Back-to-School Season Brings Plenty of Outdoor Fun

As the weather cools down and the sun stays out, there is plenty of fun to be had for visitors and new residents of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

School is back in session! As summer wraps up and kids head back to school, fall is just around the corner. For many Floridians, this is the most pleasant time of the year–cooler weather, quieter beaches, and settling back into normal routines and rhythms.

With cooler outside temperatures, Manatee and Sarasota County’s locals enjoy the best of the West Central Florida great outdoors. Here are a few of the favorites.

Ringling Bridge

Just over a half mile long, the Ringling Bridge connects Downtown Sarasota and Lido Key. Besides its practical use, the Bridge offers breathtaking sunset viewing spots from Longboat and any of the Lido Keys. With a broad, spacious sidewalk for bikers, wheelchairs and families with little ones, an evening spent watching a sunset over Ringling Bridge is one you won’t soon forget. Take a look at their website for more information.

Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival

For West Central Florida residents, the Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival is an October family favorite. At the Festival, attendees can shop local vendors, run through the corn maze, and play with animals in the petting zoo.

Myakka River State Park

This Old Florida gem allows visitors kayak, hike, bike, take a nature tour and enjoy all kinds of native Florida wildlife. The Park, located just minutes from I-75, has thousands of alligators for visitors to view from the main park trail. Check out the Myakka River State Park website to learn more.

Robinson Preserve

While it’s known as Northwest Bradenton’s park off the beaten path, Robinson Preserve isn’t far from Bradenton’s urban center. The park owns a host of beautiful trails for walking and running–a perfect area for 5k and 10k races. Whether you’re walking the dog, spending time with the kids, or looking to enjoy a nice walk with a cool summer breeze, Robinson Preserve is the place to be during the fall season. Learn more at the park’s website.

Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market

Calling all local shopping connoisseurs! The Sarasota’s Downtown Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning year-round from 7am – 1pm. While attendance slightly dips during the hot, muggy summer months, the hustle and bustle picks back up in the cooler fall months. With a variety of goodies and goods, there’s always something local that is bound to catch your eye! Parking is a breeze as well–the garage across from Whole Foods has ample spaces to park. Visit the Farmers Market website for more information.

Music on Main

On the first Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m., locals can gather on Lakewood Ranch’s Main street to enjoy live music, beer, wine and plenty of food. Bring your family, friends, dogs, and chairs to the event for the ultimate experience! The event is usually packed, so overflow parking is available at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center off University Parkway east of I-75.

In fall, there is something for everyone in the Sarasota and Manatee County areas. As one of the most scenic, relaxed and desirable places to live in Florida, it’s no wonder why thousands of people every year decide to call West Central Florida their new home.

For those looking for a change of pace and a host of fun activities to enjoy year-round, look no further than Sam Rodgers Homes, located right by all the action.

Explore Sam Rodgers’ beautifully designed homes in West Central Florida!

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