Go outside and PLAY

There's just no excuse anymore for lying around on the couch all weekend. C'mon - there is much to do in the great outdoors. From golfing, boating and fishing to exploring nature trails and cheering for Little League teams, the north river communities are bursting with outdoor recreational opportunities. The key is to get off the couch and go out to explore the possibilities É.

GOLF

Hit the links at your choice of five area golf courses. From upscale country club to down-home casual style, there is a golf course in these parts to suit your golf handicap and your golf budget.

Buffalo Creek Golf Course 8100 Erie Road, Palmetto 941.776.2611

This county-operated golf course has been voted among the best courses in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. A Scottish links style created by Ron Garl, the course features more than 7,000 yards of rolling hills, open roughs and water hazards. Also on site are a grass tee driving range, spacious putting and chipping areas, a fully stocked pro shop and a convenient restaurant/snack bar.

Imperial Lakewoods

9680 Buffalo Road, Palmetto 941.747.4653

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best courses in the area, Imperial Lakewoods is situated on more than 500 wooded acres with 16 lakes and rolling terrain. The golf course was designed by Ted McAnlis and recently underwent a three-year, $3 million expansion and renovation of the course, clubhouse and restaurant.

Palm View Hills

5712 28th Avenue, Palmetto 941.722.2392

A quick and easy executive course for those in a need of a quick golf "fix" but without the time for a full game. This par 63 public course consists of nine par fours up to 300 yards and nine par threes up to 160 yards.

Palmetto Pines

14355 Golf Course Road, Parrish 941.776.1375

This laid-back course opened its doors in 1956 with just nine holes. Today, summertime golfers can walk 36 holes for only $8. There aren't many frills here - just an honest round of straight-forward golf. Four starting boxes allow for all skill levels.

River Wilderness Golf & Country Club 14355 Golf Course Road, Parrish 41.776.1375

This private, member-owned golf course was designed by Ted McAnlis. Laid out over 150 acres of pristine land, the course is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Systems which blends the property's natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife.

PARKS

From sports fields and playgrounds to shaded pavilions and wide open spaces, there's something to please everyone at our area parks. In fact, there are a surprising variety of public parks available in our north river communities, from large regional complexes to smaller, tucked-away gems.

Blackstone Park

2112 14th Avenue West Palmetto

Located near Terra Ceia Bay Country Club, Blackstone Park has fields for soccer, football and baseball, as well as open spaces where kids can play tag or toss a Frisbee. Take a walk on a fitness trail, slide on the playground or try your hand on the racquetball courts. Blackstone is one of the few parks in the county with a designated area for skateboarding and rollerblading. Future plans include a new aquatic center with swimming pools and splash fountains.

Buffalo Creek Park

7550 69th Street East Ellenton

The largest north river park is the Buffalo Creek complex, which encompasses a county-operated golf course, lighted soccer and baseball fields, a concession stand, basketball courts and a newly paved walking trail. Home to North River National Little League and MAYSO, this park is often teaming with young athletes and their families, especially on Saturday afternoons when it is not uncommon to have baseball, soccer and flag football games all going on at the same time. A playground area with shaded picnic area is perfect for post-game parties. For those who prefer dogs to sports, the nearby Dog Leg Park is the place to meet fellow dog lovers. Three fenced acres include trees, doggie drinking fountains, covered shelters, free waste bags and a special enclosed area for small or frail dogs.

Emerson Point Park 5801 17th Street West Palmetto

Located at the mouth of the Manatee River, Emerson Point Park is an unspoiled natural paradise covering 195 acres and 15 miles of protected shoreline. The park is a favorite of hikers and walkers because of its miles of trails. The Terra Ceia Trail leads over boardwalks along the shore, while another trail leads to an observation tower that offers views of Tampa Bay from 60 feet up. Biking and rollerblading trails are available, as are picnic shelters and fishing areas.

Lamb and Sutton Parks

Sixth Street West and 10th Avenue West, Palmetto

Downtown Palmetto is home to the charming Lamb and Sutton Parks. Located near Palmetto Elementary, the library and the Palmetto Historical Park, these two parks are often the site of community events, such as the DeSoto Heritage Festival Children's Parade and the Festival of Lights. Year-round amenities include ball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, a pavilion and picnic grounds.

Rye Wilderness Park 751 Rye Wilderness Trail Parrish

Spend a lazy afternoon at this out-of-the-way park. Or pack your tent and spend the weekend. Overnight camping is permitted here, and you can even ride your horse along designated trails. Fish, hike, explore nature - it's all up to you. Bring your bike, launch your boat, challenge someone to a game of horseshoes. There's plenty to do, or choose to do nothing but lie back and study the clouds.

Ola Mae Sims Park 11800 Erie Road, Parrish

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this shady park has everything you need for a fun afternoon, including a playground, baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a picnic pavilion. All you need to bring is a packed lunch.

BOATING

There's something to be said for life at sea - or just spending the day on the water. Boaters can get themselves on the water quickly by taking advantage of several public boat ramps in the area.

Fort Hamer Boat Ramp 1605 Ft. Hamer Road, Parrish

Includes a canoe and boat launch, playground, beach and fishing areas.

Ellenton Boat Ramp 353 Shore Drive, Ellenton

Includes a boat launch and fishing area.

Palmetto Boat Ramp 833 Riverside Drive, Palmetto

Includes a boat launch, fishing area, picnic tables and restrooms.

Palmetto is home to two beautiful marinas as well. Regatta Point is a full-service marina with two clubhouses, exercise center, heated pool and spa, wireless internet, ship store, on-site restaurant, laundry facilities, and monthly events. Just a bit further down the Manatee River is Riviera Dunes Marina, an 88-acre protected deep water harbor. Amenities here include two pools, a restaurant, complimentary morning newspapers and bagged ice, a pet-walking area, an on-site concierge and 24-hour security.

FISHING

With the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway all within reach, there are plenty of good fishing opportunities to be had.

Anglers might want to head to Port Manatee to try their luck at some man-made habitat clusters. Depending on the time of year, fishermen are likely to snare redfish, snook, flounder, grouper and sharks.

The Green Bridge Fishing Pier is a popular place to cast a line in downtown Palmetto - no boat necessary. The pier is the site of fishing tournaments and festivals throughout the year. The pier is open 24 hours and offers on-site fishing gear and tackle for rent.

Just a bit further north you'll find the Skyway Fishing Pier. This is the world's longest fishing pier and is handicapped accessible. Artificial reefs around the base of the pier have resulted in a booming fish population. Expect to find a wide of variety of fish, including snapper, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia and sharks.