Sarasota-Manatee

Fall is when temperatures start to cool off in the Sarasota area, but the end of summer doesn't mean the fun is over on the Florida Gulf Coast. In fact, it's quite the opposite. 

The arrival of fall brings a plethora of fun outdoor festivals, markets, and events in Sarasota and Bradenton. It's good timing because fall is the perfect season to spend time outside in Florida. These are some of the upcoming events that our real estate agents are most excited about.

• Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Fest - 7410 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
  Fruitville Grove Farm is one of the best fresh vegetable growers in the Sarasota area, and we always look forward to their pumpkin season! This year marks the 34th iteration of Fruitville Grove's annual Pumpkin Fest, which takes place every weekend throughout October. In addition to an amazing selection of pick-your-own pumpkins, the festival also includes rides, vendors, a petting zoo, and live entertainment just minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• Beer, Bands & BBQ - 7289 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
  The annual Beer, Bands & BBQ festival has become a local favorite since it first began in 2015. The festival is returning yet again on October 1, and it promises to be a great time! As always, you can expect some killer blues and rock bands, as well as BBQ-inspired food trucks and a great selection of local, craft, and domestic beer on draft. 
  
  
• Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival - 5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
  Open annually from September to June, Hunsader Farms grows a stunning array of crops that change with the seasons. Pumpkin season is a big deal here, and we're happy to report that Hunsader's Pumpkin Festival is returning in 2022 for its 31st year. Just a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale, the festival includes arts and crafts, pony and hay wagon rides, live music, great food, and a wide range of pumpkin-themed festivities on October 15-16, 22-23, and 29-30.
  
  
• 16th Annual Hungarian Festival - 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237
  We're really looking forward to the 16th Annual Hungarian Festival on October 15-16, 2022! It's the largest Hungarian festival in Florida, highlighting unique Hungarian cuisine, art, music, and dance. The festival returns this year to the Sarasota Fairgrounds and offers two days packed with fun and family-friendly performances, demonstrations, crafts, games, and more. 
  
  
• Fall Festival at University Town Center - 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
  Sarasota's Fall Festival at University Town Center was a big hit in 2021, and now it's coming back for its second year! The festival takes place on October 22-23 on the Mall at UTC and will include a pumpkin patch, carnival rides, a Lil Mr & Miss Pumpkin Pageant, and a wide range of fall-themed activities and photo stops. Attendees can also explore more than 40 market vendors and get refreshments at the food and beer trucks.
  
  
• Sarasota Rocktoberfest - 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
  The annual Sarasota Rocktoberfest makes a strong case for how much fun you can have when you combine a traditional German Oktoberfest celebration with a modern American rock music festival. It's a lot of fun! The festival returns to Downtown Sarasota on October 14-16. Enjoy exciting live music while you sample German specialties like Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock), Knodel (potato or flour dumplings), and Kasespatzel (cheese noodles).

Contact us today to learn more about life in coastal Florida. If you're on the search for your dream home, our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find it in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas. 

Bypass the typical Monday blues on August 15 by joining our real estate agents in celebrating National Relaxation Day. Give yourself some well-deserved pampering at these luxurious spas in Sarasota County. 

• The Ritz-Carlton Spa - 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Just the name of the Ritz-Carlton Spa conjures up images of elegance. Experienced technicians use honey, seawater marine scrubs, and other locally sourced ingredients to enhance the effects of their massages, facials, and wraps. Add optional enhancements such as eye, lip, or hair conditioning treatments. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Spa at Longboat Key Club - 220 Sands Point Rd., Longboat Key, FL 34228
  With 10 treatment rooms and two relaxation rooms, the Spa at Longboat Key is prepared to offer the ultimate day of relaxation. The island ambiance near Longboat Key homes for sale helps to leave stress and pressure far behind. As an Opal Spa, Longboat Key Club uses Kerstin Florian products that incorporate natural ingredients for a holistic approach to health and well-being. The spa also promotes sustainability through recycling and other eco-friendly practices. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Mandala Med Spa & Yoga Shala - 1715 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231
  Get your "om" on at Mandala Med Spa & Yoga Shala, right down the street from Sarasota homes for sale. Yoga's emphasis on the mind-body connection makes it a perfect element for a day of physical and mental renewal. In addition to a full menu of spa services, Mandala has open and private yoga sessions that accommodate all levels of experience. Have your chakras aligned or harness your life force energy with a reiki session. Mandala is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., with extended hours until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and on Saturday by appointment.
  
