Anna Maria Island – Florida’s Secret Time Capsule

If you have never been to Anna Maria Island before, you may not realize that it’s like Florida’s secret time capsule. Many visitors who come to Anna Maria Island for the first time will often ask “Where are all the High-Rises?” Being only an hour south of Tampa on the west coast of Florida, you will find one of the best beaches on the gulf coast. And if you happen to be staying in one of our Gulf View vacation rentals, then you will understand why this beach is the best.

Unlike many of the other larger cities and really most of Florida, where you can see high-rises as far as the eye can see, you won’t find that on Anna Maria Island. There is only 1 building that happens to be taller than 3 stories on the entire island which is a condo complex that was built in the 1970’s. How can this even be like a normal beach town? It’s easy, it doesn’t have those big hotels but instead has amazing vacation rentals that you get to stay in every-time you visit.

On Island Time

The speed limit on the main road which happens to be a two-lane “highway” that runs the entire length of the island is a nice speed of 35 mph. While this may seem like there is no way that you can find a time capsule of a town or beach that has all of the qualities that it has, it makes you glad that they take life one day at a time. Their motto is ones you’re on the island you are on island time and many visitors like that feeling.

Year-Round Fun

While you may think that visiting the island during the fall and winter months may be unreal, think again. Anna Maria Island has casual surroundings and have a climate that is temperate which is why many consider it a year-round destination. During the winter and early spring months, you may find more people trying to come visit who live in the colder states. During the summer months you find that families will occupy the area and will spend as many hours at the beach soaking up the rays. And even Coastal Living magazine has recently named Anna Maria Island among some of the nation’s “10 Best Little Beach Towns to Visit in the Fall”. What an honor that our area has received, and we take pride on it.

Modes of Transportation

Anna Maria Island is Florida's Time Capsule

While many younger people would consider the only way to get around the island is by car, many others enjoy other modes of transportation. We mean, you are on island time so why not enjoy the scenery instead by getting around via walking, bike riding and even golf cart rentals. But please note that you must have a valid driver’s license to be able to rent a golf cart on the island. Hitch a ride on the Monkey Bus as you explore our beautiful scenery. No matter what your mode of transportation may be, you will enjoy your time while on the island with your friends and family.

These are just a few reasons that you may realize that Anna Maria Island may feel like it’s Florida’s secret time capsule, but the time spent on the island for your family vacation will feel the best. Sometimes going to a different beach and noticing the hustle and bustle there will allow you to want to vacation with us at AMI Locals. We can tell you that being on island time is always fun for everyone as you will want to vacation here year after year. We hope that we can see you and your family for your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!

June 28, 2022August 10, 2022

Nightlife on Anna Maria Island this Summer

Happy friends cheering and drinking cocktails at beach party outdoor - Young millennials people having fun at weekend summer night - Youth lifestyle and nightlife concept - Main focus on left guys

Anna Maria Island during the day is perfect for enjoying the sun, sand, and surf with the family. But would you like to have a night out or two while on vacation kid-free? We at AMI Locals have the perfect spots where you can go this summer and enjoy the nightlife on the island. Staying in one of our Beach and Gulf view homes will keep you close to the action. Let’s look below where you can check out the nightlife here on Anna Maria Island.

The Doctor’s Office

Craft Cocktail Assortment on Well Lit Bar

The Doctor’s Office is a craft cocktail bar that will give you the ambiance as you’ve stepped back in time. The space where this bar is located has been on the island since the 1950s and was once an office for several doctors. Some items you’ll find on the menu are your typical “bar” food like light sandwiches, tacos & more. The drink menu is impressive, with cocktails such as the Painkiller, Brown Derby, Preferred Remedy, and Bees Knees. Don’t miss The Doctor’s Office on your next visit to Anna Maria Island!

