle Brigades, black-tie ball, musical and fashion show and grand parades.
July 9th brings about the De Soto Fishing tournament at the Bradenton Yacht Club. This yearly event attracts sportsmen and spectators from around the world to the area to compete for the big fish and over $30,000 in prizes.
Bradenton City Hall (Photo/J.Kubin)The
architecture of the area is eclectic, showing the
growth of the area reflected in the old Florida,
Spanish-Mediterranean and modern architecture.
Downtown is a mix of low-laying Spanish inspired
buildings to more modern steel and glass.
Walking through the business community beneath towering palms and bowering cypress and oak visitors can spend the afternoon enjoying the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium, all conveniently located near each other allowing one to journey from the past, to the heavens and into the sea.
The Parker Manatee Aquarium serves as a public educational and awareness center and as a temporary home and rehabilitation station for manatees.
The highlight of the Parker Manatee Aquarium is Snooty their resident manatee. Snooty will be celebrating his 62nd Birthday Bash and Wildlife Awareness Festival on Saturday, July 17.
Snooty the Manatee wiht a friend
(Photo/Parker ManateeSnooty’s
age is known because he was the first manatee
born in captivity at the Miami Aquarium and
Tackle Company (July 21, 1948).
Snooty’s mother was rehabilitated and released back to the wild however Snooty remained at the facility and he has been a contributor to our understanding of the manatee including helping to disprove the idea that the animals are dull.
He is the oldest manatee living in captivity and thought to be the oldest manatee in the world.
Thanks to Snooty and two other manatees, Hugh and Buffet, it has been determined that manatees are as adept at tasks as dolphins, that they have the ability to recall information. Snooty has participated in many lectures and educational presentations, delighting and teaching children and adults alike as they learn to appreciate these incredible animals.
Bradenton is also home to the vibrant Village of the Arts, a large art community filled with historic Florida bungalows turned artist studios. The community sponsors a monthly Art Walk where they artists bring their work and wares to the streets to be seen and purchased.
Within walking distance to historic downtown Bradenton is the Twin Dolphin Marina is the home of Chef Paul Mattison’s eponymous restaurant - Mattison’s Riverside. The restaurant, one of a trio that includes Mattison’s Steakhouse at the Plaza and Mattison’s Siesta Grille, features the chef’s award winning fare from land and sea.
Sushi at Maittison’s(Photo/J.Kubin)Our
visit included fresh sushi rolls served alongside
sweet and tasty Mojitos served with sticks of
fresh sugar cane and offered at extremely
reasonable happy hour prices.
Sitting alongside the river, as the afternoon sunset and the shadows deepened, the experience was nearly perfect at the end of a day spent outside.
Dinner offered a variety of land and seafood choices including a fresh, hearty Wahoo served with risotto and the Togarashi Grille, a mélange of tuna, scallops, shrimp, avocado and ponzu served with warm sushi rice and wok vegetables ($24).
The calamari was served hot, crisply breaded with a honey-mustard sauce while the grouper sandwich offered a delicious filet in panko breadcrumbs and tartar.
Dine alongside the Manatee River at Maittison’s(
Photo/J.Kubin)But
the standout for the restaurant is the incredible
views of the late afternoon river. Dine early and
enjoy the view!
Bradenton is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ springtime home where they play at the intimate (6,602 fan seats), comfortable and oh so friendly McKechnie Field.
Our visit was held on a perfect spring day that was comfortably warm with an expansive blue sky that made the field seem that much greener.
Unlike during the season, the players are all very friendly, signing balls, interacting with the children and adult fans alike. We actually got our ball signed by twelve of the players and the coach!
Pittsburgh Pirates Mascot
(Photo/J.Kubin)And
ticket prices were below $25.00 right along the
first base line!
While down in the area, we also caught the Baltimore Orioles play the NY Yankees in an exciting, and gorgeous night game played at Ed Smith Field in Sarasota.
Lines at the food counters, and restrooms, are short and things are very, very clean. Here again the park is intimate, clean and friendly with players easily chatting with the fans along the wall.
