TAG:Anna Maria Island
Nightlife on Anna Maria Island this Summer
Anna Maria Island during the day is perfect for enjoying the sun, sand, and surf with the family. But would you like to have a night out or two while on vacation kid-free? We at AMI Locals have the perfect spots where you can go this summer and enjoy the nightlife on the island. Staying in one of our Beach and Gulf view homes will keep you close to the action. Let’s look below where you can check out the nightlife here on Anna Maria Island.
The Doctor’s Office
The Doctor’s Office is a craft cocktail bar that will give you the ambiance as you’ve stepped back in time. The space where this bar is located has been on the island since the 1950s and was once an office for several doctors. Some items you’ll find on the menu are your typical “bar” food like light sandwiches, tacos & more. The drink menu is impressive, with cocktails such as the Painkiller, Brown Derby, Preferred Remedy, and Bees Knees. Don’t miss The Doctor’s Office on your next visit to Anna Maria Island!
Dcoy Ducks
Dcoy Ducks is famous to the locals and is in the Holmes Beach area. They are known to many as “The Spot” to hang out with friends from 10:30 am until 2:30 am. Dcoy Ducks hosts many events during the month each day and is one you don’t want to skip on your kid-free night out. Think of the fun you’ll have on Margarita Thursdays or Fireball Friday, including Happy Hour every Friday & Saturday Night.
Hurricane Hanks
Hurricane Hanks is another great nightlife spot for many of our guests and even the locals. They are located on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and open until 11 pm every night. Some items you’ll find on the menu are wings, bacon-wrapped scallops, sandwiches, and more. They offer craft beers, cocktails, and great food that can’t be missed. Hurricane Hanks offers different events during the day like Tiki Time, Retro Hour, and more.
The nightlife on Anna Maria Island is full of different things to do, but we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Beach and Gulf view homes, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how you spent your kid-free night on the town!
3 Best Places to Grab Breakfast on Anna Maria Island in 2022
One of the best things about going on vacation anywhere is eating out for breakfast. Taking a break at any time of the year can be just as exciting, especially when you don’t have to cook at least once while you’re gone. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you close to some of the exciting places. Let’s look below at where we recommend our picks for the three best restaurants to eat breakfast on the island.
Anna Maria Island Beach Café
Would you like a beautiful beachfront view while you’re eating breakfast? If the answer is yes, we’d love to tell you about Anna Maria Island Beach Café. This is an excellent pick for an early morning breakfast option on the island that comes with a fantastic view. Their menu includes All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, and Bagels, and we can’t forget about the Breakfast Tacos. Don’t miss out on eating at this restaurant on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.
The Waffle Press
The Waffle Press is another great place to grab breakfast on Anna Maria Island. Get your family one of their scratch-made waffles, including the Camper (Smores), Grand Slam, Canadian, Waffle Sandwiches, and more. They also have an excellent menu for coffee and baked goods that you may want to try. And if you have young kids or just want a snack, grab their mini waffles too to take back to your vacation rental.
The Donut Experience
Did someone say Donut?! If you have kids or like eating donuts, and you’re looking for something a little different, then The Donut Experience is for you. Located in the heart of Anna Maria Island is where you’ll find this gem that many forget it’s here. One of the things that many love about this restaurant or donut shop is that you can pick what goes on them. First, you will pick out your icing. Next, you will pick out the toppings to go onto your donuts, and then you choose which drizzle you’d like. This can be a fun thing to do with the kids on a rainy day or as you’re getting ready to go check in for your vacation.
While there are many other fun places to grab breakfast from on Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your vacation to stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, call us. We can’t wait to hear where your favorite breakfast was from on the island!
4 Fun Beach Games that the Whole Family will Love
Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year? If the answer is yes, then allow us with AMI Locals to share a few games to play on the beach. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family to connect. Let’s look below at what four fun beach games we’d like to share with you that the whole family will love.
Seashell Hunt
Anna Maria Island has an abundance of seashells that you may not find on beaches that border the Atlantic Ocean. So naturally, a seashell hunt along the shoreline of the beaches can be just what your family needs. The objective of this fun game is to see who can find the most seashells or the biggest shells in a certain amount of time. When everyone is done finding their shells, you can give points on the number of shells, the size of the shells, or the color of the shells. Think of the fun the kids will have by getting to have a fun hunt on the beach.
Musical “Towels”
A fun game that is often played at parties is musical chairs, but since you’re at the beach, trade those chairs for towels. All you need is towels, a phone, and some fun songs. If you don’t have enough towels, you can use spare clothes in place of the towels. The rules for musical chairs will apply to this game. Anyone in the family can play this game, and this game can be played multiple times during the day.
