Do you and your family love to fish when you go on vacation? If you do, then we need to tell you all about the three best places where you can go fishing on Anna Maria Island. Staying in one of our Water Access vacation homes will keep you and the family close to the fish and water. Let’s look below at where you can head to on the island to get in some great fishing.
Rod & Reel Pier
One of the best-hidden treasures on Anna Maria Island is the Rod & Reel Pier located on the North End of the island. Not only can you fish off the pier, but you can also try their restaurant that is pretty famous for the area. Spend a day or two at the dock and soak up the sun and fun as you fish off this historic pier as a family for only a small fee. Plus, you will be able to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner there if you choose not to cook for the day. Be sure to check out the Rod & Reel Pier on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!
Bay to Bay Fishing Charters
If you’re looking for a one of a kind experiences, then look no further for your fishing adventures. Bay to Bay Fishing Charters is an excellent charter to do some different charters. One of the unique fishing experiences that they offer is their Extreme Night Shark Charters! They also have other skills such as Inshore & Near Shore Charters, Tarpon Charters, and even some relaxing excursions around the bay. The least amount of time for fishing they offer is 4 hours, and they go up to a full day, which is 8 hours. If you’d like to do the night fishing, it will be for 4-5 hours. No matter what you are looking to do, Bay to Bay Fishing Charters with Captain Brian Peacock is just for you!
Anna Maria Island City Pier
Anna Maria Island City Pier has to be one of the most historical places to fish at on the island. It is being rebuilt from being damaged during Hurricane Irma and was supposed to open in March. Since the lockdown, we are hoping they will be open by this summer. You will have to have a Florida State License to fish off the pier but have no worries as you can get it there. We promise that your family will not want to leave the fishing pier at the end of the day, but it only means you can go back the rest of the week to fish.
While there are many other fun places around Anna Maria Island to go fishing, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your summer vacation to stay with us in one of our Water Access vacation homes, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you travel after this quarantine is over!
In just a few short weeks it will be Easter and what a better way than to head to Anna Maria Island to celebrate. Anna Maria Island is a great place where you and your family can enjoy some time away from real life back home and soak up the sun. Staying in one of our Beachfront vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the sun & fun. Let’s look below at what you and your family can do while you spend Easter here on the island.
AMI Dolphin Tour
Do you have a child or someone in your family who loves dolphins? If you do, then book an AMI Dolphin Tour today. Not only do they have dolphin tours during the day, but they also offer sunset dolphin tours too. While on your tour you may have the opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, Manatees or even other tropical wildlife. Be sure to bring with you plenty of sunscreen, a hat, towel and let’s not forget a camera. What a great way to spend some quality time with your family as you enjoy the tour!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Spending a day at nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium can be fun and exciting for all in the family. If you’ve never seen the movie “A Dolphin Tale” then you may not know the story of Winter the dolphin. Not only can you see Winter who has a prosthetic fin but can see other animals too. They also have several different exhibits that you can visit such as Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway and Underwater Viewing. What a great way to spend the day out and getting to learn a little too while on your vacation.
Easter Egg Hunt
Have your own Easter Egg Hunt this year at your Beachfront vacation rental with the family. Setting up a little hunt around your vacation rental can be fun for the kids to enjoy since you will miss the ones back home. Be sure though to not put anything that may be harmful to any of the wildlife and we suggest that you only hide them on the property and not the beach. We don’t want the eggs to get washed away by the ocean or for any small child to find the eggs. Just have a good time with the family as you participate in your very own Easter Egg Hunt together!
While there are many other fun things that you and your family can do this Easter, these are a few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your Easter vacation to Anna Maria Island in a Beachfront vacation rental, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family on the upcoming holiday!
Are you wanting to book your next family vacation but can’t decide if you want to stay in a vacation rental or hotel? If the answer is yes, then we at AMI Locals can assist you in making the right decision for your vacation. We know that this a big decision for everyone in the family and can allow you to have the best vacation you can have. Let’s look below at a few reasons as of why you should rent a vacation rental vs staying in a hotel on Anna Maria Island.
Home Sweet Home
Staying in a vacation rental is much different than staying in a hotel because you and your family will be staying in a house. Some of the best things about staying in a vacation rental is that you and your family will feel like you’re at home. Some of the best amenities that you will get compared to staying in a hotel is having a full kitchen, washer & dryer and a lot of space. There will be enough beds for a family of 5 to stay in and the privacy you will have is what every family will want.
