Date Archives: December 2019

There are a ton of fun New Year's events to enjoy in the Manatee and Sarasota areas this year. Whether you're looking for family fun, a formal event, live music, or just one big, local party with all of your friends, there's a New Year's Eve event with your name on it. Our REALTORS® are ready to welcome 2020! Learn about some of the local events with our guide to just some of the great New Year's Eve events in the Manatee and Sarasota area.

1. 2020 EPIC New Year Party - Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Ring in the new decade with 22N, an awesome high energy band that will have everyone on the dancing floor. When the band takes a break, DJ EMP will be spinning Top 40 hits to keep the party going. You'll love the huge dance floor! Party tickets for 2020 EPIC New Year Party include valet to the red carpet, paparazzi, bottomless bubbly all night, full open top-shelf bar, catered appetizers by Acropolis Greek Taverna and Star Thai & Sushi & Desserts, midnight celebration and much more. Plus, you can save $10 with the following case sensitive promo code: wagner. 

2. Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop – Main Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL 34236
   Participate in one of the most time-honored New Year's traditions, the Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop, with a special Florida twist. Enjoy a carnival atmosphere perfect for families, along with local food, drink, a full bar, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening. Many Sarasota homes for sale are right around the corner from the festivities.
   

3. New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens – 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Enjoy an elegant, black-tie New Year's Eve experience with New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens, and ring in the new year in style. This event features a little bit of everything, with unique tropical light displays, a delicious four-course, sit-down dinner, and live entertainment throughout the evening. When the clock strikes midnight, you can cap off your evening with a fantastic view of the fireworks over Sarasota Bay.

4. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert – 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Head for the Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert for music, dance, and so much more. With a full symphony orchestra and tons of talented dancers, the Salute to Vienna has been a local New Year's Eve staple for more than 20 years. Make this Sarasota tradition a part of your celebrations! 

5. New Year's Eve Docksider – 509 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
   Searching for New Year's excitement and waterfront fun close to Venice homes for sale? Visit the New Year's Eve Docksider and celebrate your favorite holiday as only Florida knows how. Settle in for a relaxing, laid-back New Year's celebration on the docks, with fantastic food and live local music. 

6. Decades Rewind – 1 Indian Ave., Venice, FL 34285
   Celebrate past decades as you ring in a new one at Decades Rewind, a music-filled New Year's Eve party that's sure to have you on the dance floor. The fun starts early in the afternoon, with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. As the evening progresses and midnight draws closer, you'll enjoy music from the 80s and 90s. If you're looking for an all-day party to celebrate New Year's, this is the place to be.

7. The Waterfront at Caddy's - 801 Riverside Dr. E, Bradenton, FL 34208
   Ring in the New Year on the waterfront at Caddy's with Irish bagpipers at 7 pm, DJ Pezz at 8 pm and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! Pull up your boat and enjoy a one of a kind waterfront dining experience and an incredible view near Bradenton homes for sale.

8. Roaring 2020 New Year's Eve Party – Grove, Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
   Welcome the year in style and dress in your best 20's attire when you attend the Roaring 2020 New Year's Eve Party at GROVE! The perfect place to celebrate the New Year close to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Enjoy hors d'oeuvre's, carving station and a premium open bar all included with the price of your ticket. The cost per person is $119.95 plus applicable tax and gratuity. 

Is finding a new home at the top of your New Year's resolution list this year? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Manatee and Sarasota areas.

Not in the mood for baking this holiday season? No problem! The Sarasota and Manatee areas are loaded with great, local bakeries, perfect for picking up pies for all of your big holiday events. There's a local bakery for every taste, with specialties ranging from legendary key lime pies to a huge selection of gluten-free baked goods. Our REALTORS® are here to help you ring in the season in style, with our guide to the best Manatee and Sarasota bakeries for your holiday seasonal treats.

