Date Archives: February 2022

No matter whether you choose Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, you're in luck – you can visit a little piece of paradise whenever you want. Our real estate agents know one of the best things about living in the area is the chance to savor all Anna Maria Island has to offer.

This seven-mile barrier island off the coast of Manatee County is lauded far and wide for its fishing and its vintage 1950s and 1960s-era residences. Fishing has attracted visitors from across the country since 1938, but locals have the chance to enjoy it any time they wish.

Anna Maria Island is the destination of a large number of local fishing charters. Many of them are small, family-owned operations that have been in business for years. They give you a great way to explore and learn more about the area – and you just might catch a tasty fish.

Let's look at some of the noteworthy fishing charters now:

• A Rodbender Fishing Charter – 4122 Via Piedra Circle, Sarasota, FL 34233
  Departing daily from Hart's Landing in Sarasota, A Rodbender Fishing Charter is a charter for all ages and all experience levels. You can score the catch of a lifetime with full fishing equipment included! Just don't forget to bring your own sunglasses and sunscreen.
  
  
• AMI Charters – See Website for Location Details
  AMI Charters is the work of four local captains (and one kayaking expert) leading you on saltwater adventures in and around Anna Maria Island. In addition to classic fishing trips and tours, you can also select a romantic sunset cruise or a five-hour fun run that will bring you to restaurants and sand bars only accessible by boat. AMI also has a robust list of fishing tours, especially for the little ones.
  
  
• Island Discount Tackle – 5503 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  Island Discount Tackle offers a little bit of everything you might need to make the most of your island adventure. Since 1988, it has created an authentic experience staffed by expert fishermen. Once you're fully geared up from "the biggest little tackle shop in Florida," book your charter fishing trip, parasailing, dolphin, or snorkeling journey. It might just be the thing that convinces you to check out Holmes Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• Fishy Business, LLC – See Website for Location Details
  Fishy Business, LLC is a fishing charter boat service led by USCG-certified Captain Rick since 1986. With inshore flats and nearshore Gulf trips out to nine miles, Captain Rick provides it all – license, bait, and tackle. The 2012 Fishy Business is fully equipped with Lowrance GPS and the latest fish finders.
  
  
• Anna Maria Charters – See Website for Location Details
  Described by its customers as "truly top-notch," Anna Maria Charters prides itself on the number of options it offers its guests near Anna Maria Island homes for sale. With four boats ranging from flats to offshore, you can customize your experience with five distinct options: Inshore spinning and fly fishing, nearshore fishing trips, offshore fishing trips, tarpon-only fishing trips, and tarpon-only fly fishing.
  
  
• Florida Fishing Fleet – 4628 119th Street West, Cortez, FL 34215
  Florida Fishing Fleet operates from the very heart of the historic Cortez fishing village. You can opt for a split charter or private fishing charter, including license, rods, bait, tackle, ice, and fish cleaning done for you. With an experienced and charismatic crew and excursions of up to 12 hours, it'll introduce you to one of the best things about Cortez homes for sale.

Contact us to discover more about real estate throughout Manatee County.

Living in Southwest Florida means warm sunshine, cool evening breezes, and lots of fresh air. If you're looking for Sarasota homes for sale or Bradenton homes for sale, you hope to find a home with large windows, sliding glass doors, and great outdoor features so you can enjoy everything a Florida lifestyle has to offer.

When warm sunshine starts filtering through your windows, it's time to shake off the winter dust and tackle some deep cleaning chores in your home, including all those dirty windows that you've ignored during the winter. Before spring arrives, our real estate agents recommend some deep cleaning tips for your windows, so you can open them up, let in the breeze, and enjoy the view.

Take a Look at Your Windows

Before you begin, walk around your home and assess your cleaning tasks. You may have hard-to-reach windows that require a ladder or special equipment to get onto the roof. Don't attempt to clean windows, doors, or skylights that may result in a dangerous fall. For hard-to-reach windows, it's best to call a professional window washer who has the right equipment for the job.

