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Celebrating Father’s Day the Bradenton Area way!
The Bradenton Area is the perfect destination to celebrate Father’s Day. Show Dad some love on this special day by spending some quality time under the Florida sun, sipping some local brews, fishing for the big one, or exploring the local seafood scene.
Take a hike
Dads and the great outdoors go together like parks and preserves, so what better way to spend Father’s Day than by spending a day — or two! — exploring the natural side of the Bradenton Area. From small parks to preserves that span hundreds of acres, there’s sure to be something that is his speed. If your dad is a day-trip kind of person, consider Emerson Point Preserve. Situated on a peninsula, this preserve has hiking and kayak trails that offer a variety of local wildlife and habitat. The historical burial mounds of indigenous inhabitants are also accessible with informative signage, giving a sense of what the area was like prior to settlement. If Dad is a camping connoisseur, visit Lake Manatee State Park. Extending three miles along the shore of its namesake, Lake Manatee, visitors can enjoy a full-facility campsite just a short walk from the lake. A hike down one of the park’s many trails will give Dad a sense of “The Real Florida.”
Gone fishin’
If your dad is an avid angler, he’ll be thrilled to learn that the Bradenton Area holds a variety of fishing opportunities. Leave the fishing poles at home and partner up with the skilled captains who offer all-inclusive charters to the Gulf of Mexico and intercoastal waterway. Here, Dad will have the opportunity to catch many types of gamefish, including snook, snapper, grouper and more. Many charter captains also work with area restaurants that offer hook-and-cook service. So, after a successful fishing expedition, talented chefs will prepare his catch any way he likes it. If a freshwater fishing excursion is what Dad is after, check out Jiggs Landing. This old-Florida fish camp sits on the shore of the Braden River Reservoir. The outpost offers boat, kayak and tackle rentals, as well as provisions, live music, and more. Jiggs Landing also has four dockside cabins available for rent, making this a true overnight getaway for the fishing fanatic!
Bold breweries
The Bradenton Area is home to six brewhouses, so take Dad on a tour of the local microbrewery scene. These breweries take beer seriously which is why you’ll probably find a few trophies proudly displayed in their tasting rooms. All of these breweries offer traditional styles of beer, ranging from IPAs to pilsners and stouts. You’ll also find beers featuring local flavors. But don’t come just for the beverages, most of these breweries offer a combination of live music, games, trivia, and gastropub-style food. While we’re on the topic of adult beverages, don’t forget to take Dad to the local distillery, or the two wineries!
Feed him right!
Sit back, relax, and let someone else cook for Dad—like the brilliant chefs that call the Bradenton Area home. From fine dining to rustic fare (and everything in between), these resident restauranters offer a variety of cuisine to appeal to any palate, particularly seafood. And with miles of coastline, the Bradenton Area literally has some of the freshest fish around. Visit the Historic Fishing Village of Cortez so Dad can dine dock-to-table, where restaurants like Star Fish Co. and Cortez Kitchen offer simple seafood with unrivaled, off-the-boat freshness. For something a bit more sophisticated, make a reservation at The Beach House, Shore, or The Waterfront. Put on your khakis and button-down shirt, because these restaurants offer a more intimate dining experience (with some pretty spectacular spreads, too). No matter which restaurant you choose, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture the memories—and the famous Bradenton Area sunset!
Fore father!
Whether a hobbyist or enthusiast, the Bradenton Area offers fairways and greens for all golfing Dads. Whether using his newest driver on the PGA-level links or a worn-in putter on a mini-golf course, Dad will enjoy a day channeling his inner-Jack Nicklaus. If he’s looking to golf where the professionals play, schedule a tee time at The Concessions, Lakewood National or any of the other dozens of local courses. All of these courses offer 18-holes that are masterfully designed, many by well-known golfers. Whether an elusive hole-in-one or looking for a worthwhile way to spend a day, you’ll find it on one of the many area golf courses.