Main Street, one of the most popular features of Lakewood Ranch, has evolved over the years and continues to do so. When ground was broken for Main Street, it was dubbed the “heart” of Lakewood Ranch, because it would bring unique dining, entertainment and shopping to the community. One of the anchors continues to be the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, which brings first-run movies, as well as art films and international offerings that are rarely shown in mainstream movie houses.
In the past 12 months, Fred’s Restaurant on Main Street became Polo Bar & Grill and Fete Catering. The Pineapple House Collection, which specializes in unique items for the home, expanded into what was formerly Annabelles, which was a store with kitchen, decor and other items. The Pineapple House Collection is also going into the flower business, making foral arrangements for parties and other events or just for people to send flowers for a “hello.” Little Bookworms, one of Main Street’s most popular businesses, is going to expand and open a more mainstream book store. The store has also expanded its product line to include children’s clothing. The establishments that opened this year continue to do well, according to Schroeder-Manatee Ranch officials. Paris Bistrot is among that group as is Starbucks. Ed’s Tavern is scheduled to open right next to the Lakewood Ranch Cinema. Ed’s will be family-themed. “It’s kind of a sports grill kind of place,” an SMR official said. Mortons Market closed during the last year and will be replaced by Ada’s Natural and Organic Foods Supermarket, a Fort Myers-based company.
SHOPPING FOR A LIVING
Here is a partial list of shopping centers in the area. BRADENTON DeSoto Square Mall Location: 303 U.S. 301 Blvd. W. Hours: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday- Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday Phone: (941) 747-5868 Web site: www.desoto-square.com With more than 100 stores — including Macy’s, Dillard’s, J.C. Penney, and Sears — the mall offers a little bit of everything from clothing and music to sportswear and home decor. There’s even an Old Navy, Charlotte Russe and a Bath and Body Works. Red Barn Flea Market & Plaza Location: 1707 First St. E. (where U.S. 41 and 301 meet at 17th Avenue) Hours: The flea market is open year-round, Friday-Saturday- Sunday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., and during the high season from November-April, it is also open Wednesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; about 35 shops are open in the plaza area every day except Monday year-round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Phone: (941) 747-3794, (800) 274-3532 Web site: www.redbarnfleamarket. com More than 600 unique booths fill the Red Barn Flea Market, selling an assortment of jewelry, original artwork, sea-themed knickknacks, used books, clothing and every type of fruit and vegetable you could imagine at its outdoor farmer’s market.
LAKEWOOD RANCH
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch Location: 8102 Lakewood Main St. Hours: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday- Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday Phone: (941) 907-3750
Web site: www.shoplakewoodranchmainstreet. net Featuring more than 30 upscale boutiques and restaurants, Main Street offers shoppers a unique experience The Shoppes at University Center Location: University Parkway and Cooper Creek Boulevard at I-75 Hours: Hours differ for each store Phone: (941) 359-8303 Web site: www.benderson.com Stores: With approximately 45 stores, it features Bonefish Grill, LeRoy Selmon’s Restaurant, BJ’s Wholesale, Lenox, Circuit City, Total Wine and one-of-a-kind shops such as the Hidden Gate. University Park Center Location: 5375 University Pkwy. Northwest corner of University Parkway and Honore Avenue Hours: Hours differ for each store Phone: (941) 359-8303 Web site: www.benderson.com Kohl’s department store and The Fresh Market, a national grocery chain that specializes in natural and organic foods, are in this new center.
ELLENTON
Prime Outlets-Ellenton Location: 5461 Factory Shops Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Monday- Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday Phone: (941) 723-1150; (888) 260-7608 Web site: www.primeoutlets.com With more than 130 factory direct stores, including Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne, Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, and LeCreuset.
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@