Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals Archives – Page 2 of 4 – AMI Locals Blog

June 15, 2021August 10, 2022

Celebrate the 4th of July on AMI

Independence Day is on its way and there is no better place to stay than with AMI Locals. Celebrate with Parades, Food, Fireworks and Beach Vibes!

A few of our AMI Locals favorite recommendations for delicious food to start and finish the day :

1. Ginny’s and Jane E’s Café and Gift Shop

A fun, funky, Bakery/café serving breakfast and lunch, in a relaxed, atmosphere with loads of crazy fun things to look at and/or purchase. Try the giant cinnamon rolls to get your weekend off to a great start.
Located at 9807 Gulf Dr. Anna Maria Island, FL 34216 941.778.3170

2. The Sandbar Restaurant

A beautiful beachfront seafood restaurant serving classic dishes that will be sure to satisfy any appetite. The Sandbar is located on the north end of Anna Maria Island and has been a favorite of locals for decades. Dine with your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand on the waterfront deck or enjoy inside dining. The Sandbar offers a gulf to table, farm to fork, and pasture to plate award winning menu. Specials vary weekly -100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216 941.778.0444
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been canceled this year to protect nesting turtles!

3. The Beach House Restaurant

On the beach, amazing views and delicious food. The Beach House will not disappoint. The Beach House Restaurant is located on the Bradenton Beach end of AMI and a second option for toes in the sand and beach vibe dining. Seafood is their specialty offering some of the worlds best Oysters, Shrimp and Fish; but don’t worry you can also order up amazing New York Strip and many other delicious selections as well – 200 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217 941.779.2222
* Fireworks just after sunset over the Gulf have been CANCELED to help protect sea turtle nesting!

JULY 3^rd – Parade Time!

The July 3 parade will begin at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach at 10 a.m., proceed through Holmes Beach and end near City Pier Park in Anna Maria at approx. 11:30. The parade is a fantastic event by the Privateers held annually and loved by all.

Looking for a place to lay your head after a fun-filled day?

www.AMIlocals.com has availability with spectacular properties and a wonderful team to assist you with property needs. Here are just a few examples:

Surfer’s Dream

Welcome to Surfer’s Dream, a beautiful new construction home perfectly located just a short walk off beach! This 4 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom home, plus loft, is absolutely amazing.

The Ritz

This gorgeous and unique home will leave you breathless, and with plenty of space and privacy for a single-family, multi-family, or large group of friends and/or family combined – everything you could want in a luxury beach vacation rental home is found here at The Ritz.
This home features 7 bedrooms, with 6 King beds, a Full over Full bunk bed, and a Queen sleeper sofa bed.

Island Paradise

Island Paradise is a beautiful beachfront condo with absolutely, incredible views. It makes you feel like you are living right on top of the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico! The property has 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.

For more information check out www.amilocals.com – take a look around and give us a call when you find your dream home away from home. We will get you all set up for the vacation of a lifetime.

We are so excited to hear from you and share our Independence Day here on Anna Maria Island.

April 11, 2021August 10, 2022

Easy Ways to Explore Anna Maria Island on your Next Vacation

Do you and your family have a vacation coming up to visit Anna Maria Island? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the ways you can explore the island. Staying in one of our Water Access vacation rentals can keep your family close to the water. Getting around the island is easy as 1, 2 , 3 and we are here to let you know how you can explore the island for free!

Anna Maria Island Trolley

Take a FREE local trolley when exploring Anna Maria Island.

We have been asked numerous times if you can still visit Anna Maria Island without a car and the answer is absolutely! Not only can you explore the island by walking around it, you can also explore the island by using the Anna Maria Island Trolley. This service is available to all those who visit the area and is available 365 days a year. Depending on where you are staying at on the island will depend on which location you need to start at. Many will find that beginning at the Anna Maria City at 6:00 am and there will a trolley at each stop every 20 minutes throughout the day. If you are concerned that there will be no air, you will be pleasantly surprised that each trolley does have air-conditioning but there are a few that do offer open-air seating too. This is a great way that you can explore Anna Maria Island for free with the family!