  
• Sirius Day Spa - 8512 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, FL 34201
  Self-care shouldn't be reserved for one day a year. Sirius Day Spa, not far from University Park homes for sale, offers monthly memberships starting as low as $59. Earn the fee back immediately as a credit on any one of more than 40 available services. Free access to the Serenity Lounge, with complimentary teas and waters, massage chairs, and guided mediation tapes, is worth the price alone. Sirius also has a dry-bar salon, eyelash extensions, waxing, and teeth whitening so you can look as good as you feel. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• The Met - 35 S. Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Whether you want a great pick-me-up or you're ready to reinvent your style, The Met is the place to go. You'll feel special from the minute you step into the elegant building, not far from Bradenton homes for sale, with its stunning white columns and beautiful fountain. Choose from a la carte services or opt for one of the combo packages that include lunch. Hours are 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at noon.
  
  
• Aluna Wellness Center & Spa - 2219 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  Enjoy a variety of relaxing services when you stop by Aluna Wellness Center & Spa. Located near our Bradenton Beach homes for sale, services for your spa day consist of massage, acupuncture, and organic skincare options. Plus, be on the lookout for their monthly yoga classes that are designed to help you relax and unwind.

Enjoy the ultimate pampering with a Sarasota County home that fits your lifestyle. Contact us at Wagner Realty to learn more.

The early bird may get the worm, but the early riser around Bradenton homes for sale gets something much better: spectacular sunrise views. Our real estate agents love to start their day with an early morning walk along these Manatee County trails.

• Lake Manatee State Park - 20007 State Rd. 64 E., Bradenton, FL 34212
  Ironically, you won't actually see any manatees at Lake Manatee State Park. The dam which created the lake prevents these aquatic mammals from gaining access. But the 4.5 miles of pet-friendly trails that follow the lakeshore offer a number of equally captivating views. Watch the rising sun peek through the native plants as you keep an eye open for wildlife sightings. If you want a different perspective, paddle across the lake in a canoe or kayak. Hours are 8 a.m. - sundown daily, and admission is $5 per vehicle. 
  
  
• Palma Sola Botanical Park - 9800 17th Ave. NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
  Palma Sola Botanical Park is a beautiful place to start your day. Thanks to the park's protected warm microclimate, the grounds are full of rare palms, flowering trees, and a variety of subtropical plants. Prior to 1990, the grounds served as the Manatee County Nursery. Dedicated community groups, with the help of the Bradenton Herald, gathered enough support to turn the property into the botanical park that exists today. Those who want a more vigorous workout can take part in Yoga in the Park on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Palma Sola is open daily from 8 a.m. - dusk, and admission is free.
  
  
• De Soto National Memorial - 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton, FL 34209
  Walk in the footsteps of some of the earliest visitors to Florida at De Soto National Memorial. The park's nature trail passes along the shoreline through several different ecosystems. Interpretive signage along the trails provides fascinating information about de Soto's expedition and the site's natural history. Spring and fall are good times to see birds on their seasonal migration. Leashed dogs are welcome. Park hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week, and there is no charge for admission.
  
  
• Robinson Preserve - 1704 99th St., Bradenton, FL 34209
  Savor an unforgettable bird's-eye view that goes clear across to Sarasota homes for sale at Robinson Preserve. The main attraction for hikers is a five-story observation tower that looks out over Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island, and Fort De Soto. Prefer to stay close to the ground? There are still plenty of sights to enjoy on these 487-acre grounds that were once farmland. Explore the network of mud flats, mangrove swamps, and beaches with Fido by your side. Hours are 8 a.m. - sunset daily.
  
  
• Coquina Baywalk - 2651 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  Don't have time for a lengthy outing? Coquina Baywalk, just minutes from Bradenton Beach homes for sale, packs a lot of quality into a trail that measures just under a mile. Check out the secluded observation decks nestled among the mangroves for some impressive views of the bay. Coquina Baywalk is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk, and admission is free.

The sun always shines on homes in Manatee County. Contact us at Wagner Realty for experienced and dedicated help buying or selling your home.

The beaches of Sarasota County await you this summer, and it wouldn't be a proper beach day without some great oceanfront snacks for the whole family. Fortunately, you won't have to travel far from the warm sand to enjoy a cool drink and a refreshing meal, with delicious beach concession snacks available a short walk from your favorite Sarasota County beaches. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on where to find beach concession snacks in Sarasota County this summer.