Dcoy Ducks

Dcoy Ducks is famous to the locals and is in the Holmes Beach area. They are known to many as “The Spot” to hang out with friends from 10:30 am until 2:30 am. Dcoy Ducks hosts many events during the month each day and is one you don’t want to skip on your kid-free night out. Think of the fun you’ll have on Margarita Thursdays or Fireball Friday, including Happy Hour every Friday & Saturday Night.

Hurricane Hanks

Hipster friends toasting multicolored fancy drinks at fashion bar - Trendy people having fun together drinking cocktails at happy hour - Food and beverage party time concept on vivid contrast filter

Hurricane Hanks is another great nightlife spot for many of our guests and even the locals. They are located on Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach and open until 11 pm every night. Some items you’ll find on the menu are wings, bacon-wrapped scallops, sandwiches, and more. They offer craft beers, cocktails, and great food that can’t be missed. Hurricane Hanks offers different events during the day like Tiki Time, Retro Hour, and more.

The nightlife on Anna Maria Island is full of different things to do, but we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Beach and Gulf view homes, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how you spent your kid-free night on the town!

May 31, 2022August 10, 2022

3 Best Places to Grab Breakfast on Anna Maria Island in 2022

breakfast on a table showing bacon, eggs, toast

One of the best things about going on vacation anywhere is eating out for breakfast. Taking a break at any time of the year can be just as exciting, especially when you don’t have to cook at least once while you’re gone. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will keep you close to some of the exciting places. Let’s look below at where we recommend our picks for the three best restaurants to eat breakfast on the island.

Anna Maria Island Beach Café

tables and chairs with place settings along with trees and umbrellas on the beach overlooking the blue water

Would you like a beautiful beachfront view while you’re eating breakfast? If the answer is yes, we’d love to tell you about Anna Maria Island Beach Café. This is an excellent pick for an early morning breakfast option on the island that comes with a fantastic view. Their menu includes All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs, and Bagels, and we can’t forget about the Breakfast Tacos. Don’t miss out on eating at this restaurant on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.

The Waffle Press

The Waffle Press is another great place to grab breakfast on Anna Maria Island. Get your family one of their scratch-made waffles, including the Camper (Smores), Grand Slam, Canadian, Waffle Sandwiches, and more. They also have an excellent menu for coffee and baked goods that you may want to try. And if you have young kids or just want a snack, grab their mini waffles too to take back to your vacation rental.

The Donut Experience

donuts with fruit loops, oreos and chocolate frosting on them.

Did someone say Donut?! If you have kids or like eating donuts, and you’re looking for something a little different, then The Donut Experience is for you. Located in the heart of Anna Maria Island is where you’ll find this gem that many forget it’s here. One of the things that many love about this restaurant or donut shop is that you can pick what goes on them. First, you will pick out your icing. Next, you will pick out the toppings to go onto your donuts, and then you choose which drizzle you’d like. This can be a fun thing to do with the kids on a rainy day or as you’re getting ready to go check in for your vacation.

While there are many other fun places to grab breakfast from on Anna Maria Island, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your vacation to stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, call us. We can’t wait to hear where your favorite breakfast was from on the island!

April 19, 2022August 10, 2022

4 Fun Beach Games that the Whole Family will Love

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year? If the answer is yes, then allow us with AMI Locals to share a few games to play on the beach. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family to connect. Let’s look below at what four fun beach games we’d like to share with you that the whole family will love.

Seashell Hunt

two young children, a boy and his baby brother are on the beach by the ocean shore, picking up seashells

Anna Maria Island has an abundance of seashells that you may not find on beaches that border the Atlantic Ocean. So naturally, a seashell hunt along the shoreline of the beaches can be just what your family needs. The objective of this fun game is to see who can find the most seashells or the biggest shells in a certain amount of time. When everyone is done finding their shells, you can give points on the number of shells, the size of the shells, or the color of the shells. Think of the fun the kids will have by getting to have a fun hunt on the beach.

Musical “Towels”

A fun game that is often played at parties is musical chairs, but since you’re at the beach, trade those chairs for towels. All you need is towels, a phone, and some fun songs. If you don’t have enough towels, you can use spare clothes in place of the towels. The rules for musical chairs will apply to this game. Anyone in the family can play this game, and this game can be played multiple times during the day.