• Ginnie's and Jane E's – 9807 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, FL 34216
  Searching for something sweet close to Anna Maria homes for sale? Stop by Ginnie's and Jane E's cafe to shop for holiday pies and so much more. The bakery at this local gem stocks a wide variety of pies, with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available. There's also a cafe and antique shop connected to the bakery.

• Carribean Pie Co. – 2245 Bee Bridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34239
  If you're looking for an authentic, amazing key lime pie close to Sarasota homes for sale, then the Carribean Pie Co. is more than worth a trip. Try the award-winning key lime pie or sample one of many other pies with tropical themes. With over 25 years of experience creating delicious treats, you can always expect quality desserts.

• Island Gluten Free Bakery – 1880 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231
  When Island Gluten Free Bakery got its start in 2006, it was one of just a handful of gluten-free bakeries in the country. Even though there's a lot more competition today, this bakery still ranks as one of the country's best. There are also extensive vegan options, all made fresh with local ingredients.

• Yoder's Amish Village – 3434 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239
  You can't go wrong with a pie from Yoder's Amish Village. This Sarasota staple has been serving up mouthwatering slices of pie since 1975. All of these Amish pies are completely made-from-scratch every morning. There are plenty of options to take home with you during the holidays, including cherry, pumpkin, southern pecan, double-crust apple, and more! 

• Der Dutchman – 3713 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34232
  Enjoy a homemade Amish pie during the holidays when you pick up pies from Der Dutchman. Conveniently located on Bahia Vista St, this Amish store is perfect for holiday desserts or even picking up last-minute gifts. Pie options include black raspberry, custard, pumpkin, and blueberry.   

• Morton's Gourmet Market – 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34239
  Morton's Gourmet Market has upheld a tradition of tasty food for over 40 years. You'll impress at the holiday party when you bring a treat from Morton's Gourmet Market's talented pastry chefs. Some of their holiday dessert specialties for 2019 include pumpkin pie, old fashioned apple pie, and Jim Beam pecan pie. Be sure to place your holiday orders before December 20th. 

Still searching for the perfect local home where you can create your own holiday memories? Our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Manatee and Sarasota areas.

Before you know it, the days for holiday shopping will dwindle. If you're still looking for a few last-minute gifts, our REALTORS® suggest shopping local. Here are just a few of the many wonderful and unique stores around Bradenton and Sarasota.

1. Created Gems — 5212 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, FL 32424
   Jewelry is always an excellent gift for that special someone, and Created Gems is a fantastic place to find fantastic affordable pieces for every style. Shop their selection of earrings, slides, rings, and bracelets all set in 14 karat gold or platinum-finished sterling silver. Stop by when you're in town looking at Siesta Key homes for sale. 
   
   
2. Florida Olive Oil — 307 W. Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285
   Chances are high that there's someone on your shopping list who loves cooking. Help them savor every meal at home with specialty oils, vinegars, spices, and sauces from Florida Olive Oil. Located just minutes from waterfront Venice homes for sale, Florida Olive Oil has fine quality ingredients that make any meal a masterpiece.
   
   
3. Just/Because — 7 S. Blvd. Of Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Stroll along St. Armand's Circle next time you're visiting Sarasota homes for sale and stop into Just/Because to grab a few fabulous stocking stuffers. This boutique shop has a variety of home accessories from more than 50 talented Floridian artists. Gifts for him and her include cosmetic bags, décor, wine racks, kitchen items, jewelry, and more. 
   
   
4. Charley's Boutique — 5761 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209
   Voted as one of the favorite local boutiques in town, Charley's Boutique has the best casual and formal wear from around the country. Their fashionable selection includes women's clothing, accessories and shoes, books, candles, lotions, soaps, and adorable baby gifts. Find something for the fashionista in your life with a trip to Charley's next time you're searching for Bradenton homes for sale.
   
