By Michele Blethen, REALTOR® | U.S. Navy Veteran
My husband and I recently decided to take a one-night staycation at the SpringHill Suites in downtown Bradenton over the Fourth of July. We watched the sunset from the rooftop pool, enjoyed the fireworks over the Manatee River, and for a little while, it felt like we were hundreds of miles from home.
The funny part? We were only a few minutes away.
It reminded me of something we often take for granted. Living in Manatee County means we don’t have to travel very far to enjoy a vacation. Some of Florida’s most beautiful waterfront views, boating, dining, parks, and beaches are right in our own backyard.
As August arrives and summer begins winding down, many people are trying to squeeze in one last getaway before school starts and routines return. If that’s you, consider becoming a tourist in your own hometown. Spend an evening watching the sunset on Anna Maria Island, enjoy dinner overlooking the Manatee River, visit Emerson Point Preserve, explore a local farmers market, or simply discover a place you’ve never been before.
One of my favorite things about being a Realtor is meeting people who first came here on vacation. They fell in love with the relaxed pace, the waterfront lifestyle, and the sense of community. Before long, they realized they didn’t want to visit anymore—they wanted to live here.
Whether you’re drawn to boating, golf, nature trails, new construction communities, or the character of an established neighborhood, there’s a place that fits almost every lifestyle. Every community has something different to offer, and helping people find the one that feels like home is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
So before summer slips away, make one more memory. You might not have to go very far to find it.
And if living this lifestyle every day is something you’ve been thinking about, I’d love to help you find the perfect place to call home.
