Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals Archives – Page 4 of 5 – AMI Locals Blog

November 14, 2019August 10, 2022

Don’t Miss This Year’s Sarasota Medieval Fair

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!

November 6, 2019August 10, 2022

Best Beachfront Homes on Anna Maria Island

Searching for the best beachfront homes on Anna Maria Island?AMI Locals is proud to offer the best beach rental properties on Anna Maria Island. And our beachfront luxury vacation rental homes in particular are the best you can find on the Island! Let us show you.

Best beachfront 8 to 10 bedroom vacation rental homes

These are the largest beachfront luxury vacation rental properties we offer at AMI Locals! If you’re planning to vacation with family & friends but still would like to have your own space, such as a private bedroom and bathroom, consider one of these amazing beachfront homes.

Best Beachfront Rental Homes on Anna Maria Island — **SEA SWEPT • 10 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms**

Best Beachfront Homes on Anna Maria Island — **BEACHFRONT PARADISE • 8 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms**

Luxury beachfront wedding locations

On the other hand, are you looking for the best beachfront vacation rental location to hold your destination wedding or small gathering while you stay here? Look no further! And, The Tiki and Palm Tree Paradise A & B can be rented all together to accommodate your wedding party for the festivities.

Best Beach House on Anna Maria Island FL — **THE TIKI • 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms**

Unmatched beachfront accommodations

Thinking of a small family or group of friends trip? These are just perfect! Featuring direct beach access, amazing tropical pools great for making memories to last a lifetime.

Tropical Beachfront Luxury Rental Home Florida — **SANDCASTLE • 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms**

Coastal Decor on Anna Maria Island — **ISLAND PARADISE #2 • 3 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms**

Beachfront Vacation Rental Home — **BEACHFRONT BUNGALOW • 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms**

The best part about getting away to Anna Maria Island Florida is undoubtedly our bright and sunny soft sugar-sand beaches! So, why not stay right on it? That way, you eliminate and valuable time traveling to-and-from the beach once you arrive. Call us today at 941-757-8226 and book your vacation at one of the best beachfront homes available on Anna Maria Island.

Stay with AMI Locals, and #vacationlikealocal!

August 5, 2019August 10, 2022

Labor Day weekend – Get away to Anna Maria Island!

There’s nothing better than spending Labor Day weekend at the beach! Sun, sand, friends and fun to celebrate the unofficial end of summer! So, why not run away from home and come visit Anna Maria Island? And AMI Locals has a ton of fabulous Luxury Vacation Rental Homes to choose from. Check out Feelin’ Beachy, Salt Life, or any of our available rentals.

Sunshine Skyway view from Anna Maria Island

Festivals & touristy things

If you feel adventurous, and are over 21, head up to Tampa for the Summer of Rum 2019 festival to kick off Labor Day weekend. Gotta love a cool tropical adult beverage on a hot summer day! Also, while you’re there, you can check out the Tampa Museum of Art, and Sparkman Wharf. It’s about an hour and fifteen minute drive North of Anna Maria Island. But, Tampa is a fun city to visit for the day!

Another option, head South to Sarasota for the Sarasota Sailing Squadron 72nd Annual Labor Day Regatta. It takes place over all three days of the weekend. Also, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a fantastic spot to visit with the family! You can’t beat seeing sea turtles up close and personally!

The best bet – the beaches!

Meanwhile, on the Island you’ll want to stay close to the beach. Nearly all of our properties are within a 5-minute walk to the beautiful soft white-sand Gulf of Mexico beaches. Then, spend the day on the beach, and come “home” to relax by the pool. Then, head out for dinner on the weekend with live music at Island Time Bar and Grill, or pop over to Rod N Reel Pier for a nice cold beer and views for days!

So, why not come stay and play on Anna Maria Island this Labor Day weekend… Call us at 941-757-8226 today, and let us help plan your perfect getaway!

July 23, 2019August 10, 2022

Bring Your Dog on Your Vacation to Anna Maria 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!

June 30, 2019August 10, 2022

Play Golf on your Next Family Vacation to Anna Maria Island

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!

February 18, 2019August 10, 2022

Mini Golf at the Fish Hole with AMI Locals

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.

https://www.facebook.com/AMILOCALS/videos/2285715158371376/

Mini Golf on Anna Maria Island - Koi fish

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/

February 8, 2019August 10, 2022

AMI Beach Vacation & A Day at Disney World

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!

January 19, 2019August 10, 2022

Coquina Beach Market – come explore with AMI Live

Who doesn’t love to shop in the sunshine?
During the months of November – July you can visit the Coquina Beach market! And it happens every Sunday and Wednesday from 10 am – 4 pm. It is located at Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach, the southernmost point of Anna Maria Island. Very nearby you can stay with AMI Locals at The Sandbar or Atlantis Beach House and ride the free MCAT Trolley to the Market!

Come enjoy live music by the AMI String Band as you stroll the Coquina Beach Market. Accordingly, you will find many friendly AMI vendors with booths offering fresh produce, cotton candy, jewelry, beachy apparel, local artists, health and beauty items, and much more. In any case, you’re bound to find a treasure or two to take home with you!

