Near Florida's Gulf Islands Is A Wildly Underrated Art Village Bursting With Creative Vibes And Cafes

Renowned for its powder-white beaches and charming villages, Florida's Gulf Coast is a magnet for visitors seeking sun, adventure, culture, and a destination that's worlds away from the ordinary — no passport required. With eco and niche tourism on the rise, it's no surprise that many travelers seek towns with an artistic core that feel like a well-kept secret far from throngs of tourists. Welcome to Bradenton, Florida.

Conveniently situated between Sarasota and Tampa, Bradenton is one of the state's quirkiest and most vibrant arts districts. Located within minutes of the city's historic downtown and lively riverwalk, Bradenton's Village of the Arts is a unique destination for those who wish to get off the beaten path while still having easy access to various amenities.

Located 20 minutes away, the Bradenton-Sarasota Airport is the nearest landing point. Coming in at a close second, Tampa International Airport has easy access to Bradenton, along with the nearby sugar-white Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Sarasota may have the chic, Tampa the party scene, but Bradenton's Village of the Arts has the funk.

Village of the Arts is a thriving community where artists live, create, and share their work in a robust district overflowing with charm and a close-knit, communal vibe. Dotted with early 20th-century bungalows and bright-hued cracker houses, the allure of Old Florida is on full display. Once neglected, local artists and charities collaborated to revitalize and grow the district, giving artists a space to live and work and providing an invaluable opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in art at a grassroots level.

Soak up the scene with a stroll through the galleries to watch artists at work creating everything from jewelry and glassware to handicrafts and wall art. Noted must-stops on your gallery stroll include Witchgrass Studio, where you may just leave with a self-made glass creation, or mine for gemstones at Mystic Mines. 

The best way to take this all in is the Art Walk on the first Friday evening and Saturday afternoon of the month, when art co-mingles with food, live music, and cool vibes. The Saturday Market, which takes place on the third Saturday of the month, provides even more opportunity to rub shoulders with artists and enthusiasts while enjoying local food, fashion, workshops, and live entertainment. Need a respite from all the merry-making? Village of the Arts is home to several healing and wellness centers, such as the East West Health Center and Alcover Massage.

Art lovers have to eat, and while Village of the Arts may be small, the flavors are big. Dine on elevated soul food in a 100-year-old cottage at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food. If you like your soul food accompanied by swampy Southern blues or jazz, check their calendar for the live music schedule. For Italian fare in a rustic cottage, Arte Caffe is the place to savor pizza and pasta in the cozy interior or al fresco in the garden. More great dining options in the Village of the Arts include the very popular Bridrock Taco Shack and refined Italian fare at Ortygia.

While there are no hotel options in Village of the Arts proper, downtown Braderton has an array of mid-range hotels, including Springhill Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites, both conveniently situated on the riverfront. If you have your heart set on staying in the Village of the Arts, your best bet is private rentals. Choose between Vrbo or Airbnb, though note that early booking is recommended as accommodations can be limited.