When the Snowbirds Are Away, the Locals Will Play
By Beth Deyo
In the Bradenton area, summer is the local’s secret season. It’s a time when the traffic eases up, wait times get shorter, and there’s just a bit more room to breathe. With the snowbirds gone and tourist crowds thinning out, it’s also the perfect time to get out and enjoy your favorite spots — or try someplace new.
Many local restaurants, shops, and attractions get creative this time of year, offering off-season specials to keep foot traffic flowing. Whether you’re looking for a fun foodie experience, a cool place to escape the heat, or something new to explore, summer is the time to do it. You’ll save a little, skip the crowds, and support the small businesses that make our area special.
Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the season.
Eat Local (and Maybe Catch a Deal)
When it’s too hot to cook, let someone else handle dinner. During the off-season, many local restaurants have happy hour pricing and limited-time summer deals. You’ll find smaller plates, lower prices, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to linger.
At PIER 22, happy hour runs daily from 3 to 6 p.m., with a great mix of food and drink specials plus a stunning view that makes any day feel like a vacation. Mattison’s on the Riverwalk hosts their own happy hour at the same time, with a fantastic menu, discounted drinks, and their signature martini or boat drink of the day. Visit these local hot spots, then check your favorite restaurant’s social media — or give them a call — to find out if they’re offering summer specials, too.
Prefer to stay in and fire up the grill? You can’t go wrong with The Chop Shop, a family-owned butcher shop on Manatee Avenue that’s been serving Manatee County for over 50 years. Their meat packages are perfect for backyard cookouts. Add in a few of their homemade sides, and you’ve got everything you need for a solid summer meal — no oven required.
If you’re looking for something lighter, head downtown and check out Clementine’s Acai on 13th Street. They serve up refreshing acai bowls, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches — perfect for a hot day when you want something healthy but satisfying.
Just a short walk away, Orange Blossom Coffee is a cozy spot for specialty coffee, tea, and baked goods. It’s a great place to cool off, catch up with a friend, or grab a quiet moment to yourself between stops.
Shop and Stroll in Downtown Bradenton
Downtown Bradenton has no shortage of local gems. Below the City Centre Parking Garage, you’ll find a variety of shops filled with treasures. Pop into The StokedFlamingo for trendy men’s fashion, Island Passage for unique gifts, and Pink & Navy Boutique for stylish women’s clothing, accessories, and home decor.
Just a short walk up the street, you’ll find Island Gallery & Studios, where you can explore beautiful artwork, handcrafted jewelry, and affordable gifts made by local artists. They also host classes, critiques, and free artist demos. Follow them on Facebook to see what’s coming up.
Plan an Adventure in the VOTA
In the heart of the Village of the Arts, The Village Mysticis a one-of-a-kind shop filled with crystals, jewelry, and unique gift items. And right next door, you’ll find something totally unexpected: the largest gemstone mining attraction in Southwest Florida. At Mystic Mines, kids — and kids-at-heart — will love panning for treasures, including crystals, gemstones, shark’s teeth, and fossils from around the world.
Just up the street, Witchgrass Studio is a must-visit for anyone who loves handmade art. Browse unique glass creations or try your hand at making your own. The studio offers classes all summer long, and you can even drop in to create your own glass suncatcher — no experience needed.
Explore, Escape, and Unwind
Whether you’re in the mood to move or ready to slow things down, there are plenty of ways to play this summer. If you’re down for a bit of competition, indoor golf is a fun way to mix things up. The Cut Golf & Grill in Palmetto offers a casual vibe with simulated golf bays and a solid menu. Over in Lakewood Ranch, The Golf Society brings a more upscale feel, perfect for a relaxed round with friends — no sunscreen required.
Craving a challenge? Try your luck at a local escape room. Premier Escape Adventures in Lakewood Ranch has a variety of themed rooms that are great for groups looking to think fast and work together under pressure. If you’re feeling brave, Intense Escape takes things up a notch with horror-based escape experiences that definitely aren’t for the faint of heart.
For those days when you feel like you need a break from everything — the heat, the noise, and the hustle? Pay a visit to The Salt Caves & Spa in Lakewood Ranch. This immersive Himalayan salt cave is a cool and peaceful place to unplug, breathe deep, and enjoy some well-earned stillness.
And if you’d rather be on the water, Yak Shack Watersports has you covered. They offer kayak rentals and small-group eco-tours that give you a fresh view of the local landscape — no crowds, no rush, just a chance to enjoy nature at your own pace.
Make the Most of Summer in Bradenton
With fewer crowds, relaxed vibes, and plenty of hidden gems to explore, summer is one of the best times to enjoy all that Bradenton has to offer. This time of year, it’s easier than ever to grab a table, find a deal, or finally visit that place you’ve been meaning to check out.
Even better? You can show this article at the following businesses to claim your own exclusive BMag summertime discount! (One per customer, please. Offers expire 07/31/2025)
Clementine’s Acai: Enjoy 15% off your next order
• Orange Blossom Coffee: Save 10% off your next order
• Pink & Navy Boutique: 15% off non-sale items
•The Village Mystic: 20% off select sterling silver jewelry (excludes sale items)
•Mystic Mines: Get a large gemstone mining bucket for $35
•Witchgrass Studio: $5 off a glass class and/or buy 2 get 1 free on drop-in sun catcher activity
•The Salt Caves & Spa in Lakewood Ranch: 10% off a salt caves experience
•Yak Shack Watersports: $10 off per person for tours or $5 off kayak rentals
Looking for even more summertime deals? Check out Discover Bradenton’s Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun, releasing June 12. It’s packed with events, activities, and local specials to help you make the most of the summer season. https://discoverbradenton.com/summer-fun/