Communities rich in history, Parrish and Ellenton are made of two types of people: old-timers and transplants. But all have their focus on the future as a place to raise a family and become involved in the community. A prime spot to claim turf in Manatee County, Parrish is expected to have a huge growth spurt when the housing market turns around. Here’s a few things you should know about both:
THE PARRISH CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Led by president Ben Jordan, this group is active in finding the pulse of the community and organizing people to accomplish a shared goal. The group has been instrumental in providing summer camps, working with Manatee County to establish meeting places, and calling on the YMCA to anchor in Parrish. For more information, call 776-9019.
THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE
For years, the old schoolhouse on U.S. 301 has been an icon for the historical town. But to become a community meeting place, the schoolhouse first must undergo construction to upgrade fire safety codes and renovate the interior. Once completed, the schoolhouse will serve as a community gathering place and museum.
PARRISH COMUNITY CENTER
Close to the old schoolhouse is the newly designated Parrish Community Center, which has been converted into a temporary location for the YMCA. Without a permanent location just yet, the YMCA has jump-started its fall program, partnering with local schools to offer services for adults and children. For more information, call YMCA Parrish Branch,122nd Avenue East at 776-0554.
FLORIDA RAILROAD MUSEUM
Volunteers at the Florida Railroad Museum, U.S. 301 N. and 83rd Street East, have been hard at work enhancing the museum’s role in the community. Weekend events like war re-enactments, train rides, and fall festivals are popular among residents. For more information, call (877) 869-0800.
GAMBLE MANSION
A glimpse into Ellenton’s role in the Civil War era is found in the elegant Gamble Mansion, 3708 Patten Avenue, Ellenton. The only surviving antebellum plantation house in south Florida, Gamble Mansion was the hideout for Judah P. Benjamin, secretary of state for the Confederacy, at the end of the Civil War. For more information, call 723-4536.
OUTLET MALL
A favorite shopping destination is the Ellenton Outlet Mall, 5461 Factory Shops Blvd. Well-known to neighboring counties, the outlet mall is well-worth the trip for people looking for good deals. For more information, 723-1150 or (888) 260-7608.
JESSICA’S PARRISH/ ELLENTON PICKS
Nighttime: Roaring ‘20s Pizza and Pipes, 6750 North US 301, Ellenton. 723-1733. Enjoy entrees of chicken, seafood, pasta or pizza while listening to the grandiose melody of an antique pipe organ.
Restaurant: C & K Smokehouse BBQ, 12125 U.S. 301 N., Parrish. 776-1440. A great place to chow down on savory barbecue meals served with southern sides.
Walk: East Manatee’s Duette park near the Hillsborough County line. 776-2295. There is something for everyone from biking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting to camping and picnicking.
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