Residents Will Enjoy Convenient Access to Lakewood Ranch

When Emerson Lakes, an Erickson Senior Living community under construction in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., opens, residents will have access to an on-site fitness center, waterfront restaurants, bocce court, dog park, walking trails, and more.

Clearly, there will be no shortage of activities to participate in! But if residents have the desire to venture off campus, Lakewood Ranch, a master-planned community spanning 35,000 acres in Southwest Florida, boasts plenty more amenities.

"Lakewood Ranch is an award-winning community known for its appealing mix of amenities," notes Adam Zubowsky, sales director of Emerson Lakes. "With so much to do here, it's one of the fastest-growing regions in the country."

A cultural experience

Lakewood Ranch has three town centers: The Green, Main Street, and Waterside Place. Each has its own unique charm and variety of amenities that attract both community members and visitors.

"There's a great mix of entertainment and opportunities in and around Lakewood Ranch," says Zubowsky. "The area is known as a cultural hub with a fantastic arts scene. There's something for everyone here."

Those interested in theater will enjoy performances at the Asolo Theater, the Florida Studio Theatre, Manatee Performing Arts Center, and McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and Humor Institute. There's also Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, the Sarasota Players, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.

People who enjoy learning and history will appreciate the museums in and around Lakewood Ranch. Many offer immersive experiences for all ages.

Among the popular museums near Emerson Lakes are the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum, Florida Maritime Museum, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Manatee Village Historical Park, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota Art Museum, Sarasota Classical Car Museum, and the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Shop 'til you drop

In addition, the three town centers are home to 12 shopping plazas featuring over 360 shops, eateries, and services.

The Green, located closest to the northern villages in Lakewood Ranch, boasts a walkable shopping center with more than two dozen businesses.

Main Street features cafes, boutiques, a cinema, salons, a barbershop, soap company, flower shop, bike shop, jeweler, and even a pet spa--so your furry friend can be pampered while you peruse.

Waterside Place is located along the waterfront in Sarasota County and offers 12 different plazas. There are national retailers anchoring several of the shopping centers, but quaint restaurants, dry cleaners, and nail salons are also there.

Plus, just down the road from Emerson Lakes is University Town Center, a vast mall with shops and dining venues.

"Whether it's a specific errand you need to run or you simply plan on spending the afternoon shopping at a leisurely pace, the centers around Lakewood Ranch meet every need," Zubowsky notes.

A recreational gem

With ten community parks and three county parks that provide more than 150 miles of multipurpose trails, Lakewood Ranch is a recreational mecca.

No matter the desired activity, it's likely to be found in the area. There are basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis courts. Exercise stations, an inline skate and hockey park, sports fields, and trails for hiking and biking round out the options for outdoor exercise.

Families may also take advantage of the nearby playgrounds, dog parks, and picnic pavilions.

For water enthusiasts, a kayak and boat launch and a fishing lake add even more recreational enjoyment.

Head to the beach

Speaking of water--Emerson Lakes is a short drive from the powder soft sands and clear blue waters of the Florida Gulf Coast.

Anna Maria Island features seven miles of white sand and turquoise waters. Without high-rise condominiums, the area is known for a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Located just west of Sarasota, Lido Key offers stunning sunsets and a range of water-based activities, including sailing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, and cruising.

Longboat Key is a barrier island west of Sarasota and Bradenton, known for its white sand beaches, luxury resorts, and waterfront golf.

Siesta Key--the "No. 2 spot" for beaches in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler's Choice Awards--delivers eight miles of white sand with several intimate beaches and plenty of outdoor activities.

Lots to explore

Once open, Emerson Lakes will offer shuttles to the town centers, providing residents with easy access to all that Lakewood Ranch has to offer.

"No matter what they choose, our residents will be sure to enjoy themselves," Zubowsky says.

To learn more about independent senior living at Emerson Lakes, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Linda Esterson