With so many beaches, parks, and tourist attractions in the Sunshine State, Florida is becoming an ever more popular vacation destination. But before you book your ticket to Miami, you should consider visiting the beautiful and historic town of Palmetto. Located on the Gulf of Mexico between Tampa and Sarasota, Palmetto, Florida is a charming vacation spot that is sure to leave you and your traveling companions with many wonderful memories.
A Connection to the Past
The first settlers arrived in the Palmetto area in the mid 19th Century. The warm climate and rich soil attracted young couples from near and far who wanted to accept the challenge of forging a new community, and the town really started to grow when sailors discovered the beauty of the Manatee River on which the city is situated. The city of Palmetto itself marks its beginning in 1868 with the arrival of Samuel Sparks Lamb, who named the city after his home state of South Carolina, otherwise known as “The Palmetto State”. Lamb divided up his property and donated much of it to the town to provide for a library, churches, a cemetery, and a park.
You history buffs out there might be interested in visiting the Palmetto Historic Park, which features many links to the city’s storied past. In the park you will find the Cypress House, which was moved from the town of Longboat Key and now serves as a military museum, as well as Palmetto’s first post office that was built in 1880. If you are lucky enough to be in town for Heritage Day you can actually mail letters from this post office with each one getting a unique hand-stamped cancellation. In the event that you still can’t get enough, you can also spend time at the historic Carnegie Library, which now houses a library for local history. Admission to the park is free, so it is certainly worth your time.
Getting There
Making your way to Palmetto, Florida is a breeze. If you are coming from out of state, the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport is less then twenty minutes away. There are multiple car rentals available in Bradenton, which makes driving into town and getting around to see the sights easy once your plane arrives. Tampa is less than an hour’s drive out of Palmetto, so if at any point during your stay you feel like taking in the sights and sounds of the big city then you will not have to go very far.
Places to Stay
There are plenty of places to stay in Palmetto, particularly if you are hoping to vacation on a budget. Connolly’s Emerald Cove Motel and the Little Palm Inn both offer reasonable nightly and weekly rates. If you are looking for something a little more quaint, the Londoner Bed and Breakfast just across the bridge in neighboring Bradenton offers a number of beautiful rooms with full amenities. For the more adventurous sorts, you might consider Palmetto’s Frog Creek campground. Tent camping is always an option, but you can also roll in the big rig if you happen to be coming in your RV. Frog Creek features a family friendly atmosphere that includes a heated pool, a game room, and free wireless internet so that you can be in the outdoors without having to rough it too much.
Good Eats
Palmetto features plenty of great places to eat, so you definitely will not be going hungry during your stay. If you are out shopping and find yourself in a hurry there are several fast food options including Subway, McDonalds, and Taco Bell, but the town has some higher end fare as well. The Clam House offers sushi and fresh shellfish that is brought in to the restaurant every day. Visit the Riverside Café and you will find an eclectic menu that includes some Mediterranean flavored offerings, as well as a beautiful setting right on Palmetto’s waterfront. If you are looking for a nice dinner out, don’t miss the Bella Mia Grill located at the Riviera Dunes Marina. Your incredible view of the boats on the river will be accompanied by a delectable Italian meal that you will not soon forget.
Palmetto, Florida is a scenic and affordable city that makes for a perfect vacation spot. If you are looking for a unique Florida experience, book your trip to Palmetto today. Article courtesy of Chuck Withers of the Two Guys Wine and Travel Blog