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Five Reasons You Need to Vacation on Anna Maria Island this Year

We know that people have a lot of vacation places to choose from across the country. Of course, all staff and residents of Anna Maria Island believe this is the best choice for a laid-back and memory-making vacation. We have compiled a list of five wonderful reasons why visiting Anna Maria Island needs to be on your vacation list for this year.

Low Rise Buildings to Enjoy the Views

There are three communities: Bradenton Beach on the island’s southern end, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Anna Maria on the northern end. The total number of full-time residents tallies up to fewer than 9,000, and most structures are shorter than 37 feet. Anything taller was built before the law prohibiting high-rises. Why is architecture important? You can get the best views and easier access to the local beaches. The buildings give a small-town feel where you can kick back and enjoy the wonderful locations around the island in a true old-Florida feel.

Beach Quality

Anna Maria Island prides itself on its amazing beaches and takes great strides to keep these natural resources in the best condition possible for current residents and all visitors. No alcohol is permitted on beaches, bicycles are not out on the beach, pets are not allowed on the beaches, and they do have a plethora of stingrays, jellyfish, and even turtles during various parts of the year that all try to ensure are not disturbed. You are not going to see the overcrowded and degrading beaches you might see elsewhere in this paradise location.

Anna Maria Island

No Drive Throughs This Vacation

Drive-through restaurants are not allowed on the island. There are two fast-food joints: a sub shop, and a pizzeria, but most are amazing family-owned restaurants and lodging options and give visitors a much more personal vacation than you get in bigger resort towns. Fresh seafood, and other wonderful homemade food options, are peppered throughout the island’s landscape.

Active Lifestyle Vacation

Active and outdoor activities prevail here on the island. We might not have large casinos, nightclubs, or other amenities that bigger tourist locations boast, but we have an active, outdoor lineup of fun for as many days as you like to stay. Whether you want to spend the day at the beach or pick an adrenaline-fueled option like cycling, zip lining, or paddling, there’s plenty to do along this salty stretch of paradise.

Active Lifestyle

Family Friendly

With severe age differences in all of your traveling members, the pressure is on you to make sure that everyone loves the vacation. Low-rise buildings make access easy for all ages. The fun outdoor activities are a hit with all the kids and adults alike. What about some retail therapy to finish things off at the boutiques and other unique shops on Anna Maria Island? The restaurants won’t be the same old thing, and you are sure to find something for everyone. We even have a free island trolley service to help tote everyone around to enjoy their time on the island.

Anna Maria Island should be on everyone’s vacation must-visit list, from the scenery to the quaint shopping options. Every visitor will leave with wonderful memories, great pictures, and the desire to return to this amazing town with breathtaking ocean views. We look forward to seeing you here on Anna Maria Island soon.

Photo Courtesy of Deposit Photos and Unsplash

Best Breakfasts near Anna Maria Island

You’ve booked your dream beach vacation rental or maybe you’ve finally settled into your home in paradise. Now to find your go-to restaurants! There’s something on this list for everyone so check it out to see where the next breakfast/brunch on AMI you should try! Here’s a guide to just some of the best breakfast on Anna Maria Island or within walking distance!

The Donut Experiment

210C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria FL 34216

Create your own vision of the perfect doughnut and they make it happen! They start with a delicious, fresh-made cake donut and then you pick from our huge selection of icings and toppings made-to-order. Great fun and great flavors!

Restaurants

Peach’s

3240 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Their breakfast and lunch menus cater to health conscious individuals and comfort food seekers alike. For over 20 years, Peach’s has been proudly serving generations of families and friends in Sarasota and Manatee counties!

Slicker’s Eatery

12012 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34210

Just a short walk over the Cortez bridge is THE place to go for weekend brunch. Slicker’s is a casual foodie eatery with brunches of fun. From their Bloody Mary Bar with premium toppings to their creative Mimosa Flights to their famous “Brunchuterie Board” you will want to stop by our make a reservation on their website for a weekend morning feast!

Ginny and Jane E’s

9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, FL, 34216

An island staple for more than 15 years with an eclectic mix of café, bakery, and store. Here, you can grab a giant cinnamon roll, breakfast sandwich, borrow a book to read from the café library, or peruse the funky gift shop.

Breakfast

Cortez Cafe

12108 Cortez Rd W, Cortez, FL 34215

A hearty, affordable breakfast in the fishing village of Cortez. A great place to feast where the locals eat. Their extensive menu has everything from diner favorites to Greek specialities.

Minnie’s

5360 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Family-friendly breakfast and lunch restaurant on Gulf Drive with delicious home cooked meals and baked goods. This cozy, family-owned business since the 1990’s is an island staple that never disappoints!

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

If you want to start your morning beachside and full – check out Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe located “Where Manatee Avenue Meets the Gulf”! Famous for their “ALL U CAN EAT” Pancakes & Sausage on the beach, but they offer much more.

