Date Archives: November 2019

December is a delightful time of the year, and nothing makes the holiday season brighter than the vibrant holiday celebrations taking place throughout our region. Our REALTORS® encourage you to gather your family and explore our local holiday events.

• Lights in Bloom — Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 909 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 14 – Jan. 4
  The Lights in Bloom Selby Experience is an event like no other! More than two million lights will transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. This 16th annual Sarasota tradition includes crafts and games for children as well as a visit from Santa. Schedule your Sarasota homes for sale tours early in the evening so you and your family can stroll through the magical gardens under this dazzling display!
  
  
• Holiday Boat Parade — Caddy's Bradenton 801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton, FL 34208 | Dec 14
  The 22nd Annual Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade is a very Floridian way to celebrate the winter holidays. This event will feature dozens of boats decked out in holiday decorations vying for prizes. Grab a seat along the river and watch as these Christmas ships cruise across the Manatee River in support of the Toys for Tots Program. This event takes place in the afternoon, so be sure to schedule Bradenton homes for sale visits early!
  
  
• VABI Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration — Venice Arboretum at West Blalock Park 401 Pensacola Rd., Venice, FL 34285 | Dec 14
  The Venice Area Beautification Incorporated Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration returns for its 13th year. Come together with the community as dozens of trees are illuminated with colorful lights. Entertainment for adults and children will be provided, including a visit from Santa! Don't worry — we can help you pick out a few Venice homes for sale, so Santa knows what you want.
  
  
• Holidays Around the Ranch — Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8100 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 | Dec 13
  Holidays Around the Ranch is a favorite annual gathering of the Lakewood Ranch community. This festive celebration has everything from eggnog and carolers to a tree-lighting ceremony, musical performances, and a grand entrance from Santa Claus! They've also got an outdoor snow slide for children that turns Main Street into a winter wonderland. If you're spending the weekend looking at Lakewood Ranch homes for sale, come into town early so you can enjoy this celebration.
  
  
• Sarasota Holiday Parade — Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 Dec 7
  Welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to Sarasota when you attend the annual Sarasota Holiday Parade. This event is always held on the first Saturday in December and is close to many Sarasota homes for sale. The parade will feature lighted floats, high school marching bands, and of course Santa. 
  
  
• Holiday Tour of Lights — Regions Bank 4041 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 6 – 31
  The Annual Holiday Tour of Lights is a must-visit event in the Sarasota area. Hop aboard the SRQ Trolley as it glides you around the best light displays in town. You are permitted to bring snacks and beverages onboard, but remember, the trolley takes off at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm sharp! Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to walk Sarasota homes for sale and get to the pickup spot!

Are you hoping to light up your own home in Sarasota or Manatee County this holiday season? Contact us today, and we'll help you with your search!

Thanksgiving is upon us, offering an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. Everyone has their own favorites to be thankful for, but we thought it might be nice to start the holiday week off by sharing some of our favorites.

1. The Beaches
   There's hardly a spot in Florida that isn't within an hour's drive of the ocean — no more than 30 minutes for most homeowners in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. We're thankful for every inch of sandy shoreline that allows us to live on permanent vacation. We especially love that beaches like Siesta Key are within walking distance of many Sarasota homes for sale. 
   
   
2. The Sunshine
   The beach wouldn't be paradise without the sun! Our warm weather provides year-round comfort and stunning sunsets. We recommend checking out Robinson Preserve for beautiful sunset views near Bradenton homes for sale. 
   
   
3. The Art Scene
   Sarasota and Manatee Counties have vibrant arts and culture scenes that rival other major metropolitan areas. Sarasota is home to art galleries and performing arts centers galore. Take a day and explore the Ringling, near Sarasota homes for sale. This creative community takes every opportunity to showcase its talent, and we take every opportunity to support it with our gratitude.
   
