I’m one of these visitors. My Canadian family has been spending their winters in the area for generations, starting when my grandparents bought a place in Bradenton for their retirement in the early ‘90s. Their kids–my mom, my aunt, my uncle and their families–are now spending their winters here, too.

On top of being a place so many people come back to, that “real authentic Florida” charm oozes out of every corner of this region. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to revisit Bradenton, and was flooded with nostalgia on my recent trip back to this beautiful place. 

1. Wander Around a Historic District

Anna Maria Island is a great place to start for some of that “Authentic Florida” charm. To the north, head to historic Pine Avenue. It’s filled with shops and historic Florida properties from the early 1900s, including one of the oldest buildings on the island, now home to the Island Players. To the south, Historic Bridge Street is another heritage street with plenty of shopping, restaurants and bars, along with the Bridge Street Pier.

On the mainland, head to Downtown Bradenton. Start on 12th Street at Manatee Avenue and walk north to Pier 22, stopping at local shops and restaurants along the way. From here, take the Riverwalk east and make your way over to Manatee Village Historical Park. This is a nice place to bring kids–my family used to come here for picnics. It’s home to a 1913 steam train, a general store lined with rocking chairs on the porch, a Florida pioneer farmhouse, and more.

2. Feel The Sand Under Your Toes

No matter your age, a trip to the beach is always a good decision. Some of the best beaches in the region can be found on Anna Maria Island. My favourite is Coquina Beach, which is where I used to come with my family when I was little. But there is no shortage of great beaches in the area: Manatee Beach, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Cortez Beach and Anna Maria Beach are all excellent options.

3. Try a Sweet Nostalgic Treat

My family has been enjoying the classic Mixon Swirl soft serve for generations. These iconic cones blend together vanilla and Florida orange soft serve for a classic treat steeped in nostalgia. Mixon’s has been around since 1939, and you can catch the Mixon Swirl Food Truck in various locations throughout the year.

Other great nostalgic treats to try include homemade fudge from The Fudge Factory on Bridge Street, the iconic Coconut Keylime Cake from Hometown Desserts, or a slice of Key Lime Pie from The Waterfront or The Porch in Anna Maria.

4. Head to a Spring Training Ball Game

Few things are more American than heading to a historic ballpark. Bradenton happens to be the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training facility at LECOM Park, which is the third-oldest ballpark in the United States that’s still used by the MLB. My grandpa loved sports and stayed active until the very end of his life. He and some friends volunteered as valets at the old ball park, back when there was limited parking.

It was fun to head back and see our beloved Toronto Blue Jays play Pittsburgh for a spring training game while we were in town, and brought back so many memories of going to a game with my grandpa.

5. Catch a Sunset with Family and Friends

With all of your nostalgic memories flooding back to you, there’s no better way to cap off a day here than by catching a beautiful sunset with family and friends. Bean Point Beach and Anna Maria Beach on Anna Maria Island are favourite places to watch the sun duck under the Gulf.

No matter where you find yourself–take a moment to appreciate just how beautiful these simple moments spent with loved ones on a nostalgia-inspired trip here can be.

Where to Stay

Whether you seek beachfront bliss, the charm of historic bungalows, or the convenience of upscale amenities, the Bradenton Area provides accommodations to suit your every need.

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Eat & Drink

From Floribbean flavors to locally sourced ingredients, the Bradenton Area offers a delicious foodie scene that’s as unforgettable as its sunsets.

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