Weekend Adventures in Bradenton: Easter Weekend

BRADENTON – Hippity, Hoppity Easter's on its way! There's plenty to do this Easter weekend including a special Easter Brunch at the Riverhouse Reef & Grill, as well as several easter egg hunts. Out in Ellenton, His Place Barber & Grooming Shop will be hosting another Cigar/Beer Tasting event and there's more living history at the Cortez Memorial. You can also burn some calories before you dig into that Easter basket at the annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5k. Don your bonnet, it's time for an Easter Adventure in Bradenton!

On Friday, His Place Barber & Grooming Shop sponsors another Cigar/Beer-Tasting Event Friday, beginning at 7 p.m. Come out and join Wendell Thorne and company to enjoy fine, hand-rolled cigars from the Tampa Bay region, sample the fine offerings from Cigar City Brewing, chow down on excellent fare from local restaurants, and listen to splendid eclectic live music from some of the area's best performers (or bring your axe and join in).

This is a FREE event, but they ask that you RSVP here on Facebook, by phone at (941) 720-4080, or stop by the shop and get your name on the list. A grand time is always had by all who attend and participate, and this may be the last one for this season, so  you don't miss it!

Wendell will be playing great covers of your favorite songs and selections from his soon-to-be-released CD, "Found and Lost," and an appearance from Faceless Bandits is expected as well.

His Place Barber & Grooming Shop
3711 U.S. 301 North,
Ellenton, Florida 34222

It wouldn't be Easter without an egg hunt and there are several chances to scour for Easter treasure. On Saturday, the Tallevast Community Center (7727 17th St Ct E, Sarasota, FL 34243) will host a hunt in conjunction with Visible Men Academy from 11:30 a.m – 1:30 p.m.

Out on the island, both the big Easter Egg Hunt and the parade returns. The Pine Avenue businesses in Anna Maria will present the 4th Annual Easter Parade and Easter Egg Roll down Pine Avenue. Following the traditional Easter Egg Hunt at the Sandbar Restaurant on Saturday, parents and children can join the Easter Bunny as he leads the parade down Pine Avenue for the Easter Egg Roll.

There will be activities set up along Pine Avenue with lots of surprises for the children. Music will be provided by Chuck Caudill. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Sandbar Restaurant and Anna Maria Donuts. At 10:30am there will be the 3rd Annual Easter Bonnet Contest for Adults and Children. The judges will be looking for the most original and creative bonnets! Get your glue guns out because the adult prize is a FREE stay at an Anna Maria Guest House.

Children will also be able to get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny thanks to Dara Caudill, Island Photography. Picture taking with the Easter Bunny will only be available at the Sandbar. The Sandbar Hunt begins at 9am with the Parade and Roll to follow until 12 p.m. For more information call Tina Fusaro at 941-778-8710.

Easter Egg Hunt at Tallevast Community Center

7727 17th St Ct E

Bradenton

Saturday is your last chance to get out to West Manatee for some living history. As part of March's Manatee Heritage Days series, visitors will get a unique look into Spanish and Native American life in the 16th Century at DeSoto National Memorial. Park staff offer talks and demonstrations on the lasting impact De Soto would have on the history of America and the native people. The events are Free!

For thirty-four years, the Manatee Heritage Association has sponsored Heritage Days. Originally a week in length, Heritage Days grew to nine days, and in 1995, Manatee Heritage Days expanded to a month long event. The activities are as varied as walking tours and concerts. Events take place throughout Manatee County in many different communities. Through these events at area historical sites, participants will experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee County has grown and developed.

Heritage Days at the De Soto Memorial
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton

Make some room for that Easter feast by running the annual Robinson Preserve Twilight 5K. “Get out and run for a good cause!,” encourages Manatee County Natural Resources Department naturalist Melissa Nell. “Come to Robinson Preserve for an exciting 5K twilight race. Kids are invited too – there will be a special race for younger runners.”

The 5k is Friday night at 6:45 p.m. Kids’ races will begin at 5:45 p.m. Registration and an entrance fee are required. Registration will begin at 3:00 p.m. for those participants who have not already pre-registered. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, and medals will be awarded to the kids’ race winners. Special Dry Fit T-shirts will be awarded to the first 1,500 registered participants to celebrate the event.

After the race, registrants are invited to remain at the preserve for a special “after party.” This event will feature complimentary food and drinks, including beer, for race participants and a D.J. Proceeds from the race will benefit Robinson Preserve and United Cerebral Palsy. This annual fundraiser is the preserve’s biggest charity source of income and is a wonderful support to the location. Click here to register.

Robinson Preserve Twilight 5k

Friday

6:45 p.m.
1704 99th Street Northwest

Bradenton

On Sunday, the Riverhouse Reef & Grill will be opening early on Easter for a special Brunch. The cost is $24 for adults, $15 for kids (children under 5 eat free).

Seatings will be available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. with all of the traditional brunch favorites you've come to expect from Riverhouse, including their perfect waterfront view. 

Easter Brunch

Sunday

10 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Riverhouse Reef & Grill 
995 Riverside Drive 
Palmetto 
941-729-0616