   
5. Vanessa Fine Jewelry — 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
   Give a gift that truly sparkles when you get your loved one a gift from Vanessa Fine Jewelry. This local jewelry shop near Lakewood Ranch homes for sale offers collections from world-renowned designers. Stop in and find jewelry that will impress this holiday season. Or have the team make something one-of-a-kind and inquire about custom designing. You can't go wrong with a trip to Vanessa Fine Jewelry. 
   
   
6. Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki — 112 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL  34217
   Give the gift of Vitamin Sea at Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki. Located on Historic Bridge Street steps from Bradenton Beach homes for sale, this oyster of Anna Maria Island shopping carries art, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and more! However, we believe the ultimate gift you can give is a private beach massage. Trust us — a relaxing massage or couples massage on the calm shores of the Gulf is a gift of serenity anyone will love!

Don't save your shopping for Bradenton and Sarasota homes for sale until the last minute! Contact us to begin your search!

Sticking to an exercise routine can be tough, especially during the holiday season. Between last-minute shopping, fun community events, and celebrations with family and friends, finding time for the gym is difficult. Thankfully, these fitness centers around Manatee and Sarasota Counties make it easy to stay in shape during the holidays.

• AMI Health & Fitness — 5364 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  The only full-service fitness facility on the island, AMI Health & Fitness offers 24-hour access to their equipment to help you stay in shape no matter how crazy your schedule becomes during the holidays. A huge benefit to AMI Health & Fitness is that they offer Fitness On Demand, which is a digital archive of group fitness classes that you can play at any time of the day or night. If you're searching for fitness freedom on your schedule, you'll be thankful that this 24-7 facility is close to the best Holmes Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• Pilates is a Workout — 55 South Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
  This boutique Pilates studio close to Sarasota homes for sale in the heart of the city. They offer studio sessions and mat classes for people of all fitness levels. Pilates is a Workout will even provide private home instruction for those needing a convenient, professional exercise class in the comfort of their own homes.
  
  
• Jaco Boxing & Fitness — 5708 Lawton Dr., Sarasota, FL 34233
  The one-stop fitness shop Jaco Boxing & Fitness, is ready to take your body to the next level with their HIIT boxing and weightlifting classes. They also offer a kid's fitness classes so the whole family can have fun reaching their fitness goals. Next time you're browsing Sarasota homes for sale, bring the family in for a free tour.
  
  
• Latin Fitness — 4900 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, FL 4232
  Dance your way to a healthier body during the holidays at Latin Fitness. They offer Zumba, Barre, and Pilates classes throughout the week focusing on cardio, strength training, and flexibility. If you're concerned with committing to a membership, they offer pay-by-the-class services. No reservations are required, so feel free to jump into a class after touring Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• Longboat Key Fitness Studio — 511 Bay Isles Parkway, Longboat Key, FL 34228
  If you prefer a more private setting while you exercise, Longboat Key Fitness Studio is the best place for you. All training services are private or semi-private, letting you strengthen your body in a comfortable setting. Longboat Key Fitness Studio allows you to pay for only the services you use. Consider stopping by after viewing Longboat Key homes for sale to learn about their state-of-the-art equipment and training sessions.
  
  
• Island Fitness — 407 Magnolia Ave., Anna Maria Island, FL 34216
  When shopping for Anna Maria homes for sale, you'll be happy to discover a full-service gym is located right around the corner. Island Fitness offers classes six days a week to get your heart pumping. Their trainers are also the highest certified trainers in the county, giving you the opportunity to receive professional sport-specific or fitness training to meet your wellness goals.
  
  
• Koko FitClub — 2531 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 3421
  Get fit in a way that fits your lifestyle. Koko FitClub offers flexibility and tailor-made fitness plans designed entirely for you. Around the corner from Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, when you stop into Koko FitClub you can expect a 15-45 minute workout driven by technology for your most effective workout yet. Perfect for those looking to get in shape but unsure where to start. 

Are you interested in buying or selling homes in the Manatee or Sarasota area during the holidays? Contact us today, and our REALTORS® will be happy to assist you.