Soak in a nice tub that has a beautiful view in the background of the beach. Walk out onto the beach, enjoy the sand and sun before heading back into the vacation rental for lunch. Just enjoy the privacy that you will have with staying in a vacation rental along with some added bonuses such as a washer & dryer and full kitchen.
Better Option for Families
When you stay in a hotel room, you will have a limit of the
amount of people who can stay in them. When you rent a vacation home, then you
will have the room depending on the size of your family. Whether you have 4
people or 10 people, there is enough space for the whole family. Not only will
you have the extra space, but many vacation rentals do come with pools and
games that no one will be bored. What a great experience your family can enjoy
on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.
Less Expensive
Often times when you stay in a hotel you will end up
spending more money that you would if you stayed in a vacation rental. One of
the biggest factors that you will notice is because of the cost of food will go
down. Not only will you be able to go to the grocery store and get groceries to
cook at “home” for the week, but you can pick and choose where you’d like to
eat out for a few days. Another thing you will notice is that you can all stay
in one big home rather than having to get more than 1 hotel room. A vacation
rental is a better option for many families when they take a vacation to Anna
Maria Island.
There are many other reasons as of why a vacation rental vs a hotel is the way to go when you vacation. If you are wanting a more “home” feels, activities, things to do with the family and economic reasons, then a vacation rental is the way to go. We at AMI Locals are looking forward to your family staying with us one of our vacation rentals this year!
Are you and your family vacationing on Anna Maria Island this month? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you about a wonderful event happening in Sarasota. The Sarasota Medieval Fair is going on every Saturday & Sunday from now until December 1, 2019. When staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals you won’t be too far from the fair. Let’s take a look below and see how your family can enjoy the Sarasota Medieval Fair.
About the Medieval Fair
This year the Sarasota Medieval Fair is located at Ringling
Woods right behind the fairgrounds in Sarasota. The Medieval Fair has been happening every November
since 2005 and brings new exciting experiences for their guests each year. All
of the team members are based in Sarasota, Florida and they are very proud of
the work they do each year they return to the Medieval Fair. This is a
family-friendly event and they support their community each year. Each year the
Medieval Fair brings back favorites from the previous years and new
entertainment for this year. Travel back in time with your family as you get to
experience what it would have been like to live in the Medieval times.
Fun Entertainment for the Whole Family
If you have never been to the Sarasota Medieval Fair, you
will be in awe at the amount of live entertainment that is there. See the death-defying
Wheel of Death where you can see Ichabod Wainwright use a wooden wheel to jump,
run and flip. Don’t miss the jousting over on the tournament field where you
can see the New Riders ride. And finally, you can’t miss seeing Broon which is
where you will see them eat fire and juggling bowling balls. Let’s not forget
about the many different children’s fun where the kids can enjoy some
activities just for them.
Shopping, Food & Games Oh My
Another great reason to come to the Sarasota Medieval Fair this year is to enjoy the food, rides, games and shopping. You will be able to take advantage of trying foods from that time period such as roasted nuts, turkey legs, and beer. Some of the rides and games your family can do are human powered rides, ride on a camel, test your strength and archery. And we can’t forget about the amazing things you can purchase from some of the very talented artisans. Some of the goods you will be able to get while you are there are stained glass, face painting, wooden shields and swords and weaving. There will also be craft demonstrations that you won’t want to miss!
There are so many other things that are happening at the Sarasota Medieval Fair, but we wanted to share these with you. Tickets are available online and at the fair for you to purchase. There will be plenty of free parking this year and there are also multi-day passes or season passes along with single day tickets. Enjoy spending time in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you family close to the fun each weekend. Don’t miss this family friendly fun that you can experience as a family during the month of November!
Do you love coming to Anna Maria Island for your family vacations every year and catching the perfect sunset? Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation homes will keep you and your family in close proximity of where you can go to see the perfect sunset. We know where all the places are around the island and want to share them with you. Let’s look below at where your family can head to while you vacation here to soak up the beautiful sunsets of AMI.
The Rod and Reel Pier
This is a favorite among not only the locals but also for
many of our visitors as well. Head over to The Rod and Reel Pier so that you
and your family will be able to catch a glimpse of the amazing sunsets on the
island. And while you are watching the sunset, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant
as well so you won’t go home hungry. We promise that you won’t want to miss any
of the sunsets on the island after you see it from the pier!
Bean Point
Another fantastic spot that your family can head to on Anna
Maria Island is Bean Point. Many of our guests love to head to Bean Point every
trip to watch the sunset. Not only will you be able to see the sunset in the distance,
but you will also be able see a few wildlife animals including dolphins. This
is a great place that is perfect for families who have small children who can
come out and play as you watch the sun setting on the horizon!
Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Public Beach is another great location where your
family can see the sunset on the island. This is also the location of AMI Beach
Café so that you can grab a quick bite to eat as you sit at one of the picnic
tables and enjoy. Listen to the waves crashing in the background and the children
playing as you soak in the natural beauty of Anna Maria Island. If you happen
to get there a little before the sun is ready to set, then you can play a
little in the water and relax on the sand.
No matter where you are on Anna Maria Island, you will be able to see the amazing sunset. The palm trees in the background as you are sitting in a beach chair is just what parents are looking for when they vacation here. And staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation homes will keep you close to where the fun is at. We hope to see you and your family soon as you enjoy your next vacation here on the island!
Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year but don’t want to leave your dog at home? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you that Anna Maria Island is the best destination to bring them. And staying in one of our Pet-Friendly vacation rentals will allow you to bring them with you. Let’s take a look at the few rules that you must know before your vacation to keep your pup safe too.
What Should You Bring?
Packing for a vacation can be complicated at times, but it doesn’t have to be especially when you bring your pet along for the ride. We know that you will want to bring plenty of things to keep you pup safe and for them to enjoy the vacation too. Bringing a kennel or a crate with you on vacation can not only help with keeping them safe but feel like they are at home too. Be sure to bring enough treats and food that will last the length of your stay. Having their food & water dishes along with you and even their bed or blankets for the trip. Don’t forget to pack their collar, harness and leashes with you so that you can take your pet for a walk around the island.
What You Should Not Do
AMI Locals wants to guarantee that you and your dog feel at home while you stay with us. But we do have a few set rules that will keep your pup safe during your stay. No pets are allowed to be in the pool or spa at any of our rental homes. They are not allowed on the furniture and that includes the beds. We do have several different breeds that aren’t allowed to stay with us, so be sure to check out which breeds on our Terms and Conditions on Rentals. Dogs are not allowed to be on any public beach on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to take your dog for a walk, but please clean up after them. We want to keep your pup as safe as we can while you are on vacation.
Fun Places Just for Dogs
Whenever you bring your dog on vacation, it’s nice to know where dogs are permitted besides your vacation rental. Anna Maria Island has several different places where your pup will be welcomed at. There is a small dog park on the island itself that is located in Holmes Beach. The park doesn’t have a ton of amenities, but it’s a great place to allow your pet to play. A great dog-friendly beach is the Palma Sola Causeway located on Manatee Ave. There are several different restaurants that are pet-friendly on the island as well. This can allow you and your pet to explore the island a bit more together. Some of the options you can choose from are The Waterfront Restaurant and the outside sitting area of Duffy’s Tavern. There are many more to choose from.
There are plenty of other places that you can visit that are pet-friendly on Anna Maria Island, but these are just a few we recommend. Whether you are coming during the summer months or the off-season, there is always something that you and your pup can enjoy. If you are still looking for a Pet-Friendly vacation rental we’d love for you to check out the availability the rest of the summer. We can’t wait to see you and your family this summer as you make new memories together!
Many families love to come to Anna Maria Island to relax by the water and on the white sands as the kids build sandcastles. But for some families it can be a little too relaxing and they are wanting to try something new instead. Anna Maria Island has many different things you can do including heading to a local golf course to play a round or two with the family. We at AMI Locals can tell you where some of the best greens are and how you too can enjoy your family vacation to the island. Let’s look below at where we can recommend that you play a round or two while you are on vacation to sunny Florida.
Waterlefe Golf & River Club
Waterlefe Golf & River Club has one of the best views around on Anna Maria Island and happens to be one of the best places to play a round of golf at. This golf course has been a host to the US Open Qualifier 6 times. It has also been recognized as receiving the “Top 25 Golf Courses in Florida”. Not only can you play on beautiful greens, but you will be able to see wildlife too while you play a round. Don’t miss out on this amazing golf course on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.
Manatee County Golf Course
Manatee County Golf Course has a great central location to our Anna Maria Island vacation homes and has a driving range as well. For many of our guests who play golf, this is the course for you. This is a public golf course where your family can take lessons and have the best day on the island. This golf course has been mentioned in Golf Digest with a four-star rating for both the design of the course. We can tell you their customer service is impeccable too. To end the perfect day head over to the clubhouse and grab an ice cold drink.