It’s a completely different experience than attending a regular season MLB game and while the players might be a bit more relaxed, a home run is still exciting!
Following a day on the mainland, head to St. Petersburg at the tip of the Peninsula for a day of sun, sand and some of Florida’s greatest beaches located on the barrier islands just off the coast.
Either drive the Causeway to Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area where you can easily find a day’s entertainment or take the ferry over to Caledesi Island State Park. Both these barrier island are protected, natural areas creating incredible opportunities for enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
At Caledesi visitors will find white sand beaches’ voted the best in America in 2008. Park ctivities include swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing as well as fishing from shore or boat. Making the day that much more pleasant are restrooms and showers.
Natives to the area told us that the best shelling in Florida is from Caledesi.
The island also boasts a three-mile nature trail and a three-mile kayak trail that winds through the mangroves and bay.
Covering 661 acres Caledesi State Park is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Oriole’s First Baseman, Luke Scott(
Photo/J.Kubin)There
are also some great restaurants to be found in
St. Petersburg. A favorite spot for us was Cody’s
Original Roadhouse where bottled beer, including
root beer, is served in a paper bag, peanut
shells are tossed to the floor and crisp, sweet
Vidalia onion rings are as big as a plate.
The atmosphere is pure fun and we had a lot of fun watching the large bison head on the wall to see if really did move (yes it did, I swear it).
Cheeseburgers are big, juicy and topped with your standard accompaniments, onion, lettuce and tomato. I enjoyed the nicely grilled Open Face Prime Rib sandwich ($12.98) while the kids in our group shared a meaty succulent rack of bbq’d ribs ($17.98) that our server kindly shared between plates for the two children.
This was good, everyday food and a whole lot of fun to visit.
For a day away from the sun and sand, St. Petersburg boasts come incredible museums, including The Museum of Fine Arts, The Salvador Dali Museum and the Florida International Museum http://www.spcollege.edu/fimuseum/, which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian.
St. Petersburg is home to the fourth largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust, the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Celebrate the Year of the Ocean at The Pier Aquarium. The Pier an entertainment, education, eating and entertainment environment whose history reaches back to St. Petersburg earliest days.
From 1889 through 1914, St. Petersburg saw the development of three pier structures – the Railroad Pier built in 1889 by the Orange Belt Railway. The Second Avenue North Electric Pier that was known for its extensive lighting grids (1906-1914) and the construction of the Municipal Pier in 1914, replacing the Electric Pier.
The Hurricane of 1921 destroyed all of St. Petersburg’s pier structure leading to the develop of the Million Dollar Pier which opened in 1926, acting as a center point for residents to gather and enjoy the Bay.
Today The Pier replaces the Million Dollar Pier that was demolished in 1967. Its bold unique pyramid entrance provides a distinctive icon on the waterfront. Visitors to the structure enjoy five stories of shopping, dining and entertainment, fishing, pelicans to feed and the observation deck where nighttime visitors can stargaze.
A centerpiece of The Pier is The Aquarium that strives to tell the stories of our Oceans and its inhabitants.
Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, providing holding tanks for over 95% of the planets water supply. At the Aquarium, residents and tourists alike learn about life beneath the ocean’s water and the Tampa Bay’s important role as an estuary at The Pier Aquarium and Marine Education center.
The St. Petersburg Pier and Aquarium (photo/The Pier)Aquarium
staff works with local college and university
students studying the oceans, aquatic animals and
environmental issues that affect Tampa Bay and
the oceans.
As visitors approach The Pier they will see the Roby G. Harrell, Jr. Education Stations, an outdoor marine lab on Spa Beach that runs along the coast.
Walking up The Pier is the “Water Walk” kiosks where visitors learn about Tampa Bay and its role as an estuary, the largest such ocean nursery in Florida.
The Fresh Fish Theater is filled with interactive and live animal exhibits including three magnificent cylinder tanks. Featured are killifish and puffers, saltwater tidal zone fish that live in Tampa Bay.
