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Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned business located just south of Lake Manatee in the rolling hills of eastern Manatee County. The owners, Antonio and Rosa, moved to the Bradenton area from Casteldaccia, Sicily, and were struck by the similarities of the area to their native land. Soon there were five rows of bunch grapes in the backyard with the garden, and a corner of the garage closed… Continue Reading Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard

For more than 60 years, the Longboat Key Center for the Arts has provided programming that inspires creativity, enhances cultural understanding, and brings together a community of like-minded individuals in celebration of the arts staying true to the legacy of the early founders. A division of Ringling College of Art & Design and located in historic Longbeach Village at the north end of Longboat Key, the Center offers quality arts-based… Continue Reading Longboat Key Center for the Arts

Weather not cooperating with your beach plans? Don’t worry, you can always check out the latest Hollywood blockbuster. But, before you leave be sure to check the websites listed for updated hours of operation and pricing. Note the distance from Anna Maria Island starts at the Coastal Cottages AMI office (9908 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria), so depending on the location of  your rental property, your distance may be different. Regal… Continue Reading Movie Theatres

The Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island, a non-profit organization, was formed in 1989 with a goal to promote and support creative processes by bringing together all artists – visual and performing and writers – to share experiences, expertise and work together to develop and promote the artistic community on the island. They held the first weekend art festival on Anna Maria Island that fall. In February 1990, The Artists’… Continue Reading Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island | The Artists’ Guild Gallery

A rich variety of art by talented local artists awaits the art lover at Island Gallery West. Located in Holmes Beach in the heart of Anna Maria Island, where the works of nearly 30 local artists, artisans, and craftspeople are on display. We offer paintings, photographs, mixed media, ceramic arts, stained glass, pottery, fiber art, decorative tiles, jewelry, notecards a,nd more. The works of a different artist are featured each… Continue Reading Island Gallery West

For the serious beachcomber, the most important thing about shelling is to know the tides. Charts are featured in most local newspapers, as the best shells are found just before low tide. Another opportune time is after a storm – advancing cold fronts tend to push water away from the beach and tropical storms can churn up the tides bringing shells ashore. Three excellent locations for shelling on Anna Maria… Continue Reading Shelling

Whether you are an artist or a first timer with no artistic background, once you step through our door, you will feel your creative juices flowing at Arts A Blaze Studio in Bradenton. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to come and create in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its large selection of bisque you are sure to find that perfect piece whether it’s something to fill… Continue Reading Arts A Blaze Studio

Have you ever fed a giraffe? Have you ever smelled their grassy breath? These are memories that will last you a lifetime. At Giraffe Ranch in you’ll experience first hand, the lives of giraffe and other species from around the world living under huge live oaks in a setting that is right out of Africa. Giraffe Ranch is a licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species as well as… Continue Reading Giraffe Ranch

Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center also known as “Crowley” is a non-profit organization furthering natural and cultural history located on 190 acres of pristine Florida including pine flatwoods, oak hammock, hardwood swamp, sawgrass marsh, and the Myakka River. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of untouched Florida landscapes. Kids love the Children’s Discovery Path with five interactive stations on native Florida creatures. Farm animals, organic garden, and more! Open… Continue Reading Crowley Natural and Cultural History Center

Located two blocks south of Cortez Bridge off Gulf Drive behind Bradenton Beach City Hall, Tingley Memorial Library is a community recreational reading facility open all year round. The library is a non-profit corporation, independent of the county library system. It is funded by generous donations (including that of benefactor, Beulah Tingley) and operated by friendly volunteers. No tax dollars are used. There is a nominal yearly membership fee; children 14… Continue Reading Tingley Memorial Library