Things to Do in South Bradenton

With more than half a century of history behind its name, Sarasota Lanes has seen generations of locals bowl its alleys, with progeny making sly, crouching approaches to the same lanes their parents did years ago. The tradition continues at the alley’s 36 lanes with automatic scoring, far superior to counting on the fingers and toes of fellow players. The alley's snack bar refuels bowlers with succulent chicken wings, burgers, pizzas, and drinks. At the pro shop, bowlers can gear up for future lane domination with balls, bags, and accessories.

The Collectors Wall Fine Art Gallery, a working gallery and framing venture owned by art enthusiasts Len and Kaye Gionfriddo and helmed by their son Gregg, has paired admirers with art and art with frames for more than a quarter of a century. The gallery experts outline posters and photographs with simple or elaborate frames and matting, and then top art with nonglare or UV glass so that it can be hang beautifully above mantels, in hallways, and off rearview mirrors. Framers also aid patrons in designing shadow boxes for jersey and sports-memorabilia displays and adding elegantly beveled frames to mirrors. In addition, The Collectors Wall sells rare prints, posters, and the brushwork of accomplished artists.

Art in the eyes of Cara Levitt isn't only about aesthetics––it's a powerful tool of personal expression that can be used to heal unseen emotional wounds. A board-certified art therapist with six years of experience working in the mental-health field, Levitt established Draw It Out Art Therapy to help visitors grapple with life's obstacles while learning to problem solve, regulate their emotions, and create original works of art as a tangible form of catharsis. Her programs for singles, groups, families, and children take on a variety of issues, including low self-esteem and anxiety, and encourage participants to redirect their energy into completing a number of projects such as paintings, worry jars, and piñatas made of papier-mâché pink slips.

Owner and operator Shawn can trace his family's roots in the local waterways back seven generations. His deep love of the water led him to launch Native Rentals, which conducts eco-friendly paddle tours, and create the Surfer Bus, a renovated school bus that brims with kayaks, surfboards, and any equipment needed for tours on the go. His eco-tours explore the Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, and the Anna Maria Sound aboard single or tandem kayaks, standup paddleboards, and bikes, all of which let guests test their muscles without the exorbitant fees of going through Poseidon's booking agent.

Having judged six world-championship shows as a USEF Big R judge, Rick Davis bestows his time-earned expertise upon riders visiting his 11-acre ranch. The stable offers private and group riding lessons in addition to horse boarding and training services. A saddlery stocked with tack, saddles, and riding apparel sits next to the lounge, which is heated and air-conditioned to ensure an ideal temperature during private parties whatever the occasion or dress code. Over the past 40 years, Rick Davis Stables has produced a number of champions, who inspire beginners hoping to master the art of equitation.

With backgrounds in marine science and conservation, Sea Life Kayak Adventures’ guides tailor their tours to highlight the Sarasota coastline's natural splendor. They limit their expeditions to no more than 10 kayakers at a time, allowing groups to glide quietly through bays and mangrove islands without disturbing nesting herons, ambling manatees, or staring contests between sea cucumbers. Additionally, their vast knowledge of the region’s best bird-watching islands and sea-life feeding grounds empowers guides to customize tours to suit each group’s wildlife-watching ambitions. Dedicated to giving back to the waters that support their passions and livelihoods, Sea Life Kayak Adventures' owners and guides are members and volunteers at organizations including the Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center Inc., Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and the Save the Manatees Foundation.