IMG Academy Golf Club
Another amazing golf course to play at with the family is IMG Academy Golf Club.Located nearby in Bradenton, this course is perfect for all level players. You will find sand traps, water features and can test your accuracy. After a round of golf, head on over to Our Grill Room. This room offers panoramic views of the Sarasota Bay to catch a glimpse of the sunset. What a great way to end your trip by spending it on the golf course with the family.
There are other local golf courses for you to play however these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you are still searching for the perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental, then check out our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!
May is the start of the sea turtle nesting season here on Anna Maria Island and that means that the turtles can be seen any day now. Every year hundreds of turtles love to make Anna Maria Island their home to their nests. And when you stay in one of our Beachfront vacation rentals, you may have the opportunity to see a nest or two. Let’s look at what you need to know about the turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island below.
Turtle Nesting Season Begins & Ends When?
Many of the local residents love this time of the year because it happens to be turtle nesting season on the island. Starting on May 1st every year is the start of one of the most magical times as it is the beginning of turtle nesting season. This is when you will see sea turtles come to the shore on Anna Maria Island to lay their eggs in their nest they have built. Bean Point happens to be one of the main locations where you may see the most activity during the nesting season as it’s the quietest on the island. Turtle nesting season ends in October every year so while you are on vacation to Anna Maria Island during the late spring to late fall months, know that it is turtle nesting season.
Help Protect Anna Maria Islands Turtles
One thing that we do take very seriously is that we like to protect
our turtles who have made their home on Anna Maria Island’s shore. We have several
local volunteers who check out the beaches every morning in search of new nests.
These volunteers do mark the new nests
with flags along the beach, so if you happen to come across some while on your
vacation, don’t disturb them at all. Here are a few rules to follow while you
are on vacation on Anna Maria Island during turtle nesting season:
Maintain your distance from both the sea turtles and their nests. We highly suggest at least 50 feet if you can.
Do not use your smartphone near any of the turtles or any flash photography. This can cause them to become disoriented while they are on shore.
Please refrain from leaving your beach items on the beach overnight. When you leave the beach for the day, take your things back into your vacation rental.
Be sure to turn off the outdoor lights in your vacation rental. This can cause the newly hatched sea turtle from making their way to the ocean.
Last but not least, keep the beach clean. Be sure that you toss any trash you have into a trash can.
While there are many other things you can do during turtle nesting season, these are the important ones you need to know. If you still haven’t made your next vacation to our beautiful island, then please check our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!
You have just booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island and you have asked off work to be able to go and relax on vacation. But we know that for many families packing can be a daunting task, especially when you are vacationing with little ones. Having a plan or even a list can help you pack for the whole family so that you can relax and enjoy your beach vacation. We at AMI Locals have come up with a list to get you started on packing for your upcoming vacation.
Before you Start Packing
Going on vacation can be fun, exciting and relaxing but knowing a few things before you start to pack can help you in the long run. Always check the local forecast before you leave on vacation and yes, even before you pack. You know that you will need your swimsuits and shorts for your vacation, you may also need to bring a rain jacket or even a lightweight sweater as well depending on the time of year you visit.
Make a list of activities that you’d like to do with the family including day trips, outings or eating out. Be sure to make a list for the whole family of what you will need. We suggest doing this a few weeks before your trip just in case you need to add a few things at the last minute.
Organize a wardrobe for each day especially for the little ones including underwear and sleepwear too. To help keep you organized when packing the little ones, grab a box of gallon sized Ziploc bags and put two outfits in each one for each day. This can not only help you stay organized but can also help keep up with what they will wear each day too.
Clothing
Beach Clothing | This should consist of swimsuits (we suggest at least 2 for each family member), hats, flip-flops and cover ups (a lightweight dress will do too).
Everyday Clothing | Each member of the family should have at least 1 outfit for each day of vacation plus a couple extra ones for emergencies. For the younger children, we suggest at least 2 outfits a day and that includes underwear and socks.
Footwear | We understand that some shoes are bulky, and you don’t want to bring them, so we suggest bringing 3 pairs for each family member. A pair of comfortable tennis shoes for walking any distance, a pair of flip-flops and a nicer pair in case you want a date night or two.
Nighttime Clothing | Don’t forget about packing your pajamas and plenty of underwear and socks.
Everything Else | Safety Pins, Feminine Products, Razors, Body Wash, Soap, Cotton Swabs, Air Freshener, etc.
Medicine Bag
Prescription Medication | Bring all medications in their original bottles in case you need to go see a doctor while on vacation you know what you are on. (Also have a list on your phone in case of an emergency.
Over the Counter Medications | Benadryl, Motrin, Tylenol, Vitamins
First Aid Kit | Band-Aids, Neosporin, Sunscreen, Aloe, etc.