Sand Mermaids
Another fun game that the whole family will love is to make sand mermaids. This is especially fun for the little ones as most times; it’s the parents or siblings getting to become the mermaid. Have the person who is going to be the model lay in the sand, and the rest of the family will then cover their legs and waist with sand. Then the shaping of the mermaid tail begins, and then time to decorate the tail. Use the seashells you found on the beach during the seashell hunt, seaweed, and other beach finds. Don’t forget to take pictures of each person who has become a mermaid!
I Spy
For families with younger kids, this game is perfect for you. Just like you play this game on road trips in the car, it’s ideal for playing on the beach. This game can be played while eating lunch on the beach or while you’re having the kids take a break from the water. You can use different themes such as colors, nature, or items seen on the beach. Depending on how old the kids are, it is how hard you make the guessing game.
There are many other fun games that you can play while you’re on vacation; we wanted to share the above with you. If you are still on the hunt for the perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear how you and your family loved playing the games we shared with you above.
3 Things to Do this Spring on Anna Maria Island
This spring, do you have a family vacation planned to come to Anna Maria Island this spring? If the answer is yes, allow us to share three things you can do in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you to be close to the action. Let’s look below at what you and your family can do this spring on the island.
Snorkeling Fun
One of the best things about vacationing to Anna Maria Island is getting to experience something you’ve never done. If you’ve ever vacationed in the Caribbean, you might have had the opportunity to snorkel, but our crystal-clear water allows you to do it here. Some of the wildlife that you’ll be able to spot while in the water are shells, dolphins, manatees, and even stingrays. If you don’t have your equipment, have no fear as there are a few different tour companies that offer snorkeling tours around the island. Think of the new memories that the whole family will have by getting out in the water and seeing what you can spot in the water.
Bean Point Beach
Another great location that many locals and visitors love to visit is Bean Point Beach. This is one of our best-kept secret spots on the island because you won’t be able to find large signs showing the way. You will go a little north of the Anna Maria City Pier to see this beautiful spot, just past the crossroads. You can get to this location by car or even biking. There is much different wildlife that lives there that you can admire, swim or walk with the family. Don’t forget to stay to see the sunset and grab that picture for Instagram!
Mini Golf with the Family
Playing mini-golf together is a tradition for many families who vacation to the beach every year. One of the places where you can head to play a round or two of mini golf is The Fish Hole in Bradenton Beach. If you’re concerned about the heat being too much during the day, don’t worry as they have cooling misters throughout the course. Some of the other things that you’ll be able to do while playing are grabbing a souvenir to take home, grabbing a cool drink, and you can feed the Koi.
There are many other fun things that you can do this spring, but we wanted to share these few with you. Now is the time if you haven’t booked your next trip to Anna Maria Island. We can’t wait to hear what you did this spring on your vacation!
Let’s Learn about Beach Flag Warnings
The beach flag warning system is meant to protect all of us from potentially dangerous situations and elements.
It’s not only smart but fun to learn about beach safety. We all want to get out in the beautiful beach water as quickly and often as possible, but we also need to stay safe! When you are staying at one our our AMI Locals Beachfront Properties this information can be especially useful, but really it is just great information to know.
Let’s check on the meaning of each flag:
Green Flag – Low Hazard
A green flag means that the threat of danger is low, and you should be safe when heading out into the water. However, the green flag does not mean that we should throw caution to the wind. We still need to exercise safety in the water and watch children and weak swimmers closely. There is never a reason to take chances. Better safe than sorry.
Yellow Flag – Medium Hazard
The yellow flag does means that there is a potential for danger, though not life-threatening. We must use extra caution when we see the yellow flag. Ocean conditions could be more rough than usual with moderate surf and/or currents! Anyone swimming or enjoying the water should be extra aware. Again, children and weak swimmers may be more vulnerable when the yellow flag is out. When possible, stay near a lifeguard station or sit out on the beach and enjoy fun on the side until the water calms.
One Red Flag – High Hazard
HIGH ALERT! One red flag means business! It is a sign of dangerous currents, high surf or both. The red flag is the most serious among the beach warning flags, and everyone is strongly discouraged to enter the water.
Two Red Flags – Closed to Public
Two red flags means – STOP – the beach and water are closed to the public because of extremely dangerous conditions. Do not attempt to swim or enter the water when there are two red flags under any circumstances!
Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life
The purple flag indicates that there is dangerous marine life out on the water or beach. This could mean stingrays, jellyfish, sea snakes, or other marine life. Anything except sharks – If a shark is in the water, then a red flag or double red flag will be hoisted. Not taking any chances with those guys!
Red over Yellow Flag
Lifeguard on duty! The is a welcome flag. The red over yellow flag does not mean something is inherently dangerous. It is saying, hey you are in good hands. The red over yellow flag signifies a recommended swimming area that has lifeguard supervision.
If available at your beach, we always recommend swimming within red over yellow flag areas.
Black and White or quarted Flag
The black and white or Quartered Flag sometimes used in pairs and spaced apart, indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is being used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft. They are just to make sure beach goers are aware of this and stay safe from the hazard of collision with any type of watercraft.
The Black Ball Flag
Opposite of the black and white, quarted flag the black ball flag prohibits the use of Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft where this flag flies.
There are multiple national and regional variations, but the majority of signs are universal. Jump in and enjoy – but as always, be cautious!
Rip Tides – Currents
Rip tides and currents can catch you off guard, sweep you out into deep waters very quickly and cause you to lose control. Rip tides can be very powerful especially when there is larger surf, and even if you are a very strong swimmer there is still a possibility you can be pulled out by these harsh currents. Areas near Bays, river mouths, estuaries or piers are usually the most dangerous areas for rip tides and currents to arise.
If you do get caught in a rip current, the RNLI advice is to:
– Stay calm, and try not to panic
– If you are able to stand, wade rather than swim
– If you have a board, keep hold of it as it will help you float
– Raise your hand and shout for help
– Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the rip, then make your way to shore.
Everyone should learn how to stay safe in the surf, sand, and sun. The beach and the ocean hide many hazards. Make sure to be aware of these visual signs that can be spotted on your favorite beaches.
Now that you know the drill, get out there and enjoy our island!
3 Restaurants to Try on Anna Maria Island this Summer
Summer will be here before you know it, and now is the time to start getting excited over the food you’ll find on the island. Anna Maria Island has many different restaurants that provide seafood, kid-friendly food, and southern food. Staying in one of our AMI vacation rentals will keep your family close to several of these delicious places to eat at. We understand that you’re on vacation and who wants to cook all week while you’re relaxing. Let’s look below at three restaurants to try Anna Maria Island this summer with the family.
Mr. Bones BBQ
Does your family love pulled pork, BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken & more? Then look no further as you can find all that southern deliciousness at Mr. Bones BBQ in Holmes Beach. This restaurant opened up in 1992 and has become a staple to get some fantastic BBQ on the island. Some of the things you’ll find on the menu are spare ribs, baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, jambalaya, and more. If you get stuffed at the restaurant, then take your leftovers back to your vacation rental and savor them for another day or night. Mr. Bones BBQ is one restaurant that is a must-try on the island!
SMOQEHOUSE
Another restaurant that your family may enjoy is the SMOQEHOUSE located over in Holmes Beach. This is another restaurant where you’ll find traditional BBQ dishes like the SMOQEHOUSE Cuban, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket Burger, and Sarasota Special. For the kids, they offer grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheeseburgers. Their hand-cut fries are just like you’d find on a boardwalk on the east coast and are to die for. This can become your new favorite restaurant to give a try on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!
Brick’s Smoked Meats
While Brick’s Smoked Meats is not located on Anna Maria Island, it was one that we wanted to mention—located in Bradenton is where you’re going to find this Texas BBQ-style restaurant. The family will love some of the menu items from their “OMG” Brisket Chili Cheese Fries, Pulled Pork Platters, St. Louis Ribs, Bacon Burnt Ends, and more. Don’t worry about the kids not having something to eat because there is something for everyone on this menu. This is a restaurant that is worth trying on your vacation to Anna Maria Island if you’re looking for a home-cooked southern BBQ.
There are many other fun restaurants that we could mention in this post; we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our AMI vacation rentals, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you and your family this summer and about how you enjoyed one of these restaurants!
This Weekend is the De Soto Parade
A big event is returning to the Bradenton-Anna Maria Island area! After being cancelled last year due to COVID, the De Soto Parade is making a much-anticipated 2021 comeback on Saturday, April 24th.
As a heads up to our Anna Maria Island visitors who will be arriving to check in this day – traffic will be more tricky than usual! Manatee Avenue will be CLOSED late afternoon (4pm-ish) for a large section headed west toward the island, so you will need to use an alternative route if you are driving during this time.
This map outlines a little work-around! If you are coming from the highway or from US 41 and going out Manatee Avenue, instead try this:
From Manatee Avenue headed WEST, turn LEFT onto Tamiami Trail US 41.
