Bradenton

Bradenton is a city in the state of Florida in America. It is situated on the Gulf coast. It's economy is based on tourism and agricultural products. Tropicana, the orange juice company is headquartered here.

• Arrive by air at Sarasota/Bradenton International airport in Sarasota. You can also fly into Tampa International airport in Tampa. Tickets to Tampa are generally cheaper and it's easier to get a direct flight since the airport is bigger.
• Easy access by car from Interstate 75.

• Anna Maria Island provides a free trolley service that runs the length of the island.
• The MCAT (Manatee County Area Transit) bus system stops at all the major shopping areas, beaches, schools, hospitals, etc.

• Myakka State Park, www.floridastateparks.org. See the real Florida.
• South Florida Museum, www.southfloridamuseum.org. Where Snooty the Manatee lives.
• De Soto National Memorial, www.nps.gov. Features live reenactments of Conquistadors shooting things.

• Swim, jetski, or windsurf at Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key Beaches.
• The Seafood Shack Showboat. Save money on your evening meal with a boat ticket.
• Canoe on the Peace River www.swfwmd.state.fl.us.

• Seafood Shack in Cortez village.
• Mar Vista on Longboat Key.
• Moore's on Longboat Key.
• Rod and Reel pier on Anna Maria Island.

• RJ Gators, Manatee Ave.
• Rasher Tierney's, Rt. 41.
• Applebees, 4638 S.R. 64 East (West from I-75, East from 301, in Braden River Plaza, between the 43rd St. Blvd. E. and 48th St Ct. E.), ☎ 941 748 6800. 11AM--2AM.. Family establishment offering diverse and delicious fare at reasonable prices. 2 for 1 drinks all day every day. $5-$15.

• Econo Lodge East, 607 67th Street Circle East, Bradenton, Fl 34208 (I-75, exit 220, across from McDonalds), ☎ 941-745-1988, www.bradentoneconolodge.com. checkin: noon; checkout: 11AM. Economy motel with clean rooms. $40-90.

For the most part Bradenton is a safe city, however it has a significantly higher crime rate than Sarasota. Gang violence has risen in the past few years and drug crime remains.

Avoid traveling into neighborhoods near Old 301, Palmetto, and Central Bradenton; these areas tend to have a higher concentration of crime, especially at night. Stick to the wealthier West Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

As always, don't walk around by yourself late at night or carry around expensive objects or large amounts of cash. Driving is normally pretty safe, however carjackings have been known to happen. If driving around at night, lock your car doors and windows. Again it is recommended to stick to major roads to avoid getting lost and ending up in a bad neighborhood.

• Sarasota.
• Saint Petersburg.
• Palmetto.

• Bradenton is not a "fun" town.  Nothing going on there.  They have a lot of chain restaurants and some small mom-n-pop type places.  No decent shopping except for the outlets at Ellenton (about 20 minutes away). Great for retirees and it is quiet.  There's a lot of waterfront real estate and … • Anna M.
• Make sure to visit the Hungry Howies Pizza buffet in town. It is so amazing, and it has a variety of dessert pizzas. The Chocolate pizza is to die for! • Sarah G.
• It's boring....great beaches though! • ?NaArA?