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Romantic

Planning the Perfect Romantic Getaway to Anna Maria Island

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

Whether you have an anniversary, new relationship or maybe just need time away – planning a romantic trip to Anna Maria Island is a wonderful place to start. From a quaint small beach town feel, to the amazing amenities you can access, there are many memories to be made here on Anna Maria Island. We have compiled a wonderful list of amazing things to make your romantic getaway perfect.

Accommodations

  • A Paradise Vacation Rentals has Anna Maria Island vacation rentals to suit your needs. Browse the collection of vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Longboat Key to find your perfect vacation accommodation.

Breakfast

  • Ginny and Jane E’s – This cafe is located in the Historic City of Anna Maria, a quaint “Old Florida” area on the north end of Anna Maria Island. The store is a unique collection of local art and unique finds. The cafe offers preservative, steroid, and hormone-free food. The bakery is made fresh every morning.
  • Waffle Press – The core of the menu is the Leige waffle, a sweeter, smaller cousin to the well-known Belgian waffle.

SPA TREATMENT

  • Body & Sol Spa and Wellness – The day spa is located in the historic IGA building in Anna Maria. With 4,000 sq ft, we are the largest natural full-service spa on the island of Anna Maria.

SWEET TREATS

  • Dips Ice Cream – Don’t be fooled; this ice cream shop is more than just a place to go for a sugar rush. Dips is also a candy & sports shop. Adults will enjoy the many throwback candies, including bottle caps, wax lips, and jawbreakers.  Kids will like the dotted ice cream pellets and the general abundance of delicious refined sugar. 
Romantic

DINNER

  • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits – Dine with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand on the beach deck here. Enjoy fresh local seafood options with amazing drink menu features.
  • Slicker’s Eatery – attempts to be intentional with their ingredients, our choices, our relationships, and our impact. Everything from investing in their team, partnering with local charities, steering away from frozen or fried foods, and opting for fresh and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
  • Wicked Cantina – all the food is hand-made in-house daily. They specialize in delicious, Austin-style Tex-Mex as well as tasty American classics. Fresh food, a fresh, modern, family-friendly vibe, a full liquor bar, and ample parking await you.

SUNSET CRUISE

  • Salty Dolphin 2 – There is truly no better way to experience Anna Maria’s stunning views and vibrant wildlife than from the water. Sit back and relax as the setting sun paints the Gulf Coast in a stunning array of hues, and playful dolphins swim alongside your boat. 

Find a perfect backdrop for your romantic getaway on Anna Maria Island. From gorgeous sunsets, to couples massages, you will feel refreshed and more in love than ever leaving this beautiful haven. We look forward to greeting you soon and hope you have a memorable getaway here.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Hydrating

Hydrating to Beat the Heat for the Best Beach Experience

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

With temperatures that can spike in the triple digits, hydrating at the beach is vital to ensure you can safely enjoy time outdoors. While grabbing a case of water seems the easiest way to manage this concern while vacationing on Anna Maria Island, we prefer you leave the plastic at home to help keep our beaches clean for other visitors and generations to come. We have compiled some amazing ways to stay hydrated and maybe even make your taste buds happier than a simple water bottle could have managed.

Water for the Win – Fill up those Stanley’s and other reusable mugs with as much water as they can hold. Ensure you have plenty of back-ups during the outings to the beach and around town to refill your bottle many times over. Depending on your activity level, the temperatures, how much you sweat, and other factors predicting how much water you need can be tricky, so overpack for those outings.

Slice Up a Watermelon – Watermelon is 92 percent water! A huge hydrating fruit to slice up for enjoying any time of the day during the summer. You can also make watermelon ice cubes and flavor your water, or even slice and freeze them to put in the cooler for extra refreshment on those hot days out and about the beautiful island.

