Articles Tagged "Lifestyle"

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. 

In August, the calendar may be moving toward fall, but summer fun is still going strong around Sarasota and Bradenton. Join our real estate agents for some good times at these exciting local events and festivals taking place this month.

• NBP Rec Days - Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
  Have you joined the kayaking craze? Maybe you want to pass your love of fishing on to your kids. NBP Rec Days are a great opportunity for the whole family to try various water-based activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing, right by Sarasota homes for sale. Fishing licenses are required for those who choose to participate. Dates are Saturday, August 14, and Saturday, August 28, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fees are $10 per person, with a maximum of $35 for families of five or more. Kids aged 6 and under are free.
  
  
• Majesty of Rock - CoolToday Park, 18800 W. Villages Pkwy., Venice, FL 34293
  It's a marriage made in rock 'n' roll heaven when Majesty of Rock performs at CoolToday Park, right down the street from Venice homes for sale. Frontman John D'Agostino leads the group of talented musicians through a selection of tunes from iconic classic rock bands Journey and Styx. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, but you'll probably spend most of the night dancing away. Music starts at 8 p.m. on Saturday, August 21. General admission tickets are $12.
  
  
• World Series of Comedy - McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34236
  Cap off a day of viewing Bradenton homes for sale with a night of laughs. The best of the best are competing in the World Series of Comedy, with 40 comedians appearing in four days. Your vote will help decide who moves on to the finals. Festivities run from Thursday, August 12, through Sunday, August 15. Visit the website for showtimes. Tickets are $25.
  
  
• IQuest: Playing Around with Science - The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 - 10th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Prepare the kids to go back to school by sneaking some learning into their fun. At IQuest: Playing Around with Science, the award-winning game designer gives tips on creating games that incorporate scientific know-how. After playing science card games, participants will try their hand at designing their own games. IQuest takes place Saturday, August 14, from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. The $8 admission includes a slice of pizza and a beverage.
  
  
• Plantation Wine Festival - Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, FL 34293
  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sampling a variety of wines in the lush surroundings of the Plantation Golf & Country Club, which opens its doors to the public for the Plantation Wine Festival. As if the wine wasn't enough, the club chefs are preparing a sensational assortment of food to dine on as well. The event will be held indoors in air-conditioned comfort, where you can look out over the beautiful greenery, colorful flowers, and serene waterways. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 29, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $25 for club members and $35 for non-members. 

Are you buying or selling a home around Bradenton or Sarasota? It doesn't have to get in the way of your summer entertainment. Contact us at Wagner Realty and let us handle the hard stuff.

The Sarasota and Bradenton area has an active running community, so you'll find plenty of local events that will help you meet others and get some exercise. Even if you're a beginner, you'll have time to train and get ready to hit local parks and other local running trails. Our real estate agents suggest checking out the following 5Ks and other races coming up this year near Sarasota and Bradenton homes for sale:

• Lauren's Rainbow 5K – November 7, 2021 – Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240  
  The Annual Lauren's Rainbow 5K features several additional races, including a 5-mile run and a 1-mile trail run. In addition to running the race, you'll be able to gather with other members of the community as the races finish on a hilltop. Food and music will add to the fun, which takes place in Celery Park, a beautiful area located just around the corner from Sarasota homes for sale. 
  
  
• North Port Firecracker 5K – July 3, 2021 – North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port, FL 34291
  Dress up in your most patriotic costume and celebrate July 4th by running the North Port Firecracker 5K. Run near North Port homes for sale, the race gives awards to the top 3 male and female finishers in a variety of age groups. The awards ceremony is held immediately after the last runner finishes, and each finisher will be given an American flag. 
  
  
• Venice Half Marathon & 5K – October 9, 2021 – Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Dr. S., Venice, FL 34285  
  The Venice Half Marathon & 5K takes you on a beautiful course with nearly constant water views along the Intracoastal Waterway, near Venice homes for sale. It features 12 bridge crossings, and you'll also run a large section of the Legacy Trail, which extends from Sarasota to Venice. The trail is mostly shaded, which is a huge benefit in sunny Florida. So runners can stay cool, the race has an early 6:30 a.m. start, which lets you see the sunrise while you're on the course.
  
  
• Florida Turkey Trot – November 25, 2021 – Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235   
  Start your Thanksgiving and get a fun tradition started by burning off some pre-meal calories at the Florida Turkey Trot. It features some shorter dashes for kids 12 and under, so the event is great for the whole family. The 5K race is run at Nathan Benderson Park, a 600-acre park that has a 400-acre artificial lake. Proceeds benefit The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, a non-profit that manages Nathan Benderson Park.
  
