2026 – A 2 mile long Riverwalk along the Manatee River. We walked past a skate park, over train tracks, splash water park, playgrounds, an amphitheater & some art installations. This is an expansion of Rossi Park between the Green and DeSoto bridges. There were clean shady seating & lots of signage about the Riverwalk.
After a lovely walk, off to Pier 22 for din-din.
DESOTO Natl. Park – 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209, (941) 792-0458 Raised walk through the mangroves. Hours: Mon-Sun 9 am – 5 pm
Q-Tips say: A great park, excellent for kids, of all ages, beautiful marked trails to walk, and there are cardboard cutouts throughout, and sign post explaining the history of Desoto Park. A museum and also a movie explaining the history. They also offer a “special event” when they have people dressed in the costumes and the culture of that period.
Mrs. Q says: Entrance Fee: FREE. FREE is good. Yes, you may bring your dog, but doggie must be on a leash at all times. Also, a Hugh Monument to remembering the Priests of the period. Don’t forget to see the Gumbo Limbo tree – you can’t miss it. It is over 200 years old. The Gumbo Limbo tree is also called Gumbo, the tourist tree, because it get red from the sun and peels. Unfortunately, the tree is gone due to a hurricane. Go & enjoy, we always do.
History & Culture – Hernando de Soto was born around 1500 in the Extermadura region of Spain. De Soto was the second born son to a minor country noble or Hidalgo. He would learn in his youth the skills of horsemanship, reading, writing, and armed combat, but due to the laws of inheritance he would have to look outside of his estate for wealth and glory. At the age of 14, Hernando de Soto would leave Extermadura for Seville and enlist in an expedition set for the New World. He would arrive in present day Panama at the colony of Darien founded by his childhood hero Alviar Nunez de Balboa. De Soto would serve Balboa and the governor Pedrarias Davila as soldier of horse, where he would quickly distinguish himself.
Pedrarias named El Furor Domini the scourge of God by his men would quickly strike out and eliminate many of his chief rivals within the colonial government, including Balboa his Son-in-Law. He would wage a brutal conquest over the native people of Central America conquering Panama and Nicaragua. De Soto would carefully navigate the time of political upheaval and executions and would rise to a position of prominence in the colonial government under Pedrarias. De Soto would game wealth and fame due to his partnerships with several men. Entering into a compania or partnership with Hernan Ponce de Leon, and Francisco Companon, De Soto would make a decent fortune ranching horses and trading and shipping Indian slaves.
Cajmarca -Atahualpa’s capture at the battle of Cajamarca.
A Chance for Immortality
In 1530 on a failed expedition into South America, a down on his luck conquistador named Francisco Pizarro stumbled upon evidence of a rich and culturally advanced society in Peru called the Inca. Pizarro would fail in his petition to Pedrarias to lead expedition of conquest into Peru. Pizarro would call on Hernando de Soto and Hernan Ponce de Leon to lend horse cavalry and ships for the expedition as well as influence on Pedrarias to approve the expedition. In exchange for his services, De Soto would be named second-in-command of the expedition and receive a lions share of the spoils of conquest.
The largest obstacle would prove to be De Soto’s old mentor Pedrarias who would stand firm on his decision to not allow the expedition. De Soto would attempt a coup to unseat Pedrarias’s power and would be thrown in prison and possibly executed. Fortunately for De Soto Pedrarias would die in March of 1531, freeing De Soto and Ponce to outfit Pizarro’s expedition. 1532 Pizarro and De Soto would lead 300 soldiers into Peru to conquer an empire of millions. Fortunately for the Spanish the Inca empire was experiencing a bloody civil war between two brothers Atahualpa and Huascar, in which Atahaulpa would win and become the Sapa Inca Emperor. Showing contempt for the Spanish, Atahualpa would meet with Pizarro at the Inca town of Cajamarca. Atahualpa would come un-armed and ultimately be captured by Pizarro in a bloody takeover. Atahaulpa and De Soto would become friends during the Inca Emperors captivity passing time playing chess and teaching him Spanish. Pizarro would offer Atahualpa a chance at freedom for a great ransom in which the Inca Emperor would fill three rooms with gold, silver and precious gems totaling 90 million dollars in today’s money. For his troubles Atahualpa would be tried and executed by Pizarro. De Soto in disagreeing would be sent away to put down a false rebellion during the trial. De Soto would bitterly leave the expedition in 1535 after being denied governorship of Cuzco by Pizarro. He would then travel to Spain and marry Donna Isabella de Bombadilla a daughter of his old mentor Pedrarias. In 1537 Hernando de Soto would meet with the Emperor Charles V and impress him with his tales from the indies. Charles would later approve De Soto’s request to govern and conquer a portion of the New world, a place named La Florida. De Soto would depart Spain in September 1537 to travel to Cuba were he would claim his title of Governor and begin forming his expedition to La Florida. May 1539 De Soto would depart Havana and sail for a selected bay on Florida’s west coast to begin the expedition that would cost him his fortune and his life.
