Palmetto Florida Travel Guide | See the Top Things To Do In Palmetto, FL

Join us as we show you why Palmetto, FL just may be the most underrated city in the entire Tampa Bay area. We’ll start our day in Palmetto Florida off right with coffee and pies, prior to a morning of hiking at the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve. We’ll also show you our favorite store in all of Tampa Bay, before ending the day with dinner, ice cream, more ice cream, and some delicious beers.
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#florida #explorcation #Palmetto #FloridaTravel
Timeline:
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - #1 A Sweet Breakfast
02:22 - #2 A Picturesque Preserve
04:35 - #3 View from the Tower
06:55 - #4 Picking Up a Hitchhiker
08:06 - #5 Our FAVORITE Store
10:50 - #6 A Dinner on the River
12:26 - #7 Alice Scooper's
13:54 - #8 The Place for Citrus
15:03 - #9 A Proper Way to End the Day
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Websites from Video:
Java N Jive - www.javanjive.net/
Emerson Point Preserve - www.mymanatee.org/departments...
Detwilers Market - detwilermarket.com/
River House - riverhousefl.com/
Alice Scoopers - www.alicescoopers.com/
The Citrus Place - / thecitrusplace
Corporate Ladder Brewing - www.corporateladderbrewing.com/
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Music Credits:
Inkling by Slenderbeats via the KZbin Audio Library
Sage by Slenderbeats via the KZbin Audio Library
Breathe by Slenderbeats via the KZbin Audio Library
Torrance Sunset by Dan Lebowitz via the KZbin Audio Library
Devil and the Perfects / Dog On a Rope / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Martin Klem / Get Lost With Me / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Pip Mondy / Moving with Purpose / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Pip Mondy / Nauseated / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
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Explorcation can be contacted at [e-mail]

[@Explorcation]

Hi everyone, thanks so much for watching today's episode. What do you think after watching, is Palmetto a city you would visit? And for those who hike in the Tampa Bay area, make sure to leave any hiking spots in the comments below :)

[@LucasWorldTravel]

I love how y'all live life to the fullest! Blueberry pie for breakfast and 2-3 servings of ice cream for lunch. Do yo' thang! Those trails look great though! I look forward to seeing you guys paddle that river as well!

[@Explorcation]

😆😂😆 we ended up eating waaay more sweets on this day than expected, thankfully not every filming day is like this one! We do want to make it back to that paddle trail, it looked so nice and peaceful!

[@genehinders9639]

Pineapple machine is awesome!!!!!

[@Explorcation]

It really is! We haven't ever seen one anywhere else.

[@ramunegaizutis1286]

Pie for breakfast, two ice cream stops, and beer flight for dinner...why not?! I love watching you both!! What a great town to spend the day....and that lobster pot pie...drool! Looked deelish! Looking forward to your next video already 🙂

[@Explorcation]

😆😂😆 we sure weren't planning on having that much sugar, it just kinda happened...oops! Thanks so much for watching Ramune :)

[@shaunah.creations9233]

When I was in high school 10 plus years ago lol.I remember going in the Seminole area they used to have Orange Blossom. I miss it because they had fresh orange and tangerine juice. Also the orange and tangerine vanilla ice cream. It was yummy. They tore it down and now its apartments I think.

[@Explorcation]

That place sounds amazing and is definitely somewhere we would visit frequently if it was still around!

[@chrispham7064]

Awesome video as always. I love your videos so much! Always look forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing this video. Good job guys. Have a great weekend you guys.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for all the support, Chris. We're so happy that after all this time you are still enjoying our videos!

[@DavidandSarah]

Sunshine skyway bridge is ssooo beautiful wow. the lobster pot pie looked delicious. We also love salmon too 😍 great video guys!

[@Explorcation]

It really is quite impressive. Especially at night, or if you are lucky enough to time it right as a cruise ship is sailing underneath!

[@DenaJeanne]

Love that you always let us know if places are pet friendly, which for us is so important as we always bring our small Chihuahua Ginger Lou

[@Explorcation]

Hi Dena, thanks for watching and for the feedback, we are trying to remember to mention when places are pet friendly 💗🐕

[@pdogakron1623]

Popi's Place is one of the BEST restaurants, you should give it a try!

[@Explorcation]

We definitely will. Thanks for the tip!

[@ScullyPopASMR]

Great feature on Palmetto!

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you enjoyed it, Scully!

[@dianeholtman3069]

If you haven’t been to Spanish Point in Osprey, check it out. I highly recommend it.

