Savannah Craft - Island Real Estate Blog

July 30, 2018January 22, 2021

Local Music Festivals and Events

Amazing live music, exceptional talent, and it’s all taking place in practically our own backyard. These local music festivals and events are sure to impress.
Take a look at all the sweet-sounding occasions that occur every year in our area.

Anna Maria Island

Symphony on the Sand
Symphony on the Sand is an event that takes place every year at Coquina Gulfside Park in Bradenton Beach. This event features live music by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra (AMICCO). There will also be delicious small plates prepared by local restaurants, and of course beer and wine. Take a visit AMI’s pristine Coquina Beach , all while enjoying live music and a picturesque sunset over the Gulf of Mexcio.
Where: Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
When: Second Saturday of November
Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Tickets: Tickets for Symphony on the Sand range from $20 to $150

Bradenton

Bradenton Blues Festival:
A weekend full of exceptional live blues music, food vendors, and local craft beer is exactly what you’re in store for at the annual BRADENTON BLUES FESTIVAl in Downtown Bradenton. This event sells out FAST, so if you’re going to be in town or on the island during this time of year and want to attend this fun filled festival, purchase your tickets ASAP! This event is produced by the non-profit organization Realize Bradenton, and proceeds will support Realize Bradenton’s free youth, art, and music programs for the community.
Where: 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34205
When: First weekend of December (Friday – Sunday)
Time: Begins 6pm Friday, ends 2pm Sunday
Tickets: Tickets for the festival range from $10 – $100

Music in the Park:
Picture yourself watching a beautiful sunset over the Manatee River, all while listening to amazing local musicians. That is exactly what the event MUSIC IN THE PARK is all about. This family-friendly occasion also offers snacks and beverages, including local craft beer and wine, for purchase. It is encouraged to bring a picnic basket, blankets and chairs, and even your furry friend (as long as they’re on a leash of course).
Where: Mosaic Amphitheater at the Bradenton Riverwalk (606 3rd Ave. West Bradenton, FL 34205)
When: Begins the second Friday of March, and continues every Friday until the last Friday of April.
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Tickets: Free event

Sarasota

Sarasota Music Festival
The Sarasota Music Festival is a three week long event that occurs every June. This musical affair features internationally recognized guest artists, and student musicians from around the world. The beautiful music and amazing talent that is produced at this musical event is enough reason to make the Sarasota Music Festival one of the most exceptional classical-music events in the country.
Where: Holley Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
AND Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
When: Typically the event begins the first Sunday of June, and ends the last Sunday of June
Tickets: To purchase tickets for this event please go to the the Sarasota Orchestra website

Giving Hunger the Blues & Jazz on the Bay
Known as “Sarasota’s Favorite Outdoor Music Festival”, the Giving Hunger the Blues & Jazz on the Bay Festival raises awareness and funds a local not-for-profit organization called The Mayors Feed The Hungry Program. This event takes place at the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center along Sarasota Bay. featuring local and regional talent, and tons of tasty food from the areas finest restaurants. All proceeds from Giving Hunger the Blues & Jazz on the Bay go to supporting local hungry families over the holiday season.
Where: 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
When: The 2018 event was different compared to the prior years.
The 2018 event features not one but TWO days of music during the second weekend of October (Saturday and Sunday).
Time: Begins 3:00pm Saturday and ends 8:30pm Sunday
Tickets: Tickets for the event are $15

Savannah Craft

July 27, 2018November 14, 2020

Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream – Homemade Deliciousness

I scream, you scream, we all scream for tyler’s ice cream

Homemade ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and more! Tyler’s Ice Cream has been around for over 3 decades, and their quality of ice cream shows that they know what they’re doing. The vision was to provide the yummiest and freshest ice cream available ANYWHERE. Though I haven’t traveled the world and tried every ice cream out there, I would not be surprised if Tyler’s Ice Cream truly was the best. In my opinion they are!

The business is family owned and operated by Rob and Laura Alderson, who took over the business for the original owners, Larry and Geri Tyler. Since the ice cream shop was founded in 1984, 300 different flavors have been produced throughout the years. Luckily, Tyler’s has expanded to three locations, so now more people are able to enjoy their yummy treats and sweets. There’s one in Bradenton on Manatee Ave, a second location in Cortez Village, and the third is on Longboat Key.

So what more do we need to say? Delicious ice cream made fresh daily by great people! Stop in for a scoop, or two, at Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream!