Continue SOUTH until 44th Ave W, and turn RIGHT
Continue heading WEST until 59th Ave, then turn RIGHT
Go NORTH until you come again to Manatee Avenue, where you will turn LEFT
Then continue WEST and you will arrive on Anna Maria Island!
We hope this helps! Just pack a little extra patience, and build in the time to go around the parade route. Or, stop and enjoy the parade with the locals!! If you have any questions, please text our awesome AMI Locals Guest Services team at 941-226-8442
*IF YOU GO to the De Soto Parade
Details: 7 p.m. April 24. Free to attend.
Route: Parade begins at Manatee High School, travels west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Street West and then east on Manatee Avenue West, ending at Ninth Street West.
Info: desotohq.com/parade.
Escape the Cold to Sunny Anna Maria Island
Are you and your family looking to escape the cold and head to a warmer climate? If the answer is yes, then allow us at AMI Locals to share a few reasons you should vacation with us. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow the whole family to join you and enjoy the warmth. Let’s look below at what fun things you can want while you vacation to Anna Maria Island this winter to escape the cold.
White Sands
This year exchange the cold snow and ice for the lovely warm sands of Anna Maria Island. Instead of worrying about what warm clothes you should pack on your vacation, worry about what summer clothes you want to wear. Allow the family to soak up the sun while sitting poolside in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals or enjoying the white sands of the beach. The weather is perfect for you and the family to want the Gulf of Mexico’s water instead of bundling up to go outdoors.
Fun in the Water
Your family can do a few other things while on vacation here on Anna Maria Island is enjoying time out on the open water. Many love to head on over and enjoy Fun Life Water Park, which allows your family to have your party on the water. It’s like a floating water park that you’ve never experienced before, and we can tell you it’s quite fun too. Some of the other fun things you can do on the water are Paddle Board or Kayak together by renting for a few hours and having a good time. No matter what you’d like to do this winter with the family on the water, there is something for everyone!
While there are many other fun things you can do, such as rent a bike or golf cart, head to an amusement park, or just relax, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next winter getaway to stay with us at AMI Locals, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family enjoying the island’s warm sands instead of the cold snow on the slopes!
Anna Maria Island City Pier is Now Open
Are you and your family visiting Anna Maria Island soon and looking for something to do. The good news is that the Anna Maria Island City Pier has officially opened for you to enjoy. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. Let’s look below at a little more information on the Anna Maria Island City Pier.
History of the Pier
The Anna Maria Island City Pier first opened for business in the early 1900s to provide a dock for big and small ships. This is where many imports and exports for fish for the area were a staple, and this was the perfect pier for just that. However, the dock has faced many different hurricanes and storms that would pose a port problem. In 2017 Hurricane Irma came through and caused some significant damages. It was evident that the pier would have to be repaired, and instead decided to replace it.
The New Pier is Open
Since the old pier was damaged more than most thought, it was time to build a new pier. Instead of making the pier with planks, they reconstructed it using metal instead. This, in turn, is good that it should be able to withstand hurricanes. While the new pier was supposed to open up to the public back in March, it was delayed due to COVID-19. The pier is now officially open for all those to come and enjoy it. Go check it out on your next trip to Anna Maria Island with the family!
The Anna Maria Island City Pier has been around for more than 100 years, and we hope that it will be around at least 100 more. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay with us in an Anna Maria Island vacation rental, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you explore the new city pier too!
Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend
Where are the Best Florida beaches to visit for Labor Day weekend? Thinking of a little getaway for the long weekend? One of the safest way to travel in this Covid time is a road trip to a private beach house!
The best beaches in Florida await you on Anna Maria Island for Labor Day weekend. Less crowded than Miami, Clearwater, and St. Pete, and with tons more charm and small town feel. There are also 7 miles of pristine white powder soft sand and crystal clear turquiose water for you to explore.
Why not stay within walking distance to the beach, in a private luxury beach house? AMI Locals offers only the best vacation rental homes in the best locations on the best island in Florida!
For a family and friends staycation, you should check out Surfer’s Dream! 4 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms plus a bonus loft area that the kiddos will go crazy over! Pillow forts and late-night ghost stories for the win! Which also means the adults can enjoy happy hour in the large, open plan kitchen in peace and quiet.
AMI Locals has vacation rental homes of all different shapes and sizes, to accommodate any group! We hope to see your smiling faces (underneath your masks) soon!
Call our reservations specialists today at 941-757-8226 and let us help book you into your dream vacation – all safe and socially distanced as you choose to be.