[@Explorcation]

We have not been there yet but would love to check it out. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@danielcluley870]

Thanks for a great vid of my hometown. Popi's place is pronounced like "Pope" and I am glad you went to Emerson Point. I actually helped to build those trails 35 years ago as part of my Eagle Scout project. Such a great place to walk around and Kayak.

[@danielcluley870]

Also would recommend Woody's River Roo nearby in Ellenton just east of I-75. Great little bar/restaurant with live music often and river views. As well as the Clam House, which has amazing fresh seafood (Thai Fry is awesome).

[@Explorcation]

We've been talking about how we need to visit Woody's for years, but still have never made it there. Now that we live in Palmetto and are only a few miles a way, I have a feeling we'll be making it there in the very near future! We'll add Clam House our list as well!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for the pronunciation tip on Popi's. That's awesome that you helped build the Emerson Point trails... they are holding up nicely!

[@cristianMoon24]

Love how you guys share and promote small businesses

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for your comment Cristian, we do try to include smaller, local businesses when we can. There are so many unique establishments all around Florida :)

[@keithhtt]

We love your videos! You are what make them special!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment, Keith!

[@jadeheart911]

Thanks! A flight for you !!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much, we really appreciate your support and generosity 💗💗💗 We probably will have a flight this weekend 🍻 or maybe another $17 milkshake 😆 (j/k you know Skylar is not ready for that!)

[@tonybowles420]

Y'alls videos are great! I'm from St Pete. My grandmother lives in Palmetto. Will be back for visit in March. Thank you for the tips and suggestions...blueberry pie is my fave!!

[@Explorcation]

Hi Tony, thank you for watching and for your comment. We hope you get to try a piece of blueberry pie at Java N Jive when you are back to visit 😃

[@BeingBedingfield]

You definitely found some great spots in this town! Love the reserve, but it looked really hot 😅 I like the look of that orange ice cream 🍦 Aw, Michael Scott quotes on the wall of a brewery, we’d also go there, actually busy rewatching The Office at the moment 😅

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, it was really hot in the sun. Thankfully the trails had quite a bit of shade. But we ready to come down from that observation tower after about 10 seconds! The office quotes/memorabilia at that brewery are one of our favorite things about that brewery. Probably a close second to the beer itself 🍻

[@rhondalyn100]

What a fun day trip outside your city of residence! All the food and drink in this vid made me salivate but I think if I could only choose two it would be the lobster dish and the flight of beer. And what a pretty walk through the Emerson Point Preserve. Keep holding hands, guys! 🙂

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much, Rhonda. It was a fun day with some great food and drinks. And don't worry, we will :)

[@FollowThomas]

I'm planning a bike tour in the area. Thanks for sharing to give me idea where to go and what to see. 👍

[@Explorcation]

That should be a fun tour 😀 we hope you have a great time when you visit the area!

[@billyc3757]

Great video with some really good food and drink tips!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much Billy :)

[@wadewave4323]

Next time you're down, go to Alvarez Mexican Restaurant. It's on 8th as you are coming into town. My fav in the town. Been going there for 18 years!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. We love Mexican food and will definitely give it a try!

[@BackroadExploits]

You guys find the neatest places to get coffee, eat and enjoy ice cream!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, guys. We do our best!

[@TravelInteresante]

Breakfast did look very sugary indeed, thankfully you burned all those calories after haha! We figured in Florida you have to wear a hat otherwise it's impossible to survive. The store where you had the Greek gyro looked like a great place to indulge yourself into different types of food! Love eating by the water, nice spot for a dinner!

[@Explorcation]

That gyro really is sooo good. We get it at least twice a month, and would probably get it much more if we lived closer! And yes, a hat is pretty much required at all times in Florida!

[@FitLifeTravel]

Oh nice! We were just there on Friday at Emerson Point... Nice video guys! Hope you are doing well. -Shannon

[@Explorcation]

Dang, we just missed you by a few weeks. We hope you guys enjoyed Emerson Point as much as we did. Such a beautiful place!

[@BransonFamVlog]

It has been so fun following along with your channel. Our family loves how you always seek out the best ice cream and sweet treats. That’s exactly what we would do too!

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you enjoy all the sweets! We typically don't allow ourselves to have many during the week, so on the weekends, we tend to go all out!

[@romanandfizah]

Support local business is the best

[@Explorcation]

We always try whenever possible. Thanks so much for watching, guys!

[@ThereandBeck]

We love your channel and this was a place we are now adding to our wander list!! Thank you!!