Address:
. Cortez: 11904 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215
. Longboat Key: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Phone:
. Cortez: 941-794-5333
. Longboat Key: 941-383-6935

Hours:
. All three locations are open every day of the week
Monday – Thursday is open 1PM – 9PM
Friday & Saturday is open 12PM – 10PM
Sunday is open 12PM – 9PM

Savannah Craft

July 21, 2018January 22, 2021

Bradenton Riverwalk Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Check Out All the Fun That’s Going on Throughout the Year

Bradenton Blues Festival:
A weekend full of exceptional live blues music, food vendors, and local craft beer is exactly what you’re in store for at the annual Bradenton Blues Festival in Downtown Bradenton. This event sells out FAST, so if you’re going to be in town or on the island during this time of year and want to attend this fun filled festival, purchase your tickets ASAP! This event is produced by the non-profit organization Realize Bradenton, and proceeds will support Realize Bradenton’s free youth, art, and music programs for the community.
When: First weekend of December (Friday – Sunday)
Time: Begins 6pm Friday, ends 2pm Sunday
Tickets: Tickets for the festival range from $10 – $100 depending on type of ticket purchased.

Fourth of July Firework Display:
The Bradenton Riverwalk puts on a Zambelli International fireworks show on the 4th of July ever year (weather permitting). Take a walk down Main Street, maybe grab a drink while you’re there, and then head over to the Riverwalk for a spectacular firework display over the Manatee River.
When: July 4th
Time: The grand firework finale will begin at 9pm

Music in the Park:
Picture yourself watching a beautiful sunset over the Manatee River, all while listening to amazing local musicians. That is exactly what the event Music in the Park is all about. This family-friendly occasion also offers snacks and beverages, including local craft beer and wine, for purchase. It is encouraged to bring a picnic basket, blankets and chairs, and even your furry friend (as long as they’re on a leash of course).
When: Begins the second Friday of March, and continues every Friday until the last Friday of April.
Time: 6pm – 8pm

Manatee Pride:
Manatee Pride is all about empowering and supporting the local LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) community. The event is put on by volunteers and has been taking place every year since 2014. Manatee Pride features different local vendors, live entertainment, and food and beverages, which includes the “Manatee Pride” beer.
When: Third Saturday of March
Time: 12pm – 5pm

Savannah Craft

July 20, 2018January 22, 2021

Local Art Events

Our charming little island of Anna Maria and surrounding areas have always been big on art. So it should come as no surprise that there is an abundance of local art events taking place throughout the year. Below is a list of art events on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, and Sarasota.

Anna Maria Island

Springfest:
Springfest is a Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts that takes place in Holmes Beach every March. This weekend event features art, activities, food, drinks and live music! Proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Art League which offers scholarships and other art education programs to local students.
Where: City Hall Field (5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217)
When: Second weekend of March (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm

Holmes Beach Art District Art Walk
Every year, local art galleries and retail businesses participate in the Holmes Beach Art District Art Walk. The locations participating in the event will be featuring local art exhibits, complimentary refreshments, music, and lots of fun! The Art Walk is a wonderful way to explore and view art from local artists we know and love.
Where: There are different Island businesses that participate every year. You can check the Island Chamber of Commerce website to find what locations will participating in the Art Walk, for the year you ill be attending.
When: Begins the second Friday of January, and takes place every SECOND Friday of the month, until the second Friday of April.
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Bradenton

ArtSlam:
“A Celebration of Youth & Creativity!” is exactly how the Realize Bradenton website describes the event ArtSlam. It is a day where local students and artists get the opportunity to take their art from the classroom/studio, and out on Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton. It is a chance where the community gets to observe and celebrate Manatee County’s talented and creative youth.
Where: Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton (400 12th St W, Bradenton, FL, 34205)
When: First Saturday of March
Time: 9am – 4pm

Mixon Farms Antique Arts and Crafts Fair:
Mixon Fruit Farms in Bradenton hosts a arts & crafts fair every 4th Saturday from April, through September. The fair features local vendors, and is sure to be a fun day for the whole family.
Where: Mixon Farms, 2525 27th Street E Bradenton, FL 34208
When: Every fourth Saturday, from April through September
Time: 10am – 3pm

Mainly Art
If you love art and a good ole farmers market, then you should check out Mainly Art in Downtown Bradenton. It is an event where local artists/craftspeople are able to display and sell their work. Aside from the arts & crafts, there is also live music, and food. The best part is that Mainly Art connects with the farmers market on Main Street.
Where: Main Street, Downtown Bradenton, FL
When: Every third Saturday from October to May.
Time: 9am – 2pm

Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County:
A 2 day event full of spectacular works of art in all different forms is exactly what you’ll find at the Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County! Yet another art event taking place in Downtown Bradenton, this event showcases; ceramics, digital media, drawing, glass, jewelry, leather, acrylic, oil, watercolor, photography, and so much more.
Where: Riverwalk, Downtown Bradenton, FL, 34205
When: Last weekend of February (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sunday