Nose to nose at the Aquarium (photo/The Pier Aquarium)A
second tank holds fresh water cichlids and those
familiar koi that are native to South and North
America. A third tank holds representatives from
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is filled
with brightly color tropical fish.
It is always interesting to be able to spend time walking around this 360-degree environment, watching these underwater denizens up-close.
On the second floor of The Pier are fish from around the world displayed alongside education exhibits and the ever popular Touch Tank where children can get there hands wet as they meet a variety of sea creatures
The Pier features a number of permanent and special exhibits. Learn before you go by visiting The Pier website’s “Fast Fishy Facts’ page featuring information on the creatures that live in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Pacific Coral Reef and the Invertebrates of the sea that are all featured at The Pier.
Whether your holiday pursuit is to fish, walk the beaches, hike, kayak, enjoy fine dining, shop, tour museums or hang out at the ball park for Spring training, the St. Petersburg and Bradenton areas, two towns flanking the Tampa Bay that each offer plenty of options to make your next vacation unique and memorable.
411:
Caledesi State Park
#1 Causeway Boulevard
Dunedin, Florida 34698
(727) 469-5918
McKechnie Field
1611 9th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 747-3031 [ticket office]
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 954-4101
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Tuesday through Saturday - 10am to 5pm
Sunday - 1pm to 5pm
Monday - CLOSED
255 Beach Dr. N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Dali Museum
1000 Third Street South
St. Petersburg, FL USA 33701
(727) 823-3767
Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College
244 Second Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 341-7900
Florida Holocaust Museum
55 Fifth Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727.820.0100
The Pier
800 Second Avenue N.E.
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Jacquie Kubin is a 15 year, award-winning veteran of travel and culinary writing. Today Jacquie edits and directs a staff of writers for Donne’s World at the Communities at the Washington Times where you can read more of her entertainment, travel and culinary reviews.
Jacquie is always looking for new talents who wish to expand their horizons. Email Jacquie with ideas, questions or to share your writing dreams. Follow Donne Tempo on Twitter and Facebook.
And what we found was not only entertaining but also surprising in the number of stellar amusements we found to keep us busy.
Map of Bradenton and St. Petersburg
(Google Maps))
Bradenton and St. Petersburg connect via that over-the-bay Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The 5.5 mile span with its distinctive bright yellow cable-stays rising skyward from the center main span is exciting to drive over.
Bradenton emerged from two historic cities – Manatee that dates back to the late 1800s and Bradenton, which formed at the start of the twentieth century.
In 1943 these areas where combined to create one vibrant city filled with rich history and heritage.
Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto discovered the area when his ships landed at the mouth of the Manatee River in May 1539, four hundred and seventy-one years ago.
Today the De Soto Historical Society, a group of 225 modern day Conquistadors are the keepers of that Spanish heritage. The group stays busy promoting an appreciation of the historical and cultural alliance between America and Spain through education and events. The spring De Soto Heritage festival, 5K runs, which runs from late March through April includes Seafood Fest, Bottle Brigades, black-tie ball, musical and fashion show and grand parades.
July 9th brings about the De Soto Fishing tournament at the Bradenton Yacht Club. This yearly event attracts sportsmen and spectators from around the world to the area to compete for the big fish and over $30,000 in prizes.
Bradenton City Hall (Photo/J.Kubin)
Walking through the business community beneath towering palms and bowering cypress and oak visitors can spend the afternoon enjoying the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium, all conveniently located near each other allowing one to journey from the past, to the heavens and into the sea.
The Parker Manatee Aquarium serves as a public educational and awareness center and as a temporary home and rehabilitation station for manatees.
The highlight of the Parker Manatee Aquarium is Snooty their resident manatee. Snooty will be celebrating his 62nd Birthday Bash and Wildlife Awareness Festival on Saturday, July 17.
Snooty the Manatee wiht a friend
(Photo/Parker Manatee
Snooty’s mother was rehabilitated and released back to the wild however Snooty remained at the facility and he has been a contributor to our understanding of the manatee including helping to disprove the idea that the animals are dull.