Veggies on the Go – Approximately 20 percent of your fluid intake comes from food—with the remaining 80 percent from beverages. This is great news for those who love their fruits and veggies! Better yet, grab sparkling water, and add in cucumber, strawberries, or lemon for a refreshing twist on plain old water. Additionally, check out these foods that are delicious as well as hydrating to pack for your time out in the heat:

  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelon
  • Strawberries
  • Grapefruit
  • Peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Spinach
  • Radishes
  • Broccoli
Hydrating Watermelon

Adding Electrolytes – Electrolytes control the functioning of your nervous system, regulate muscle contractions, and balance your pH levels. Hydration drinks may also contain carbohydrates or sugars, which will give you a little boost to power the lethargy of walks, swimming, and other physical activities during the heat. Whether you add electrolytes to water, or purchase pre-made drink options, there is a myriad of options on the market. Do your research for your favorite, and if planning extended exercise-heavy outdoor activities, tuck the electrolytes in your bag for staying hydrated.

Snazzy Pineapple Option – Made up of 87% water, this delicious, juicy fruit also contains an enzyme that is great for its hydrating, digestion-aiding, detoxifying, and immunity-strengthening benefits. Cut off the green leafy top, and chunk up a fresh pineapple core. Then use the husk to pour in water, adding in the chunks for flavoring for a cool all-natural drink. Another alternative is to use the pineapple and ice to create a smoothie that you can scoop into the husk for a wonderful beach-worthy vibe, as well as a hydrating treat for your taste buds.

Grab one of these drinks in your reusable bottle or cup, and head on out to the beach. Please remember to always take everything back that you brought out to the beach while out enjoying the water. The gorgeous sceneries of the island are something you simply don’t want to miss, and we hope these drink options keep everyone hydrating, exploring, and living their best life possible, whether you are here for a day or permanently.

Photos Courtesy of Deposit Photos/Unsplash

Fourth of July

Mark Your Calendars for Fun Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July This Year

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

This weekend leads into the biggest summer holiday, the Fourth of July this coming week. We know that temperatures might be rising, but that is no reason not to have a blast this holiday. We have compiled a great list of ideas for how to celebrate the Fourth of July around Anna Maria Island, whether you are here just for a short vacay or live here all year round.

Remember that with turtle hatching season and the impacts of fireworks on the island’s ecosystem, there are no shows planned on the island. There is a lot of debris, and rash that these shows leave in their wake which impacts the wildlife and caused the decision to not have these events on the island. That said, there are amazing events close by to fill that need.

Bradenton Marauders – to host a fun family evening of baseball and fireworks on July 3rd. This game starts at 6:30 pm and a fireworks display will take place after the game. LECOM Park is located at 1611 9th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Get more ticketing information and times at the team website. The first 1,500 fans to arrive for the July 3rd game will get a free t-shirt!

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – Our manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and otters are ready to meet you 365 days a year at Mote Aquarium, located just minutes from downtown Sarasota and Lido Beach. Visitors can explore touch pools, hands-on exhibits, and windows into the science and conservation of Mote Marine Laboratory.

July 4th Independence Day Parade – 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, on Anna Maria Island from Coquina Beach (North Entrance) to City Pier Park in Anna Maria. The Anna Maria Island Privateers will be livening things up again this year – come out young and old for one of the best Fourth of July traditions on the Island.

Fireworks

Kayak Rental – get out on the water, and explore Anna Maria’s beautiful emerald coastline and abundant wildlife in one of Beach Bum’s kayaks.

Fireworks on the Lake Driven by Lamborghini Sarasota – Fireworks on the Lake are coming back with a bang! All are invited to a sparkling celebration at Nathan Benderson Park on Monday, July 3 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm.

4th of July Fireworks on the Manatee River – Downtown Bradenton offers a unique urban spin on the night’s festivities. Spend your day shopping, dining, and enjoying the arts and culture downtown. Afterward, venture over to the award-winning Riverwalk to enjoy the fireworks display over the Manatee River at 9 p.m. Bring a blanket and chairs, snacks, and a camera! July 4, 2023, from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular – This event will be Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the Sarasota Bayfront Park, 1 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, at 9 p.m. Races and holiday festivities will attract thousands of people to the City of Sarasota.