Island Beach Monkeys

When you visit Anna Maria Island and are headed to enjoy some nightly activities, but the trolley isn’t running that late, have no fear. Island Beach Monkeys is just the service you are looking for then. This is another free mode of transportation to get around the island. One thing that is different compared to other transportation around the island is that the drivers work for tips only. How cool is that?! Their hours of service are from 12:00 pm to 3:00 am every day which is perfect for those who love late night outings. Some of the other services that Island Beach Monkeys offers are tours, weddings, airport & cruise ship shuttles and even off-island rides too. Their fleet includes 2 mini-buses (one equipped with a karaoke, an 8-passenger golf cart limo and an SUV. Give them a call at 941-565-6542 to catch a ride on the Monkey Bus on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!

There are many other ways that you can get around the island but these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to Anna Maria Island yet, now is the time. We hope that you and your family will enjoy using these services while on vacation

February 28, 2021August 10, 2022

Enjoy Spring Break on Anna Maria Island

It’s hard to believe that Spring Break will be here before we know it, and now is the time to start planning it. Getting away from life at home will allow both you and your family to recharge a bit, all while relaxing in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you and the family together. Let’s look below at what fun things you can do this spring break with the family!

Day Trip Fun

One of the best things about vacationing to Anna Maria Island this spring break is being close to several different amusement parks. Busch Gardens Tampa is located about an hour and a half from the island and is a quick trip to make. If you’re looking to travel a little more, then you can always head to Orlando, which is about a 2-hour drive from the island. Here you and your family can choose from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Discovery Cove, Sea World, and Legoland. We do, however, recommend that you purchase your tickets before heading over to the parks, as Walt Disney World does require you to make Park Pass Reservations. No matter where you go for the day, know that you will be able to come back to your vacation rental and relax the rest of the week!

Play on the Water

Another great way your family can enjoy spring break this year is to enjoy time on the water. This year, either rent yourself a boat where you can sail along the coast and enjoy fishing, relaxing, and having a great time together. Suppose you’re looking for something a little more entertaining, then head on over to the Fun Life Waterpark, where you’ll be floating a long the water and enjoying some of the fun trampolines and slides into the water. There is so much to do on the water that these are just a few of the things you can do.

Enjoy a Day on the Beach

Spending time away from life at home is getting to walk to the beach from your vacation rental or driving over to the beach. Be sure to bring your beach chairs, towels, umbrella, sunscreen, and sand toys for the kids with you. If you’d like to get a book or two with you while you relax as the kids play in the sand. Bring your lunch down on the sand along with a cooler full of drinks to keep you and the family hydrated for the day. Make new memories as you spend time relaxing and enjoying your time together on the beautiful white sands of Anna Maria Island!

While there are so many other things that you can do while on vacation to Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your spring break vacation to stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family make new memories this spring break together!

January 31, 2021August 10, 2022

Take a Romantic Getaway to Anna Maria Island this Valentine’s Day

Finding time for just the two of you can be a little tricky at home with the hustle and bustle of taking care of the kids to working from home. This year surprise your loved one with a romantic getaway to Anna Maria Island for Valentine’s Day. Staying in one of our 1-2 Bedroom vacation rentals will allow the two of you just to relax and enjoy your time away from home. Let’s look below what you can do while you’re on your romantic getaway here on the island.

Romantic Dinner

We understand that taking a vacation with the kids can be a little hectic at times. So, while you’re on your romantic getaway to Anna Maria Island, enjoy a few romantic dinners together kid-free. Head on over to The Sandbar Restaurant located here on the island to get one of the best local cuisines in town. Ask to sit outside so that you can feel the sand under your feet as you enjoy your romantic dinner. Some of the fantastic foods you can have for dinner are Two Docks Clams, Seafood & Grits, Stuffed Shrimp, and don’t forget about the Key Lime Pie. Many other delicious foods are available on the menu, so get a few different ones and give them a try!

Explore the Island

Another great way that you can enjoy your romantic getaway is by exploring the island together. Whether you’re looking to do something adventurous like kayaking or looking to do something a little off the well-beaten path, there is something for everyone here. Head over to the Anna Maria City Pier and take a long walk enjoying the serene water and wildlife. Rent a bike and explore the island together by getting a little fresh air as you take your time pedaling around town. With all of the fun options available on the island, you may never want to leave to go back home.

While there are many other things that you and your loved one can do while you’re on your romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your trip to stay in one of our 1-2 Bedroom vacation rentals, now is the time. We look forward to seeing you in the next few weeks as you enjoy your time together as a couple enjoying island life!