If your home has a second story or multiple levels, start cleaning on the highest level and work your way down. This way, you can make sure that all windows get cleaned in an organized manner, and you won't have to backtrack to check for windows you missed.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Whether you have stationary windows or windows that open, you'll need some basic cleaning supplies and a container to carry them around. Look for a plastic tote or sturdy basket with handles that can hold your essential supplies:

• A spray glass cleaner, a mixture of mild soapy water, and a mixture of water and white vinegar

• A squeegee

• A duster and a hand-held vacuum

• A synthetic brush or broom

• Microfiber or lint-free soft cloths

• Paper towels

Stationary Windows

For stationary windows, start by wiping loose dirt from the glass with a soft, dry cloth or duster. Next, use your synthetic brush or hand-held vacuum to remove dirt and debris from the window frame, sills, and tracks. Apply your cleaning solution to the glass, then remove the solution with a squeegee or clean, lint-free cloth. If you use a squeegee, make sure to wipe the squeegee clean with a cloth or paper towel after each swipe on the glass.

Single or Double Hung Windows

Many replacement windows available in today's market come with a convenient tilt-wash or tilt-sash feature that allows you to easily clean the inside and the outside of the window from inside your home. You don't need to go outside and climb a ladder to clean exterior glass. If your single-hung or double-hung windows have a tilt-sash feature, simply unlock the window, release the tilt-sash mechanisms on the top of the window frame, and tilt your window towards you to clean the glass.

Sliding Glass Doors

If you have interior or exterior doors with window panes or sliding glass doors, you can clean the glass with non-abrasive glass cleaners or mild soapy water. You can use a soft cloth on the interior glass, but it's best to clean the exterior glass with paper towels. Exterior glass can get extremely dirty since it's exposed to the elements. You don't want to ruin your cleaning clothes or transfer bacteria from your exterior glass to other indoor surfaces.

If you're thinking about buying a home in Southwest Florida, contact us to view available properties in desired areas that match your lifestyle and financial needs.

Moving to Bradenton is a dream come true. The climate is great, the scenery is better, and there are always plenty of fun things to do. There are many beautiful Bradenton Beach homes for sale, for every need and every taste.

Then once you're moved in, unwind by spending the day at the Riverwalk: a one-and-a-half-mile stretch on the Manatee River, where families can come to hike, play sports, enjoy some entertainment, and have a bite to eat. Here's a look at what the Riverwalk has to offer.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Located right on the beach, the Riverwalk features several great volleyball courts. Whether you're organizing a serious tournament or having a friendly game with friends, it's a great way to spend an afternoon.

There's also a skate park in the area, beneath the highway. Designed based on a survey of over 1,400 actual skaters, it has everything a skateboarder could want, including ledges, stairs, rails, and a pool, complete with tile and coping.

There's also a back trail for hiking and biking, which is great for all skill levels. Plus a pier on the beach for fishing. Whatever outdoor activities you're looking to participate in, there's space for them at the Riverwalk.

Arts and Entertainment

The Mosaic Amphitheater is a 400-seat outdoor performance space, which hosts everything from plays to concerts to school and community performances, and more. Come see what's playing, or even see about hosting your own performance event there!

You should also check out the outdoor art gallery. There are 19 different pieces in the gallery, including paintings and sculptures, as well as interactive pieces designed to promote learning and spark creativity in young people.

Restaurants

There are a number of great places to eat in downtown Bradenton, and some of the best are on the Riverwalk. Mattison's Riverwalk Grille Bradenton serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Their menu includes everything from pasta to seafood and steak to French Toast and avocado toast, plus a variety of specialty cocktails like cranberry maple and honey basil. Plus, try their "breakfast sundae": Greek yogurt, toasted granola, wildflower honey, and seasonal fruit.

If you're looking for more of a sports bar feel, check out Oak & Stone. They serve up basic foods like pizza and sandwiches, along with more off-beat fare, like crispy mozzarella and meatball lollipops, or Philly Cheesesteak eggrolls. Plus a variety of delicious craft beers on tap.