We hope you have amazing plans for the weekend and the Fourth of July. Whether fireworks over the water or celebrations with friends, this holiday is sure to be memorable. Stay safe, and enjoy this amazing paradise we all call home.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Food AMI

Amazing Food Options on Anna Maria Island

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

While Anna Maria Island is known for the wonderful quaint beachside views and small community feel, the food might just be the best part of your stay. No major food chains are part of the cuisine here on the island; instead, there are many small niche restaurants to choose from. Some of the freshest seafood, comfort foods, and drink options exist on Anna Maria Island, making it amazing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Bortell's Fisheries
Photo Courtesy of Bortells Fisheries
  • AMI General Store – The Anna Maria General Store is an Anna Maria Island staple that has been the local place to go for food, drinks, and supplies since the 50’s when it was located at 307 Pine Avenue.
  • Bortell’s Fisheries – this is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated fish market offering take-out only and fresh fish, smoked and fried fish to go.
  • Bridge Tender Inn – Established 30 years ago, Bridge Tender Inn (BTI) is Bradenton’s favorite sports bar and grille to eat, drink, and socialize while watching a televised sports event. You can chug beers, eat lip-smacking food, enjoy live music, and make great memories in a comfy, laid-back setting.
  • Dips Ice Cream – Don’t be fooled; this ice cream shop is more than just a place to go for a sugar rush. Dips is also a candy & sports shop. Adults will enjoy the many throwback candies, including bottle caps, wax lips, and jawbreakers.  Kids will like the dotted ice cream pellets and the general abundance of delicious refined sugar. 
  • Donut Experience – The Donut Experiment is Anna Maria’s very own gourmet donut shop! They bring a unique experience to the area and offer a large menu of donut options for everyone with a sweet tooth to enjoy. At the donut shop, you can create your own donut by choosing custom icings, toppings, drizzles, and more, and our friendly staff will create it for you.
  • Ginny and Jane E’s – this cafe is located in the Historic City of Anna Maria, a quaint “Old Florida” area on the north end of Anna Maria Island. The store is a unique collection of local art and unique finds. The cafe offers preservative, steroid, and hormone-free food. The bakery is made fresh every morning.
  • Harry’s Grill – the family and pet-friendly restaurant for good wine, beer, and live music. Anna Maria Island Sun Reader’s Choice Award winner for multiple years.
  • Kiwi Style Fish & Chips – featuring delicious choice local fish coated in their signature crispy batter and even custom-made meat patties. They aim to always serve customers the very best produce.
  • Los Chilidos – the restaurant incorporates traditional Mexican flavors with a fresh, healthier Southern California twist. The food is always prepared fresh onsite for dining in or take out.
  • Minnie’s Beach Café – breakfast and lunch restaurant with amazing fresh specials daily.
  • North Shore Cafe serves handcrafted espresso drinks, teas, coffee, and smoothies.
  • Pizza Social – this place is a small pizza shop striving to bring the best pizza possible to Anna Maria Island and the surrounding area. The Pizza Social specialties include handcrafted pizza and fresh salads.
  • Sandbar Seafood & Spirits – dine with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand on the beach deck here. Enjoy fresh local seafood options with amazing drink menu features.
  • Slicker’s Eatery – attempts to be intentional with their ingredients, our choices, our relationships, and our impact. Everything from investing in their team, partnering with local charities, steering away from frozen or fried foods, and opting for fresh and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.
  • Scott’s Deli – great food, great value, friendly service, and a happy atmosphere.  All of their ingredients are locally sourced when possible and always fresh, along with new treats will be featured weekly.
  • Skinny’s Place – They offer great burgers and frosted mugs at Skinny’s Place in Holmes Beach.
  • The Porch – features many incredible offerings, from signature dishes, seasonal entrées, specialty spritzers, top-quality steak, fresh fish, and a vast selection of beer and wine to choose from.
  • Tide Tables – offers fresh off the boat seafood, and is just a short drive over the Cortez Bridge too!
  • Waffle Press – t the core of the menu is the Leige waffle, a sweeter, smaller cousin to the well-known Belgian waffle.
  • Wicked Cantina – all the food is hand-made in-house daily. They specialize in delicious, Austin-style Tex-Mex as well as tasty American classics. Fresh food, a fresh modern family-friendly vibe, a full liquor bar, and ample parking await you.
anna maria island food
Photo Courtesy of Wicked Cantina