STONEWOOD – 5415 University Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34276, (941) 355-3315
stonewoodgrill.com
Q-tips say: Go & enjoy!
Mr. Q had: Perfect Manhattan & Clam Chowder & Garlic SHRIMP SCAMPI Traditional Louisiana shrimp scampi with fresh rosemary in a lemon beurre blanc sauce and a side of garlic bread.
Mrs. Q had: An Old Fashion & French Onion Soup & Blast Stack – Field fresh greens, lemon infused olive oil, basil avocado aioli, vine ripened tomatoes, diced Hass avocado, signature smoked salmon, hardwood smoked bacon strips.
Dessert: We took our dessert home: Delicious Beignets with 3 different sauces. Beignets are iconic, deep-fried pillowy pastries traditionally smother in powdered sugar often served in New Orleans.
French Onion Soup
G T Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave Dr W., Bradenton, FL, (941) 742- 5923, mymanatee.org/home/government
Q-tips say: G T Bray Park – or as we call it: Squirrel Park.
Mrs. Q says: Nice place to walk, take your kids/grandkids/dog in the dog park, skate park, etc. A fun place to feed squirrels & birds – buy only unsalted peanuts as not to upset the little tummy.
It has:
Fitness Classes, Activities & Events at G.T. Bray Recreation Center
Agriculture & Extension Programs & Classes & Swim lessons
Special Events at Manatee County Parks, Preserves & Beaches
3/6/26 – Had a great evening & the a nice time with neighbor in the hood: Nancy & Peggy.
Mrs. Q had: An Old Fashion & A Cosmo. Chicken Special – with veggies & Fries – was ok but the Chicken was a tad dry.
Mr. Q had: Perfect Manhattan & a glass of wine & Clam Chowder & 1/2 of Corned Beef Sandwich & added Kraut & side of Chips & ranch dressing for dipping the Chips.
University Town Center – 67 N. Cattlemen Rd. Sarasota – 941.358.6272
3/5/26 – Q-tips say: Yes, go and enjoy. We went for the Happy Hour menu – 4pm to 6pm in the Bar/Lounge only.
Had a wonderful time with long time friend, Roger, from the hood.
Roger had: an Old Fashion & New Zealand Lamb Chops.
Mrs. Q had: Old Fashioned – Canton Ginger liquor, bourbon, muddled orange and cherry with bitters with dirty ice on the side.
We shared: Caesar Salad & we shared: Seared New Zealand Lamb chops, Andean Herb Pesto & roasted pepper relish & shared an order of Truffle Parmesan Fries.
Mr. Q had: Old Fashioned – Canton Ginger liquors, bourbon, muddled orange and cherry with bitters & Lamb Chops – Seared New Zealand lamb chops, Andean Herb Pesto & roasted pepper relish & shared an order of Truffle Parmesan Fries.
PIER 22 -1200 1st Ave W., Bradenton, (941) 748-8087 pier22dining.com
Pier 22 – Good drinks, food, ambiance & nice service.
Now they have a different Happy Hour menu. – Available In All Dining Areas From 3-6 pm Daily – $2 OFF Full Size Appetizers & Flatbreads.
Shared: the Bread & Spring rolls.
Mrs. Q had: Old Fashion – Ham Lentil Soup & small 1976 salad & added Madura Tuna.