Or, if you want something upscale, try PIER 22, for gorgeous outdoor dining, right on the waterfront. They serve up delicious burgers and steaks, alongside premium seafood and sushi, and much more.

Parking and Other Considerations

There's always plenty of parking at the Riverwalk. Between the lots and street parking, there are over 1,700 spaces in the area. Street parking is free on weekdays, with a two-hour time limit. On weekends, all parking is free and unlimited, both on the street and in the lots.

The entire area is designed to be ADA-accessible. And soon, the Riverwalk will be expanding, thanks to a grant from the Manatee Community Foundation. Plans are in the works, based on input from the local community, to make the Riverwalk an even better and more accessible place for Bradenton arts, culture, and other activities to thrive.

The Riverwalk is just the beginning of what this area has to offer. If you're ready to make Bradenton your new home, contact us. Our real estate agents can show you all the best Bradenton homes for sale, and help you find the one that best meets your needs.

One of the great things about living on the coast is that you don't have to go far to enjoy an amazing view of the water. You also don't have to go far for a good meal. Our real estate agents know you can do both at these fantastic waterfront restaurants. 

• Jack Dusty - 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Located on the Marina at Sarasota's Ritz-Carlton, Jack Dusty is always a great place to sip a craft cocktail while enjoying the Gulf Coast view. The atmosphere is laid back, and the menu includes specialties like freshly-caught Gulf Coast shrimp and Cioppino (a hearty seafood soup). Jack Dusty is also just minutes from many Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• The Sandbar Restaurant - 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  The Sandbar Restaurant is nestled on the shore of Anna Maria Island and offers beachfront dining at its finest. The food here is sustainably and locally sourced, from the grilled Gulf of Mexico octopus to the seasonal fish tacos. They also serve some great burgers, steaks, and salads and even have an on-site farmer's market where you can buy fresh local produce. 
  
  
• Dry Dock Waterfront Grill - 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
  Outstanding food and a friendly, casual atmosphere are the hallmarks of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, a beloved bayside eatery at the south end of Longboat Key. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill made Open Table's list of the 100 Best Most Scenic Restaurants in America, which is no surprise given the sweeping views from their open-air dining area. They serve incredibly fresh, locally-caught Florida grouper and red snapper and are located a stone's throw from these Longboat Key homes for sale. 
  
  
• Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina - 12507 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  When you're looking for a casual eatery with a view of the water, look no farther than Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina. Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, not far from these Bradenton homes for sale, Tide Tables serves some of the best gumbo and fish tacos in town, and they have a great selection of craft beer from local Florida micro-brewers. 
  
  
• The Waterfront Restaurant - 111 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  With a well-rounded menu that highlights local ingredients, The Waterfront Restaurant is an elegant-yet-relaxed eatery with indoor and outdoor seating footsteps away from the beach. With a location walkable to many Anna Maria Island homes for sale, the Waterfront Restaurant's menu features global flavors with a local twist. The appetizers alone—fried green tomatoes, baked brie, Kung Pao calamari—are worth the trip.
  
  
• Beach House Restaurant - 200 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  There's no better place in Bradenton Beach to watch the sunset over the Gulf than Beach House Restaurant. They have a spectacular outdoor dining deck, but even indoor diners gat an awesome view through the massive windows overlooking the bay. With a location near many Bradenton Beach homes for sale, they serve amazing fresh-caught seafood and salads with greens grown in their garden. 
  
  
• The Old Salty Dog - 1601 B Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
  A Sarasota staple since 1985, The Old Salty Dog is a local hangout that serves tasty pub grub and ice-cold beer in a British pub-style environment overlooking the bay. They serve Caribbean jerk tacos and house-made crab dip alongside traditional English fish n' chips but are best known for their signature beer-battered hot dogs. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in SWFL. Our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find your dream home in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas.