Year: 2023

Attention Snowbirds!

Attention Snowbirds!

Manatee and Sarasota Counties are ideal winter hideaways for people looking to escape the cold and snow of the frigid north. The expected average temperature for this month of February is 75 F / 24 C with minimal chances of rainfall and absolutely no frost or snow! The skies are clear and sunny, the activities plentiful, and the food and shopping abundant. Let’s explore some options that are culturally enriching, active in the great outdoors, and great locales for good food and fun shopping.

Our area has an exceptional array of art galleries, but one that always demands a visit is The Ringling Museum of Art, replete with rotating exhibitions, performances, talks & lectures, as well as family programs that offer something for everyone. If machinery is more your style, check out The Sarasota Classic Car Museum and the Florida Railroad Museum. This is a culture-rich town on the coast, so of course we also have The Florida Maritime Museum for all the boat lover’s who dream of ship journeys and salty sea lore. If natural history is your interest, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has everything from mammoth fossils to archaeological treasures. More indoor, climate controlled learning combined with the biology of the ocean is to be found at The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Those with a green thumb or at least an appreciation for the food supply chain should plan a visit to The Manatee County Agricultural Museum; it’s free!

The mild winter weather of southwest Florida invites snowbirds to experience the great outdoors in ways they couldn’t at their own hometowns this time of year. In addition to lounging on world-class beaches like those on Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island, you can take a leisurely 1.5 mile stroll along the Bradenton Riverwalk overlooking the Manatee River. There are lots of interesting spots along the way to take a rest and see what’s going on. Lake Manatee State Park has 2.5 miles of paved bicycle trails with bicycle rentals offered, boating, camping, fishing, geo-seeking, paddling, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. Visit the Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton to take a walk through manicured gardens in an idyllic setting, or if that’s too much peace & quiet, the roar of race cars will spike your adrenaline at the thrill of the chase at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

When the season ends, take more home with you than you arrived with after patronizing the local shops. 130 designer and brand outlet stores are to be found at Ellenton Premium Outlets, along with many dining options so you can spend all day systematically weaving your way through every single shop. To combine just-around-the-corner beach views with a shopping spree, take a walk through St. Armands Circle for wares ranging from high fashion to trinkets and home decor.

Many people visit from areas that aren’t conducive to much physical activity and so arrive here suffering with pain or dysfunction stemming from arthritis, injuries, or just plain joint stiffness from a sedentary lifestyle. Because of this, they have a difficult time maximally enjoying the activity opportunities afforded by the welcoming Florida climate. While you’re here enjoying the amenities, you can also make huge strides toward moving without pain. Our Licensed Physical Therapy Doctors and Assistants won’t squeeze you into a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all program; they’ll personally assess your particular situation to tailor-make a customized treatment plan designed for you. Dr. Mullis and team are continually awarded stellar ratings for their professional and patient-friendly physical therapy care. Find out today how we can help you move without pain by giving us a call at (941) 264-1414, emailing info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or sending us a direct message.

It’s Wintertime in Sunny Florida!

Unlike so many other parts of the country, Florida can boast of year-round outdoor activity – even in the middle of winter. In the first month of this new year there are more than enough local events and activities happening here in Manatee and Sarasota Counties than most people will have time to attend, so let’s go over a sampling in a few different categories.

Our region is renowned for fine art and high quality décor and home goods. The Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival will showcase a gallery featuring a wide range of all art media, everything from painting and sculpture, to photography and jewelry. Admission is free, so it won’t cost you anything unless you find something you want to add to your personal collection. Plan to be there January 21st and 22nd on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street. If you prefer more classic pieces, you’ll want to browse the collection of antiques at The Sarasota Antiques Show on the 28th and 29th. It will be an elegant exhibit and sale in-doors with air conditioning. Looking for more modern home furnishings beyond you’ve already seen in the local shops? The Sarasota Bradenton Home Show will give you exposure to 250 exhibitors at the Robarts Sports Arena January 20-22.

Of course January also offers more general food, music, and kid-friendly events. Rides, contests, shows, food, and more await at The Manatee County Fair. This fair runs for 10 days after opening on the 12th. If Sarasota is closer to home for you and you still want a similar experience with rides, food, and games, then the Sarasota Winter Carnival can be your destination, January 12-16. A more laid-back experience to which you can bring your chairs and leashed dogs is Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch, the first Friday of every month. The free admission Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival will be held the final weekend of January at JD Hamel Park. Seafood, meat, and vegetarian options will be cooked on-site for you to enjoy while listening to an array of live bands. A marketplace of arts & crafts will also be there for you to meander through.

To combine health & wellbeing with viewing some of earth’s natural wonders, sign up for a Manatee Yoga session at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature for an indoor experience, or to get some sand between your toes and possibly spot wild dolphins, Anna Maria Island will be hosting Beach Yoga every Sunday morning this month. For some physical activity  in a natural setting apart from yoga, check out Saturday Mornings at The Nest. There you can traverse a boardwalk, climb to the top of a crow’s nest, and even exit the building via a slide. It’s a free program every Saturday at 9am. The Nest also conducts Sunset Tai Chi classes that you can sign up for here, along with many other fitness and activity oriented meetings.

If you suffer with back or joint pain, moving around and enjoying the local offerings can become more challenging than it needs to be. Licensed Physical Therapists are experts in helping you move without pain; and they accomplish it without prescription medications or surgery. Get prepared to have fun and enriching cultural experiences by first attending to your most important asset: your health. Call us today at (941) 264-1414, email info@ptdoctorsfl.com, or send a direct message to schedule an appointment or get more information on how Physical Therapy Doctors of Florida can assist your recovery from injuries, arthritis, muscular imbalances, or general mobility problems.