Whether you stop at one of these or one of the other great breakfast spots in the Anna Maria Island area, you can’t go wrong with starting your day in paradise! Give us a call and we’ll get your perfect vacation started: (800) 237-2252

Photos courtesy of Pexels

Call A Paradise Pest Control

Living in Florida, especially with the beautiful climate of the Anna Maria Island and Bradenton areas, we are so lucky to bask in all of the beauty of beachside living. With the near-constant warm temperatures, we are so lucky to soak up the sun here on the Gulf Coast. When Summer rainy season arrives, it’s not always worry-free glamour living in paradise. But it can be, if you have A Paradise Pest Control on your team.

Pest Control

Whether you’re looking for property management on a vacation rental, searching for a new home, or a longtime local — Our experts would love to give you a peace of mind for a pest-free paradise.

A Paradise Total Maintenance and Pest Control Inc. employees understand bugs, pests, and rodents. We’re year-round residents so we have been familiarized with best practices and the top tricks. With our quarterly pest control service and rodent control there is no need to constantly use costly and dangerous over-the-counter foggers or poisons in your home. We know just the plan to take care of any potential problems. This is the perfect time to start or revamp your pest control system.

A Paradise Total Maintenance and Pest Control Inc. gets the job done right the first time and makes sure you’re covered indoors and out. It’s important to us to reliably and proactively care for our clients. We’re the one-stop-shop you need to make sure your home or rental is fully taken excellent care of.

Pest Control

Give A Paradise Total Maintenance and Pest Control Inc. a call today at 941-713-4673 for a free in-home inspection or fill out the instant pest control quote form on our page. Proudly serving Anna Maria, Sarasota, Manatee, Ellenton, Parrish and surrounding areas. Thank you for choosing A Paradise Total Maintenance and Pest Control Inc.

Photos courtesy of Unsplash

Anna Maria Island Summer Bucket List Ideas

Sweet Summertime is here and our team at A Paradise wants to help you have the best summer ever. Of course, we can set you up in your dream beach vacation rental or help you relocate here to paradise anytime. If you’re just looking for some fun ways for your family to celebrate Summer creatively here, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a local to the Bradenton area or just spending some family vacation time on Anna Maria Island, we’ve got some AMI-specific additions for your Summer Bucket List.

Summer

Jump in the water and play!

We know a beach trip is a given for your Summertime on AMI but how often do you let yourself dunk in and get your hair wet? When was the last time you went parasailing? What about kicking up your feet and floating? Let’s make this an all-in kind of Summer.

Get involved in a local cause

Think about what speaks to your heart. There are so many amazing local organizations, causes, and opportunities to make a difference. Maybe you want to learn how to help protect our sea turtles, or volunteer with the youth at The Center, or find ways to help local animal shelters. Even something as simple as picking up trash on your next beach walk will help make a difference in our local community and bring some extra sunlight to the sunny Summer days.

Find a shark’s tooth

Whether you’re an avid sheller, have an eye peeled for them anytime you’re on the shore, or have never even ventured to think about looking for shark’s teeth on the Anna Maria beaches. Try to spot a small, shiny, black shark’s tooth this Summer. It can really add some fun to your next shoreside stroll.

Ice Cream + Sunset

We know a true AMI Summer is never complete without some of our beautiful sunsets. Make it even sweeter by grabbing an ice cream cone and treating yourself to a delicious dessert and a breathtaking view!

Summer

Send a postcard

It’s so easy to stay in touch these days with cell phones, texting, and social media. Take a few extra moments of thoughtfulness to send a postcard to a loved one! Yes, even if you’re local. It’s such an inexpensive and easy act that can really brighten someone’s day and their next mail-delivery day!

Catch some live music

There are so many fun and talented local musicians and bands! Plenty of local restaurants have live music nights posted daily/weekly on social media so ask around or check out your favorites. If you’re looking for some larger acts too there are some big venues not far away in Tampa and St.Pete!

Travel from one end of the island to the other

Hop on your bike or the trusted trolley just for the sake of the journey! Put on some of your go-to Summer tunes and take in all of the beautiful sights all the way from the North End of AMI near Bean Point to Coquina, or even all the way to Longboat if you’re on two wheels. There is so much goodness all over Anna Maria Island.

Visit somewhere new or new-to-you

No matter how many times you’ve been to AMI or if you’ve lived here your whole life, there is always something new to discover in the area this summer. Visit a newer local restaurant, something off-the-beaten-path, or one you’ve been meaning to try for a long time. Order something outside your ordinary and we’re sure you’ll be delighted!

Summer

There’s our 8 suggestions for additions to your Summer plans list here in the Anna Maria area. We’re always so happy to chat to anyone about island suggestions so stop on in and see us or give us a call anytime if you’re looking for some more ideas. What else do you think is a must-do this Summer on the Gulf Coast? We’d love to be a part of your Best Summer Ever!

Photos from Pexels.com

Book Your Florida Coastal Vacation Early!

With life making its way back to normalcy and people craving travel and relaxation more than ever, Florida is becoming an even more popular vacation destination. That’s why it’s important to book your vacation rentals early, bid on that beachside home while you can, and most importantly: Do it with a local team you trust right here on Anna Maria Island at A Paradise.

Travel

At a recent Press Conference, the Governor and his team announced that Florida welcomed 30.9 million visitors between October and December 2021, marking the second consecutive quarter that overall visitation has surpassed 2019, pre-pandemic levels. Overall in 2021, Florida had nearly 118 million domestic visitors, the highest level in state history, as residents of other states flocked to Florida as a refuge from lockdown policies

Preliminary estimates from VISIT FLORIDA show that 29 million domestic visitors traveled to Florida in the fourth quarter of 2021, reflecting a 57% increase from the same period in 2020, and a 7% increase from 2019.

Vacation

With the demand for vacation rentals and secondary homes in the beachside bliss of Florida’s Gulf Coast rising, we want to make your vacation planning and home buying is as seamless as possible. While working with the A Paradise team for your rental or realty needs, we vow take excellent care of you because ultimately… We care about our community, a community we would love for you to be a part of.

When you work with our team or book through us, you are ensured: No scams, no tricks, no funny business. We will talk you through every question and concern, and find the perfect fit for you and your group whether you’re looking to visit, rent, or buy. We’ll give you peace of mind and a piece of paradise.

With the uptick in travel and trends continuing upward, the sooner you book the better. So, give us a call or look through our website and let’s make your Florida coastal dreams come true.

Main Office: 941-778-4800 | Fax: 941-778-7090 | Email: info@paradiserealty.com

Toll Free: (800) 237-2252

Photos from Unsplash

Answers to the Most Common Questions about AMI

You’re planning a trip to Anna Maria Island… Excellent decision!

If it’s your very first time or just your first time in awhile, there’s probably a lot of planning and research involved. That’s why we’ve gathered up the “Most Googled” questions about AMI to easily put all the answers in one place! These questions were taken straight from Google’s auto-populate function for most frequently asked questions. Have a specific question? Give us a call to chat with one of our knowledgeable team members!

questions 2

1. What is Anna Maria Island known for?

White sandy beaches, calm and clear waters, relaxing small-town vibes, kind community, Gulf Coast fresh fish, and the best rental and realty company: A Paradise (Okay, we may be a little biased on that last one.)

2. Is Anna Maria Island expensive?

It doesn’t have to be. Just like any vacation spot, it’s entirely up to you! There are luxurious waterfront rentals and fine-dining options galore, or boho beach shacks and casual burger joints a-plenty. Whether you’re splurging or squeezing it in, we can help you plan an AMI vacation to comfortably fit your budget.

3. Do you need a car on Anna Maria Island?

Nope! This 7-mile stretch of island is really accessible with many transportation options. It’s walkable and very popular to ride bikes! There’s also the great gift that is our FREE Public Trolley service that takes from one end to the other with plenty of stops in between and unique ride share services like the Monkey Bus!

Questions 1

4. What part of Anna Maria Island is best?

It’s ALL good. Really!

5. Is Anna Maria Island actually an island?

Can confirm. This little barrier island in Manatee County sits beautifully on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

6. Is Anna Maria Island popular?

It is, but it still has that small-town, relaxing vibe. It’s one of the things we’re most proud of! However, with an increase in popularity definitely means… Plan ahead! Give us a call or check out our available rentals to book your perfect vacation rental in plenty of time for your trip.

There are Google’s most commonly asked questions about Anna Maria Island! Still unsure of a few things? You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Give us a call and we’ll make sure you’re pointed on the right path towards your trip to paradise: (800) 237-2252

Photos courtesy of Google and Pexels.com

Father’s Day on AMI

It’s been hard to keep track of the days in the last few weeks, so here’s your friendly reminder that Father’s Day is coming up this weekend! Don’t fret – Father’s Day on Anna Maria Island has so many options your Dad will love, planning should be a breeze. We’ve gathered a few ideas to make this AMI Father’s Day one for the books!

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Have a Staycation on AMI

You’ve been cooped up with your family for months on end, trying to juggle the many different life-changes thrown at you in this uncertain time. Now, with Summer upon us, we want to remind you to take some time for yourself to relax.

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Date Plans on Anna Maria Island

No matter what time of year, it’s important to make the effort and prioritize intentional quality time with your loved ones. If you’re looking for a romantic date idea on Anna Maria Island, we’ll make that effort even easier for you. Whether you’re wanting a night on the town or something a little quieter – AMI has plenty of great options for your next date night.

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