Did we make your mouth water with that list? Whether looking for a quick lunch, a healthy breakfast or the freshest seafood meal possible – Anna Maria has something for everyone. You might visit the beaches, but the food here is sure to add to the memories of your time in our community. The best part of these amazing places is rubbing elbows with the locals and the ambiance that just adds a little extra you can’t get from big food chains.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

summer beach

Coming to Anna Maria Island this Summer – A Reminder of Things to Pack for the Beach

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info, Uncategorized.

Summer is nearly upon us, with kids out of school and families hitting the road for a break. Anna Maria Island is an amazing spot to come for a long weekend or extend that stay for longer. Of course, the heat of the summer, amazing beaches, and quaint smaller town feel keep bringing many visitors back year after year. For those that haven’t been here in years, or maybe ever, we’ve compiled an amazing list of items to ensure you tuck into your bag this summer.

Sun Protection

Now you probably think this is a no-brainer, and of course, no one should go to the beach without sunscreen applied. It is not just a quick spritz or lotion down once; remember to bring plenty of sunscreen for reapplication. The FDA recommends reapplying at least every two hours and more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water. Remember, kids and others in your party should also be considered when choosing a sun protectant and reminders to reapply as needed. Don’t forget lip balms for keeping your pout kissable and unburned, along with eyewear to shade from UV light for the best all-over protection.

summer protection

Dress for Summer

Swimsuits, coverups, and a hat ensure you can move from sand to water and back again while vacationing. Be sure to think about comfort, style, and protection as you pick each vital piece of your vacation wardrobe. We recommend buying lightweight, breathable, flexible, and lightly colored shorts to help keep you cool even on the hottest days.

Hats shield visitors from the sun and keep your head cooler than baking in direct sunlight. Additionally, think about rash guards if you will be in the water for extended periods and intend to snorkel or partake in other activities on the amazing beaches of Anna Maria Island. Sandals are great for navigating through the sand and ensure safety for your feet while allowing easy access for removal to hit the water.

Towel or Blanket

The sand might look light and airy on the beaches of Anna Maria Island, but you will need a towel or blanket barrier. This helps to ensure it doesn’t overheat your skin and protects the granules. Additionally, you will probably find circumstances ideal for hitting the waves to cool off, and these towels will help be sure you can dry off afterward.

Summer Umbrella

Like a beach towel or monkey mat is a must-have, so is an umbrella if your luggage has enough room. Even when you want to get some sun, it is always nice to have an area of shade to sit under when you need it without having to leave the beach. Be sure your umbrella is easily anchored and lightweight enough not to be a big workout to move around.

summer umbrella

Cooler and Hydration

Coolers containing light snacks and cooled drinks are vital for a long day at the beach. Water or other electrolyte-heavy hydration should be in every beach visitor’s bag this summer. Every pound of sweat you lose is a pint of water needed to replenish. Anyone who has spent any amount of time in our blazing heat here on the Suncoast knows sweat is a given. Sugary drinks and others can actually cause hydration and other issues in the heat, so ensuring you have the right hydration for your beach visit is critical.

Entertainment

Remember to not forget the Bluetooth speakers for music while out enjoying all things summer here in Anna Maria island. Additionally, bring some water toys, goggles, various sports pieces to get some great competitive games going, and other activities to keep you enjoying the time spent relaxing. The worst thing is getting down to the water and realizing you need to hike back and forth to your rental. Think ahead, and pack the fun along with all the essentials.

Are you ready for the summer vacation or days just spent lounging on the beaches of Anna Maria Island? We hope that this list is helpful in putting the final touches on your luggage for summer travels to our town. Enjoy the summer. Stay safe, enjoy all that Anna Maria Island has to offer, and we hope you love everything about this amazing place.

