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42 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE Contributing Writer Maryann Casey, Realtor Direct: 941.468.3741 Manasota Key Nearby Attractions The Hermitage Artist Retreat With some of the country's most prolific artists in residency at The Hermitage, the retreat hosts seasonal functions such as beach book readings, wine tastings and award galas. Babcock Wilderness Adventures Get an up close view of the indigenous wildlife on this exhilarating tour featuring alligators and rare birds. Muscle Car Museum For a blast from the past, vintage car enthusiasts can travel to neighboring Punta Gorda for a visit to the Muscle Car Museum, where extensive collections of Corvettes and Trans Ams are on display. e captivating clear blue Gulf waters matched with natural Florida foliage create a harmonious and luxurious retreat. A few noted celebrities call the barrier island home with million-dollar estates lining its waterfront. Mid-centur y modern homes blend well amidst the ancient oak trees and palms while colonial beach houses preser ve the tradition of the island. Don Pedro Island, Grove City and Lemon Bay surround Manasota Key with historic Punta Gorda only a short boat or car ride away. With signature charm and reverence for Old Florida histor y, Manasota Key boasts distinctions far beyond its environs. Shelling is an araction with rare Junonia, Lions Paw and A ngel Wings adding to the romance of the island. Manatees and several handsome bird species also call this locale home. Nearby Sarasota has a thriving arts scene and offers a year round calendar of cultural events, dynamic live shows, boutique shopping and waterside dining. Similarly, just south of Manasota Key, Fort Myers has a bev y of fine dining , theatre and events such as the Fort Myers A rt Walk and shows at the Fort Myers Florida Repertor y eatre. e Englewood A rts Festival, South Florida Museum, the Lemon Bay Playhouse and many local beach front lounges and restaurants also provide outstanding live entertainment. e Hermitage A rtist Retreat is located on Manasota Key and is central to the thriving arts scene. Hermitage awards internationally acclaimed artists with residency on the island to create masterful works—a testament to its spectacular, naturally preser ved brilliance. With several challenging golf courses such as the Oyster Creek Golf Club, Rotunda Golf Club and Boca Royale Golf and Countr y Club, Manasota Key contributes to Florida's reputation as the premier golfing destination. A graceful island, Manasota Key is not conventional for tourism and its residents will agree, this is its greatest aribute. e captivating clear blue waters matched with natural Florida foliage create a harmonious and luxurious retreat. View a video tour of this community on our website and within the pages of our Video-Magazine FloridaHomesMag.com 42 | FLORIDA HOMES MAGAZINE

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