• Siesta Beach Eats – 948 Beach Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242
  With both a Sand Pavilion where you can grab a quick bite and a Sun Deck where you can relax with views of the ocean, Siesta Beach Eats is your one-stop-shop for beach concessions near Sarasota homes for sale. The Sand Pavilion offers quick bites like burgers, fries, wraps, and salads, while the Sun Deck has a more extensive menu. There's also a retail shop where you can pick up equipment and supplies for the beach.
  
  
• Lido Beach Concession Stand – 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
  In the mood for beach fare that's a little more upscale than what you'd usually find at a concession stand? Lido Beach Concession Stand offers tasty treats like fish tacos, lobster rolls, and New York strip sandwiches, along with all of the delicious basics that you'd expect from a beach concession stand. Enjoy your meal with outdoor seating near the concession stand, or take the short walk back to your spot on the beach.
  
  
• Coquina Beach Cafe – 2560 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  Located on Bradenton Beach, a short trip from Bradenton homes for sale, and featuring a deck that overlooks all of the action on the beach, Coquina Beach Cafe is the perfect place to recharge during your next beach day. In addition to plenty of food options, there's a full menu of frozen, tropical cocktails for the adults to enjoy and a delicious selection of ice cream for the kids.
  
  
• Venice Beach Pavilion – 101 The Esplanade S., Venice, FL 34285
  Featuring a unique, winged roof structure that was built in 1963 and a convenient location near Venice homes for sale, the Venice Beach Pavilion offers excellent breakfast sandwiches along with a full lunch menu. Grab a breakfast sandwich to kick off your beach day, or stop by during lunch to try their signature BLT.
  
  
• New Pass Grill & Bait Shop – 1505 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Located on Sarasota Bay, close to your favorite beaches, New Pass Grill & Bait Shop is the perfect place to enjoy a waterfront meal after a day at the beach. Their award-winning New Pass Burger has delighted customers for nearly a century, and the full-service bait shop has everything you need for fishing at the beach.
  
  
• Pier 22 – 1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  For an upscale dining room experience that still offers casual vibes near the beach, try a trip to the Pier 22 restaurant for dinner after your next beach day in Bradenton. Pier 22 is more gourmet restaurant than a concession stand, but its location near the beach makes it a local favorite after spending a day with your toes in the sand. Try the lobster tail, steak dinners, or fresh catch of the day for dinner.

Searching for a home close to all of the amazing, beautiful beaches of Sarasota County? Our local real estate team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Sarasota County, FL area.

One of the best parts about living in Florida is getting a prime seat to view nature. This includes dolphins swimming, which you can see at several beaches, or better yet, on a dolphin tour. Spend a day on one of these delightful dolphin tours that are recommended by our real estate agents.

• LeBarge Tropical Cruises - 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Live palm trees and refreshing cocktails help create the "floating island" vibe of LeBarge Tropical Cruises. One of their more popular trips is the Dolphin & Manatee Watch, a two-hour cruise that departs at 11 a.m. A trained marine biologist is on hand to offer fascinating insight about the life and behavior of dolphins and manatees. Tickets are $32 for adults and $28 for ages 4-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Fun Boat Tours - 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242
  With a name like Fun Boat Tours, you know you're in for a good time. Both two-hour tours depart from Siesta Key Marina and cruise south along the Intercoastal Waterway. In addition to dolphins and manatees, you're likely to spot pelicans, herons, osprey, and other aquatic birds. Dolphins and Donuts heads out at 9:30 a.m., while Dolphins and Drinks has two sailings at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for ages 10 and under. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Passage Key Dolphin Tours - 1343 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  Is it any wonder that dolphins love to play around beautiful Anna Maria Island? Passage Key Dolphin Tours knows all the favorite hangout spots, making their two-hour trips a spectacular show, especially when you choose the sunset cruise. Not content to sit on board? Get in on the action with a three- to four-hour dolphin and snorkeling tour. Start on one of the sandbars to look for sand dollars and fighting conch shells. Beginners are welcome, and no fins are required. Visit the website for schedule and pricing.
  