He is the oldest manatee living in captivity and thought to be the oldest manatee in the world.
Thanks to Snooty and two other manatees, Hugh and Buffet, it has been determined that manatees are as adept at tasks as dolphins, that they have the ability to recall information. Snooty has participated in many lectures and educational presentations, delighting and teaching children and adults alike as they learn to appreciate these incredible animals.
Bradenton is also home to the vibrant Village of the Arts, a large art community filled with historic Florida bungalows turned artist studios. The community sponsors a monthly Art Walk where they artists bring their work and wares to the streets to be seen and purchased.
Within walking distance to historic downtown Bradenton is the Twin Dolphin Marina is the home of Chef Paul Mattison’s eponymous restaurant - Mattison’s Riverside. The restaurant, one of a trio that includes Mattison’s Steakhouse at the Plaza and Mattison’s Siesta Grille, features the chef’s award winning fare from land and sea.
Sushi at Maittison’s(Photo/J.Kubin)
Sitting alongside the river, as the afternoon sunset and the shadows deepened, the experience was nearly perfect at the end of a day spent outside.
Dinner offered a variety of land and seafood choices including a fresh, hearty Wahoo served with risotto and the Togarashi Grille, a mélange of tuna, scallops, shrimp, avocado and ponzu served with warm sushi rice and wok vegetables ($24).
The calamari was served hot, crisply breaded with a honey-mustard sauce while the grouper sandwich offered a delicious filet in panko breadcrumbs and tartar.
Dine alongside the Manatee River at Maittison’s(
Photo/J.Kubin)
Bradenton is the Pittsburgh Pirates’ springtime home where they play at the intimate (6,602 fan seats), comfortable and oh so friendly McKechnie Field.
Our visit was held on a perfect spring day that was comfortably warm with an expansive blue sky that made the field seem that much greener.
Unlike during the season, the players are all very friendly, signing balls, interacting with the children and adult fans alike. We actually got our ball signed by twelve of the players and the coach!
Pittsburgh Pirates Mascot
(Photo/J.Kubin)
While down in the area, we also caught the Baltimore Orioles play the NY Yankees in an exciting, and gorgeous night game played at Ed Smith Field in Sarasota.
Lines at the food counters, and restrooms, are short and things are very, very clean. Here again the park is intimate, clean and friendly with players easily chatting with the fans along the wall.
It’s a completely different experience than attending a regular season MLB game and while the players might be a bit more relaxed, a home run is still exciting!
Following a day on the mainland, head to St. Petersburg at the tip of the Peninsula for a day of sun, sand and some of Florida’s greatest beaches located on the barrier islands just off the coast.
Either drive the Causeway to Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area where you can easily find a day’s entertainment or take the ferry over to Caledesi Island State Park. Both these barrier island are protected, natural areas creating incredible opportunities for enjoying Florida’s natural beauty.
At Caledesi visitors will find white sand beaches’ voted the best in America in 2008. Park ctivities include swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing as well as fishing from shore or boat. Making the day that much more pleasant are restrooms and showers.
Natives to the area told us that the best shelling in Florida is from Caledesi.
The island also boasts a three-mile nature trail and a three-mile kayak trail that winds through the mangroves and bay.
Covering 661 acres Caledesi State Park is only accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park.
Oriole’s First Baseman, Luke Scott(
Photo/J.Kubin)
The atmosphere is pure fun and we had a lot of fun watching the large bison head on the wall to see if really did move (yes it did, I swear it).
Cheeseburgers are big, juicy and topped with your standard accompaniments, onion, lettuce and tomato. I enjoyed the nicely grilled Open Face Prime Rib sandwich ($12.98) while the kids in our group shared a meaty succulent rack of bbq’d ribs ($17.98) that our server kindly shared between plates for the two children.
This was good, everyday food and a whole lot of fun to visit.