Photo courtesy of Deposit Photos

Anna Maria Historic

Wonderful Historic Places to Visit During a Visit to Anna Maria Island

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

While many visitors come to Anna Maria Island for the beaches and gorgeous sceneries. This tropical destination boasts a litany of historic places that give a peek into the early days of Anna Maria Island. We have compiled a list of great pieces of history for Anna Maria Island that you can visit today and add a unique touch to your visit.

The Anna Maria City Pier

The 678-foot pier sands at the end of Pine Avenue and has been closed for periods of time to renovate it. Water broke down the construction of the pier over time, and after Hurricane Irma, even more, damage was recorded. This amazing pier, though, is always a piece of history that the residents are determined to keep in place and can be viewed while eating, shopping, or walking through various attractions.

Rosier Church Anna Maria Island

The Roser Memorial Church

Roser also developed the first church on the island, the Roser Memorial Community Church, in 1913. The cross on the church was lit and served as a beacon for fishermen until electricity reached the island after a few years. Amazingly, the Roser Memorial Church still stands today and can be visited in the City of Anna Maria at 512 Pine Avenue.

Cortez Fishing Village

This timeless community embraces everything that is old Florida. No high rises are allowed in the village, filled with little cottages, homes, and businesses lining super narrow streets. You can visit with proud locals that build and refurbish boats, work towers of crab traps and bring up some of the freshest seafood options for your shopping pleasure. This village is off the beaten path and a walk straight into history with a great historical museum and wonderful eateries where you are sure to love the vibe.

Anna Maria Island Historical Museum

Cortez Fishing Village

The museum can be found in a 1920’s building that was originally an icehouse. The location also served as other important parts of the community throughout its lifetime. It was a garage, a sea turtle hatchery, and an administrative building before becoming the home of the Museum of 1992. Throughout the museum, you’ll learn about the first settlers on the island around 1845. This is the best snippet of everything Anna Maria Island you will surely find in one place.

Blue Marlin Seafood

Blue marlin

In 2011 this little eatery opened in a historic 1920s cottage on historic Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island. Restoration of the cottage was done with care to provide an intimate, coastal restaurant vibe with original wainscoting and wood flooring. Tables and benches made from recycled dock wood add to the amazing ambiance of this jewel. Antique ship lanterns, fish mounts & oars scattered throughout lend the cottage a charming, intimate atmosphere. The best part is the wonderful dishes and drinks to be had in this gem of a stop while visiting the island.

With so many great places to take a trip back in time, these locales are sure to add to your trip. Step back in time and walk through years long gone here on Anna Maria Island. These amazing historic places allow you to see the past of this wonderful island, which has been built to make it the paradise it is today for residents and visitors alike.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos

Downtown Bradenton

Visit Downtown Bradenton

Written by Paradise Realty Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

Whether you’re coming in from a Tampa or St Pete flight, traveling back in from spending the day in Sarasota, or just wanting to venture off the 7-miles of Anna Maria Island for the day… Downtown Bradenton has something to offer everyone in the family! From a family day to a date night to an afternoon jaunt, Downtown Bradenton is welcoming, walkable, and wonderful.

Farmer’s Market

Home of the extensive Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market – a place where the community meets to enjoy fresh produce, local art, upbeat music, demonstrations by local chefs, and free family activities.

Every Saturday, from October through May from 9am – 2pm, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market hosts over eighty vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Right on Bradenton’s Old Main Street, you can’t miss it.

Downtown Bradenton

Downtown Bars and Restaurants

Old Main Street is a tree-lined retail district of cafes and restaurants running three blocks north from Manatee Avenue to the Manatee River, where it meets the Bradenton Riverwalk. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a lively bar scene, fun dinner, or just to grab a beer with a view! The options are truly endless and there are so many wonderful spots, just stroll the street and stop in where you’re interested! Parking is free on weekends, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Sunsets in Bradenton

Museums

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Featuring The Planetarium, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, the Mosaic Backyard Universe and a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit! With frequents events, specials, and visiting exhibits — it’s the perfect way to spend a rainy (or sunburnt) day of your vacation!

