Around the Bend Nature Tours
Eco-heritage tours on Florida's Gulf Coast! Naturalist guided walks and boat
tours in Manatee County - follow the footsteps of Florida's original people and
discover our rich natural and cultural heritage. Offerings include Sunset Dinner
Cruise, Cortez Fishing Village, Quick Quest to one park, or Venturer's Visit by
van 2-3 parks with picnic lunch. Hours: Monday thru Sunday 8:30am - Sunset
Walking Tours: $10-$12/Cruises start: $20 Children: $5-$15
1815 Palma Sola Blvd
Bradenton, FL34209
Phone: (941) 794-8773
karen@aroundbend.com
www.aroundbend.com

DESOTO SPEEDWAY Best
& Most Complete Stock Car Racing in the Area
21000A State Route 64 E. Bradenton, FL 34202
941-748-3171 Fax: 941-746-3424

DeSOTO MUSEUM
201 10th St. West Bradenton, FL 747-1998
9 A.M. - 5 P.M. Tue. - Fri.

De Soto National Memorial
Programs at the park explain the prevailing 16th century Spanish cultural values
and the inevitable clash with the native cultures the expedition
encountered.take manatee Ave to 75st west ,go north to park 2.5 Miles
for more information contact Super intendent, Desoto National Memorial, P.O. Box
15390
Bradenton Florida, 34280
DeSoto National Memorial Park
Free. 9:00am-5:00pm 7 days a week. *Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years
Day. Commemorates the 1539 to 1543 Spanish expedition which traveled thru the
southeast US. Special programs, exhibits, trails, and orientation fil explain
the events and impacts associated with the trek and upon Native Americans and
future explorations.
PO Box 15300
Bradenton, FL34280
Phone: (941) 792-0458
Fax: (941) 792-5094
nps.gov.des

Gulf Coast World of Science

Mixon Fruit Farms
Fresh Citrus Fruit from Mixon Fruit Farms, Inc.
Florida's Sweetest Attraction
http://www.mixon.com/
2712 26th Avenue East, P.O Box 25200 Bradenton, Florida 34206-5200
(941) 748-5829 • 1-800-608-2525 Fax: (941) 748-1085 Email: Info@Mixon.com

seahorse
12012 Cortez Road West Cortez FL, 34215 (941)792-1336

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM 201
10th St. W Bradenton, FL 746-4132
10 A.M. - 5 P.M. Tue. - Sat. | Noon - 5 P.M. Sunday
Wishful
Thinkin Farms - Nature-Trail Horseback Riding
Manatee County Phone:(941)322-1074
Camping, Fishing, Hayrides and Horseback Riding. Chaperoned. All Ages May
Ride… Reservations Required! One Hour From Anna Maria Island! :http://annamaria.net/wthinkn/

Lake
Manatee State Recreation Area
Phone:(941) 741-3028 Full
Facility Camping, Primitive Camping, Recreation, Canoeing, Swimming, Fishing,
Boat Ramp, Picnicking, Hiking/Nature Trails, Recreation Area http://annamaria.net/state/parks/lakemanatee

Egmont
Key National Wildlife Refuge
Group/Youth
Camping, Recreation, Swimming, Fishing and Hiking/Nature Trails. Just a short
travel by boat from Anna Maria Island. http://annamaria.net/state/parks/egmontkey

DESOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL 
Address: North end of 75th Street, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 792-0458.
Hours:9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Cost: Admission is free. Commemorating Hernando De
Sotos landing in Florida, exhibits, nature tours and a visitor center depict the
significance of his expedition in the history of North America. Be sure to catch
the early weapons (crossbow and gunpowder rifle), blacksmithing and cooking
demonstrations given by rangers dressed in period costume.

PIRATES COVE FUN PARK
5410 14St. W. (U.S.41) Bradenton
phone 941-755-4608 Go-Kart Grand Prix Track, Miniature Golf, Bumper boats, LASER
TAG, Video Game Room & snack room Pirates Cove
5 acre entertainment facility featuring fast paced go-kart racing action,
wet-n-wild action on the bumper boats, adrenaline pumping laser tag, challenging
mini golf, skill testing softball and baseball batting cages, and an arcade full
of the latest redemption and video games. Open Monday-Thursday
11aa-9:30pm/Friday 11am-11pm/Saturday 10am-11pm and Sunday 12:00-9:30pm No
admission fee
5410 US Hwy 41
Bradenton, FL34207
Phone: (941) 755-4608
Fax: (941) 753-9078
bhr3131@aol.com

SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM & BISHOP PLANETARIUM/PARKER AQUARIUM 
Address: 201 10th St. W., Bradenton. FL 34205-8604 Phone: 941/746-4131 Fax:
941/747-2556 Website: http://www.sfmbp.org/
E-mail: sfmbp@aol.com Phone:
(941) 746-4131. Cultural and natural history exhibits, Star gazing, space
exploration star shows and laser light shows in Bishop Planetarium, a
well-equipped telescopic observatory and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Home to
Snooty the manatee. Hours: Star shows featuring the constellations of the season
are held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2:45 PM. A "tonight
show" is featured Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, followed by telescopic
observing. The observatory is open Friday and Saturdays from 9 to 10 PM weather
permitting. All ages will find something they'll love here, from Snooty, the
oldest manatee born in captivity to laser light shows set to rock music. The
museum itself features prehistoric exhibits, Florida Native Americans, Spanish
explorer artifacts and Cracker settler paraphernalia. Snooty, the 800-pound
manatee, swims around in his huge, new aquarium. There is a feature show in the
planetarium daily at 1:30 and 4 PM. Also, on Saturdays, children can view The
Little Star that Could followed by hands-on museum activities. World-acclaimed
laser light shows are an incredible treat for all . A sound system blasts you
with your favorite tunes (rock, country, alternative and even Big Band) as you
lean back in the reclined theater seats and witness a creative display of
lighting wizardry. Cultural and natural history exhibits, starshows and
laser light shows in Bishop Planetarium, a well-equipped telescopic observatory
and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Home to Snooty the manatee.
South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium & Parker
The facility includes a Florida History Museum showcasing Florida aboriginal
artifacts, fossils and pale ontological materials and local cultural history.
The 60,000 gallon Manatee Aquarium houses two live manatees. a 220 seat
Planetarium features educational astronomy star shows and entertaining laser
light shows and rooftop observatory. A museum store and outside Spanish
courtyard complete the facility. Hours: closed Mondays May-June and
August-December. Monday-Friday January-April and month of July. 10am-5pm and
Sunday 12 noon-5pm. Admission: $7.00 Adults; $6.00 Seniors; Students (over 12)
$5.00; Children 5-12 $4.00; preschoolers with families are free
201 10th Street West
Bradenton, FL34205
Phone: (941) 746-4131
Fax: (941) 747-2556
Bishiop
Planetarium 201 10th
Street West Bradenton, Florida 34205 (941) 746-4131
Located on the Manatee River waterfront and taking up an entire city block, the
South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium, and Parker Manatee Aquarium is a
unique educational resource.

MANATEE AIRBOAT TOURS
Address: 12310 Manatee Ave. West, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 795-5353.Hours: 9:00
a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, tours leave on the hour. If you're looking for adventure
and love exploring the natural side of Florida, Manatee Airboat tours offers
just the ticket. Running daily from Perico Harbor Marine near Leverocks
restaurant and Galati Marine on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, the tour is a great
way to introduce the kids to the wildlife of the area, or to enjoy viewing the
areas beautiful birds and other creatures.

Manatee Village Historical Park
The Manatee Village Historical park offers an opportunity for visitors to step
back in time. Nine restored buildings are furnished with period antiques.
Volunteer tour guides are available october-May or use the self guided tour.
Childrens hands-on room allows kids to pretend theyare pioneers. Hours: Sunday
1:30pm-4:30pm (closed Sundays in July/August), Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm. Free
admission
604 15th St. East
Bradenton, FL34208
Phone: (941) 749-7165
cslusser@clerkofcourts.com
MANATEE VILLAGE HISTORICAL PARK
Address: 604 15th St. East, Bradenton. Phone: (941) 749-7165.
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 to 4:30 PM. From
October through May, enjoy a guided tour, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3
PM. Cost: Admission is free.
Visit Manatee County's first courthouse,
built in 1860, and a number of original historic structures including a settlers
home, Wiggins Store, Bunker Hill schoolhouse and the newest addition, Potters
Barn. You'll find it tucked away just east of downtown; take Manatee Avenue,
which turns into S.R. 64.
McKechnie field,
Pittsburgh Pirates, 1605 ninth Street West Bradenton 941 -- 748 -- 4610
Movies
Bradenton 8,
7150 Cortez Road Dad Key 379 -- 6684
Oakmont 8,
4801 Cortez Road dad Key 379 -- 6684

Art League of Manatee County
Address: 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton.746-2862 A more traditional art
setting - one that fits images of paintings hanging on walls and sculptures
sitting on pedestals

Ray's Canoe Hideaway on the Manatee River
1247 Hagle Park Road, Bradenton, FL 34202 Phone: (941)747-3909 Fax:
(941)957-3031 email: rays.canoe.hideaway@usa.net
Now at home on the web at www.rayscanoehideaway.com
"Paddle the Singing River by Canoe or Kayak!" Canoe & Kayak
rentals-hourly, half, full, overnight, weekly, Boat Launch, equipment rental,
ice, live bait, Sodas & Snacks
Toll free: 888/57CANOE, Fax: 941/957-3031 Explore Bradenton's
"Singing River" by canoe or kayak. Year round, easy paddling
adventures in a pristine, subtropical, jungle-like environment. Find secluded
sandy river beaches to picnic, fish, sunbathe, observe wildlife, or hunt fossils
on our lazy river. Florida State Canoe Trail, Gulf Coast Heritage Trail/Blue way
site.Rays Canoe Hideaway On the Manatee River
Explore the "Singing River" by canoe or kayak on this subtropical
state canoe trail. Year round, easy paddling fun for wildlife watching, fishing,
picnicing, swimming, sunbathing, hunting fossils or finding a quiet moment in
nature. World class fresh water fishing, guided or self guided tours. Groups
welcome. Wilderness Store, live bait, fishing tackle, drinks and snacks. Hours:
8am-6pm Monday thru Sunday. Rates vary: $9.00-$15.00 (under 12 free)
1247 Hagle Park Road
Bradenton, FL34202
Phone: (941) 747-3909
Fax: (941) 957-3031
rays.canoe.hideaway@usa.net

Solomon's Castle
Open: Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. Closed: Months of July, August and
September. One of Florida's most unique experiences. Visit the home and studio
of internationally known sculptor, Howard Solomon. His castle, built by the
artist's own hand, (restaurant on the premises) contains galleries of his art;
plus 60 or more interpretive stained glass windows. Located south of Ona, FL on
County Rd 665, 30 miles
4533 Solomon road
Ona, FL33865
Phone: (941) 494-6077
Fax: (941) 993-0755
castle@cyberstreet.com
Fun N Sun Parasiling
Parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. No age restrictions. Singles, tandems and
triples. Take off and land directly on the tow vessel - up to 1200 feet. Hours:
9am-5pm Monday thru Sunday Cost: Starting @ $40.00
135 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, FL34217
Phone: (941) 795-1000
Fax: (941) 795-6969
dkonely@aol.com