   
4. Activities for All Ages
   No matter your age or ability, Sarasota and the surrounding areas have plenty of activities for all to enjoy. There are tons of hot-spots for shopping, both luxurious items, and handmade or antique goods. For a little bit of everything, swing over to Nathan Benderson Park near Lakewood homes for sale. Benderson Park is a unique 600-acre community park that includes North America's premier 2,000-meter sprint rowing course and a regatta center. But of course, there are outdoor recreational activities for everyone here, with golf courses, fishing holes, athletic facilities, and local parks stretched from end to end of the county. With museums, preserves, historical sites, and modern marvels at every corner, we're thankful for so much to do in our backyard.
   
   
5. The Location
   While Sarasota and Manatee are rich in activities, we're also a quick drive to hundreds of other amazing destinations. Hop on I75 for a quick trip to Tampa for a Bucs game, southeast to Miami or the Keys for a classic getaway, or northeast to Orlando for the number one tourist attractions on the planet. With Gainesville, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona, and Panama City Beach all within half of a day's drive, you can explore every amazing Florida city each weekend of the year.
   
   
6. The Relaxation
   There is so much to see, do, and experience in our town — and yet, it is still the perfect place to do absolutely nothing. Take an afternoon and get out on a charter boat for some fishing near Anna Maria Island homes for sale. Or, you can stroll or drive through town without a destination in mind. 

If you're you looking for a home close to a relaxing beach or a condo in the heart of a bustling art, culture, and dining scene, contact us today, and we'll help you find a home that you'll be thankful for every day of the year.

No-Shave November has blown up in recent years, with men all over the world letting their beards grow wild as a way to raise awareness and money to fight cancer. Our REALTORS® have always been happy to take part, but when November draws to a close, we're about ready for a shave. 

Luckily, we have some great barbers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. So when No-Shave November ends and you're ready to kiss your beard goodbye, these local barbershops are the places to go. 

• Locals Barbershop LLC - 3322 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
  Bradenton's Locals Barbershop LLC is one of our go-to spots for a shave, trim or haircut in Manatee County. No appointments are needed, but you can book one online. You'll always find three barbers on duty, ready to hook you up with whatever style you need. With a location near many Bradenton homes for sale, a great haircut is never far away.
  
  
• Captain Kirk's Midway Barber - 6836 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207
  A Bradenton staple since 1993, Captain Kirk's Midway Barber offers snips and shaves with great prices and a friendly atmosphere. They do master cuts for men, women, and kids, so whether you need a quick beard trim, a clean shave or a trendy fade, they'll get the job done for you. Plus, the convenient location is close to many Bradenton homes for sale. 
   
• Just Gents Barber & Spa - 126 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Yes, men need to pamper themselves now and then. And when they do, they go to Just Gents Barber & Spa, Sarasota's premier grooming service. Perfect for guys who want to look great, feel great, relax, and rejuvenate. Just Gents is located right around the corner from these Sarasota homes for sale and offers a wide range of body, hair and skincare products and services, specifically designed for men.
  
  
• Sarasota/Bradenton Hair Salon - 3645 Cortez Rd W #140, Bradenton, FL 34210
  Men and women alike will get a great trim or cut at Sarasota/Bradenton Hair Salon. Haircuts and shaves for men range in styles from fun to funky and always come with a low price tag. Plus, every service comes with a one-week guarantee, so if you're not happy with your fresh look, you can always come back after looking at Bradenton homes for sale. 
  
  
• JD Barbary Shoppe - 8111 Lakewood Main St # 104, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
  In some corners, traditional barber skills are a dying art. But not at JD Barbary Shoppe. Here is a place you can stop in any time for a classic haircut experience, courtesy of master barbers who are well versed in all the tonsorial arts. From traditional straight-razor shaves to modern-day trimming techniques, JD Barbary Shoppe offers something genuinely timeless. Look for their authentic striped barber pole on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, minutes from these Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. 
  
