Date Archives: May 2022

One of the great things about living in Florida is that fresh fruit and vegetables are never really out of season. Local farms around Sarasota and Bradenton cultivate corps that change with the calendar.

Even so, spring is almost certainly the best season when it comes to u-pick produce. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite pick-your-own fruit and veggie farms in the Sarasota and Bradenton area!

• Albritton Fruit Farms - 9600 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
  A beautiful farm in the rolling countryside just outside Sarasota, Albritton Fruit Farms offers u-pick blueberries and sunflowers throughout the spring harvest season. This family-owned and operated farm is just minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale and includes 60,000 blueberry plants of four distinct varieties. The u-pick season usually runs from mid-March through late May, and specific dates are frequently updated on their website. 
  
  
• Hunsader Farms - 5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
  Bradenton's Hunsader Farms is one of the best places around to get fresh produce. In addition to u-pick offerings that change with the seasons, they offer a fully stocked farm stand where you can shop an amazing variety of fruits and vegetables. U-pick offerings throughout April and May include eggplant, green beans, black-eyed peas, purple hull peas, and okra, and many more options are available pre-picked at the farm stand. There's also an on-site petting zoo and playground, and the farm is only a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale.
  
  
• Brown's Grove - 16015 Winburn Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
  One of the leading citrus growers in the Sarasota area, Brown's Grove produces a wide range of fruit in their large, picturesque farm. Brown's Grove has been owned and operated by the Brown family since 1915, and their offerings include red and yellow naval oranges, Meyer lemons, red and white grapefruits, and Tango tangerines. The u-pick citrus season runs from December through February, but Brown's Grove also sets up a fruit stand at Phillippi Farmhouse Market in Sarasota.
  
  
• Honeyside Farms - 24105 FL-62, Parrish, FL 34219
  An organic vegetable farm spanning 12 beautiful acres, Honeyside Farms is the pride and joy of Tiffany Bailey, a 4th-generation farmer who started growing her own produce just outside Bradenton in 2008. Today, the farm grows dozens of different crops a stone's throw from these Parrish homes for sale and offers weekly organic veggie box subscriptions. U-pick is offered on select days that are announced in advance via their social media pages. Honeyside Farms also sells produce at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market during the growing season from November to May.
  
  
• Fruitville Grove - 7410 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
  Fruitville Grove is a working farm as well as a farm market, and they offer a huge variety of local homemade goods year-round, as well as fresh produce in season. You'll always find fresh baked goods, jams and preserves, honey, and dairy products at the market. December through March is the peak season for most of their organic fruits and vegetables, but many crops are available well into spring. Fruitville Grove is perhaps best known for its annual Pumpkin Fest, which includes u-pick pumpkins and a wide range of food, games, and entertainment every October. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Florida! Fresh local produce year-round is just one of many things that make this part of the world special, and our real estate agents can't wait to help you find your dream home in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas. 

Changing up your backsplash is a quick but powerful way to update the look of your kitchen. While there are certainly premium materials available, there are also many inexpensive ways to transform your backsplash. Here are a few simple methods our real estate agents recommend for updating your backsplash.

• Paint Your Backsplash
  Don't have the money for new materials for your backsplash? A can of paint may be your answer. You can paint over the existing backsplash, or if you're particularly crafty, use a stencil and paint to update the tile with a patterned appearance.
  
  
• Use Peel-and-Stick Tile
  If you want the look of tile but don't have the money or the skill set to install tile and grout, you can more easily get the look you want with peel-and-stick tile. It goes on over your existing backsplash, is easy for anyone to install, and can be removed easily, too, if you decide to change your kitchen's look again later on down the road.
  
  
• Achieve a Classic Look with Beadboard
  Beadboard is a fairly inexpensive material that is easy to install yourself and lends itself well to the country kitchen look that is popular in Sarasota homes for sale. Keep it white for a traditional look, or paint it a coordinating color to make it blend in with the rest of your kitchen. You can also vary your look by deciding whether to install it with the grooves vertical, as it is traditionally installed, or horizontal for a more modern look.
  
  
• Use Wooden Boards or Paneling
  If you like the traditional kitchen look that is trending now but don't like the look of beadboard, you can achieve a similar mood with painted wooden paneling. Wooden plank backsplashes have become popular and can even be achieved by mounting vinyl hardwood-look flooring to the wall for an easy-to-clean backsplash.
  
  
• Install Pressed Tin Tiles
  Another popular look in Bradenton homes for sale lately is pressed tin tile backsplashes. You can get real tin ceiling tiles, or there are also stick-on vinyl alternatives that are easier to cut and install. The metallic designs of these tiles make beautiful and interesting backsplashes and a modern twist on a traditional look.
  
  
• Mount Faux Brick
  Exposed brick is always a popular look, and you can achieve the look with the help of faux brick. A faux brick backsplash is trendy and classy, but if you're mounting it in areas that will be prone to grease splatters, look for a surface finish that will be easy to clean.

If you want a new look for your kitchen, your backsplash is a great place to start. It's especially good if you're updating your home to sell it, as the backsplash is an overall small square footage and will give you plenty of bang for your buck. For more suggestions of easy ways to get your home ready to sell, contact us today.