Sand Mermaids

Three kids playing in the sand, burying one little girls legs in the sand.

Another fun game that the whole family will love is to make sand mermaids. This is especially fun for the little ones as most times; it’s the parents or siblings getting to become the mermaid. Have the person who is going to be the model lay in the sand, and the rest of the family will then cover their legs and waist with sand. Then the shaping of the mermaid tail begins, and then time to decorate the tail. Use the seashells you found on the beach during the seashell hunt, seaweed, and other beach finds. Don’t forget to take pictures of each person who has become a mermaid!

I Spy

For families with younger kids, this game is perfect for you. Just like you play this game on road trips in the car, it’s ideal for playing on the beach. This game can be played while eating lunch on the beach or while you’re having the kids take a break from the water. You can use different themes such as colors, nature, or items seen on the beach. Depending on how old the kids are, it is how hard you make the guessing game.

There are many other fun games that you can play while you’re on vacation; we wanted to share the above with you. If you are still on the hunt for the perfect Anna Maria Island vacation rental, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear how you and your family loved playing the games we shared with you above.

February 28, 2022August 10, 2022

3 Things to Do this Spring on Anna Maria Island

Beautiful Sand Dunes and Sea Oats on the Coastline of Anna Maria Island, Florida

This spring, do you have a family vacation planned to come to Anna Maria Island this spring? If the answer is yes, allow us to share three things you can do in the area. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you to be close to the action. Let’s look below at what you and your family can do this spring on the island.

Snorkeling Fun

A family snorkeling in the crystal-clear water

One of the best things about vacationing to Anna Maria Island is getting to experience something you’ve never done. If you’ve ever vacationed in the Caribbean, you might have had the opportunity to snorkel, but our crystal-clear water allows you to do it here. Some of the wildlife that you’ll be able to spot while in the water are shells, dolphins, manatees, and even stingrays. If you don’t have your equipment, have no fear as there are a few different tour companies that offer snorkeling tours around the island. Think of the new memories that the whole family will have by getting out in the water and seeing what you can spot in the water.

Bean Point Beach

Another great location that many locals and visitors love to visit is Bean Point Beach. This is one of our best-kept secret spots on the island because you won’t be able to find large signs showing the way. You will go a little north of the Anna Maria City Pier to see this beautiful spot, just past the crossroads. You can get to this location by car or even biking. There is much different wildlife that lives there that you can admire, swim or walk with the family. Don’t forget to stay to see the sunset and grab that picture for Instagram!

Mini Golf with the Family

Teenagers, 14 and 15 years, playing miniature golf

Playing mini-golf together is a tradition for many families who vacation to the beach every year. One of the places where you can head to play a round or two of mini golf is The Fish Hole in Bradenton Beach. If you’re concerned about the heat being too much during the day, don’t worry as they have cooling misters throughout the course. Some of the other things that you’ll be able to do while playing are grabbing a souvenir to take home, grabbing a cool drink, and you can feed the Koi.

There are many other fun things that you can do this spring, but we wanted to share these few with you. Now is the time if you haven’t booked your next trip to Anna Maria Island. We can’t wait to hear what you did this spring on your vacation!

January 31, 2022August 10, 2022

Why Should You #BookDirect with AMI Locals?

Hands holding digital tablet with application booking flight travel search ticket holiday and hotel on website discounted price, concept technology online marketing and promotion.

Are you and your family planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island this year? We need to tell you why you should #bookdirect with us if you are. Many online third-party vacation rental sites can add a 5%-20% additional fee to your reservation. We know that your vacations are significant and may limit how much you can spend each year. AMI Locals wants to make sure that you get the most out of your money when visiting Anna Maria Island. The only way that you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation without getting hit with that unexpected fee is by booking direct today!

family sitting in sand building a sandcastle with water in the background and sunny day with little clouds making new memories

What You Need to Know About Booking Direct

On February 2^nd, 2022, we celebrate the 5^th Annual Book Direct Day, which was created to help educate vacation rental guests on the benefits of booking directly through an owner or Property Management Company vs. using a Third-Party agency such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VBRO & TripAdvisor.