Miscellaneous
These are the other items that you will need to bring with you on vacation such as things for the beach including a beach bag, chairs, towels, sand toys, beach umbrella and more. Also, if you’d like to bring your bikes you can especially for the younger kids so they can have fun at your AMI Locals vacation rental. Books and things that the kids can color with can help keep them busy on a rainy day too.
There are so many other things that you can pack for your family vacation, but we felt this list should do the trick. If you still haven’t booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island, we suggest you check out our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next adventure to our beautiful island!
Are you vacationing to Anna Maria Island this year for a beach trip but feel like you need to do something a little different? Then we have the perfect solution that you and your family can enjoy on your next trip. Why not plan a day to head over to Lake Buena Vista for the day and enjoy Walt Disney World! Just a hop, skip and a jump, you and your family are only 2 hours from having a magical day at Disney. And with so many new things that have opened up in the past few years and a few new attractions that are opening up this year, you can’t go wrong with a short visit to the world.
Did you know that Walt Disney World has 4 Parks for you and your family to visit? There is Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. They also have on property two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Each park there are several different attractions that you and your family can take advantage of. Let’s look at each park and what you and your family can enjoy on your adventure to the parks.
Magic Kingdom
Magic Kingdom was the
first park to open in 1971 and has been known to many as the best park out
there for its many reasons. If you have small children, this park offers you a
variety of rides that are fit just for them. Some of the attractions that your
younger kids will enjoy are Dumbo, Casey Jr. Splash ’N’ Soak Station, It’s a
Small World and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. For the older kids and
parents who love rides then these few attractions will be perfect for you like
Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and Seven
Dwarves Mine Train. And don’t forget about the many different characters you
can meet within the park and parades and fireworks. The food selection at Magic
Kingdom is pretty amazing too from dining with the princesses at Cinderella’s
Royal Table to having dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern, there is something for
everyone.
Epcot
Epcot – Spaceship Earth
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Epcot is another wonderful park that has much to do during your visit. This park has several seasonal festivals that thy like to host for their guests to enjoy. The festivals that you may experience on your visits can be the International Festival of the Arts (happening now), International Flower & Garden Festival (Spring), and International Food & Wine Festival (Fall). All of these events have their own unique things that you and your family can experience on each trip. The attractions that the younger kids can enjoy would be Frozen Ever After, Spaceship Earth, Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure and Journey into Imagination with Figment. The older kids and adults may love Living with the Land, Soarin’, and Test Track. You also have many different selections of food to choose from throughout the park and from around the world!
Hollywood Studios
The Twilight Tower of Terror
Slinky Dog Dash
Hollywood Studios is
another fantastic park to head to on your next vacation. The latest addition to
the park is Toy Story Land where you and your family get to transform into
being a toy size and explore Andy’s Backyard. With the new roller coaster
addition to the area, Slinky Dog will not disappoint any family member and is
fun to ride in Slinky Dog. There is Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania
for the family to ride as well. Some of the other attractions throughout the
park that you can enjoy would be Rockin’ Roller Coaster (for older kids and
parents), Star Tours, The Twilight Tower of Terror and more. You can also meet
some of the Star Wars Characters and dine with Disney Jr. Characters at
Hollywood & Vine. Opening later in 2019 will be the long awaited “Star Wars
Land: Galaxy’s Edge” as well so be on the lookout then.
Animal Kingdom
Pandora – The World of Avatar
Kilimanjaro Safari
Animal Kingdom is like no other park that we have visited and just celebrated its 20th year anniversary in 2018. Many guests love to visit Animal Kingdom to experience viewing many animals and rides fun for the whole family. For those guests who love animals, the we do suggest you take advantage of riding Kilimanjaro Safaris where you can see many animals on this ride and it’s good for the whole family. There is Expedition Everest Roller Coaster for the older kids and The Boneyard for the younger kids. The food here is amazing and you will have plenty of selection to choose from. An amazing area in Animal Kingdom is Pandora – The World of Avatar where you can ride Flights of Passage and Na’vi River Journey to experience the world of Pandora.
On the day that you are going to visit Walt Disney World, we suggest that you and your family leave your Anna Maria Island vacation rental around 6:00 am, so that you are able to enjoy the park more. Depending on if you’d like to visit all 4 parks in a day or choose one park to visit you can. Relax for the remainder of your beach vacation by sitting by the water soaking up the amazing experience you had for the day to the parks. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next beach vacation to Anna Maria Island this year!
