Tag: Robinson Preserve

Tidy Tidbits: Local Color

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NATURE AND ART

Perico Preserve, one of several in Manatee County

Robinson Preserve

Manatee County is blessed with a collection of nature preserves, several fairly close by. We returned to Robinson Preserve twice in the past two weeks with my visiting sisters and brothers-in-law. It’s a great place for a winding walk up, down, and around several bodies of water. Each time we were rewarded with bird sightings, particularly a large group of white pelicans.  With binoculars in hand, our guests were also able to spot the occasional songbird, along with here and there a little blue heron.   

Art Show

This past weekend was our local art show.  Residents were invited to register to display their creative work.  The range of pieces from more than twenty individuals included paintings, jewelry, photography, quilts and needlepoint, ceramics, baskets, and even fused glass art.  Not surprisingly, there were many bird photographs, both of local tropical birds and songbirds.  For the record, the Chief Penguin and I each had several of our photos on display too. It was a most enjoyable afternoon event showcasing local talent.

DINING AROUND

Mean Dean’s Local Kitchen

We’d been told many of our neighbors had already discovered this newish Bradenton restaurant, but we just had our first meal with friends.  It was a weeknight, but still very much a happening place!  Mean Dean’s has a large space with bar seating and lots of booths.  Fortunately, we had a reservation and were seated right away.  

The menu is extensive with everything from spinach dip and fried calamari to soups, salads, and tacos to a variety of meat and seafood entrees.  Think comfort food.  Among the four of us, we sampled the shrimp and grits, lobster lasagna, fish and chips, and the short rib over a Thai peanut sauce.  The lasagna and the short rib were probably the standouts.  

Shrimp and grits

Portions are generous, and everything was tasty!  The noise level is boisterous so don’t expect a romantic interlude.  We will return, perhaps after the snowbirds depart.

WHAT I’M READING

Jane Harper’s latest mystery, Exiles, is off to a promising start and is a welcome change of pace from my last long book.  Set in Australia, it again features Aaron Falk, a financial detective.  I’ve read all of Harper’s previous books and am a big fan of hers.

Outside Bookstore 1 Sarasota

Footnote: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved)

SRQ Scene: Art & Nature

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The Fence at Nathan Benderson Park. (Sarasota)

The Fence2018 is a traveling outdoor photography exhibit that will go to eight cities across the country including Boston, Atlanta, and Santa Fe.  Currently in Sarasota, it is on two sections of double-sided fencing on the perimeter of Benderson Park.  The photos have been enlarged and are printed on fabric which is attached to the fence. Depending on the time of day and the light, the cross-hatching of the fence may show through obscuring the images a bit.  We were there just before noon and one side was somewhat affected.  

The photos are arranged by categories with explanations about the photographer and what he or she was trying to accomplish.  Subject matter ranges widely from food to former female prisoners at home to topography to dog grooming to families living on either side of the border meeting at a wall.  Whimsy, humor, pathos, and celebration exist in these photos.  The exhibit runs through the end of January and is worth a visit.

Part of “Hairy” series by Grace Chon
Azalea Trail Maid by Adair Rutledge

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Being obscured in nature by Brooke Didonato

Robinson Preserve (Bradenton)

A number of my friends have enthused about Robinson Preserve and how much they have enjoyed kayaking here.  We had never visited it before, but it’s close by and used my sister and brother-in-law’s visit as incentive to do so.  Located in northwest Bradenton, this preserve is very open and includes grasslands and saltwater marsh.  There are a number of hiking and biking trails and a pedestrians only path.  The pedestrian path is wide and made of a spongy material making it very comfortable under the feet.  It winds around several ponds and up and down gentle inclines.   We saw a large cluster of ducks as well as white pelicans, anhingas, and herons.  Even one lone roseate spoonbill.  The preserve is open from sunrise to early evening and has an observation tower and pavilion which we didn’t explore this time.  For a change of pace, this pleasant preserve is a relaxing way to enjoy nature.

White pelicans


Note: All photos by JWFarrington (some rights reserved).