While you may recognize these big-name companies and their gimmicks in helping you save money, you will soon learn that they will charge you a fee for using their website. Who wants to pay extra just to try and save a little money? Some of the expenses that you may incur when you book with an OTA can range from 5%-20% of the total cost of your vacation rental, which in turn can cost you thousands of dollars extra depending on which rental you choose.

Why You Should Book Direct with Us

When you book direct with AMI Locals, you will not only speak with one of our vacation specialists who are local to Anna Maria Island and can give you the best information on the area. We know all the details on each property because we have personally been to them. We can provide you with our recommendations on where to dine, play, shop, and visit businesses in the area. Our office is conveniently on Anna Maria Island, so if any problems arise while you’re on vacation, we’re here to help.

How You Can Book Direct with AMI Locals

You will find that booking directly with us at AMI Locals is easy! We encourage all guests to book their vacations directly through our safe & secure website, www.amilocals.com, or call our office at (941) 757-8226. Rest assured that we will never charge any hidden fees, and we will always provide you with the best available rates on our professionally managed vacation rentals. We don’t want you to have to pay anything extra so that you can use that money to go out to eat, explore the island or make a local day trip. We understand that your money is precious, and we can help you see that your vacation to Anna Maria Island is the best one it can be each year!

Are you ready to plan your vacation today? #BookDirect with AMI Locals today to have the best-planned vacation year after year!

August 13, 2021August 10, 2022

Let’s Learn about Beach Flag Warnings

The beach flag warning system is meant to protect all of us from potentially dangerous situations and elements.

It’s not only smart but fun to learn about beach safety. We all want to get out in the beautiful beach water as quickly and often as possible, but we also need to stay safe! When you are staying at one our our AMI Locals Beachfront Properties this information can be especially useful, but really it is just great information to know.

Let’s check on the meaning of each flag:

Green Flag – Low Hazard

A green flag means that the threat of danger is low, and you should be safe when heading out into the water. However, the green flag does not mean that we should throw caution to the wind. We still need to exercise safety in the water and watch children and weak swimmers closely. There is never a reason to take chances. Better safe than sorry.

Yellow Flag – Medium Hazard

The yellow flag does means that there is a potential for danger, though not life-threatening. We must use extra caution when we see the yellow flag. Ocean conditions could be more rough than usual with moderate surf and/or currents! Anyone swimming or enjoying the water should be extra aware. Again, children and weak swimmers may be more vulnerable when the yellow flag is out. When possible, stay near a lifeguard station or sit out on the beach and enjoy fun on the side until the water calms.

One Red Flag – High Hazard

HIGH ALERT! One red flag means business! It is a sign of dangerous currents, high surf or both. The red flag is the most serious among the beach warning flags, and everyone is strongly discouraged to enter the water.

Two Red Flags – Closed to Public

Two red flags means – STOP – the beach and water are closed to the public because of extremely dangerous conditions. Do not attempt to swim or enter the water when there are two red flags under any circumstances!

Purple Flag – Dangerous Marine Life

Purple Beach Flag - Dangerous Marine Life

The purple flag indicates that there is dangerous marine life out on the water or beach. This could mean stingrays, jellyfish, sea snakes, or other marine life. Anything except sharks – If a shark is in the water, then a red flag or double red flag will be hoisted. Not taking any chances with those guys!

Red over Yellow Flag

Lifeguard on duty! The is a welcome flag. The red over yellow flag does not mean something is inherently dangerous. It is saying, hey you are in good hands. The red over yellow flag signifies a recommended swimming area that has lifeguard supervision.

If available at your beach, we always recommend swimming within red over yellow flag areas.