Mr. Q had: Old Fashion – Ham Lentil soup & Lobster Cargot – Butter, garlic, toasted baguette.
TURTLES REST. 8875 Midnight Pass Rd., Sarasota, FL 34242, (941) 346-2207, turtlesrestaurant.com
Q-TIPS SAY – After our trip to Myakka Park – went to Turtles. Great view on the bay, service, drinks and the food is good. The Q’s have been here before many times when they owned a condo a few doors down.
Mrs. Q had: We shared the Happy Hour Drinks & appetizer & Bar bites.
The Mr. had: Crab Bisque & Happy Hour Drinks & appetizer & Bar bites.
Enjoyed our drinks. Enjoyed everything along with the views of the bay.
Make sure you take a walk by Turtle Beach which is located across the street by Turtles, if time permits.
Mrs. Q says: If your near Siesta Key stop at Turtles or if you are in the mood for something a little more elegant just drive down the road a bit and there is Ophelia’s by the Bay.
Ophelia’s by the Bay opheliasonthebay.net is less casual and great food, service and views.
Both restaurants are excellent but different types of food. ENJOY! We did.
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241 –
(941) 361-6511 myakkariver.org
Q-Tips say: $6.00 per car is the entrance fee for the entire day!
Did see some alligators in the waterways.
THINGS TO DO AT MYAKKA:
A VISITOR CENTER: w/ displays, movies and information. AIR BOAT RIDE/ TRAM TOUR, CONCESSION:, CANOE/ KAYAK/ BIKE – rent or bring your own. CANOPY WALK, GATOR WATCHING, BIRDING, BIRDWALK, NATURE TRAILS, HIKING, NATIVE TREE WALK, FISHING (Fresh water license required), PICNIC (picnic areas w/tables, grills – bring your own or buy charcoal at the concession stores), PLAYGROUNDS, JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM, RANGER PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, OVERNIGHT CAMPING or LOG CABINS – reservations needed).
Due the Holiday Season & snow-birds/money birds returning – very busy – many more people with younger families at this time visiting.
Mrs. Q says: A GREAT PLACE to spend the day for children of all ages. What fun to see Deer, Alligators, Birds, and listen/ or look for Feral Hogs, and maybe a Bobcat. Bobcats are nocturnal but often rest during the day in trees. Did see a few animals this time and the water level was fine.
When family visits they have fun walking the Canopy Walk.
Animals we saw the last visit: Alligators, raccoons in a cage, beautiful birds, and several two legged animals 🙂
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL & FUN PLACE. Go and enjoy!
Canopy Walkway
RINGLING MUSEUM – 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243, (941) 359-5700
ringling.org Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am – 5 pm, Thu 10 am – 8 pm
Closed only for Christmas and New Years Day.
Q-TIPS say: GO & ENJOY! Went for a walk around the grounds on a beautiful weather day.
. The Museum of Art is FREE on Monday. An outstanding collection of art along with the many pillars John acquired during his lifetime. John put it in his will that the Art Museum always be free admission for public viewing on Mondays. The Art Museum is a site for the eyes. You will need tickets to see all the other exhibits that day. The Circus Museum, Ca’D’zan (their home), and several restaurants are all Great for Children. They have Trams you can take should you need assistance to get around. The Bayfront Gardens are awesome as is the Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is one of the oldest rose gardens in Florida, founded by Mable in 1913. It is laid out in a wagon wheel design. The Gardens are FREE and open to the public from (9:30 to 6PM daily. Tours are available though out the day. Inquire at the Admissions Desk in the Visitor Pavilion for details.
The Ringlings are buried in a private enclosure behind the Secret Garden, where Mable once grew specimen plants, known as “onesies and twosies” given to her as gifts by family and friends.
Mrs. Q says: An awesome, beautiful Museum. You can spend an entire day here and Parking is FREE. Don’t forget to check out the “Special Exhibits.”
Mrs. Q says: Been here before but they have new exhibits which were interesting. Go and enjoy or just walking the beautiful grounds. Unfortunately, Mable’s Rose Garden has been tampered by the storms. Garden is still there but NO Roses.
