If you’re an art lover, you’ve come to the right place. A national arts magazine has listed Bradenton as one of the nation's top 10 small cities for art.

The June 2011 issue of "American Style," a lifestyle magazine that focuses on art, artists and galleries, ranked Bradenton as 10th in its nationwide poll of the public arts and cultural amenities in small cities.

 Day 1:
If you arrive on a Friday, you’ll want to take advantage of the area's most vibrant artists' community. The Village of the Arts, located near downtown Bradenton, hosts an ArtWalk on the first Friday of each month. With more than 35 artists, you’ll find affordable and unique fine art, jewelry, ceramics, designer wear and collectibles. You'll also find an inviting bookstore and gourmet cafes.

If your hunt for fine art makes you hungry, you won’t have to walk far for a great meal. Ortygia is located in the heart of the village, and it's where you’ll enjoy an atmosphere filled with art, music and the flavors of Sicily.
 
Day 2:
The South Florida Museum, also in downtown Bradenton, focuses on arts of another kind. Here, exhibits span Florida's natural and cultural history from the Pleistocene period to the present through displays of fossils, artifacts and life-sized dioramas. It’s also home to the oldest known manatee in living in captivity, Snooty. Feeding time is 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m., and it’s always a fan favorite

Next to the aquarium is a beautiful Spanish plaza with full-scale replicas of a 16th-century Spanish home, chapel and Hernando de Soto's birthplace.

From there, cross the street and take a class at ArtCenter Manatee. ArtCenter Manatee is the premier center for art, art education and unique gifts in Manatee County. The nearly 10,000-square-foot building in downtown Bradenton features three galleries, an art library and five classrooms. Day, evening and weekend classes for adults and children are offered year 'round in painting, drawing, pastels, pottery, jewelry design, photography and more.

For dinner, stay downtown and enjoy a meal at Pier 22. Get a table outside and watch the sunset.

Day 3:
Head west toward the beaches. After an invigorating walk on one of our world-famous beaches, head north to Anna Maria Island or south toward Longboat Key. On Anna Maria, The Studio at Gulf and Pine offers an array of exhibits and instructional classes. The studio is operated by Rhea Chiles, former first lady of Florida, and as part of the studio's permanent collection, you can check out the Chiles family's collection of paintings which hung in the governor's office.

While on Pine, give yourself plenty of time to explore some of the area's funky new shops and cafes.

To the south, you’ll find the Longboat Key Center for the Arts, a division of the Ringling College of Art & Design. The center focuses on arts, culture, creativity and community. There are regular classes, workshops, lectures, retreats and activities to engage your imagination and creativity.

For dinner, try one of the island's Zagat-rated restaurants, such as Euphemia Haye (on Longboat Key), Beach Bisto or the newly opened Eat Here (both on Anna Maria Island).