  
• Subway Trick or Trot 5K Trail Run – October 16, 2021 – Ann Dever Park, 6961 San Casa Dr., Englewood, FL 34224  
  Costumes are encouraged at the Subway Trick or Trot 5K Trail Run, a scholarship fundraising race hosted by Zoomers Southwest Florida Running & Triathlon Club. Proceeds will also go to the Suncoast Humane Society and middle and high school athletics. The race is run on a 5K trail through Ann Dever Park, near Englewood homes for sale. Awards will be given for best costume as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group.

Contact us to learn more about the many recreational opportunities in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. And if you're ready to buy or sell a home, our experienced real estate agents are ready to provide professional, personalized service. 

With the holiday season right around the corner, our real estate agents encourage you to join our shop small initiative. Small businesses are the backbone of local economies. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for these shops — owned and operated by our friends and neighbors — to succeed.

No matter who is on your Holiday gift list, we humbly ask that you join us in support of our community by purchasing gift cards from these local restaurants.

• For those who appreciate a great meal...
  
  This holiday season show those you love you care by treating them to an amazing meal. There are countless delicious dining spots near our Anna Maria homes for sale, including Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus and Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus pairs German and Austrian dishes with imported beers to deliver a truly vunderba experience, while Anna Maria Oyster Bar serves up the freshest seafood around.
  
  If you're searching for a restaurant gift card closer to our Sarasota homes for sale, we recommend purchasing from Knick's Tavern & Grill or Smoqehouse. 
  
  
• For those who love the ambiance of a cozy café…
  
  Sometimes, the best gift you can give someone is an opportunity to relax where the warm beach breezes blow. For those local to the Anna Maria Island area and around our Holmes Beach homes for sale, Anna Maria Island Beach Café, Minnie's Beach Café, and Paradise Café gift cards are wonderful stocking stuffers. Minnie's Beach Café is a calm space to grab breakfast or lunch during a beach day.
  
  Paradise Café is home to the best bagel sandwiches in town, a perfect grab-and-go breakfast when you're on the run. You can really wow someone with a gift card to Anna Maria Island Beach Café, a relaxed beachfront café ideal for kicking back with a coffee or a cocktail.
  
  
• For those who prefer going out to watch the game…
  
  No matter which team you root for, we can all cheer for the return of major league sports. With countless professional matches in the U.S. and abroad slated for the following months, a gift card to a local sports bar is a great present for the sports fan in your life. Those living close to our Lakewood Ranch homes for sale know that Ed's Tavern is a fantastic place to catch a live game. Voted Best Sports Bar in Manatee-Sarasota County, Ed's Tavern also hosts poker and trivia nights.
  
  Closer to our Bradenton homes for sale a few miles west is Clancy's Sports Bar and Grill. This easygoing Irish pub/Tiki bar combo hosts live music every night, as well as bingo, karaoke, Texas Hold-em, and of course, the best sports games of the week.
  
  
• For those with a sweet tooth…
  
  Who on your gift list wouldn't love something sweet in their stocking? Donut lovers will devour the delectable treats at The Donut Experiment on Anna Maria Island or Island Donut Company near our Bradenton Beach homes for sale. Pastry lovers, in general, will love the authentic Amish baked goods at Peachey's Baking Company. You also can't go wrong with a gift certificate for Island Scoops on Anna Maria Island, where you'll find Florida's best homemade ice cream.

Learn more about these and other local restaurants by viewing our short videos. Contact us today to schedule tours of our Sarasota and Manatee counties. Need more gift inspiration? We'll also be sharing local shops and nonprofits to support this holiday season.

Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is just a short drive from Sarasota and Bradenton. Drive onto the island, and you'll discover a lovely, quaint beach town that offers a step back in time. You won't find the high-rise condos and hotels that many beach towns now have, instead you'll discover a laid-back lifestyle and quiet village charm. Homeowners searching for the beauty and peacefulness of a tropical island, just a short drive from city sights, will find a perfect place to call home on Anna Maria Island.

A Historical Haven

Like many cities in the state of Florida, Anna Maria Island was originally discovered by indigenous tribes, followed by Spanish explorers prior to the 1600s. However, no one resided on the island permanently until more than 300 years later. The Anna Maria Beach Company was established in the early 1900s to develop the foundation for residential and commercial life on the island. The Anna Maria Historical Society's Museum is a wonderful stop for history buffs who are interested in the island inhabitant's roots.