Black and White or quarted Flag

The black and white or Quartered Flag sometimes used in pairs and spaced apart, indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is being used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft. They are just to make sure beach goers are aware of this and stay safe from the hazard of collision with any type of watercraft.

The Black Ball Flag

Opposite of the black and white, quarted flag the black ball flag prohibits the use of Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft where this flag flies.

There are multiple national and regional variations, but the majority of signs are universal. Jump in and enjoy – but as always, be cautious!

Rip Tides – Currents

Waves crashing on a beach

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Rip tides and currents can catch you off guard, sweep you out into deep waters very quickly and cause you to lose control. Rip tides can be very powerful especially when there is larger surf, and even if you are a very strong swimmer there is still a possibility you can be pulled out by these harsh currents. Areas near Bays, river mouths, estuaries or piers are usually the most dangerous areas for rip tides and currents to arise.

If you do get caught in a rip current, the RNLI advice is to:

– Stay calm, and try not to panic

– If you are able to stand, wade rather than swim

– If you have a board, keep hold of it as it will help you float

– Raise your hand and shout for help

– Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the rip, then make your way to shore.

Everyone should learn how to stay safe in the surf, sand, and sun. The beach and the ocean hide many hazards. Make sure to be aware of these visual signs that can be spotted on your favorite beaches.

Now that you know the drill, get out there and enjoy our island!

June 1, 2021August 10, 2022

3 Restaurants to Try on Anna Maria Island this Summer

Summer will be here before you know it, and now is the time to start getting excited over the food you’ll find on the island. Anna Maria Island has many different restaurants that provide seafood, kid-friendly food, and southern food. Staying in one of our AMI vacation rentals will keep your family close to several of these delicious places to eat at. We understand that you’re on vacation and who wants to cook all week while you’re relaxing. Let’s look below at three restaurants to try Anna Maria Island this summer with the family.

Mr. Bones BBQ

Does your family love pulled pork, BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken & more? Then look no further as you can find all that southern deliciousness at Mr. Bones BBQ in Holmes Beach. This restaurant opened up in 1992 and has become a staple to get some fantastic BBQ on the island. Some of the things you’ll find on the menu are spare ribs, baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, jambalaya, and more. If you get stuffed at the restaurant, then take your leftovers back to your vacation rental and savor them for another day or night. Mr. Bones BBQ is one restaurant that is a must-try on the island!

SMOQEHOUSE

Another restaurant that your family may enjoy is the SMOQEHOUSE located over in Holmes Beach. This is another restaurant where you’ll find traditional BBQ dishes like the SMOQEHOUSE Cuban, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket Burger, and Sarasota Special. For the kids, they offer grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, and cheeseburgers. Their hand-cut fries are just like you’d find on a boardwalk on the east coast and are to die for. This can become your new favorite restaurant to give a try on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!

Brick’s Smoked Meats

sandwich with beef brisket, fries and coleslaw

While Brick’s Smoked Meats is not located on Anna Maria Island, it was one that we wanted to mention—located in Bradenton is where you’re going to find this Texas BBQ-style restaurant. The family will love some of the menu items from their “OMG” Brisket Chili Cheese Fries, Pulled Pork Platters, St. Louis Ribs, Bacon Burnt Ends, and more. Don’t worry about the kids not having something to eat because there is something for everyone on this menu. This is a restaurant that is worth trying on your vacation to Anna Maria Island if you’re looking for a home-cooked southern BBQ.

There are many other fun restaurants that we could mention in this post; we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our AMI vacation rentals, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you and your family this summer and about how you enjoyed one of these restaurants!

April 22, 2021August 10, 2022

This Weekend is the De Soto Parade

A big event is returning to the Bradenton-Anna Maria Island area! After being cancelled last year due to COVID, the De Soto Parade is making a much-anticipated 2021 comeback on Saturday, April 24th.

As a heads up to our Anna Maria Island visitors who will be arriving to check in this day – traffic will be more tricky than usual! Manatee Avenue will be CLOSED late afternoon (4pm-ish) for a large section headed west toward the island, so you will need to use an alternative route if you are driving during this time.