Unfortunately, the Coquina Beach Market is not dog-friendly due to the Manatee County rules for the park. Just a heads up before you bring your four-legged family member.

So, take a sunny little walk through the market with us:

https://www.facebook.com/AMILOCALS/videos/560918361051988/

If you go:
The Coquina Beach Market is located at 2650 Gulf Drive S, Bradenton Beach, at the trolley stop/concession stand area. Specifically look for bright yellow and red signs that say Beach Market Today! They will guide you and there is usually plenty of free parking.

While you’re there, why not stop into the Coquina Beach Cafe and enjoy a Pina Colada and a lovely casual lunch on the beach? You can order that fun tropical frozen cocktail and be on “island time” with a fabulous view!

December 20, 2018August 10, 2022

NCAA Bowl Games & An Anna Maria Beach Vacation

NCAA Football Bowl time is upon us! It’s time to pencil in a luxury beach vacation to Anna Maria Island on your bracket. In December and January, Florida hosts eight NCAA Bowl Games. Four of those are within driving distance from the beautiful beaches of Anna Maria, Florida.

bowl games are fun

NCAA Bowl Games in Florida

Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl

The Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl starts at 8:00 pm on December 20^th in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium. The local South Florida Bulls will take on the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Fan Invasion starts at 4:30 pm outside the stadium so be sure to arrive early.

Camping World Bowl

Next up, the Camping World Bowl will be played in Orlando on December 28^th, and the match-up between the Syracuse Orangemen and the West Virginia Mountaineers is sure to be a good one! Kick-off starts at 5:15 pm. FanFest will begin at 1:15 pm on Tinker Field next to the Stadium for this NCAA Bowl Game. Admission is FREE with lots of fun activities for everyone in your group.

Outback Bowl

On New Year’s Day, the Outback Bowl kicks off in Tampa at noon and has the Iowa Hawkeyes playing vs. the Mississippi State Bulldogs. It’s held at Raymond James Stadium and there’s no shortage of excitement leading up to the game. The Pregame Bowl Bash starts at 9:00 am with live music and a Pep Rally outside the stadium, and food and refreshments will also be available.

Citrus Bowl

Finally, the VRBO Citrus Bowl starts at 1:00 pm in Orlando on January 1^st, 2019. The Penn State Nittany Lions will take on the Kentucky Wildcats at Camping World Stadium. FanFest begins at 9:00 am on Tinker Field next to the Stadium. Admission is FREE featuring interactive games, face painting, and food and beverages available for purchase from local vendors.

Where to Stay

With Anna Maria just a short drive away, why not enjoy a relaxing week at the beach before or after the big game? Traveling with all of your family and friends? Atlantis Beach House has plenty of room and a waterslide! Or, Nautical Tides features a fantastic rooftop deck overlooking the Bradenton Beach Marina. While Blue Pearl has a lush and tropical backyard oasis to escape to after a long day of adventures. So, plan on a day in Tampa, Orlando, or St. Petersburg for the big game, and then spend the rest of your time on the sunny shores of the Gulf of Mexico beaches!

What’s Your Next Move?

Well, grab your playbook, call an audible to an agent, and get yourself booked into one of our available vacation rental homes! There’s not much more for you to do once you touchdown in Anna Maria Island, but relax!

2017 Outback Bowl Fans

September 28, 2018August 10, 2022

Rock Climbing In St. Petersburg Florida

What do some of our AMI Locals do on their day off?

Well rock climbing of course, at Vertical Ventures in St. Petersburg! With St. Petersburg being such a short drive away from Anna Maria Island, it makes it so easy to go check out this awesome Rock Climbing Gym on your vacation to Anna Maria Island. Escape the rain or the sun, and find a fun and safe place to have some fun with the whole family. Sarah, one of our AMI Locals, and her husband decided to take the day and do some rock climbing and get some great video along the way.

Picture of rock climbing gym

As you can see here, there is plenty of space to climb! This gym has everything you need to get on the wall, from rock climbing shoes to chalk. One of the other great things about this rock climbing gym is that it is an attraction for the entire family, so no one will feel left out of this excursion. Check out this video of Sarah’s first attempt on the wall:

Overall, this place is awesome and a great way to spend some time if you are trying to escape the beach for a little while or just wanting a fun and different adventure. So what should you expect when you go to rock climb?

Here is a list of things to keep in mind when you go:

Don’t worry, they have ropes! It’s an extremely safe way to have a lot of fun.
They have everything you need as far as gear. You won’t need to bring anything except maybe your friends or family!
They will show you everything you need to know about the gear and rock wall.
And if you do want to bring something, snacks and water should be top of the list.
Remember to have fun! This isn’t the movie Cliffhanger and you’re not Sylvester Stallone 😉

To show you what a good time you’ll have, here is a picture of our AMI Local Sarah and her husband after a great time at the rock climbing gym.

Sarah and her husband at a rock gym