Each Thursday, Patch highlights staff and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.

You'll find useful lists to help you find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year's Eve celebrations, pizza to pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, burgers, parks and more.

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This week's list: 5 ideas for spending a day on the water in Bradenton...

• Cortez Fishing Center, 12507 Cortez Rd W, is the place to stop if you’re just not sure what kind of adventures you want to have on the water. Charter fishing, scuba diving, jet ski hires, boat trips to Egmont Key and dolphin watching are just some of the activities that Cortez Fishing Center can get you started with. Bring the whole family – there’s something there for everyone.
• Yolo Parasailing, 4334 127th St W, Cortez: Parasailing is an exhilarating experience that has found its way onto many a “Bucket List”. Yolo Parasailing is the place to go if you’re looking to have an unforgettable experience 500 feet above the Gulf. The staff is trained, certified and friendly and the views are spectacular. Fly high solo or bring a passenger or two along with you. You’ll feel like you’re floating on Cloud 9.
• Makin’ Waves CraigCat Dealer, 12507 Cortez Rd W, provides a fun and speedy way to take a spin on the water. The popular little CraigCat boats are available for sale and to rent for day excursions. These little boats can reach up to 30 knots in speed, and they’re some of the cheapest rentals available, according to Captain Chris, owner of Makin’ Waves.  Chris knows the local waters like the back of his hand and can tell you all the prime spots for fishing, dolphin watching, snorkeling and more.
• The Beach:  Bradenton is host to some of the Gulf Coast’s greatest beaches. With beachside attractions such as Manatee Beach Park, Anna Maria Beach Park and Coquina Gulfside Park to choose from, you may want to plan a few trips out to the beach to decide on your favorite.
• Mattison’s Riverside, 1200 1st Ave W: What better way to round out a day of splashing around in the sun than with a relaxing waterside meal as the sun sets over the Manatee River? Located on the historic Memorial Pier built in 1928, Mattison’s provides the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner for two or an outing with friends. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and the riverside deck features a fire pit and live music. As for the food, the collection of Bradenton Herald Reader’s Choice awards and Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon award that Mattison’s has earned speak for themselves – and what they say is, “Yum!”