Date Archives: September 2021

The official Oktoberfest festivities in Munich might be canceled this year, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the occasion here in the Bradenton area! In fact, our real estate agents have a few ideas about where to go for an Oktoberfest feast. Check out these local restaurants for an authentic dining experience. 

• Lucky Frog Restaurant - 4625 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  With its unassuming storefront, it would be easy to overlook the Lucky Frog Restaurant. But you'd also be missing out on some of the best authentic German food near these Bradenton homes for sale. The Lucky Frog serves a broad menu of classic German fare like breaded pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, and spaetzle, along with daily chef's specialties. Oktoberfest events are planned for Oct. 9th and 23rd, 2021, including a special menu and live German folk music. 
  
  
• Restaurant Edelweiss - 611 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
  The fresh cuisine at Restaurant Edelweiss is made from scratch every day and has been voted the best authentic German food in Bradenton. The restaurant serves up finely crafted specialties like the mouth-watering Rügenwalder Knacker Platter, which includes two smoked pork knackwurst with German potato salad and a handmade pretzel. Be sure to check out the music schedule at Restaurant Edelweiss as well; live bands play every week. They also have a relaxing biergarten where you'll be glad to sit and sip a pint, with classic German beers like Warsteiner Pilsner and Hofbräuhaus Lager on draft. 
  
  
• Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus - 3246 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  You'll find plenty of tasty Bavarian and Austrian dishes on the menu at the Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus. This classic German restaurant near Holmes Beach homes for sale uses old-country recipes handed down through generations and serves guests in an intimate, relaxing space. Start with the Tagessuppe (soup of the day) and handmade pretzels with German mustard, and go from there. They have a great beer and wine list too. 
  
  
• Siegfried's Restaurant - 1869 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236
  It doesn't get much more authentic than Siegfried's Restaurant. Owners Kim and Rene moved to Sarasota from Erkelenz, Germany in 2018, and started Siegfried's Restaurant with the goal of crafting delicious German food based on family recipes. Located a stone's throw from these Sarasota homes for sale, they have one of the best outdoor biergartens in town. 
  
  
• Geier's Sausage Kitchen - 7447 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
  A unique German meat market and deli, Geier's Sausage Kitchen is a great place to pick up authentic German take-out. They also offer some of the best authentic, handmade German sausages you'll ever taste, including frankfurters, bratwurst, and knockwurst. Pick some up to throw on the grill for your own Oktoberfest party! 
  
  
• Curry Up King - 935 N Beneva Rd #613, Sarasota, FL 34232
  Serving authentic German street food with an Indian twist, Curry Up King is a hole-in-the-wall joint that is not to be missed. With a small, no-frills seating area, the kitchen at Curry Up King produces genuine masterpieces like their schnitzel sandwich, which includes pork loin fried golden brown to perfection, topped with zesty curry lemon mayonnaise. And save room for dessert; they make just about the best apple strudel you'll ever have. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Sarasota and Bradenton, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about finding your dream home on the Florida coast.

People are flocking to the Sarasota area! Statistics recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau show that between 2010 and 2020, Sarasota's growth rate was nearly double that of the nation as a whole. While the growth rate of the U.S. population over the 10-year period was 7.4%, Sarasota grew at 14.4%, and nearby Manatee County grew at a shocking 23.8%.

Every day, our real estate agents work with buyers who are competing for the best Sarasota homes for sale. What is it about this area that's so attractive? From gorgeous weather to award-winning beaches, there's so much to love about living in the Sarasota area. Here's a closer look at some of the most important benefits. 

• No State Income Tax
  The lack of a state income tax is one of the biggest benefits of living in Florida. Since so many visitors come to Florida each year, they pay the taxes for us! Tourists pay a 7% sales tax on the state level. On the county level, hotel stays and short-term property rentals are also subject to a 5% tourism tax. While this may seem annoying when you're visiting, once you become a resident, you'll love being able to hold onto your hard-earned dollars. 

• Strong Job and Employment Market
  If you're still working, you'll be glad to know that the Sarasota area has a strong economy and a low unemployment rate. Some of the top industries in the area include healthcare, hospitality, education, professional services, retail, and trades. 

• Culture and Performing Arts
  From the Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens to the Sarasota Ballet and the Van Wezel Performing Art Center, there are many diverse cultural and performing arts attractions in the area. In fact, Sarasota has been named Florida's "Cultural City," thanks to its active theatrical and performing arts scene. 

• Incredible Dining Options
  There are almost countless dining venues and drinking establishments in the Sarasota area. From incredible fine dining and casual cafes to upscale wine bars to local breweries, there's something here for everyone. Some of the most popular entertainment destinations in the area include Siesta Key, Downtown Sarasota, St. Armand's Circle, and Lakewood Ranch. 

• Award-Winning Beaches
  Sarasota's beaches receive recognition nationwide. Siesta Key Beach has been named the number one beach in America multiple times thanks to its powdery, sugar-like sand. Other beaches throughout the county are also some of the most popular in the state of Florida.  

• A Year-Round Playground
  Sarasota has an average of 251 sunny days each year and an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees. It's the perfect location for anyone who enjoys being out on the water boating, kayaking, or swimming. The city of Sarasota was also named the #1 Best Place to Retire nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. 

• Affordable Real Estate
  Despite all of these incredible benefits, real estate in Sarasota and Bradenton is still relatively affordable. In fact, many residents find that owning a home here is often less expensive than renting. At the beginning of 2021, the average home price here was $319,793, and the median rent was $1,995 per month.