Sarasota

Chalk Festival:
The International Chalk Festival is four day event that takes place typically in Sarasota Florida, or Venice Florida. Watch the largest gathering of extremely talented, and famous pavement artists create masterpieces from start to finish. Other featured activities include food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and interactive art areas.
Where: After six seasons of taking place in Burns Square in downtown Sarasota, the 2017 and 2018 events have taken place at the Venice Airport Fairgrounds. (675 Airport Ave East, Venice, FL 34285)
When: Begins the second Friday of November, and runs until the following Monday.
Time: 8am – 6pm

Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival:
If you’ve been needing a new art piece for your home, or enjoy collecting art, you want to visit the Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival. The event is hosted by Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association and features; paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking, etc.
Where: 33 Gulf Stream, Sarasota, FL 34236
When: Second weekend of March (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm

Savannah Craft

July 6, 2018August 24, 2024

Local Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Below you’ll find information on all of the fun local festivals taking place on and off the island! You’ll end up wanting to take part in every single one.

On Anna Maria Island:

. Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival:
If you’re interested in a food and music festival on a white sandy beach with turquoise waters as your view, then you need to stop by the Beach’N Food Truck and Music Festival on Coquina Beach in the month of April! This all day event is family friendly and entrance is free. There will be a kid zone, car show, live music, adult beverages, and a variety of delicious food trucks.
Where: 2650 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217
When: The past few years dates have varied, though the event is held on a Saturday in the month of April
Time: 10am – 8pm

. Springfest:
Springfest (just like Winterfest) is a Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts that takes place in Holmes Beach every March. This weekend event features art, activities, food, drinks and live music! Proceeds will benefit the Anna Maria Island Art League which offers scholarships and other art education programs to local students.
Where: City Hall Field (5901 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL, 34217)
When: Second weekend of March (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm

Bayfest:
We have an entire blog about Bayfest, check it out!

Off the Island:

. Bradenton Blues Festival:
A weekend full of exceptional live blues music, food vendors, and local craft beer is exactly what you’re in store for at the annual Bradenton Blues Festival in Downtown Bradenton. This event sells out FAST, so if you’re going to be in town or on the island during this time of year and want to attend this fun filled festival, purchase your tickets ASAP! This event is produced by the non-profit organization Realize Bradenton, and proceeds will support Realize Bradenton’s free youth, art, and music programs for the community.
Where: 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34205
When: First weekend of December (Friday – Sunday)
Time: Begins 6pm Friday, ends 2pm Sunday
Tickets: Tickets for the festival range from $10 – $100 depending on type of ticket purchased.

. Florida Strawberry Festival (featured in the photo):
If you are visiting Anna Maria Island in the Spring then the Florida Strawberry Festival is a great event to visit. The Florida Strawberry festival takes place in Plant City, Fl and typically lasts 11 days. There are crafts you can purchase, rides to go on, plenty of choices for lunch or dinner and of course every variety of strawberry dessert you can imagine. The Strawberry Festival is definitely worth the drive!
Where: 303 N Lemon St, Plant City, FL 33563
When: Usually begins the first Friday of March, and continues 11 consecutive days.
Time: The gates open daily at 10am, and close at 10pm
Ticket Price(s): Ages 13 and up are $10, ages 6-12 are $5, and ages 5 and under are FREE with paid adult admission.

.Cortez Fishing Festival:
We have an entire blog about the Cortez Fishing Festival, check it out!

. Chalk Festival:
The International Chalk Festival is four day event that takes place typically in Sarasota Florida, or Venice Florida. Watch the largest gathering of extremely talented, and famous pavement artists create masterpieces from start to finish. Other featured activities include food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and interactive art areas.
Where: After six seasons of taking place in Burns Square in downtown Sarasota, the 2017 and 2018 events have taken place at the Venice Airport Fairgrounds (675 Airport Ave East, Venice, FL 34285).
When: Begins the second Friday of November, and runs until the following Monday.
Time: 8am – 6pm

. Sarasota Film Festival:
With over 200 movies screened each year (including documentaries, shorts, features, kid-friendly picks, and more), the Sarasota Film Festival is a wonderful event to attend if you’re a cinema enthusiast. Taking place in Sarasota, Florida, this film festival is among the best in the world. It is a 10 day celebration of film that has been going on for over 20 years, and with how popular it is, it is sure to keep going on for another 20.
Where: 332 Cocoanut Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236
When: This event takes place at the end of March/beginning of April, for ten consecutive days. Make sure you look up the event dates for the year you’ll be attending.
Time: Take a look at the film guide for dates and times of the films being shown and activities taking place.
Ticket(s):