Sunny Skies are Always in Season

Those who wish for a retreat from the snow and shivering temperatures of the north will have plenty of opportunities to bask in the warm Florida sun on Anna Maria Island. The fall and spring offer the most temperate times to visit, with summer heat and humidity typically high and afternoon thunderstorms common. In the winter months, the temperature does drop from the 90s/100s down into the 70s/50s, giving residents a comfortable climate to still enjoy the outdoors with a light jacket. Hurricane season runs from May to the end of October, and although hurricanes are always a possibility, Anna Maria Island is often undisturbed.

Island Life at Its Finest

You'll discover plenty to see and do living on Anna Maria Island. Fishing, sailing, swimming, watersports, and other aquatic activities are always favorites, allowing you to spend hours of fun on the beach. There are dozens of restaurants, shops and boutiques lining the island, and gorgeous sunsets to enjoy on most evenings. A free island trolley runs a regular schedule with stops up and down the island.

So Much More Just Over the Bridge

While many prefer lazy days on the beach, city life is just a short drive away. Museums, art galleries, shopping, and dining options await you in Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Sports fans enjoy MLB spring training games in Sarasota and Bradenton, as well as MLB, NFL, and NHL action in Tampa.

Would you like to call this lovely island home?  To discover more about living on Anna Maria Island, including links to community information regarding schools, the economy, employment, etc. click here to visit our informational page on Anna Maria Island.  

Contact us today to browse Anna Maria Island homes for sale and find your perfect slice of island paradise. If you would like to experience everything Anna Maria Island has to offer while house hunting, consider renting one of our fabulous vacation homes where you can unwind for hours on our sugar sand beaches.

Do you think that staying home has to equal boredom? Think outside the box...literally. The four walls of your house don't have to limit your entertainment options. Our real estate agents have discovered some fascinating ways to stay busy while staying indoors near Sarasota homes for sale. 

1. Visit a Museum
   Have you dreamed of visiting the Louvre? Now you don't even need a plane ticket. The famed museum in Paris has created a series of virtual tours exploring its various permanent collections. You can also "visit" the city's Musée d'Orsay as well as London's British Museum, the Guggenheim in NYC, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. A little closer to Sarasota homes for sale, the Ringling Museum is offering kids learning programs, virtual family tours, and digital performances. 
2. Enjoy a Concert
   Popular artists such as Luke Bryan, Post Malone, and Billie Eilish have been turning YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram into concert venues with live streaming performances. Billboard maintains an updated list of scheduled shows on their website. Get your music fix and support local artists by "attending" Connect Bradenton's weekly series each Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Virtual tip jars are posted for each musician.
3. Start a Journal
   With few avenues to express yourself, thoughts can begin circling in your mind, resulting in stress, anger, and sadness. The simple act of putting pen to paper releases negative emotions by clarifying thoughts and feelings. Journaling is also a great method for problem-solving and conflict resolution. You might discover creativity you didn't know you had! Go high-tech with a digital journal or stick with old-school pen and paper. The only rule is following your personal preference.
4. Get Fit
   Can't go to the gym? Then bring the gym to your home. Raise your heart rate and decrease stress with a wealth of pre-recorded and streaming content online. Find a class to help perfect your Downward Dog or demonstrate the fine points of a bicep curl. Yoga Bradenton is streaming their classes online, with sessions available for all levels of experience. 
5. Learn a New Language
   So you've always wanted to learn a new language, but just never had the time. That excuse is gone, and Duolingo is the perfect solution for attaining your goal. Duolingo turns learning into a game as you race against the clock to "level up" and earn virtual coins. Choose from dozens of languages, ranging from French and Spanish to Scottish Gaelic and Latin. Duolingo is a free app for both Android and iOS.
6. Meet Up for Happy Hour
   Commiserate with friends over an adult beverage or two with a virtual happy hour. All you need is Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or other video chat app. As a bonus, the bar never closes, and you don't have to choose a designated driver.
7. Host a Movie Night
   Theaters might be dark, but the show goes on in your home with Netflix Party. The free software allows you to stream Netflix content in sync with your virtual guests. There's also a chatroom where you can all share screenshots, GIFs, and comments. Make sure you have Google Chrome installed before downloading Netflix Party.

Isolation or not, Wagner Realty is here for you. Contact us with all your real estate questions.