This map outlines a little work-around! If you are coming from the highway or from US 41 and going out Manatee Avenue, instead try this:

From Manatee Avenue headed WEST, turn LEFT onto Tamiami Trail US 41.
Continue SOUTH until 44th Ave W, and turn RIGHT
Continue heading WEST until 59th Ave, then turn RIGHT
Go NORTH until you come again to Manatee Avenue, where you will turn LEFT
Then continue WEST and you will arrive on Anna Maria Island!

We hope this helps! Just pack a little extra patience, and build in the time to go around the parade route. Or, stop and enjoy the parade with the locals!! If you have any questions, please text our awesome AMI Locals Guest Services team at 941-226-8442

*IF YOU GO to the De Soto Parade

Details: 7 p.m. April 24. Free to attend.

Route: Parade begins at Manatee High School, travels west on Ninth Avenue West, north on 39th Street West and then east on Manatee Avenue West, ending at Ninth Street West.

Info: desotohq.com/parade.

March 30, 2021August 10, 2022

Must Have Items for Your Beach Bag

Are you headed to the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island this spring for your vacation? Nothing says vacation like spending a few days sitting on the beach, soaking up the rays. When staying in one of our Beach and Golf View vacation rentals, having the right items in your beach bag will help enjoy your vacation a little better. We have compiled a small list to be sure that you will be ready for your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.

Must Have Items

Beach Bag

Having the right beach bag can make ALL the difference in the world. Sure, you can throw all of your items into any old bag, but did you know that all beach bags were not created equal. We suggest looking at the size, water and sand resistance, security and stylish when searching for your bag. We have found that even using a backpack, diaper bag or an even a large utility tote bag works perfect for a beach bag.

Beach Towels

Pack a towel for everyone in your family whether you are going to sit in the sun or swim in the ocean. Bringing an extra towel with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones with you. Having a beach towel with a different design can help each member in your group remember which one theirs is. This can help with the upset that the little ones will get because someone else is using their towel.

Sunscreen

With the hot southern sun on Anna Maria Island, sunscreen is a must for any beach bag. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. And don’t forget to Reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation the very first day your here with a sunburn. If you do happen to get a little too much sun, pack a bottle of aloe and stick it in the fridge. This can help soothe the burn so you can enjoy your vacation a little more.

Mesh Bag for Sand Toys

When you go on vacation with kids, bringing toys to play in the sand is a must. But we understand that bringing back the sand into your car or vacation rental can be a hassle. If you pack in your beach bag a mesh bag such as a laundry bag or a bag specifically for beach toys can help eliminate the mess. Just throw the sandy toys into the bag, give it a good shake or two and leave the sand behind at the beach. You can purchase these online or in a local store to bring with you on your vacation.

Baby Powder

This is a must when you go on vacation whether you have the kids with you or not. Whether you are staying in a vacation rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a nice scent too.

Hat & Sunglasses

Bringing both of these items can be very useful for anyone who visits the beach. The sun in the south is a lot warmer than it would be up north, and so we want to make sure you are protected. Having sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun bright rays and will offer you some relief when trying to keep an eye on your little ones playing. Whether you have a floppy hot or a baseball cap, you will be happy that you brought these along with you. Be sure to pack one for each member of your family.

Beach Blanket

This is an item that is often overlooked when packing your beach bag for many families. You get so caught up in the excitement of spending your days on the beach that you forget to pack one. One beach blanket that we recommend you try and grab is sand-proof beach blanket. This is made to make it easier to keep the sand off the food, little hands of the kids and all the clothes. Now we can’t guarantee that the kids won’t bring back sand to your vacation rental, but know that while you’re sitting on the sand your belongings will be safe.

There are many other items that you can pack into your beach bag for your next trip to Anna Maria Island, but these are the must have items we thought you should have with you. If you are still looking for a place to stay for your next getaway or vacation, then check out our Beach and Gulf View vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you enjoy the white sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island!