Published: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

Updated: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009

Attractions

Area attractions run on a rotating basis as space allows.

@BR LabelBW:MANATEE

Village of the Arts: Between 14th and Ninth streets west, south of Ninth to 17th avenues west, Bradenton

The village features more than 40 galleries and studios exhibiting all forms of art from cookies, jams and pizza to ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photos, sculptures and more. Art walks are held the first Friday and Saturday of each month. Most galleries are open each Friday and Saturday. The streets come alive with art lovers and shoppers visiting 1920s-style bungalows that showcase an eclectic mix of artwork. Information: www.villageofthearts.com.

@BR LabelBW:SARASOTA

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary: 7101 Palmer Blvd.

A safe haven for exotic cats, bears and native wildlife, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary provides educational programs to the public about the animals and encourages their appreciation. The habitat now includes fun and enlightening educational demonstrations at 1:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are required. A minimum donation of $12 per adult, $10 per senior/military and $5 per child is requested. No charge for active military. Information: 371-6377 or visit www.bigcathabitat.org.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center: 16405 Myakka Road

Self-guided tours on regular basis include Pioneer History Museum, a boardwalk through 2,000 feet of swamp and an observation tower. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $7, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Information: 322-1000 or www.cmncfl.org.

G.WIZ: The Hands-On Science Museum: 1001 Boulevard of the Arts

G.WIZ, the Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone, is a hands-on science museum with more than 85 interactive science exhibits. The museum presents “The Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci” through Sept. 7. The exhibit explores da Vinci’s scientific and technical drawings that have captured the imagination for centuries. The exhibit includes the flying machine, helicopter, parachute, printing press and odometer. Admission for the da Vinci museum, which includes admission to G.WIZ, is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $11 for children ages 3-18. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. For a full list of the monthly activities, call the museum. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors 65 and older, $6 children ages 3-18. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: 309-4949 or visit www.gwiz.org.

Historic Spanish Point: 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Historic Spanish Point is a 30-acre archaeological, environmental and historical museum on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey that connects you with 5,000 years of human history in southwest coastal Florida. 2007 marks the museum’s 25th anniversary open to the public. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday with guided tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Tram tours are available at 1:30 p.m. for an additional $2. Sunday hours are noon-5 p.m., with guided tours at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. (no tram Sunday). Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors or Florida residents, $3 children ages 6-12. Members admitted free. Information: www.historicspanishpoint.org or (941) 966-5214.