Free Museums in Siesta Key

"Located just south of downtown Bradenton, the Village of the Arts features early 20th century bungalows where residents live, work, and play, with homes doubling as art galleries, specialty stores and even a vinyl record shop called Jerk Dog. Art walks take place the first Friday of each month, but you can visit the village on any given day for dinner or lunch at one of the neighborhood’s four charming restaurants. Arte Caffe serves thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta and other authentic Italian classics while Ortygia offers genuine Sicilian, French and Mediterranean-style cuisine."

"The Village of the Arts contains a lot of different events for visitors of the Bradenton area to enjoy. Music festivals and concerts take place here on a weekly basis but that’s not all that this treasure holds. They hold a lot of artistic events here, such as public painting lessons and making homemade jewelry."

"It consists of individual homes over a four block area that have been rehabed and turned into art studios and unique…. Frequently Asked Questions about Bradenton. The top attractions to visit in Bradenton are:"

"This unique art gallery is a must-see for its unconventional collection. It’s the only gallery in America that displays Italian artist and pianist Massimo Meda’s 3D-fluorescent paintings, concrete Medablocks and stainless-steel furniture. It has its own in-residence Italian artist, Fabio Dal Boni, who paints award-winning fine art photography on aluminium and canvas."

"If you would like to learn a little more about the history of the area, the Florida Maritime Museum provides you with a glimpse of the people and events that shaped Florida into the state it is today. The museum occupies 4 acres of land and includes the historic fishing village of Cortez as well as a 1912 schoolhouse building. The Florida Maritime Museum was designed to showcase the significance of the regional commercial fishing industry."

"Florida Maritime Museum 4415 119th Street W Cortez, Florida 34215 • 941-708-6121. A non-profit organization, the old Cortez Rural Graded School was transformed into the Florida Maritime Museum to educate visitors on the topic of Florida’s maritime heritage. It sits on 1.6 hectares (four acres) of land in the historic fishing village of Cortez."

"Discover old Florida through the history of Cortez Fishing Village. Explore the traveling exhibits such as the current attraction, Caught in the Storm, 100 Years of Florida Hurricanes. Permanent exhibits feature an expansive shell collection, ship models, and more."

"With four galleries, Art Center Sarasota provides creative opportunities to the whole community. They run youth educational programs including Creative Kids Saturday Classes and the Creative Kids Summer Art Camp. The exhibitions focus on local and regional art, showcasing many emerging and established talents."

"This community-oriented nonprofit gallery has four exhibition spaces that mix local and out-of-town artists. Hosts frequent events, including a lecture series featuring local artists talking about what informs..."

"This historic artist colony is famous for its galleries, boutiques, studios and dining. Monthly Art Walk is 5-9PM Every 3rd Friday"

"I'm from Asheville North Carolina where there is some pretty good sushi, and this was the best sushi I've ever had in my life."

"I called several times to place an order and the person answering the phone stated “it might be a while.” That's why I'..."

"As soon as you see the bright blue waters and white sand beaches of this park, you’ll instantly be at peace. Take some time to ride a paddleboard across the waters, search for shells on the beach, or lie back and enjoy catching up on your suntan!. Wildlife abounds here, so keep an eye out for pelicans, especially at Brushy Bayou!"

"Only minutes from downtown Sarasota and BLVD Sarasota, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens are one of the easiest ways for locals to access area history. As a relic of Sarasota’s tourism boom from the 40’s to the 50’s, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens combines an older approach with a modern touch. As the name indicates, the gardens showcase exotic animals from across the world alongside tropical flora of all kinds."

"The Sarasota Jungle Gardens, which opened in 1939, is a popular tourist attraction that features a gorgeous botanical garden and animal shows."

"If you’re seeking a beach experience – replete with sugary white sand, boat slips, beach volleyball, corn hole, live music, fire pits, postcard perfect sunsets on the water and perhaps a visiting dolphin or two – then Caddy’s is where you want to go in Bradenton for lunch, dinner or just afternoon drinks. On Tarpon Pointe, which connects the existing Riverwalk with its planned extension east, Caddy’s is part of the Pinellas County-based chain that includes Treasure Island, Gulfport and St. Pete Beach locations. The lone Sarasota-Manatee Caddy’s offers a completely open-air dining experience with two covered bar areas and plenty of covered seating, plus tables that put you right on a part of the river often populated by dolphins."

"Head to Caddy’s Bradenton, one of the top Bradenton seafood restaurants and known for its living room-style atmosphere. Caddy’s at the Pointe is located in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods directly on Manatee River. Suited for all ages and pet-friendly, Caddy’s serves lunch and dinner."

"Stroll or bike along the Riverfront for a casual lunch at Caddy’s. This waterfront spot offers a laid back vibe, beautiful views, and a classic bar food menu. Sandwiches, seafood baskets, and chicken wings are among the favorites here."

"5313 19th St. E., Ellenton; 941-263-3111; thewhiskeyjoes.com. One of the most highly anticipated restaurant openings of this year, Whiskey Joe’s has quickly emerged as a top dining and drinking destinations in Manatee County, especially for the boating crowd. Located in the Rocky Bluff neighborhood of Ellenton, Whiskey Joe’s features a white sand beach dotted with palapas and fire pits, a long dock, giant waterfront tiki bar and outside deck; plus indoor seating with proper social distancing."

"Brunch probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you hear about Bonefish Grill, but if you haven’t been there for bottomless bubbles yet, you’re missing out. Brunch is served from 11 am until 2 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sundays. The best part about this brunch is the ability to upgrade to bottomless mimosas, bellinis, or Bloody Marys for a single upcharge."