One of the best parts about living in Florida is getting a prime seat to view nature. This includes dolphins swimming, which you can see at several beaches, or better yet, on a dolphin tour. Spend a day on one of these delightful dolphin tours that are recommended by our real estate agents.

• LeBarge Tropical Cruises - 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
  Live palm trees and refreshing cocktails help create the "floating island" vibe of LeBarge Tropical Cruises. One of their more popular trips is the Dolphin & Manatee Watch, a two-hour cruise that departs at 11 a.m. A trained marine biologist is on hand to offer fascinating insight about the life and behavior of dolphins and manatees. Tickets are $32 for adults and $28 for ages 4-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Fun Boat Tours - 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242
  With a name like Fun Boat Tours, you know you're in for a good time. Both two-hour tours depart from Siesta Key Marina and cruise south along the Intercoastal Waterway. In addition to dolphins and manatees, you're likely to spot pelicans, herons, osprey, and other aquatic birds. Dolphins and Donuts heads out at 9:30 a.m., while Dolphins and Drinks has two sailings at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $45 for adults and $20 for ages 10 and under. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Passage Key Dolphin Tours - 1343 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  Is it any wonder that dolphins love to play around beautiful Anna Maria Island? Passage Key Dolphin Tours knows all the favorite hangout spots, making their two-hour trips a spectacular show, especially when you choose the sunset cruise. Not content to sit on board? Get in on the action with a three- to four-hour dolphin and snorkeling tour. Start on one of the sandbars to look for sand dollars and fighting conch shells. Beginners are welcome, and no fins are required. Visit the website for schedule and pricing.
  
  
• Paradise Boat Tours - 200 Bridge St., Building A, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  There are few guarantees in life, but one of the best comes from Paradise Boat Tours. They're so confident you'll see dolphins on their cruises that they'll accommodate you on another trip free of charge if you don't. On these 90-minute family-friendly tours, kids get to sit at the helm under the captain's supervision while wearing his hat for a memorable photo op. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, including beer and wine. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for ages 3-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.
  
  
• Sarasota Bay Explorers - 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Enjoy the comfy seating and unobstructed views on the 45-foot pontoon boats of Sarasota Bay Explorers. The company works in conjunction with Mote Marine Laboratory, whose marine biologists provide helpful commentary on the cruises. Two-hour trips include a walk on an uninhabited island to see the resident pelicans, egrets, herons, and ibis. Guests also get to observe and handle pufferfish, stone crabs, and other marine life that are gathered in a trawl net. Tickets are $35 for adults and $31 for ages 3-12. Visit the website for schedule and availability.

By land or by sea, life is always thrilling around Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at Wagner Realty for cheerful assistance with all your real estate needs. 

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about how you'll show mom your appreciation this year. 

Our real estate agents turn to our local flower shops to find the perfect Mother's Day gifts. A bouquet of flowers is not only a great way to freshen up the house, but it's also a gift associated with love and beauty. Here are some local flower shops that make a great Mother's Day bouquet. 

• Sarasota Florist - 2300 Bee Ridge Rd #303, Sarasota, FL 34239
  For some of the finest Mother's Day florals in the area, stop by Sarasota Florist. This store's professional team of floral designers is offering a special Designer's Choice Mother's Day arrangement for $75. Looking for something different? Whether it's classic, traditional, modern, trendy, or offbeat, they can also create the perfect floral arrangement for you.
  
  
• Suncoast Floristry - 1227 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
  Expect beautiful flowers, great service, and on-time deliveries at Suncoast Floristry -- a local flower shop where you're sure to find the perfect Mother's Day bouquet. This independent, family-owned floral shop has been serving the Sarasota area since 1980. They offer a wide selection and affordable prices. Best of all, the shop is conveniently located near some beautiful Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• Flowers By Edie - 4607 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  This local florist has been providing hand-delivered flowers to the Bradenton area for over 35 years. This shop offers tons of beautifully designed bouquets perfect for any occasion. Flowers By Edie has tons of Mother's Day specials available on their website. The shop is also just around the corner from some fantastic Bradenton homes for sale.
  
  
• Blooms By The Beach - 2501 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  This beachside store is the go-to destination for beautiful flowers in Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Blooms By The Beach is a full-service florist with high-quality products that are sure to delight. The store offers loads of options for Mother's Day gifts. The staff also has a reputation for being friendly and helpful, so you're sure to find the perfect gift for mom. After shopping, be sure to schedule a tour of one of these beautiful nearby Bradenton Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• Ellenton Florist - 6214 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
  Celebrate mom with some of the most beautifully-designed bouquets in South Florida. Ellenton Florist sources flowers from the highest quality origins and has a dedicated staff of floral experts and artists. Mother's Day flower delivery is available in Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, and several other surrounding towns. This amazing shop is also just a few miles away from these spectacular Ellenton homes for sale.

Give mom the gift she deserves this year by visiting one of our area's wonderful local flower shops. For more local recommendations around Sarasota, Bradenton, or Ellenton, contact us today.