HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRADENTON TOURS

Explore Historic Bradenton

Come walk the streets and hidden alleyways of the river town founded in 1842 by Joseph Braden.
Visit the neighborhood of galleries and specialty shops near downtown known as Village of the Arts.
Be prepared to have fun!

Welcome to Bradenton! Learn how a river town survived a Union blockade during the Civil War and became a boom town when tourists arrived.

Join us and explore 1890 brick buildings still in use and an Italianate Revival hotel Clark Gable, President Herbert Hoover and Al Capone visited in the 1920s! Step into a cool Art Deco Arcade known for its original wrought iron architectural details.

Nearby is the 1920-50s neighborhood rejuvenated by artists called The Village of the Arts. Stroll the streets, meet the artists and see why we are known as "The Friendly City."

Join me for History & Shopping Tours on Fridays, 10 :30 AM to Noon. Then sip a cold drink over lunch at one of the chef owned cafes known for Italian specialties or gourmet tacos!
Reservations are required for Friday tours, or Saturdays by special request. Visit bungalows built in the 1920s and 30s that have been restored as eclectic galleries and shops. From the visual arts, jewelry, and art glass to whimsical re-purposed creations, you will surely find something to take home! You'll also be inspired by the stories of how the artists and businesses transformed this once blighted neighborhood.
Special group discounts for groups of 5 or more!

January Tour Dates
Jan. 3, Jan. 9, Jan. 10, Jan. 16, Jan. 17, Jan. 23, Jan. 24-SOLD OUT, Jan.30, Jan. 31-SOLD OUT

Go to: Facebook.com/Bradenton Walking Tours to see more photos.

Call for Reservations: 941-756-5088

The Welcome Club of Sarasota Manatee toured the Village Friday and stayed for lunch!

When rivers were Florida's highways, early settlers were sailing men, cattlemen, farmers and citrus growers.

Bradenton was named three times - but always for the same man. - Joseph Braden. He built a stockade around his home to protect his family and all their neighbors during the Seminole Wars.

Roads were rough and full of hazards in 1910. Residents used small sail boats for transportation. Until a bridge was built in 1918, the fastest way to Tampa was by steam-powered ferry from the dock on Main Street. Most downtown businesses had a second story balcony for catching the cool breezes off the river.

The Village of the Arts
The artists changed everything in this neighborhood three blocks from Downtown.
Season is here and tours are available! This month's theme is, "New Year, New Art."
We are offering tours on Thursdays and Fridays this year. Please feel free to contact us for a special request date.
Tickets are only $15 and it's a great way to spend time with family and friends enjoying this paradise that we call home.
All tours start at 10:30am. Call 941-756-5088 to book a fun filled, educational, uplifting tour.

Come walk the streets and hidden alleyways of the river town founded in 1842 by Joseph Braden.Visit the neighborhood of galleries and specialty shops near downtown known as Village of the Arts. Be prepared to have fun!

Come walk the streets and hidden alleyways of the river town founded in 1842 by Joseph Braden.
Visit the neighborhood of galleries and specialty shops near downtown known as Village of the Arts.
Be prepared to have fun!