Finding your dream home in Florida can be a challenge, but it's much easier when you work with a great agent. The experts at Wagner Realty have access to all the best Sarasota and Bradenton homes for sale, and we want to help you! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started. 

Walking through an art gallery is a lovely way to connect with your feelings and expand your understanding of the world. So often, artists create images that evoke emotions that words can't express.

Luckily, Anna Maria Island has some lovely art galleries where talented, local artists showcase their pieces. Plan a trip to one (or more) of these galleries.  

• Cove Gallery & Boutique: 104 Bridge St., Bradenton, FL  34217
  Just minutes away from many Bradenton Beach homes for sale, this unique gallery features ocean-inspired artwork. At Cove Gallery & Boutique, you'll find shadowboxes made from beach wood, paintings of waves, and beachy drawings. Admire the artwork, or purchase some for your own home.
  
  Cheryl Gonsalves's work is featured at Cove. She uses watercolors to create paintings of the ocean and seaside villages. Another prominent artist is Corin Finnie, who creates dreamscapes and murals. Guests also love admiring the sea glass creations of Avery Jackson.
  
  
• Artists' Guild of Anna Maria Island: 5414 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  The Artists' Guild is a nonprofit organization that seeks to unite and support artists in the region. More than 150 artists belong to the guild, and most display their art here from time to time. Inside, you'll see everything from photography to pottery to pastel creations.
  
  This gallery is not far from many Holmes Beach homes for sale. They also offer online art classes, and each month, a different artist's work is featured in their front windows. 
  
• Island Gallery West: 5368 Gulf Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  Island Gallery West was created in 1990 by a small group of artists, and it has grown since then. In 2021, it was named Anna Maria Island's Favorite Art Gallery by Sun. Here, you'll find all sorts of art, from mosaics to jewelry. There are also plenty of paintings and drawings, of course. The gallery is always staffed by an artist who can answer your questions and show you around.
  
  Island Gallery West features a different artist each month, so you can stop by often and always see something new. 
  
  
• The Studio At Gulf & Pine: 10101 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria, FL 34216
  The Studio at Gulf & Pine is the perfect place to stop after a long day of looking at Anna Maria Island homes for sale. This large indoor gallery was founded by Rhea Chiles, the former First Lady of Florida.
  
  At The Studio, you can view and purchase artwork, or you can take classes. They offer community classes on painting, drawing, and even culinary arts throughout the year. This gallery is very involved in local preservation and historical efforts.
  
  
• Anna Maria Island Art League: P.O. Box 1243, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  The Anna Maria Island Art League is not a traditional gallery but an organization created to support local and emerging artists through various festivals and events throughout the year. Their Springfest takes place annually on the beach and is a great place to view and purchase locally made art. If you become a member, you can enjoy discounts on classes and workshops.

Whether you're a lifelong artist or someone just learning to appreciate the beauty in art, these Anna Maria Island art galleries are well worth exploring. If you're new to the island and looking for a place to live, contact us. Our real estate agents can help guide you in your home search and help you find the right property for your art collection.

Florida may be known as the Sunshine State, but this time of year, we also get our fair share of rain. If dark skies are threatening your beach plans, don't worry! There are tons of fun, family-friendly things to do in the Sarasota area. In fact, our real estate agents often take their families to these spots on their days off. 

• The Ringling: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
  The Ringling is home to an incredible art museum, a circus museum, and 66 acres of stunning bayfront property. It's also home to the Ca'd'Zan, the Venetial Gothic home of John and Mable Ringling, where you can take a step back in time with a personal tour. This is by far one of the most extraordinary museums in the world and is definitely a "must-see" area attraction. 

• Mote Marine: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Mote Aquarium is another incredible attraction located just minutes from downtown Sarasota. When you visit this aquarium, you'll be able to get up-close and personal with manatees, sharks, sea turtles, otters, and more. Some of the best attractions here include Contact Cove, Florida's Bay Habitats, and Oh Baby! Life Cycles of the Seas. 

• The Met: 35 South Blvd. of the Presidents, Sarasota, Florida 34236
  When you're ready for some serious pampering, you'll want to pay a visit to The Met. This luxury independent fashion house, salon, and day spa is located on St. Armands Circle. When you visit, you can book an appointment for a massage or facial, shop for incredible clothing and accessories, and visit their in-house fine jewelry counter. St. Armands Circle is just a short drive away from some of the best Sarasota homes for sale, so while you're there, be sure to take a drive around and explore some of these stunning neighborhoods. 

• Regal Hollywood: 1993 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Watching a movie in the theater is a great way to spend a rainy day in Sarasota. The Regal Hollywood theater shows both new releases and classics on the big screen. If you're a movie fan, you can also join the Regal Crown Club, where you'll earn credits for the money you spend on tickets and concessions, or even join the Unlimited Program, which lets you watch as many movies as you want, as often as you want! 

• The Mall at UTC: 140 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
  You can shop 'till you drop at The Mall at University Town Center! This upscale mall features many of the most popular stores, including Macy's, Dillard's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, Michael Kors, and more. It's also a premier dining location, offering incredible restaurants like Season's 52, The Capital Grille, Brio Tuscan Grille, and The Cheesecake Factory. 

• Artisans World Marketplace: 128 S. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
  Another wonderful shopping adventure to enjoy on a rainy day, Artisan's World Marketplace is a fair trade gift shop that carries handmade goods by artisans from around the globe. Here you'll find unique art, jewelry, and other items from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. When you visit this store, you'll find a wide selection of unique and beautiful items and can also feel good knowing that every purchase you make supports their mission to help rebuild villages and improve people's lives. 

Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started. Your dream home is out there waiting for you, so don't delay!