September 1, 2020August 10, 2022

Experience Kayaking & Paddleboarding on Anna Maria Island

Do you and your family love to get outside and experience new things while on vacation? If the answer is yes, then allow us to share a few things that your family can do here on Anna Maria Island. Staying in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals will allow your family to be close to the action. Let’s look below at how you can experience kayaking and paddleboarding here on the island.

Kayaking Around the Island

Have you ever been kayaking at home or even at a different destination? We can tell you that kayaking is one of our guests’ favorite things to do. Whether you have brought your kayak or you’re renting one, the time you spend on the water may become your favorite thing to do. You will find that many of our waterfront properties will allow you and the family to put your kayak into the water. Having access so close to where you will be staying will allow more time outside and having the time of your lives. If you aren’t staying in a waterfront property, then you will be happy to know we have a few places where you can go to put in your kayak around town.

Bimini Bay – this is located in the Holmes Beach area and is one of the best places to launch your kayak from. You can also launch directly from the pier and paddle away together as a family.
Robinson Preserve – this is another excellent location that is along the Manatee Avenue Causeway.
De Soto National Memorial Park – this happens to be a national park, and if you’re interested in learning a little, they do offer ranger-led tours.

Paddleboarding

Another fun activity that you can do while you are on vacation to Anna Maria Island is paddleboarding. This is another activity that is excellent exercise and fun for the whole family. Whether you have been paddleboarding before or not, the laughs are too much to handle at times. There are many different rental locations around the island that no only will give you tours, but they will also deliver your paddleboard to your vacation rental. Again staying in waterfront property will allow you to have access to the water a little easier, but you will still be able to access the water elsewhere too. Many of the locations above will allow you to put your paddleboard into the water, but we do suggest that taking a tour is the way to go.

While there are many other fun things to do here on Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay with us in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear about the adventures you have on the water!

June 29, 2020August 10, 2022

Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme Parks

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

Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme 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 11^th, Magic Kingdom Park & Animal Kingdom will be opening up. On July 15^th, 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 1^st, 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!

June 23, 2020August 10, 2022

Anna Maria Island Corporate Retreats

Planning a corporate retreat? With all that is going on in the world regarding Covid, we know it is going to be difficult to plan corporate retreats like we used to in the good ol’ days. Ballrooms and large conferences may unfortunately to be a thing of the past for the forseeable future. We have an awesome solution! Book an Anna Maria Island Corporate Retreat in one of our many private multi-bedroom luxury homes!

AMI Locals Corporate Retreats – Luxury island properties with meeting spaces that offer warmth and security of a large beach home.

Anna Maria Island, Florida is a prime location for executive and corporate retreats, meetings and team-building activities. Anna Maria offers miles upon miles of pristine, sugar white beaches as well as nature preserves and state parks. Our large homes are located either directly on the beach or within a block from the beach. What a perfect location to combine the fun of outdoor activities and the relaxation of a real vacation with enough space for serious corporate meetings!

Why Anna Maria Island, Florida?

The state of Florida offers many locations for corporate retreats, so why choose Anna Maria? The reason is simple; Anna Maria is conveniently located between two larger cities, Tampa and Sarasota. Although easily accessible, it is more secluded and removed from all the unwanted distractions found at urban convention sites. Anna Maria Island also offers superb award-winning restaurants and the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Fun Facts About Corporate Retreats with AMI Locals

• Adventure – 300 Days of Sunshine, water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, fishing, and sunset catamaran tours!
• Nature – State parks offering hiking and horseback riding, untouched nature preserves to witness the local beautiful wildlife, dolphin/manatee watching.
• Access – TPA International Airport features many major airlines with direct flights throughout the US and connecting flights nationwide. There is also nearby SRQ airport located 30 minutes south in Sarasota, FL.

In addition to our unparalleled natural setting – a backdrop of the aqua blue waters and sugar white beaches – our homes demonstrate a commitment to excellence by inspecting, upgrading and renovating them before required. This, in addition to the large indoor and outdoor spaces our homes have to offer, are just a few reasons why AMI Locals homes are one of the best corporate retreat locations in the the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

AMI Locals specializes in providing a unique environment in which you can effectively combine business and pleasure – and unlike large convention resorts, AMI Locals brings together large meeting spaces with the warmth and intimacy of a large beach home.

Why Use AMI Locals?