  
• Venice Island Barber Shop - 505 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
  Established in 1961, Venice Island Barbershop is your father's barbershop, but that doesn't mean it can't be yours too. Decked out in vintage barbershop style, the shop is home to five antique barber chairs, with a talented barber stationed at each one. Just up the street from Venice homes for sale, Venice Island Barbershop offers an ideal mix of modern trends and timeless style.

Contact us to learn more about life in Manatee and Sarasota Counties! Our team has helped families find their dream homes of Florida's Sunset Coast, and we're committed to helping you find yours.

We may have sand instead of snow, but Manatee and Sarasota Counties still transform into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Our REALTORS® have put together this holiday event guide to make sure your family enjoys a season filled with cheer!

• Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K — Nathan Benderson Park 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 4235 | Dec 07
  Get a running start on the holiday season with the Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K. The entire Christmas-themed lakeside course is open for runners and walkers so anyone can cheerfully attend. There will be snacks, refreshments, awards, and even a finish line with a forecast for a 100 percent chance of snowfall! Don't worry, the nearby Lakewood Ranch homes for sale you visit are only covered in sunshine.
• The 12 Dolls of Christmas — Stone Hall 502 Third Ave W., Bradenton, FL 34205 | Dec 9 & 10
  Grab the kids and settle in for a new Christmas show. The 12 Dolls of Christmas holiday musical tells the story of a family Christmas pageant where twelve dancing dolls magically come to life. A fun show for kids of all ages, stop by Stone Hall after you walk a couple of Bradenton homes for sale.
• An Old Florida Christmas — Manatee Village Historical Park 1404 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, FL 34208 | Dec 15
  An Old School Florida Christmas celebrates old-fashioned holiday traditions by bringing the community together for music, food, crafts, and more. Stop by and pick up a few gifts from the many local heritage craft vendors. If you're hoping to unwrap a new place to live this year, we recommend you take a few hours to visit some Palmetto homes for sale just across the river.
• A Night Before Christmas — GT Bray Park 5502 33rd Ave Dr. W., Bradenton, FL 34209 | Dec 14
  Santa will make a quick stop at GT Bray Park to make sure every little boy and girl updates him on their Christmas list. Bring your children down to the A Night Before Christmas event, which will feature hayrides, face painting, and even snow! Just a short drive from Anna Maria Island homes for sale. 
• A Taste of Chanukah – Music and Food Festival – Philippi Estate Park 5500 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231- December 22nd 3:00PM - 6:00PM
  Enjoy 3 hours of fun for the whole family with Kosher food and live entertainment near Sarasota homes for sale. A Taste of Chanukah includes many of the area's best Kosher caterers, a graffiti wall and photo booth, a laser light show, face painting, magicians and live music with DJ CJ Koenig. Plus, the whole family will love the Skyriders Trampoline Show. Don't miss out on this fun event!  
• Harmony for the Holidays — Historic Asolo Theatre 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234 | Dec 21 &22
  One great aspect of the holiday season is that the airwaves are almost always filled with beautiful Christmas music. If you can't get enough of these yuletide tunes, buy a ticket for Harmony for the Holidays at the Historic Asolo Theatre. The Duchess Vocal Trio give their creative take on Christmas songs new and old. End a day browsing Sarasota homes for sale, with this concert.
• A Christmas Carol — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 28 
  Enjoy the magic of the holidays with the whole family when you attend Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker. This stunning show will be in town on December 28th and is a holiday tradition featuring a timeless score. While you're in town, check out the Lido Key homes for sale. 
• It's a Wonderful Life a New Musical - Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205 | December 5-22
  See the 1946 film come to life on the stage when you get tickets for It's a Wonderful Life A New Musical. The show runs from December 5-22, giving you plenty of time to get the family together for a trip to the theater. Plus, you can enjoy looking at Bradenton homes for sale prior to the show. 
• Sledding with Santa (Lakewood Ranch) - Lakewood Ranch YMCA 5100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd 
  Bradenton, FL 34211 | December 6
  A free event the whole family will love close to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Sledding with Santa is the perfect event to kick off the holiday season and will have real snow! Gather the whole family for a fun day of sledding and holiday treats. 
  