For a day away from the sun and sand, St. Petersburg boasts come incredible museums, including The Museum of Fine Arts, The Salvador Dali Museum and the Florida International Museum http://www.spcollege.edu/fimuseum/, which is an affiliate of the Smithsonian.
St. Petersburg is home to the fourth largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to Holocaust, the Florida Holocaust Museum.
Celebrate the Year of the Ocean at The Pier Aquarium. The Pier an entertainment, education, eating and entertainment environment whose history reaches back to St. Petersburg earliest days.
From 1889 through 1914, St. Petersburg saw the development of three pier structures – the Railroad Pier built in 1889 by the Orange Belt Railway. The Second Avenue North Electric Pier that was known for its extensive lighting grids (1906-1914) and the construction of the Municipal Pier in 1914, replacing the Electric Pier.
The Hurricane of 1921 destroyed all of St. Petersburg’s pier structure leading to the develop of the Million Dollar Pier which opened in 1926, acting as a center point for residents to gather and enjoy the Bay.
Today The Pier replaces the Million Dollar Pier that was demolished in 1967. Its bold unique pyramid entrance provides a distinctive icon on the waterfront. Visitors to the structure enjoy five stories of shopping, dining and entertainment, fishing, pelicans to feed and the observation deck where nighttime visitors can stargaze.
A centerpiece of The Pier is The Aquarium that strives to tell the stories of our Oceans and its inhabitants.
Our oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, providing holding tanks for over 95% of the planets water supply. At the Aquarium, residents and tourists alike learn about life beneath the ocean’s water and the Tampa Bay’s important role as an estuary at The Pier Aquarium and Marine Education center.
The St. Petersburg Pier and Aquarium (photo/The Pier)
As visitors approach The Pier they will see the Roby G. Harrell, Jr. Education Stations, an outdoor marine lab on Spa Beach that runs along the coast.
Walking up The Pier is the “Water Walk” kiosks where visitors learn about Tampa Bay and its role as an estuary, the largest such ocean nursery in Florida.
The Fresh Fish Theater is filled with interactive and live animal exhibits including three magnificent cylinder tanks. Featured are killifish and puffers, saltwater tidal zone fish that live in Tampa Bay.
Nose to nose at the Aquarium (photo/The Pier Aquarium)
It is always interesting to be able to spend time walking around this 360-degree environment, watching these underwater denizens up-close.
On the second floor of The Pier are fish from around the world displayed alongside education exhibits and the ever popular Touch Tank where children can get there hands wet as they meet a variety of sea creatures
The Pier features a number of permanent and special exhibits. Learn before you go by visiting The Pier website’s “Fast Fishy Facts’ page featuring information on the creatures that live in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Pacific Coral Reef and the Invertebrates of the sea that are all featured at The Pier.
Whether your holiday pursuit is to fish, walk the beaches, hike, kayak, enjoy fine dining, shop, tour museums or hang out at the ball park for Spring training, the St. Petersburg and Bradenton areas, two towns flanking the Tampa Bay that each offer plenty of options to make your next vacation unique and memorable.
411:
Caledesi State Park
#1 Causeway Boulevard
Dunedin, Florida 34698
(727) 469-5918
McKechnie Field
1611 9th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 747-3031 [ticket office]
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 954-4101
Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Tuesday through Saturday - 10am to 5pm
Sunday - 1pm to 5pm
Monday - CLOSED
255 Beach Dr. N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Dali Museum
1000 Third Street South
St. Petersburg, FL USA 33701
(727) 823-3767
Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College
244 Second Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 341-7900
Florida Holocaust Museum
55 Fifth Street South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
727.820.0100
The Pier
800 Second Avenue N.E.
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Jacquie Kubin is a 15 year, award-winning veteran of travel and culinary writing. Today Jacquie edits and directs a staff of writers for Donne’s World at the Communities at the Washington Times where you can read more of her entertainment, travel and culinary reviews.
Jacquie is always looking for new talents who wish to expand their horizons. Email Jacquie with ideas, questions or to share your writing dreams. Follow Donne Tempo on Twitter and Facebook.