Our real estate agents agree that online shopping and doorstep delivery have made our lives much easier. The convenience of ordering what we need from a computer or mobile phone and having it delivered promptly to our homes is a significant service for many, especially those who may be unable to leave their homes to visit the store. These grocery delivery options in Sarasota and Bradenton can check this item off of your to-do list quickly and easily.

• Shipt
  The Shipt Shoppers are ready to take your shopping experience to the next level. They'll gladly walk the aisles of a number of stores — grocery and traditional retail alike — and get the goods to your door in as little as one hour. Best of all, you can be in constant contact with your Shipt Shopper and get up-to-the-minute updates on their trip. If an item you want is out of stock, they can let you know right away so you can choose a replacement.
  
  
• Walmart Online Grocery Delivery
  For many families, Walmart is their one-stop-shop for everything. Now, they're ready to help you put dinner on the table with a grocery delivery service from your local Walmart Neighborhood Market. Their certified personal shoppers will tackle your entire shopping list, including everyday essentials like pet, infant, and cleaning supplies. All items are the same Every Day Low Prices found in-store, so you'll receive the same great savings without ever leaving home!
  
  
• Instacart
  Another popular grocery delivery service, Instacart is ready to handpick the products you love from your favorite stores and deliver them right to your home. Their website also features exclusive coupons on hundreds of items to help you knock down your total purchase bill. They also offer same-day delivery in as quickly as 60 minutes. When you shop with Instacart, you can purchase items from most of your go-to grocery retailers, including:
• Sam's Club
• Costco
• BJ's
• Publix
• Target
• CVS Pharmacy
• Petco
• Amazon
  You already trust Amazon for your retail purchases, why not use their fresh services to get your groceries delivered to your door as well? Teaming up with Whole Foods Market, Amazon allows you to order fresh groceries that are then delivered from your local Whole Foods Market location. There are also exclusive deals for Amazon Prime members, saving you time and money!

An affordable, convenient way to get your weekly grocery trip completed, these easy-to-order services allow you to devote more time to your family.

To browse our Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale virtually from the comfort of your own home, contact us today!

Staying connected in a time of social distancing is no easy task. Yet, with all the new challenges our world is facing, we continue to find ways of maintaining our ties to one another. We think staying connected with loved ones is more important than ever, and our real estate agents are thrilled to share some of the apps we've been using to stay in touch. 

1. Zoom
   Over the last couple of months, Zoom's popularity has skyrocketed, and not just for virtual business conferences, but social gatherings as well. The app can host up to 1,000 video participants in a session, making it great for getting large groups of friends together. Sessions under 40 minutes are free, but beyond that, you'll need a subscription. 
2. Netflix Party
   Chances are you've been watching more TV than ever in 2020, but you're not alone if you miss having friends to binge your favorite shows with. Luckily, there's a solution for anyone who has a Netflix account and a Google Chrome web browser. Netflix Party is a Chrome extension that makes it possible to sync up your Netflix account with your friends' accounts, so you can watch TV in tandem, and even communicate back and forth. 
3. WhatsApp
   A longtime favorite for folks who need to send text messages to international friends and family, WhatsApp has a lot of other features that are making it a popular app in the social distancing age. WhatsApp offers text messaging, audio, and video call functions and is compatible with Apple and Android devices, as well as Windows PCs. 
4. Google Duo
   Chances are you know what Google is, but do you know what Google Duo is and how it can help you stay connected? Compatible with Apple and Android devices this helpful app lets you make video calls with those you love. Plus, you can make groups of up to 12 people and chat and make video calls within the group. 
5. FaceTime
   Anyone with an iPhone has probably been using FaceTime since long before the pandemic struck, but this classic app is now more useful than ever. You can use it to video chat with friends and family around the world (as long as they also have an Apple device), and it even works over regular cellular service if you're not connected to the internet. 
6. HouseParty
   One of the things we miss the most about how the world used to be is just hanging out and chatting with a few friends. HouseParty is a great option for fostering the easygoing vibe of a small get-together. It's a fun app that lets up to 8 people hang out in a virtual space. It also has screen sharing options and the ability to play virtual games. 
7. Facebook Live
   Facebook has always provided a wide range of tools for staying connected, from sharing photos and videos to messaging with friends. But Facebook Live has become more useful than ever in recent times. It's been used to stream meetings, live music, stand-up comedy, even weddings! Our team has even found Facebook Live to be a great real estate tool for creating "virtual tours" of Bradenton homes for sale and Sarasota homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can all stay connected while social distancing. At Wagner Realty, we still believe in the importance of human connection, and we're here to help you keep in touch while you're finding your dream home.