Best Western Manatee Hotel

Manatee Village Historical...

by Tolik

Manatee Village Historical Park
604 15th st.

Several buildings with local historical significance have been restored and moved to a pleasant, oak-shaded park. You can visit Manatee County’s first courthouse, built in 1860, and number of original historic structures including a settler’s home, Wiggin’s General Store, Bunker Hill schoolhouse, an 1887 church, Foggart Boat House, and Potter’s Barn. The staff wears historically accurate dress. Near the Manatee River, this historic settlement was once the main shopping center for 5,500-square-mile Manatee county.
Across the street is the Manatee Burying Ground, which dates from 1850 and is appropriately eerie. Park hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 to 4:30 PM, closed Saturday. Admission is free.

Bradenton, Florida

by KennyB

"Retire to Sarasota - Bradenton, Florida"

Being from upstate New York, I am used to high taxes, cold and gloomy winters with over 110 inches of snow. I have found out how to avoid some of these; buy a second home for the winter in sunny Florida.

Thanks to the so called "stimulus package" and the depressed home prices in Florida, 35% to over 50% off their 2006 highs; it's a buyer's market. It's a deal I could not pass up in the first part of 2010.

But how do you find a "good fit"? Where do you go to search for homes, what are the Florida cities like? Who is a trusted realtor that you can rely upon? Who do you hire to do any renovations, especially if you live over 1,000 miles away and can not oversee the work?

Fortunately, I have had success selecting cities, realtors, secure gated communities with low HOA fees, community tennis courts, pool and recreation center, and construction contractors. Call me lucky or just gifted.

This is a photo of the

"Garden Lakes"

A well maintained recreation center with exercise room, meeting rooms, heated swimming pool and tennis courts.

"My Florida Home"

With low HOA fees and low taxes, I find it hard to justify living in New York State, the land of high taxes.

Garden Lakes is a 55+ gated community that is quiet, secure and well maintained.

Tulin's new Bradenton Page

by Tulin

Beaches in Bradenton are GREAT. I usually go to Longboat Key where they have lots of BEACH ACCESs . The water is warm and the sand is soft. Perfect for families with children.A community known for tasteful luxury and manicured surroundings, Longboat Key has quietly become the destination for travelers who seek uncompromising quality paired with refined amenities.

The twelve-mile long island offers many upscale condominiums, private homes and resorts situated directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Other delightful vacation rentals are available overlooking pristine Sarasota Bay.

A wide variety of fine dining establishments, world-class recreational activities, shops, art galleries and parks complement the wide beaches of Longboat Key.