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!
Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit Anna Maria Island this year, and you’d like to see some educational places? If the answer is yes, we’d like to share three fun museums with you to check out in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the action. Let’s look below at the three museums that you should check out around Anna Maria Island.
DeSoto National Memorial
Did you know that the DeSoto National Memorial is just a short drive from Anna Maria Island? This memorial features a visitor center with impressive displays of historical weapons and armor from the 1500s. You and your family can do plenty of things, such as having lunch outside in the picnic area or going on a hike on one of the nature trails. Be sure to bring your camera, plenty of sunscreens, because of the hot Florida sun and bug spray. This memorial is also pet-friendly so if you do get your pet with you, make sure to have their leash and plenty of treats and water for them as well. Think of what a great day you and your family will have learned a little history of the area!
Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
This museum is located in the northern part of AMI and is one of the area’s most exciting museums. This is where you will be able to find several original pieces of history of the island. You will see some of the things that are the icehouse, the original jailhouse, and the Bella Haven Home, which happens to be a historical 100-year-old cottage. Admission to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society is free and is quite a hidden little gem in the area. It’s one you and your family won’t want to miss!
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Another great museum that you and your family should check out is The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This museum has so many different engaging exhibits that will make coming a great way to learn. With many kids doing virtual learning online or homeschooling, a day or two at the museum will be more hands-on learning. Some of the exhibits that you will find at the museum are the mosaic backyard universe, the manatee habitat, and we can’t forget about the Planetarium. This will be a great day spent learning and exploring all the fun things that this museum has to offer families.
While there are many other fun things you can do in the area, we wanted to share them with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to Anna Maria Island in one of our vacation rentals, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you make new memories this year together!
Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year? If you do and you’re still not sure about traveling, we at AMI Locals want to share how we’re keeping you safe. Staying in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals will allow you and your family to feel like you’re still at home but enjoying our beautiful beaches. Let’s look below at how we are keeping our guests safe on their next visit to Anna Maria Island this year.
Housekeeping Services
One of the main things that we at AMI Locals have done is make sure that our homes that you’re renting are clean. We have since the COVID-19 pandemic began made sure that all of our cleaning crews will exceed your expectations. Our cleaning staff wear gloves and masks at all times as they are cleaning each unit. This is something that we know is very important to helping stop the virus from spreading. We have been utilizing a disinfectant spray that has been approved by the CDC to kill any virus or bacteria left in the homes. We make sure that every linen and trash is removed from the home after the previous guests leaves and we make sure that every room and inch of the home is clean for your family to enjoy!
Linens
Another big thing that we do make sure of is that each piece of the linens that come in and out of our homes are professionally cleaned. This includes towels, washcloths and kitchen towels as we will replace with a freshly laundered set. Our cleaning company does happen to use the OZONE system which does provide 100% sanitation. This is very important as we want to make sure that everything is completely clean and sanitized before your arrival to your AMI Locals vacation rental.
We know that with COVID-19 has made many uncomfortable with traveling but rest assured that we have taken care of the worry for you. Instead of worrying about your vacation, just come and enjoy your time here on the island. If you’d like to book your next vacation stay in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals, we are here to help you. We hope to see you and your family on your next vacation as you relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches!
Do you and your family have plans to visit one of the many theme parks located in Central Florida this year? We at AMI Locals have the details on when they are opening and how you can enjoy a relaxing vacation in a beach home too. Staying in one of our many Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow your family to enjoy some privacy along with the white sand beaches and the relaxing waves. Let’s look below at a few of the reopening plans with several of the theme parks located in the area.
Walt Disney World Parks
Walt Disney World has recently released its reopening plans, and we couldn’t be more excited to get back to the parks ourselves. On July 11th, Magic Kingdom Park & Animal Kingdom will be opening up. On July 15th, Hollywood Studios & Epcot will be opening back up along with the Food & Wine Festival kicking off a little early. To visit each park, you will have to have tickets or annual passes and use their reservation system to gain access to one park a day. Everyone over the age of 2 has to wear a mask within the park and will require each person in the party to have their temperatures taken. Disney Springs has already opened and is available for you to come and shop the day away before heading back to your vacation rental.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios has already opened its parks and has a similar system to gain entry to each ride. They, instead of making reservations for each day, are allowing people to enter the park, but it is based on first come first serve. Once the park has reached its new capacity, then you will not be able to gain entrance to the parks. The water park, Volcano Bay, is open, and while you are swimming, the face masks are not required, the central common areas they are. Also, while inside Universal Studios, they do have a U Rest, which is where you can take off your mask for a minute and remember to social distance.
SeaWorld
SeaWorld is open back as well, and they, just like Universal Studios, has the same concept. Aquatica is open as well, and they do not allow masks to be worn while riding the rides and swimming but do in the common areas. They have also launched a new reservations system just like Walt Disney World, and you will need to have some to gain entrance to the parks. If you, however, have date-based tickets, you don’t need to worry about using the reservation system. The parks are also opened for five days a week and are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Legoland Florida
If you have younger kids and they love Legos, then head on over to Legoland for the day. They have been open since June 1st, and they are no requiring face masks to be worn by guests but are recommending them. If you forgot your mask, then you will be able to grab a complimentary one from the park. Legoland will be open from 10 am to 5:00 pm daily, and the waterpark will be open from noon to 4:00 pm. You will find that this is a great park for the younger crowd and will win you brownie points with each kid!
Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island are open back to the public. They, just like many of the other parks, are implementing those who are two and older, will be required to wear face masks. There are relaxation areas where you can take a breather and not wear your masks or while eating or drinking. They also will be doing temperature checks when you enter the park, and if you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, you will not be allowed to enter the park.
Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow your family to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Some of the things that you may experience at your vacation rental is a private pool, beach access, and spending time with the family. We understand that going to a theme park can be fun but sitting back and relaxing at your rental is just what every family needs and wants. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you come vacation with us and still have the exciting thrill of going to a theme park for a day or two!
Do you have a family vacation planned to visit Anna Maria Island this summer but aren’t sure of the current updates? We at AMI Locals have got you covered as we, too, want to make sure that your family is safe on your vacation. Staying in one of our AMI vacation rentals will allow you and your family to stay together and still have a good trip. Let’s look below at a few updates that we have compiled together on how you can still enjoy your summer vacation this year.
Is Anna Maria Island Open for Business?
Yes, Anna Maria Island is open for business, and we at AMI Locals are ready for you and your family to come vacation with us. There are, however, some things that we must tell you about before you schedule your next trip or before you head to the island to relax.
Right now, the parking on the streets in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island has been restricted with time limits. There are, however, Public Beach Parking lots that are open with no time restrictions for you to use.
Social Distancing on the beach is strongly encouraged, but it is not being enforced. This also goes for being out in public in general with the family.
Restaurants and Businesses are operating at a lower capacity and will be following all recommended safety measures to keep the guests safe.
Visitors from “hotspot” states that have been defined by our Governor are being discouraged from coming to AMI and will not be allowed to check in to vacation rentals.
What Changes in Cleaning Have You Made?
Since we first heard about the outbreak of COVID-19, we have made some changes to our housekeeping services. We know that making sure each vacation rental has been thoroughly cleaned before and after each guest checks out. Our cleaning staff wears masks and gloves at all times, and we make sure they utilize a disinfecting spray. This spray has been approved by the CDC to kill viruses and bacteria as well. Our Professional Linen Service ensures that all linens, towels, washcloths, and kitchen towels are removed after each guest and are replaced with freshly laundered ones. Our cleaning company uses the OZONE system, which provides 100% sanitation.
Enjoy Some Local Virtual Fun from the Comforts of Your Home
While you wait for your upcoming vacation, get in the mood by having a little virtual fun from some local places. We have compiled a list that you and your family can enjoy from the comforts of your home.
Mote Goes ReMote – Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium presents a plethora of educational videos for everyone in the family to enjoy! Plus, check out the Manatee, Shark & Otter Webcams today!
Museums from Home – By the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, you will get to see stories, tours, and educational videos for all to enjoy! The Manatees are our favorite!
While other things are going around in the area, we wanted to keep you and your family up to date on what is happening here on the island. If you haven’t booked your next vacation today to stay with us at AMI Locals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories this summer by relaxing and enjoying the beach!
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!
When temperatures in the rest of the United States dip below freezing it’s easy to stare out the window and dream about being someplace sunny. AMI Locals can help you make that dream come true. Escape Winter and Come to AMI!
Anna Maria Island Florida is famous for its beaches and incredible sunsets. During the winter months the Island comes alive with art fairs, farmer’s markets, and people visiting from all over the world. The weather is typically a balmy 70 to 80 degrees. And we usually have very little rain. So, that makes us a perfect destination for some fun in the sun!
The quaint shops on Pine Avenue
What to do on AMI
You can try your luck with a fishin’ pole on the Rod N Reel Pier or Bradenton Beach Pier, or rent a bike and cruise the Island looking for an adventure. Visit the Old Anna Maria Jail and then wander down Pine Avenue, or maybe you’ll see a friendly manatee or dolphin swimming in the water! Then stop for a quick bite at a fun local place like Ginny’s and Jan E’s before heading to the glorious beach for the afternoon. You can also book a horseback ride on the beach, go parasailing, or rent a golf cart and ride around in style. Sunset cruises and dolphin excursions are also available from local companies on the Island!
Nearby airports
Family-friendly activities abound on Anna Maria Island!
What will make you really fall in love with AMI is our laid-back and relaxing mindset and vibe. Island Time is a very real thing, and once you’re on it you will never want to go back!
AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. And we feature only the best luxury vacation rental homes available on Anna Maria Island in Florida. Let AMI Locals help you plan your perfect beach getaway today! Give us a call or check out our available homes online, we can’t wait to see you here!
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!
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!
There’s a great mini golf course located right on Historic Bridge Street, called the Fish Hole! It is fun for all ages. And several of our AMI Locals’ properties are within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Gulf View Beach House, Bayfront Retreat, and Coastal Cove, for instance. Come visit us on Anna Maria Island, grab your friends and follow our lead for a round of mini golf!
Time to Take a Swing at Mini Golf!
First, choose the color of your golf ball. This is a very important decision and can set you up for a very successful round. Next, choose your putter. Now, choose who gets to keep score – remember that the competition can get very heated in golf, mini or just the regular type. So choose the scorekeeper wisely. Fore!
Also, all of the holes at the Fish Hole course are named after different kinds of fish! For example, Swordfish, Grouper, and Hogfish. And you can learn more fun facts about these fish on each sign, along with what number Par is for that particular hole. Then as you move through the course, there is all kinds of fishy décor, a Koi pond, live turtles, and a waterfall. Not to mention, it really is a great place to cool off after a long day at the beach.
To be sure, family vacations are a great way to get to know Anna Maria Island. You will make memories to last a lifetime, and the vibe of the Island is very laid-back and relaxed. Book your getaway with AMI Locals and we will be sure to show you how to #vacationlikealocal!
If you go: The Fish Hole is located in Bradenton Beach on Bridge Street. And it’s open from 9 am – 10 pm every day. Check out their facebook page for more info! https://www.facebook.com/thefishholeami/
