The area that would become Bradenton (originally spelled "Bradentown") was first explored in 1539 by the Spanish during the famous expedition led by Hernando De Soto. Bradenton was established in 1842. The original town of Bradentown was incorporated in 1903. The city took the name of Dr. Joseph Braden, whose nearby fort-like house was a refuge for early settlers during Seminole Indian attacks. The current city of Bradenton was formed in 1943, when the Florida legislature merged the cities of Manatee (incorporated in 1888) and Bradentown.

We begin our aerial journey over the Courtyard by Marriott http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel... on the shores of the Manatee River.

The South Florida Museum http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/, home to Bishop Planetarium also sits near the Bradenton side of the Manatee River.

Two popular restaurants are on opposite sides of the Manatee River. Pier 22 Patio & Ballroom http://pier22dining.com/, sits on the Bradenton Side and the Riverhouse Reef & Grille http://www.riverhousereefandgrill.com/ sits on the Palmetto side.

Also on the Palmetto side of the Manatee River is the Palmetto Riverside Bed & Breakfast http://palmettoriverside.com/bnb/