Bradenton Riverwalk

A must-do on a beautiful weather day with the family is to stroll Bradenton’s Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile park that features day docks, an amphitheater, performance areas and pavilion, a skateboard park, an interactive splash pad, and much more. Learn more about other fun activities taking place in downtown Bradenton.

Historic

Baseball at LECOM Park

Just a few blocks away from Main Street in Downtown Bradenton is a treasure of our area, LECOM Park! The Spring Training ballpark of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The stadium also hosts Minor League Baseball games for the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates’ Single-A affiliate in the Florida State League. Built in 1923, it is the oldest stadium still used for spring training, but it has received so many great upgrades and additions in recent years. Take us out to the ballgame!

Photos Courtesy of Unsplash and Pixabay

Spring Break

Planning Spring Break on Anna Maria Island

Written by Paradise Realty Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

Spring Break: The time to turn off the early alarms, put away the textbooks, and get a good dose of Vitamin D. Spring Break on Anna Maria Island is almost here so we have a few tips and tricks to plan your family’s best beach vacation yet!

A good thing to note about our quaint 7-mile island of Anna Maria is it’s typically not a party type of Spring Break tropical destination. Things move slower and places close earlier, really making the emphasis a relaxing getaway with plenty of fun for groups of all ages.

Spring Break

Coquina Beach is one of the most popular spots for families with children, as it has shallow water that makes it safe for kids to swim in. The beach also features picnic tables and grills if you want to make a day out of your trip to the shoreline. There is also everything you may need for a beach day at the Manatee Public Beach. If you’re driving, plan for some traffic so get here early to snag a coveted parking spot! If you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals, you’re in luck! Everywhere on the island is walkable, bike-able, or you can take our free trolley!

Springtime weather on Anna Maria Island tends to be warm and sunny. During the day, temperatures typically range from about 70°F to 85°F, with occasional highs over 90°F.

Nighttime temperatures can sometimes to dip down into the 50s or 60s, so you might want to bring a light sweater if you’re planning on spending time outdoors at night.

April is also the start of the rainy season in Florida, so you might experience some rain during your spring break vacation. Luckily, those showers are usually short-lived and don’t last more than a few hours at a time.

Spring Break

If you’re wanting to add some adventure to your laidback vacation – try some local water sports! Popular options include parasailing, jet skis, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing. Make the most of our beautiful waters! Be sure to book early!

Speaking of booking early, we have so many great eateries and small businesses here on AMI. From ice cream shops to souvenir stores to restaurants and more. If you want to go out and grab a drink or a great meal, our expert tip is to make reservations where you can or arrive for early mealtimes. There are plenty of awesome options!

If you’re looking for a spot on Anna Maria, in Sarasota, or nearby in Bradenton – there are still some options available! Peruse our rentals page or reach out to our team and we can help you get set up. Our local experts can also recommend and help you get set up with a great local rentals, restaurants, or services!

Just a thirty-minute drive from Sarasota, Anna Maria Island’s soft sand beaches and warm waters make it the perfect spot for some relaxing beach time. So whether you want to go swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoy breathtaking sunsets, there’s something for everyone on this island paradise. The recipe for a Spring Break you won’t forget. Let’s make it happen.

Photos from Pexels.com

Cities

Anna Maria Island’s 3 Cities: What’s the Difference?

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

While planning your vacation to Anna Maria Island you may have noticed that on this quaint 7-mile island there are three distinct cities. A lot of people seek guidance on which one to book in, so we’re here to help share the differences between the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach.

ALL the Gulf of Mexico beaches on Anna Maria Island are open to the public.  Some prefer one cities’ beach over another, however, the difference between beaches are the amount of visitors on each. The softness of the sand, number of seashells, color of the sand, etc are similar if not the same for all gulf beaches.

Cities

The City of Anna Maria is on the northern tip of the island and has mainly of residential properties, making it much less crowded and much quieter. There are two piers and shops you can explore while you visit. The main street of ‘downtown’ Anna Maria is Pine Avenue runs the width of the island from bay at the Anna Maria City Pier to the Gulf and is voted one of the ‘Greenest Main Streets in the USA’. 