General Public is $15
SFF Members are $11
Students, Educators, and School Administrators (with valid ID) are $10

. Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County:
A 2 day event full of spectacular works of art in all different forms is exactly what you’ll find at the Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County! Yet another art event taking place in Downtown Bradenton, this event showcases; ceramics, digital media, drawing, glass, jewelry, leather, acrylic, oil, watercolor, photography, and so much more.
Where: Riverwalk, Downtown Bradenton, FL, 34205
When: Last weekend of February (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm Saturday and 10am – 4pm Sunday

. Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival:
If you’ve been needing a new art piece for your home, or enjoy collecting art, you want to visit the Sarasota Spring Fine Arts Festival. The event is hosted by Sarasota Downtown Merchants Association and features; paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking, etc.
Where: 33 Gulf Stream, Sarasota, FL 34236
When: Second weekend of March (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: 10am – 5pm

Savannah Craft

July 6, 2018December 6, 2021

Restaurants Open for the Holidays On & Off AMI

Spending a holiday on Anna Maria Island is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend a holiday in general. It’s a time where family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company and of course food. If you aren’t one to spend a day whipping up a holiday feast, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. The Island and surrounding area has tons of restaurants that are willing to do all the cooking and cleaning for you. Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, the following local restaurants will be open and ready to serve:

. Sandbar (Open Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
(941) 778-0444

.Bridge Tender Inn (Open Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
941-778-4849

.Rod N Reel (Open Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/ Day)
875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
941-778-1885

. Waterfront (Open Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
941-778-1515

. Anna Maria Island Beach Café (Open ALL Holidays)
4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-0784

Located Just Off the Island:

. Harry’s Continental Kitchen (Open Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
525 St Judes Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-383-0777

. Bonefish Grill (Open Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)7456 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
941-795-8020

. Pier 22 (Open ALL Holidays)
1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-8087

. Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant (Open Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
760 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-383-2391

. Columbia Restaurant (Open ALL Holidays)
411 Saint Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-3987

. Carrabba’s Italian Grill (Open Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve/Day)
2106 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207
941-755-7712

. Outback Steakhouse (Open ALL Holidays)
4402 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
941-792-1898

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

*Check each restaurants website for the most up to date information regarding masking and social distancing policies

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STAY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Whether you’ve been planning your trip for months or are looking for a last-minute getaway, there is so much to see and do when you stay on Anna Maria Island, from the beautiful sugar-sand beaches to the quaint shops and restaurants you’ll never get tired of exploring all this island has to offer especially during the holiday season.

If you have any questions about booking an Anna Maria Island beach rental or about golf cart rentals – please feel free to call the office at 877-778-6066 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable booking experts, or click “chat” in the lower right-hand corner!

Savannah Craft

July 6, 2018August 24, 2024

The Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

The Cortez Fishing Festival, a local tradition and rightly so with the delicious fresh seafood and old Florida atmosphere it brings. The festival which takes place in Cortez’s historic fishing village is a fun filled day for everyone. Enjoy fantastic live music, nautical art, and plenty of delicious seafood for you to munch on. This event is a favorite for visitors and locals, which is why it draws a crowd of around 20,000 people! The Cortez Fishing Festival certainly keeps growing and getting better each year. The festival is organized entirely by a volunteer committee of the Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage (F.I.S.H.), a Florida not-for-profit corporation.

*Expert tip: the earlier/later you get to the festival, the less of a crowd there will be. If you don’t enjoy large crowds, avoid going mid-day*

What you need to know:

Where:
Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez, FL 34215

When:
Usually takes place the 3^rd weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of February.

Time:
10am to 6pm

Admission:
Adults – $4
Children 12 and under – FREE

Parking:
Every year there is something new at the Festival. Festival goers will want to note that there is a remote parking area in west Bradenton. You can avoid the traffic and enjoy the bus ride with your friends to the Festival ($2.50 round trip). The new parking site is located at G. T. Bray Park (5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton, 34209). Just turn east off of 59th St. onto 33rd Ave. W. You can’t miss it. As in past years, this same shuttle service is being provided from the remote parking area located at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island. Island folks can take the free trolley to the parking site.

Also, the parking area just east of the village off of Cortez Road has been expanded again this year. But get there early or later in the day as this parking area tends to fill up quickly. Parking spots open up later in the day.

Another option is to park in the western part of town. Many folks manage small parking areas throughout the village with some charging a fee depending on how close they are to the village.

Savannah Craft