Skip to main content

Tag: Shop Local

Shopping

Anna Maria Island Guide to Holiday Shopping

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

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Although this season is really about so much more than gift-giving, we think gift-giving thoughtfully can be really great. There are simple ways to shop responsibly and give back while doing your regular holiday shopping. Especially, if you choose to shop local and support a small business.

Some of the best shopping on AMI can be conveniently found on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach and Pine Avenue on the North End of Anna Maria. Both streets host plenty of walkable shopping! We’ve compiled some of our favorite island shops to get everything from sunglasses to surf gear and art to toys. Speaking of toys, some of our local shops would be GREAT to pick up some donations for our office Toys for Tots drive!

Original Sand Dollar
5302 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 

The Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop is an incredibly cute shop located in Holmes Beach. It was recently re-opened, and is now run by the family that originally opened the store back in 1960! They’ve thoughtfully curated beautiful items for anyone’s home or closet.  This store is very popular with locals and visitors alike because they have such a unique and trendy selection. Everything from sea shells and candles to jewelry and clothes awaits at The Sand Dollar!

West Coast Surf Shop
3902 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL

West Coast Surf Shop has been on Anna Maria Island since 1964! If you’re looking for a real surf shop, than this is the place to go! At West Coast Surf Shop, you will find beachy apparel, the best brands of swimwear, sunglasses, jewelry, surfboards, skateboards, etc. If you have a water sport enthusiast, this is the place to get the latest and greatest gear.

Shopping

The Island Cabana
403 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL

The Island Cabana, located at Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island, is a resort lifestyle beachwear and gifts boutique for both you and your home. Quaint, local shop with women’s brand-name resortwear & trendy jewelry, plus home decor & souvenirs. In 2015 The Island Cabana become a Lilly Pulitzer Premier Specialty Store.

Pink & Navy
216 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL

This adorable boutique features hip and trendy clothing and accessories for women, men and children of all ages and sizes. With a focus on buying brands that give back and do good, you can feel good about your purchases and hopefully find clothes that make you feel beautiful. Because you are – inside and out. Very trendy!

Sun & Surf
5418 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL

Here you’ll find a large selection of beach clothes. Tons of beach themed T-shirts, cover-ups and swim wear too. All the typical things you find a beach shops are here including a few out of the ordinary items. Sometimes you’ll find furniture and other knick-knacks.

Shopping

Egret Shops
10006 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL

The White Egret is full of original treasures including home accents, bedding, bath goods, candles, linens, and more. They also offer custom floral designs! They have on staff designers that can create all types of original displays for all occasions.  The owner’s actually own three different spots on the island: The White Egret, The Egret’s Nest, and The Egret’s Landing.  Each of the stores specializes in it’s own unique gifts and decor.

The Egret’s Nest – Ladies’ Apparel& Baby Boutique

The Egret’s Landing – Home Furnishings& Interior Design

Island Bazaar
3304 E Bay Dr. Holmes Beach, FL 

Bridge Street Bazaar
117 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL

A family-owned small business since 1987 that has grown over five times through the years to offer our customers a wide selection of quality goods. Definitely known for its wide variety of funky souvenirs but they also have a great selection of sunglasses! They have everything you need for the beach from Tshirts and beach novelty items as well as everyone’s favorite beachwear brands: Costa and Salt Life.

Shiny Fish Emporium
306 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL

1950‘s Palm Beach elegance and style meets the tranquil low-key lifestyle of Anna Maria Island. Beach Glam© gifts are found next to unique toys for kids of all ages at the Shiny Fish!

And don’t forget…

Toys For Tots!

Giving back is a major part that makes the holiday season so lovely. Toys for Tots is an incredible initiative that we at A Paradise are happy to partner with each and every year. Just drop off a toy to either our Ellenton or Anna Maria Island office to take part in making someone’s Christmas special!

Photos from Pexels.com

Holidays 2

Celebrate the Holidays on Anna Maria Island

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

After a long year like this, it’s important to make the holidays a time to prioritize relaxation and joy. Whether that means embracing new traditions, tweaking old ones, or just making it up as you go! A great way to make the holidays a bit more calm? Take a vacation to the most serene and beautiful place we know – Anna Maria Island!

Jack Frost won’t be nipping at your nose and the only way you’ll get a white Christmas is on our powdery-sand beaches. The weather may be warmer than any other typical Winter you’re probably used to but spending the holidays in paradise can bring its own unique kind of magic.

Here are a few ways to make the most of celebrating the holiday season in paradise.

Holidays

Build a Snowman out of Sand

Take the classic Winter activity but make it beachy. Take the snowman idea and just trade it for sand! Your hands will stay warm and you can snap a pic to share with all of your colder-weather loved ones!

Paper Snowflakes

Stay warm and make your own decorative paper snowflakes with this longtime favorite! It’s a great way to bring back some childhood memories as well as pretty much the most inexpensive craft and way to decorate that you could ever ask for!

Enjoy Ice Cream instead of Avoiding Icicles

We’d choose ice cream over icicle dodging any day! Stop by one of our favorite local ice cream shops and get a sweet treat.

Craft Coastal Ornaments

If you’re in the crafty mood and want to make a keepsake to remember your time in paradise year after year, we have a list of easy DIY coastal-themed ornaments! These work great as a family activity, stress-relieving activity, or can be given as Christmas gifts!

Trade Hot Cocoa for Iced Coffee

Holidays 3

You may be used to cuddling up next to a warm fire and sipping hot cocoa or warm cider which you can certainly still do here… But it may be a little more comfortable with sometime to help cool you down. Here’s a list of some of the BEST coffee shops in the area where you can get your favorite coffees, cocoas, and teas – hot or iced!

Toys For Tots

Giving back is a major part that makes the holiday season so lovely. Toys for Tots is an incredible initiative that we at A Paradise are happy to partner with every year. Just drop off a toy to either our Ellenton or Anna Maria Island office to take part in making someone’s Christmas special!

Go Golfing instead of Shoveling Snow

An even better way to get a good arm workout than shoveling snow? There are plenty of really great golf courses in the area. Much more fun than breaking a sweat to get into your driveway… Much more of our kind of driving!

Water Sports instead of Snow Sports

There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy in our area, especially ones on the water! If you love skiing, try water-skiing! Or there are plenty of fun Gulf activities like paddleboarding, charter fishing, or skim boarding!

Shop Local

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite local, small shops and boutiques where you can pick up gifts for any of your loved ones or even a souvenir for yourself!

See, there are just a few wonderful ways that you can make the holidays on Anna Maria Island special. Give us a call to hear about some of our latest deals and see how we can get you and your family your perfect getaway for winter in paradise! (800) 237-2252

Photos courtesy of Deposit Photos, Pixabay and Sharon Hoatland