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome, guys! We hope you make it there sooner than later and enjoy it just as much as we did!

[@TideKnotTravellers]

Hiking in flip flops sounds tricky especially when they break! Glad Skylar picked you up! 😆 Love the name Alice Scoopers for the ice cream place although I think Craig would definitely want that orange ice cream from the citrus place!

[@Explorcation]

Right?! 😆 they broke in a way where I was still able to wear them the rest of the day, but I had to move very slowly, I wouldn't recommend it 😂 especially when you are used to moving fast to film an entire episode in a day! As far as the ice cream situation, good thing is you can make it to both if you want to 😀

[@TheAverageTourist]

Your dinner in this one was making me hungry. That salmon looked really good. Too bad you didn't see any turtles at the preserve. I am missing the hot weather, so this video is definitely making me want to visit Florida. That grocery store looked so fresh and high quality - I can see why you like it. My hubby would definitely want to go to Alice Scoopers. I can appreciate the brewery stops - beer time is the best time!

[@Explorcation]

If you are missing hot weather, than Florida is definitely the place for you. It was just 80 degrees yesterday! We really do hope you guys make it down here sooner than later! We need to make it up to Canada again soon too, but when it gets a bit warmer of course.

[@staceytheflipflopgirl7074]

I am so glad I found your channel - I am planning a trip the clearwater and your videos of all the Tampa Bay Area beachs have been the best things ever thank you

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and for your comment. There are quite a few great beaches to choose from and each have their own unique vibe 😊

[@samo8204]

I love your videos! I wish Ruskin had a downtown.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for your continued support Sam! I always think it's a bit odd when cities don't have downtowns. Do you enjoy living in Ruskin otherwise?

[@dearmepa1]

Another excellent video! I’ve lived in Bradenton for 24 years and never hiked in Palmetto! You two are amazing!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much Hazel, we were so impressed with the preserve in Palmetto and will sure be back :)

[@BransonFamVlog]

Detwiler’s looks like an awesome place! That pineapple machine 😮🤭 how convenient!! Is this a chain? Or is it just a local gem? Thanks so much for sharing! We love watching your channel ♥️

[@Explorcation]

It's a local chain... I think there are 5 of them total. Unfortunately there are not yet any in St. Pete, but maybe someday soon. They really are amazing!

[@LeBoof]

Been a minute for me and for that I apologize. Love your videos and how much effort you always put into bringing such great videos. Thanks again for bringing us someplace new.

[@Explorcation]

No need to apologize at all, guys. As always, your support is always appreciate as are the kind and thoughtful comments! We hope all is well up in your corner of Florida!

[@lauramiranda6710]

I was raised in Palmetto FL :) Emerson point use to be one of my favourite spots for a jog or watch the sunset. Popi's place use to be one of our favourite go-to breakfast for us Palmetto High Schoolers lol D's Breakfast is also 10/10!!

[@Explorcation]

As much as we both enjoyed our childhoods in the midwest, we can only imagine how fun it would have been to grow up in a place like Palmetto, with all the year-round nature and outdoor activities available. We had a great experience at Popi's place, but will be sure to check out D's Breakfast next time we are in Palmetto!

[@darcyferrigno]

Detweilers looks amazing as does Emerson Point. Now that it is a bit cooler now, I have an itch to do more hiking and less water activities. Might have to head to Palmetto next weekend! Thanks again for giving us insight to more unknown places for us newly relocated locals.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to comment, Darcy! Emerson Point is definitely one of our new favorite hiking spots. It got a little on during our visit, but we still loved it!

[@AquariusTraveller]

So many things to see and do in Palmetto is seems and loved the variety. Looks like you got some great weather too - maybe overly sunny with all that hiking. I love the look at that bridge too! We have sweets pies here, but not overly available compared to you guys - But I don't think I've had a blueberry pie either! Will have to try that one day We have similar observation decks like what you visited - Matt would have made me park at the closer car park though LOL That farmers market looked amazing and so much fresh choices - great little shopping spot indeed ! You mention the Mantee River a few times - Does that mean there are Mantees often spotted in there or what ? I Love love love the Alice Scoppers name for the icecream shop - Thats so cute and they seem to have some great flavours there. Seemed to be an icecream kind of day stopping at the citrus place. Not sure I've ever had Orange Icecream either ....sounds very refreshing on a hot summer day - although you are getting closer to winter..LOL Always nice to finish with a beer platter :)

[@Explorcation]

When you have sugary coffee and pie for breakfast plus ice cream (twice) and beers, you NEED to hike the extra long route 😄 There are occasionally manatees in the manatee river. Not nearly as many as some of the spring-fed rivers to the north of us though. The farmers market is probably still our favorite thing about Palmetto. It really has the best produce and incredibly reasonable prices. We just wish we lived closer! And after living in Florida for 9 years you would think we would have known when citrus season was by now.