• Multiple 7+ Bedroom homes offering up to 3,500 square feet of lodging and gathering space.
• Private heated pools and spas.
• Gourmet kitchens and outdoor BBQ grills (with provided propane).
• Homes can accommodate a large number of guests.
• Several side-by-side homes available to accomodate larger groups.
• Concierge available for organizing team-building activities and other special requests.

Corporate Amenities

• In-home catering companies can be recommended.
• Free High-Speed Wi-Fi throughout all homes.
• Additional tables and chairs can be arranged for an additional charge.
• Discounted Golf Carts, Bicycles, and Beach Equipment rentals, upon request.

Make it less of a required meeting and more of a luxury business retreat!

Contact AMI Locals today to arrange your next corporate retreat!
941-757-8226 • reservations@amilocals.com

April 15, 2020August 10, 2022

We can’t wait to travel again!

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Things we can’t wait to do when it’s ok to travel again…

We don’t know about you, but the time spent at home with our loved ones has been wonderful… but… we can’t wait to travel again! The beaches of Anna Maria Island especially are calling our name. So, here are the things we most look forward to visiting in the near future!

We can’t wait to…

Spend a beach day in the warm Florida sunshine at Manatee Public Beach, beginning with all-you-can-eat pancakes at AMI Beach Cafe!
Stroll down Pine Avenue and shop in person instead of just Amazon shopping online. We are great at spending money either way (whoops!) but we love the warm ambiance of the city and saying hello to the local shopkeepers.
Enjoy a Sazerac with our friends at The Doctor’s Office. It’s not often you find the perfect cocktail, but this one is pretty darn close.
Play a round of miniature golf at The Fish Hole on Bridge Street. And then walk over and check out the new Daiquiri Deck.
Get our hair cut at Acqua Aveda!!! And also our nails, massages, facials…
Just sit on the beach at Bean Point.
Wave at the adorable manatees and grab a beer at Rod ‘n Reel Pier!
Hike the mangrove trails of Leffis Key Preserve.
Sit on the patio at Wicked Cantina and watch the sunset with a big group of pals, chips & salsa, and a margarita. Yum.
Get out on the water with Egmont Key Adventures. Sunset cruises, Dolphin watching, maybe even go fishing!

We can’t wait to do all of these things, and to welcome new visitors back to our beautiful Anna Maria Island.

So please stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, and we hope to see you all soon on the beach! When you’re looking to book your summer vacation, give AMI Locals a call!

April 7, 2020August 10, 2022

Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19

We are all looking forward to the days when life gets back to normal and the uncertainty has settled. One thing we will take away from this is how important it truly is to Carpe Diem, and enjoy every moment! So in the midst of COVID-19 you might be thinking we need a vacation, we need to escape and relax, and we need to have fun. But where is the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID–19? What is the future of travel after Coronavirus?

Travel in the United States and support local businesses

Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your next vacation. Consider staying state side and travel in the United States. Also consider areas where you can support local business and economy. Major cities like New York and theme parks like Disney have been heavily impacted and will take time to get back to their usual hustle and bustle. A better option is planning a beach vacation. One place remains pristine and ready for new guests, and that’s Anna Maria Island.

Get your “Vitamin Sea” post COVID-19

Visit the best white sand beaches in Florida here in Anna Maria Island! We’ve got 7 miles of beautiful Gulf front beaches with sparkling blue water and views for miles with no high rises insight! Come Vacation like a Local and let AMI Locals help you plan your post quarantine getaway. We work with professional cleaning companies and you can rest assured linens and sheets are sterilized between every guest by our professional linen program. We have over a 160 homes in the area, and are experts in island living. Hands down the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19!

The beach offers a much needed serenity and the resilience of the island make it a top pick for post COVID–19 travel. Shawn Kaleta, who owns multiple homes on the island, says in regards to Anna Maria Island, “we have been through recessions before and we will get through this one. There is no better place to visit, especially after a time like this.”

Anna Maria is one of a kind in that it offers world class beaches, beautiful luxury vacation homes, and unique shops and restaurants. Check out some of our favorites like Ginny and Jane E’s, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Sand Dollar Gift Shop, Beach House Restaurant, and Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa.

So, Carpe Diem!

So we say Carpe Diem, “Seize the Day” and plan your next trip to Anna Maria Island with AMI Locals. The Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19. There’s no better time than now! AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. 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!

March 16, 2020August 10, 2022

Easter is Coming…Let’s Head to Anna Maria Island!

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!

JULY 3rd – Parade Time!