• Chanukah Celebration - Lakewood Ranch Main Street 8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 - December 22nd - 5:00PM - 8:00PM
  Join Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch for its Annual Chanukah Celebration on Main Street right around the corner from Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. This festival features a Grand Lego Menorah & Chanukah Gelt Drop! Enjoy Falafel With Yoav, Kosher BBQ, Kona Ice Truck, Jeff the Juggler, Face Painting, Doughnut Decorating, Hot Latkes Music, Dreidel Moonbounce and More! Admission is free. Nominal food fees to apply.

For more help finding the perfect Sarasota or Manatee County home to spend your next holiday, contact us!

Even though there's no snow in sight, the many holiday craft fairs returning to town are making it feel a lot like Christmas. Our REALTORS® are excited to complete our shopping lists by visiting a handful of the spectacular holiday craft fairs in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. If you're looking for one-of-a-kind gifts for that special someone, head to one of these festive fairs.

• Art & Design Show Sarasota — Robarts Arena 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237 | Dec 6 — 8
  The historic Sarasota craft show returns! Art & Design Show Sarasota makes its way back into the Robarts Arena for visitors to find gifts for the serious art collectors in their lives. The preeminent destination for everyone from interior decorators and art enthusiasts to those who appreciate a great looking piece of décor for their home, Art & Design Show is free to enter. Browse the street fairs located just outside of the venue too and consider making appointments to browse the Sarasota homes for sale in the area.
  
  
• Mixon's Harvest Craft Fair — Mixon Farms 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34208 | Nov 23
  Harvest Festival Craft Fair at Mixon Fruit Farms is the best way to kick off harvest season. This free event features more than 60 unique vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and chances for you to win exciting prizes. Fun for the whole family, kids can make crafts while you cross a few items off of your shopping list. If you'll be in the area looking at Bradenton homes for sale, making an entire afternoon of the event by touring the farm after you're done at the craft fair.
  
  
• Bradenton-Sarasota Home + Holiday Show — Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221 | Nov 15 – 17
  Have you got your eye on a few Palmetto homes for sale? Then head over to the Bradenton-Sarasota Home + Holiday Show and pick out a few pieces of décor as an early holiday gift for yourself. This is the ultimate one-stop-shop for anyone looking for great gifts. The art show will showcase fine masterpieces that are perfect for the art lover in your life. The event will also feature wine tasting for adults and a kid zone full of fun activities.
  
  
• Atomic Holiday Bazaar — Municipal Auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 14 – 15
  Do you have someone on your holiday gift list that isn't easy to shop for? Then stop by the Atomic Holiday Bazaar for delightful irregular goodies! This indie craft fair not far from Lido Key homes for sale has unique items on display. They've recently expanded their selection, so be sure to visit the Bay Front Room to view more items.
  
  
• Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts 2019 — Lido Beach 400 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236 | Dec 7 – 8
  Located close to many Longboat Key homes for sale, head over to Lido Beach and watch the beach transform into an outdoor gallery. Lido Beach Holiday of the Arts 2019 is the perfect opportunity to stock up on handmade art from local artisans. Give one of a kind gifts for everyone on your list when you attend this holiday festival. 
  
  
• Holiday Gift Expo & Cookie Fest — Bradenton Area Convention Center 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221 | Dec 1
  What's better than a holiday craft show? A holiday craft show with cookies! Not far from Parrish homes for sale, be sure to head over to the Bradenton Area Convention Center on December 1 for the Holiday Gift Expo & Cookie Fest. Get locally made gifts for those on your list and holiday cookies for you to enjoy while shopping.

Are you looking for a place to keep all of your new crafts and décor? Contact us today, and we'll help you find a great home in Sarasota or Manatee County.