[@AquariusTraveller]

@@Explorcation We get strawberry around here and each time i think of it, it's never in season...LOL

[@BobCarlson]

I think my girlfriend has learned if I’m in charge of the driving, she best pack the hiking shoes and leave the flip flops behind. You are right. I’ve driven right past this town several times.

[@Explorcation]

😆yea I definitely learned my lesson in this video! maybe next time you will have to stop by to check it out :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@jadeheart911]

WOW ! That view is awesome ! ANd look at Skyler , picking up chicks hitchhiking on the side of the road ! lol !! ...Now I think I need to move close to that store ! EVERYTHING looked soooo good! Especially that Greek wrap !! WOW ! Looks like a nice area to check out !!

[@Explorcation]

He shouldn't be so trusting of hitchhiking chicks 😆 Seriously, Detwiler's is amazing, we still drive there when we can, even though we live in St. Pete. They also have locations in Sarasota and Venice!

[@mariagenovevaguevara2062]

thank u

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for watching!

[@CMJDT]

Thank you so much for recommending Detweiler's and Alice Scooper's. Experiencing both of these places has left an indellible mark on me. You might think I am being facetious but it was amazing. Detweilers was INSANE with SO MANY PEOPLE running around it was hard to believe that many people could fit into one grocery store. I thought Costco got bad, but Detweiler's was another level. I can see WHY, though! We LOVED they gyro. We might have not even gone there if it hadn't have been for your video. I saw the gyro you got and said THIS PLACE IS AMAZING WE MUST GO. I wish we had a Detweiler's in Minnesota. Holy cow. Alice Scoopers....I couldn't stop mentioning the name before we actually went because I find it funny. My boyfriend did not. He finally made us go so I would shut up about it. The Sea and Sand was a life changing ice cream. It is literally the best ice cream I have ever had in my life, all 42 years of it. Even the base ice cream of it was so amazing. So complex. Beautiful. It was a work of art. And the portions are so reasonable for the price! I just hope it's still there the next time we venture back to Florida.

[@Explorcation]

Oh wow that's so great to hear you loved Detweiler's and Alice Scooper's as much as we did! Both are surely the best at what they do. Thanks so much for watching!

[@MrModel--CAPTURED-ON-FILM]

Well, you hit all my favs. My Dad had been a rather famous architect - a very long time ago. Friend of Frank Lloyd Wright in Chicago when both were younger men. Then my Dad moved to California, where he built large beautiful homes for movie stars, of his day (I could tell you some stories!). On a road trip to Miami, to a furniture convention, a friend living in Bradenton had my Dad stop by and take a look around. My Dad liked what he saw, and stayed. He designed a few homes, which he sold. Then designed his final home, where I was born very late in his life. No matter where I've gone in life and the adventures I've had, I've always returned here. And the places you take us to around here are places I love to go to, and things I like to do, as well.

[@Explorcation]

Wow thanks so much for sharing this incredibly interesting story! We really love the old-Florida feel that Palmetto has and really think it's a total hidden gem. We hadn't spent too much time in Palmetto before making this video, so we're glad our research took us to the best spots! We'll definitely be returning to all of them in the future!

[@tawnykc83]

Yet another great video! I had heard about Palmetto but I wasn't too familiar with it. It looks like a very relaxing/chill place. Did you get that feeling when you were there? I like being in a place where there's a lot to do but sometimes I get overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of city life. I loved the nature in this video (especially the trees!). Is there a beach in or around Palmetto? There appears to be a lot of water but I really didn't see a place where you could sunbathe. I like that there's a flow to your videos. You start the day with coffee and end the day with beer 😁 I may have mentioned this to you before but I really like that you guys are transparent about prices. That coffee looked good and, for the type of coffee it was, seemed reasonably priced. I also loved the brewery. I often order a sour beer in my flight but they're usually not my favorite. I got a chance to visit Tampa Bay Brewing Company in Ybor City and they had a key lime sour beer that was my absolute favorite! I ended up ordering a snifter of it. Keep living your best life, guys! 😜

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, Palmetto is definitely relaxing and has quite a bit of that old-Florida feel. There are a lot of mom and pop restaurants, plenty of nature spots, and lots of mossy oaks and banyan trees, in addition to plenty of palm trees of course. The closest beach to Palmetto would be on Anna Maria Island, which is perhaps our favorite beach destination and has an extremely relaxed/chill vibe. It's around a 20 minute drive from Palmetto to Anna Maria. Thank you for the kind comments regarding our flow. We always try to keep things moving at a good pace but also connect everything so that our viewers always now how we got where we are. We appreciate the feedback on the prices as well. And we're definitely going to have to try that sour at Tampa Bay Brewing. Skylar loves key lime anything!

