Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is a 17,500-acre residential development on Florida's Gulf Coast that has been developed over the past 10 years or so in Manatee County/Bradenton just east of I-75. University Parkway, which is also home to the International Sarasota/Bradenton Airport SRQ and forms the Sarasota-Manatee County border, is the southern approach to Lakewood Ranch. This "master planned" residential area with currently nine communities (residential complexes) consisting of single-family houses, terraced houses and apartments is currently expanding even further to the north and east.
You'll find it all at Lakewood Ranch: Fine dining and family-friendly dining, attractive shops and boutiques, business parks, hospital and health center, three masterfully designed golf courses; fitness center, water sports and 18 lighted tennis courts; also polo and cricket clubs, and over 150 miles (240 km) of walking and hiking trails, parks, lakes and wildlife sanctuaries. Forest and wetland landscapes preserve native wildlife. Lakewood Ranch is an award-winning community of relaxation and well-being in a beautiful setting and has been recognized as the largest "Green-Certified Community" in the United States. Half of the area is open recreation space. As a member of the Golf & Country Club, established in 2001, you have 3 unique championship golf courses at Lakewood Ranch at your disposal. Each of the three presents a different challenge, difficult for the experienced players from the championship tees, yet enjoyable for beginners.
Small boutiques and clothing stores, pharmacies, dry cleaners, groceries, wine and spirits, florists, jewelers, cafes, a variety of restaurants, ice cream etc. invite you to stroll, linger and enjoy. Lakewood Ranch is a great place to live and vacation. There is always something to do and the range of leisure activities is outstanding. Targeted in the winter months, the so-called "high season", around Christmas until after Easter, big events and festivals take place, which attract many people from the area. Art and culture are very important. Music on Main Street, Night Under the Stars, Suncoast Wine Festival and much more. Within easy reach of Lakewood Ranch: the cultural highlights that made Sarasota famous.
