Cruising down the Gulf coast of Florida allows for unexpected discoveries. In Bradenton a free, nice day dock alongside a riverwalk 
that took us to a small museum village that explained the history of the area.
And a small neighborhood filled with small homes occupied by artists
Sarasota brought us to many things that we did not expect: A harbor host (a past Chicago resident) that treated us like royalty, taking us around the town two days in a row.
The sister of a very close friend that worked at the marina who welcomed us with tips on how to fully appreciate the marina.
The Ringling circus museum was a highlight along with the Ringling Mansion Ca’ d’Zan, which evoked thoughts of The Great Gadsby.
The world’s largest miniature circus model that walked us through a day in the life of the circus, from set up to reloading on the circus train
The most unexpected find was this museum:
After leaving Sarasota we found a hidden marina at Casey key that was adorable and well protected from the high winds over that weekend.
The bonus was it was close to some D-Dock neighbors that invited us to dinner and the Bears/Green Bay game. They took us on a short drive around Casey key and to a beach where a drum circle happened every Saturday night.
Next stop Punta Gorda!
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Happy to hear more of your “drydock hops” — Bradenton and its causeway to the Ringling Bros Circle of restaurants & museum was neat for us too (many years ago). But you saw far more, and with neat stuff too. Loving your warm weather tour, as Chicago is bone chilling.
Punta Gorda is farther south, right ? So you have to go back up to Tampa Bay ? Enjoy.