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Tag: Small Business

Bayfest is Back for its 20th Year!

One of the most special things about Anna Maria Island is our incredible community. It is the perfect balance of diverse and tight-knit, and in turn, our island really has so much to offer. From art vendors to family-owned restaurants and musicians to local small businesses, there is no shortage of goodness to be discovered here. We especially love our local events and festivals that highlight many of these all coming together to celebrate the magic that is AMI! That’s why we’re especially excited for this year’s Bayfest, hosted by Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce on October 15th-16th, 2021.

Bayfest

Arguably the biggest and most popular festival and social event of each year here on AMI, Bayfest 2021 is sure to be even bigger and better than ever. Celebrating Bayfest’s 20th year, the Chamber has been hard at work to ensure a safe and sensational event for all! Bayfest really has something for everyone and more. It’s family-friendly, locally-run, and packed with activities. Admission is free and fun is guaranteed. In fact, they’ve even added a special event to pack in some more fun.

In celebration of its big 20th anniversary, Bayfest will include a new kick-off event on Friday, Oct. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at City Pier Park. The kickoff will feature live music and select food and beer vendors. With the main events kicking off the next day, Saturday October 16th. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and goes all the way until 9 p.m. It will include the antique car show, local live music, food and alcohol vendors, beer tents, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment and games and much more. Really! You’ll have to come take it all in for yourself.

Bayfest

Take note that the Chamber highlights that the event will be fully outdoors with plenty of spacing but they recommend bringing your mask for extra safety! If you’re driving to Bayfest, you can find parking at Crosspointe Fellowship Church, which will have its own trolley transporting guests to the festival. Additionally, you may be able to find street parking closer to the festival, but it can be limited. Be sure to obey all traffic signs in the area and be extra careful to watch for the influx of pedestrians and bicycles heading to the main event.

Bayfest 4

Want to be right in the middle of the action? We still have rentals available in the area so you and your group can make a weekend of it on AMI! Just reach out to our team and we’ll get you set up so you can bask in all of Bayfest’s (and Anna Maria Island’s) glory. We’ll be there in our bright A Paradise shirts so feel free to say hello – We hope to see you there!

Photos from Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

Shop Small this Holiday Season

The holiday season is quickly approaching so it’s best to get started on your gift planning soon! But did you know that your holiday purchases can greatly affect our local economy? There are simple ways to shop responsibly and give back while doing your regular holiday shopping. The best way to shop is by shopping small, local businesses.

Many of our rentals on Anna Maria Island are conveniently located near some of the best shopping spots on the island, so whether you’re looking for a holiday gift for a friend or a souvenir for yourself, you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for and more right here on AMI!

Small Businesses
small businesses

It’s easy to head to big retailers to simplify things, but every time you shop small you are not only building up a local artisan or business owner, you’re helping support the local economy. If each of us spent just $64 on American made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be about 200,000 new jobs! That’s the gift that truly keeps on giving.

Our local, small businesses need our support now more than ever. Some of the 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 to the latest fashions and more!

Amazing Small Businesses on the Island

Original Sand Dollar
5302 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 

The Original Sand Dollar Gift Shop is a cute shop located in Holmes Beach. This store is extremely 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!

Island Tides Candle Company
Etsy Shop

These locally made candles are the PERFECT gift and there is a scent for everyone! Each candle is hand-poured in small batches, made with natural soy wax, lead-free cotton wicks, and premium fragrances that are infused with essential oils. In addition, they are dye-free and contain no additives.

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, 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.

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.

The Island Cabana
403 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL

The Island Cabana, located 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.

Bazaar Shops

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.

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Photos from Pexels.com