  
• Paradise Boat Tours - 200 Bridge St., Building A, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  There are few guarantees in life, but one of the best comes from Paradise Boat Tours. They're so confident you'll see dolphins on their cruises that they'll accommodate you on another trip free of charge if you don't. On these 90-minute family-friendly tours, kids get to sit at the helm under the captain's supervision while wearing his hat for a memorable photo op. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, including beer and wine. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for ages 3-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Sarasota Bay Explorers - 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Enjoy the comfy seating and unobstructed views on the 45-foot pontoon boats of Sarasota Bay Explorers. The company works in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory, whose marine biologists provide helpful commentary on the cruises. Two-hour trips include a walk on an uninhabited island to see the resident pelicans, egrets, herons, and ibis. Guests also get to observe and handle pufferfish, stone crabs, and other marine life that are gathered in a trawl net. Tickets are $35 for adults and $31 for ages 3-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.

By land or by sea, life is always thrilling around Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at Wagner Realty for cheerful assistance with all your real estate needs. 

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about how you'll show mom your appreciation this year. 

Our real estate agents turn to our local flower shops to find the perfect Mother's Day gifts. A bouquet of flowers is not only a great way to freshen up the house, but it's also a gift associated with love and beauty. Here are some local flower shops that make a great Mother's Day bouquet. 

• Sarasota Florist - 2300 Bee Ridge Rd #303, Sarasota, FL 34239
  For some of the finest Mother's Day florals in the area, stop by Sarasota Florist. This store's professional team of floral designers is offering a special Designer's Choice Mother's Day arrangement for $75. Looking for something different? Whether it's classic, traditional, modern, trendy, or offbeat, they can also create the perfect floral arrangement for you.
  
  
• Suncoast Floristry - 1227 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
  Expect beautiful flowers, great service, and on-time deliveries at Suncoast Floristry -- a local flower shop where you're sure to find the perfect Mother's Day bouquet. This independent, family-owned floral shop has been serving the Sarasota area since 1980. They offer a wide selection and affordable prices. Best of all, the shop is conveniently located near some beautiful Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• Flowers By Edie - 4607 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  This local florist has been providing hand-delivered flowers to the Bradenton area for over 35 years. This shop offers tons of beautifully designed bouquets perfect for any occasion. Flowers By Edie has tons of Mother's Day specials available on their website. The shop is also just around the corner from some fantastic Bradenton homes for sale.
  
  
• Blooms By The Beach - 2501 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  This beachside store is the go-to destination for beautiful flowers in Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Blooms By The Beach is a full-service florist with high-quality products that are sure to delight. The store offers loads of options for Mother's Day gifts. The staff also has a reputation for being friendly and helpful, so you're sure to find the perfect gift for mom. After shopping, be sure to schedule a tour of one of these beautiful nearby Bradenton Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• Ellenton Florist - 6214 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
  Celebrate mom with some of the most beautifully-designed bouquets in South Florida. Ellenton Florist sources flowers from the highest quality origins and has a dedicated staff of floral experts and artists. Mother's Day flower delivery is available in Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, and several other surrounding towns. This amazing shop is also just a few miles away from these spectacular Ellenton homes for sale.

Give mom the gift she deserves this year by visiting one of our area's wonderful local flower shops. For more local recommendations around Sarasota, Bradenton, or Ellenton, contact us today.

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.

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. 

Whether you're a foodie hunting for the best-hidden gems around Sarasota and Manatee, or you're just looking for a great place to grab a quick bite at lunch, local food trucks are an excellent option for finding unique, handcrafted fare. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on some of the best food trucks in the area.

Sarasota County Food Trucks

• Fire Tacos – 886 S. Packinghouse Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
  Tacos are always a favorite for food truck connoisseurs, and Fire Tacos offers some of the best tacos that you'll find near Sarasota homes for sale. You'll often find this truck posted up on Packinghouse Road, serving up authentic Mexican fare with ingredients that are as fresh as it gets.
  
  
• Polpo Pizza Co. – Sarasota Farmers Market & Phillipi Farmhouse Market
  When you're in the mood for a great slice, Polpo Pizza Co. has you covered with their award-winning wood-fired pizza. You'll find this food truck at the Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday and the Phillipi Farmhouse Market every Wednesday.
  
  
• Spice Boys Kitchen – Various Locations Around Sarasota County
  Sample the flavors of the Middle East, expertly prepared by chefs Steven Schmitt and Carl Kolber at Spice Boys Kitchen. They set up shop all around Sarasota County and beyond, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest schedule.
  