Move further down the island to reach Holmes Beach in the middle. This section of land is home to the popular Manatee Avenue and its widest beach. You’ll find more homes than condos, and numerous gift shops and restaurants as well as the island’s sole major grocery store. This area is considered quieter than Bradenton Beach and has many gift shops, restaurants, and the Public Beach.

Cities

Finally, the southern side of the island holds Bradenton Beach. This section is usually the busiest but it is also the most walkable. The narrowest and the southernmost town on the island, has recently taken seriously its downtown atmosphere and created a foot friendly Bridge Street: the heart of the town. Close proximity to the accessible Coquina Beach and all of the Bridge Street attractions if you’re looking for things to do!

While the cities aren’t far apart, and are virtually indiscernible while you’re passing through, we’ll try to sum up the minor differences to make booking your vacation in paradise a breeze. We offer beautiful and affordable A Paradise accommodations in all three areas, and really as long as you’re on Anna Maria Island you really can’t go wrong.

Photos from VisitFlorida.com

Rainy

Anna Maria Island Rainy Day Activities

Written by Staff on . Posted in Anna Maria Island, Blog, Info.

You’ve planned your perfect vacation in paradise on Anna Maria Island. You’ve got your itinerary filled with lounging on the beach, warm swims in the Gulf, bike rides, shoreline strolls, fishing, and sunset admiring. Everything is perfectly planned out. And then… weather hits. You see a rainy day on the forecast and undoubtedly worry about your trip plans being ruined.

We’ll ease your mind with a couple of things: One, rain storms *typically* don’t last too long here in the AMI area. Two, the sunsets are always better after a stormy day. Three, there’s still so much to do in the Sarasota-Bradenton area even on a rainy day. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite rainy day activities here locally on our slice of the Sunshine State!

Rainy

Visit Bradenton’s Village of the Arts

The Village of the Arts, a colorful, fun, and eclectic neighborhood not far from Downtown Bradenton and Lecom Park. The unique cottages and bungalows themselves are cute enough to make a drive to see but the offerings inside many of them are just as exciting. In the Village of the Arts you can find everything from award-winning restaurants to specialty shops, studios, healing arts, bakeries and some of Bradenton’s best art galleries.

Go Shopping

A rainy day is the perfect time to scour for souvenirs for your loved ones, send postcards to family, or treat yourself to a little retail therapy. Whether you’re looking to window shop some locally curated boutiques or wanting to make a day of it at the massive and award-winning University Town Center… You can shop til’ you drop in whatever fashion you like!

Check Out Florida Maritime Museum

Right nearby in Florida’s oldest fishing village of Cortez, is the Florida Maritime Museum. While the Florida Maritime Museum sits on four acres of stunning Florida greens, the bulk of the museum’s peculiar maritime artifacts are indoors. Head inside to see historic photographs, antique tools, boat models, and more.

Have a Spa Day

Self-care is important. Whether you’re aching for a massage, feeling a facial, or wanting to freshen up your look – AMI has some great options for day spas and salons of all kinds!No better way to forget a change in plans than pampering yourself with some spa services!

Go Bar Hopping

There are so many fantastic options to sip a drink, do some dancing, befriend some locals, or catch live music. In fact, you can find all of that and more at these nightlife spots on Anna Maria or very close by! Even better? No driving! The free trolley runs from 6am-11pm every day, but if you’re out past that there is always the Monkey Bus or Uber/Lyft rides are available as well! 

Rainy Days

See Sarasota Museums

Sarasota, Florida is known for its emphasis on the arts. You could certainly spend multiple days just checking out the museums within 20-30 minutes of Anna Maria Island. There are so many things to do in Sarasota whether you’re heading out to visit a well-renowned museum or catch some live entertainment! 

As always, you can chat with our experienced team of locals for their favorite rainy day plans! When in doubt? You really can’t go wrong with supporting our local eateries, artists, and creatives in the Bradenton area. There’s always a Sunshine State of Mind here on AMI.

Photos Courtesy of Unsplash