Sweets For Your Sweetie

When you’re on vacation it’s always important to make sure you enjoy yourself. And what’s better to enjoy than the perfect sweet treat? Fortunately the Bradenton Area is chock full of chocolate shops, ice cream parlors and heavenly bakeries that are sure to hit the spot that your sweet tooth is craving. Here are some of the top places to grab a sugary snack.

Corwin’s Ice Cream and Smoothies

Corwin’s Ice Cream and Smoothies is a Downtown Bradenton icon. The sweet shop serves a variety of homemade ice cream and frozen yogurt along with coffees, floats and other sweet treats such as pastries and old-fashioned candies. Corwin’s is located at the Riverwalk gateway and in front of the Twin Dolphin Marina. Open-air canopy seating for 20 (10 Valentine’s Day couples) is available. If you’re dining at one of the many downtown dinner offerings for your date, Corwin’s Ice Cream isn’t far away and makes the perfect stop on a cool Florida evening!

Cheesecake Cutie

Located in Holmes Beach, the Cheesecake Cutie‘s baked goods are made fresh every day with the finest, most delicious local ingredients. While the restaurant serves salads and sandwiches, they’re best known for (of course) their scrumptious cheesecakes. You’ll find some traditional flavors like chocolate delight and peanut butter dream but Cheesecake Cutie also serves up some truly original combos like blueberry lemon, white chocolate raspberry and Lady Irish. Not in the mood for an entire cake? Try a individually sized cutie as the perfect sampler to whet your sweet tooth. (If ordering several for a Valentine, be sure to call ahead. Heavenly treats like these sell quickly each day!

Richey’s Fine Chocolates

Calling all chocolate lovers! Richey’s Fine Chocolates has been operating in Bradenton since 1949 and is still just as delicious as the day it first opened its doors. Owner Austin “Richey” Richards has dedicated his long-time career to making the perfect chocolate using only the highest quality products – and it shows. As soon as you walk into the shop you may need to check yourself for drool. You’ll be presented with over 130 varieties of chocolates, toffees, fudge and more. Want to know more about the chocolate making process? Try scheduling a tour!

Shake Pit

A throwback to Bradenton’s retro past, Shake Pit is a classic 1950’s drive-up restaurant serving hand-spun shakes just like they did back in the day. Their burgers, fries and ice cream are the real deal when it comes to classic diner food. Just walk up to the window and ask for all the fixings you want, hand them a crisp bill (this place is cash-only of course) and be sure to grab a spoon – these shakes are thick! We also highly recommend getting a side of crinkle-cut fries to dip in the shake. It may sound weird but the sweet and salty mix is sure to be an unexpected delight for your taste buds.