  
• Peachey's Baking Company – 5500 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
  After you sample some great pizza at Phillipi Farmhouse Market, why not enjoy something sweet for dessert? Peachey's Baking Company can be found at the market every Wednesday and at other farmers markets around Sarasota County during the rest of the week. The doughnuts here are crafted with old family recipes and are well worth the trip on their own.

Manatee County Food Trucks

• River Road Stop – 131 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212
  Have a craving for some proper barbecue near Bradenton homes for sale? The River Road Stop is sure to satisfy, with a menu full of sandwiches, sides, and barbecue goodness. Since this is a semi-permanent location, there are also picnic tables set up so that you can enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
  
  
• Dona Betty Tacos – 6285 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
  Consistently one of the top-rated food trucks in the area, Dona Betty Tacos has earned its reputation by serving delicious tacos for dinner and late-night snacks in Bradenton. You will often find this truck near the Wells Fargo on 14th Street, serving up fully loaded tacos that you won't want to miss.
  
  
• Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering – 4927 96th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34211
  Burgers, finger foods, and perfectly fried sides are always on the menu at the Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering food truck, which you can frequently find near Palmetto homes for sale. Stop by during the big holidays for special menus, or check out the permanent Traveling Kitchen brick-and-mortar location for a sit-down meal.
  
  
• Parrish Cuban Grill – 8304 US-301 N., Ellenton, FL 34221
  There are some great food trucks near Ellenton homes for sale as well, including the very popular Parrish Cuban Grill. As the name suggests, this food truck offers up authentic Cuban fare for lunch and dinner. They are often set up in the Parrish Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to visit your favorite food trucks and so much more? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout SWFL communities.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, but our real estate agents can also offer some fun suggestions for when it's a little bit colder out!

"Cold" is relative, of course – when you're looking at Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, you can expect daytime temperatures in the mid-70s, even in winter. In the middle of December, evening temperatures rarely go below 55. Most Floridians look forward to a few weeks of brisk breezes!

This means that, although you probably won't want to hit the beach, there are still plenty of things you can do around the area.

Let's take a closer look at some of your options:

1. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art – 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
   John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a unique Florida institution. It's closely intertwined with the history of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, known as "The Greatest Show on Earth." But it's also so much more: 21 galleries of European paintings, a rose garden, a highly regarded research library, and even a preserved 1905-train car. The Museum offers free admission every Monday.
   
   
2. Sarasota Classic Car Museum – 5500 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
   For a taste of vintage automobile culture, Sarasota Classic Car Museum delights. Featuring a collection of around 100 vintage vehicles in a 60,000 square foot space, it draws visitors from far and wide. Particularly loved is the Italian Car Collection, sporting classics from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Rivolta. Recent exhibits have given visitors a deep dive into the artistry and history of Porsche and Ferrari.
   
   
3. Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy – 2121 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
   Want a truly unique art experience? Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy brings joy to the forefront with its off-beat and eclectic contemporary collection. Paintings, sculptures, and more from local artists and those around the world will give you a new perspective. The Museum also maintains an outdoor garden area. This extraordinary art collection is ideal for families, including the young and young at heart.
   
   
4. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium showcases the immense biodiversity of Florida and the Atlantic. Accessible 365 days a year, you'll get the chance to meet manatees, sharks, sea turtles, otters, and many more denizens of the deep. This independent, nonprofit marine research lab maintains one of Florida's top aquariums, including a shark habitat of 135,000 gallons.
   
   
5. Robinson Nature Preserve – 1704 99th Street Northwest, Bradenton, FL 34209
   Robinson Nature Preserve is a fast-growing protected area of 682 acres encompassing a breath-taking biosphere of mangroves, tidal marsh, and coastal wetlands that developed from former agricultural tracts. With a rubberized pedestrian trail leading across the grounds, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see nature up close and personal. Kayaking is greatly enjoyed and encouraged.
   
   
6. Bradenton Riverwalk – 452 3rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
   See historic Bradenton come to life as you explore one of the top riverwalk areas in the United States. The Bradenton Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile public green space that has been open to the public since 2012. It has continued to expand ever since, with kid-friendly amenities such as a splash pad, skate park, and playground. The 400-seat amphitheater is used for live music and other community events.

At Wagner Realty, we know Florida is great in any season! Contact us to discover more about Sarasota and Manatee Counties.