Lisa Browder

Village of the Arts in Bradenton, Florida is a fun way to spend a day. Although it is a residential area, many of the houses are also businesses selling all sorts of tchotchkes – everything from crystals and gemstones, to glass, pottery, a quilt fabric shop, jewelry, wind chimes and distinctly 70s-looking tie-dyed clothing. I was new to this whole house hopping, street shopping scene but it was entertaining. I didn’t find a lot I’d want to decorate my house with but there are lots of things that would make fun gifts and it takes serious browsing to find them.

What I found particularly interesting in this neighborhood was that even the houses that didn’t open their doors to the public contributed to the “vibe” of the area. They either decorated their houses, painted them vibrant colors, put some work of art (I use that term loosely) in the front yard, painted the sidewalk, or decorated their garbage cans.

The whole “village” is contained within 8 or 9 side streets branching off of one main street. And you never know what you might find. I really liked the sidewalk lending library and was intrigued that the books weren’t disappearing while I stood there. I moved to Florida from Las Vegas and these books would’ve been gone within five minutes.

Bradenton Village of the Arts is a colorful, eclectic neighborhood. It’s easily walkable and wheelchair accessible. But it is also hot, so you’ll definitely want sunscreen, a visor and water.

I, of course, love to commemorate my day trips with T-shirts but I didn’t find one that grabbed my fancy. I did, however, run across a sign that made me laugh out loud and so I bought it for my office. Yes, I’m a sucker for tchotchkes as well.

Last but not least, there was this: the blue and white giant cow. I considered purchasing it for my front lawn. Lord knows, the Uber Eats people would never be able to complain that my house is hard to find. But on second thought, I wonder what my HOA would have to say about that.

Bradenton Village of the Arts is located at 1227 12th St. W.