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Signs of the Mermaid
10 reasons why the Bradenton area is unbelievably romantic
By Amy Nance

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Explore a historic fishing community and feast on fresh seafood at Cortez Fishing Village

little magic isn't difficult to come by in Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch area. After all, its environs include the color-shifting Gulf and an island popping with brightly-hued beach cottages, parrots in the trees and restaurants inspired by mermaids. Here are 10 signs of romance that you won't want to miss. Let them point you to an unforgettable in-state getaway.

1. Cortez Fishing Village
Walk this historic fishing community set on Sarasota Bay and find yourselves returned to maritime Florida in the middle of the 19th century. The narrow streets lined with fishing cottages have sandy yards, and the air smells of salt. Meander down to Burton's store – a relic of the area's earliest years – and grab a fresh bite at the fish market and sandwich shop. The quiet, tidy streets here all lead to the water.

2. Manatee Players
A romantic night at the theater doesn't have to be stuffy or pricey. Catch a nostalgic musical like Oklahoma! at this local playhouse, which has been staging popular shows for nearly 50 years and garnering national acclaim along the way. A brand new Manatee Players Performing Arts Center is in the works, but in the meantime, this downtown theater retains its sense of history and intimacy.

3. Rosa Fiorelli Winery
Try the Florida Muscadine White Dessert wine – called "Amore Wine" by the Sicilian family that runs this winery – and wander the vineyard that produced it. A Cheese and Cracker Tour gives you the rare treat of learning about how Florida grapes are cultivated and tasting the results. In the early fall, you can pick bronze and black Muscadine grapes fresh from the vine.

4. Sunset at Bean Point
At the Northern end of Anna Maria lies this tucked away beach named for George Emerson Bean, the island's first year-round resident. Here the sand is soft and white, with gently sloping dunes and a dazzling view of Tampa Bay. Get here in the late afternoon and settle in for a picnic: the locals insist that Bean Point provides the best sunsets on the island.

5. Edible Art at Village of the Arts
Stroll this colorful district full of working artists and enjoy the bohemian spirit. Amid the camaraderie, you'll find yourselves drawn to Bonni Bakes Edible Art, a gallery devoted to culinary creations. Admire (and taste) the bread sculptures and the other gourmet goodies.

6. Harrington House
This Anna Maria bed-and-breakfast is a garden hideaway set on the Gulf. Stay at the Huth House and enjoy


Have a romantic dinner on the sand at the beachfront Sandbar Restaurant

a Gulf-front view. The Main Inn sets out a beautiful breakfast each morning, complete with Polynesian muffins and pancake sundaes. Guests are given baskets of popcorn and home-made cookies to tide themselves over until dinner, but you may spend all day in the pool.

7. Gamble Plantation
The grounds of this plantation house are impressive: an antebellum garden, blacksmiths and basket weavers, a real cane press. Walk the grounds where live oak are swaying with Spanish moss and consider the graceful impression this mansion makes from the outside. Try a guided tour after a quiet lunch at one of the picnic tables (the mansion is currently being renovated but is expected to re-open in November of this year).

8. Sandbar Restaurant
There's a reason the Sandbar was named 'Best Reception Site' by The Knot magazine in its 2007 ‘Best of Weddings' issue. Have dinner on the sand at this beachfront restaurant – you'll still be able to hear the upbeat live music from the dining deck. Start with the Key West-style conch fritters and segue into blue crab; you'll be sharing forkfuls of each other's meals in no time, pausing only to watch the boats passing by on the horizon – or the setting sun.

9. Captain Kim's Sunset Tour
Set sail on a slow-paced sunset tour with this cruise operator comprised of all-female captains. Or invent a cruise: Captain Kim's tailors its tours to suit your interests and will even pick you up at your own dock. Catering is available too, so couples can really sit back and take in the coastal flora and fauna.

10. Sign of the Mermaid
You can dine practically in the hearth of the stone fireplace at this intimate, family-run restaurant. With its charming name and cozy atmosphere, Sign of the Mermaid is an unabashedly romantic setting. This 1912 house has a tin roof, a creaky floor and is decorated with antiques. Tuck into the exceptional Florida Continental fare – black-edged grouper, duck, Florida lobster tail – but save room for pie. The chef, who also owns the restaurant, took first place in two categories at the 2007 Great American Pie Festival.

For more information on planning your in-state getaway to Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch area, call 941-729-9177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com.

Amy Nance was born and raised on the Gulf coast of Florida. She has an MFA in writing from Columbia University and is now a freelance writer based in Sarasota.


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Patti Davis, Holmes Beach, November 2008: Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast "20th Anniversary" was selected as "Best on the Beach" throughout the United States and the UK, by Bed and breakfast.com with the large number of reviews commented online. Take a look at the reviews!

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