[@FuelSparkBang]

Can’t believe you guys didn’t go to American Honey creamery which is next door to corporate ladder brewing! Best ice cream in the area by far and amazing owners/staff.

[@Explorcation]

We noticed that place as we were walking up to Corporate Ladder, and if we hadn't already eaten ice cream (twice) that day, we definitely would have stopped in. After hearing your great review of it, we'll make sure to allow time for it next time we visit Corporate Ladder!

[@OurTravelPlace]

We're planning a future Florida trip for our honeymoon and Anna Maria Island is pretty much a definite, so now I think this area is definitely going on the shortlist. It looks really close to AMI and the hiking trails look gorgeous - we're both suckers for Spanish moss 😍 Love oranges so the citrus place sounds good. Maybe we'll get to try the tacos place for you! :D

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome, guys. When do you plan to visit? Emerson Point Preserve would be a great little retreat from AMI if you get sick of the beach and want to switch it up a bit! It's a totally different side of Florida and just a short drive away! And if you make it to Taco Juan, please do let us know how it is!

[@OurTravelPlace]

@@Explorcation Nothing booked yet but hopefully May 2024 (wouldn't normally be researching so far in advance but wedding/honeymoon is an exception I guess!). I don't think we will spend too many days around AMI as we're thinking of hiring a car and travelling around a bit so can't imagine we'll have long enough to get sick of the beach... it looks like a good potential place to stop on the way in/out though! :) Who knows though, it's so far away our plans could change by then!

[@Explorcation]

@@OurTravelPlace ahhh how very exciting, you two will have a lot of planning ahead of you so thinking about it so far in advance is a great idea. Definitely keep us updated on your plans and let us know if we can help with any questions!

[@CMJDT]

To add my two cents we went to Taco Juan and got the quesabirria tacos, two regular tacos (steak and carnitas), and the elote cup. The quesabirria was amazing. The regular tacos were just average (we wanted lengua but they no longer have it). The elote was terrible. Definitely get the quesabirria.

[@dannyphillips]

You guys have to try a restaurant called shake station. It’s in ellenton Florida next to palmetto! You’ll would love it!

[@Explorcation]

Sounds great. Next time we head down there to visit the outlet mall, we'll have to give it a try!

[@telefonosusynnemce195]

Btw the java place you went to, inside popi's....popi's is and has always been owned by the chef, popi. Still family run. Looks like a diner, but the winning menu items are everything Greek, popi's specialty!

[@susynne2124]

Also, re: coffee -- there are 2 cafes on 10th street (on your way to Emerson Point Preserve): Banyan Coffee Co., & 10th Street Coffee.

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for the info. Next time we'll try the Greek food!

[@jenniferjohnson6559]

Wow y’all weren’t far from us! We love Emerson Preserve and there are so many great places for those birdwatchers! We never stopped at the Citrus Place either but plan too now! We love the love of life that you both always show. Have you ever been to Desoto National Memorial park trail in Bradenton? Another great trail and also pet friendly!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for the kind comment, Jennifer. We can't believe it took us this long to visit Emerson Preserve. We loved that place! And now, we have not yet visited Desoto National Memorial Park Trail, but we'll be sure to now!

[@jenniferjohnson6559]

@@Explorcation if you decide to go to Desoto, make sure to look into Robinson Preserve, which is longer but also great to bike ride through if you don't want to walk it all, as well as the Palma Sola Botanical Park right across from Robinson! 🥳All not far from AMI 🏝

[@Explorcation]

@@jenniferjohnson6559 thank you soo much for your suggestions ♥

[@rodofj1206]

Can you ride bikes on those trails?

[@Explorcation]

From our visit, I don't think so. We didn't see any bikes on the trails during our visit, and looking at the preserve map, it seems the identified bike trail is the main road that goes through the park. All of the trails throughout the park were identified for hiking only. Thanks so much for watching.