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!
New Year, New Adventures! 2020 is a blank slate waiting to be filled up with memories. Places to go, people to see, work to do, fun to be had. And AMI Locals can help you cross one thing off of your to-do list. Let us help plan your perfect 2020 Anna Maria Island beach vacation!
Vacation like a local
AMI Locals manages over 150 amazing luxury vacation rental homes of all shapes and sizes, and our Reservations team works with each and every guest to ensure we put them in the perfect property. We all live here and we all love Anna Maria Island! Please give us a call at 941-757-8226 or email reservations@amilocals.com and let us know a few key details of what you’re looking for: • the calendar dates for your stay • number of guests (adults/children) • bringing a pet? • must-haves (such as a heated pool) • preferred budget and anything else specific you are looking for… we will take it from there! AMI Locals will tailor our recommended properties to best suit your needs – then all you have to do is choose your favorite and book directly with us. Easy peasy.
Do more things that make you happy in 2020!
Family Vacations
Traveling with multi-generations in the same family – mom and dad, you and your spouse, kids, siblings and cousins in the New Year? We have homes with detached mother-in-law suites or even separate guest houses. Take a look at Freckled Fin, Blue Marlin, Daiquiri Deck, Blue Pearl, and Blue Bay. You can stay together and still have plenty of personal space! And there is plenty to do on Anna Maria Island. Rent bikes from Beach Bums and explore! Fishin’ and lunch at Rod N Reel Pier, nature hiking at Leffis Key Preserve, The Fish Hole at Bridge Street for mini-golf, and of course plenty of time at the beach.
Vacationing with 5 other couples that you have been friends with since college? We have beautifully located new construction homes where every bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, so you can hang out and enjoy each other’s company without feeling like you’re back in the dorm! Check out Ocean Star, Hidden Treasure, Crystal Waves Oasis. Or, each couple can book a private villa at our Islands West Resort. Anna Maria Island has cute locally-owned shops and art galleries, restaurants & bars, and some of the nicest local people you will ever meet!
Traveling for business and pleasure in this New Year? All of our luxury vacation rental properties feature free Wi-Fi so you can easily stay connected while you are staying with AMI Locals. And, we feature homes with large open gathering spaces for brainstorming and networking. All with amazing views and amenities. Mondays are always easier if you’re working by an amazing tropical pool, right? Some of our best homes for corporate retreats include Bay View Beauty, Sea Swept, and Ocean Star. Plus, we can help with the details of planning your company retreat so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Romantic trip for two
Romantic getaway to celebrate a special Anniversary? Newlyweds and booking your honeymoon? We have the perfect beach house for you. Coral Cottage, Dockside Paradise, and Fishful Thinking are all perfectly charming and private. Or, stay in one of our resort-style properties such as the Islands West Resort, Bayside Bungalows, or the Driftwood. These have shared pools and outdoor spaces and a more social vibe.
clink clink!
Let AMI Locals plan your perfect New Year 2020 stay
Whatever your vacation style is, we are here to take all of the guesswork out for you. Contact us today and let us help plan your perfect beach vacation! Happy New Year from all of us here at AMI Locals.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially Christmastime on Anna Maria Island. Winter is a beautiful season to visit our little piece of paradise. And there is so much to see and do in December when you stay in a luxury vacation rental property! It’s time to share our AMI Locals cheat sheet of holiday events & happenings on the Island and nearby. Tag us in your holiday island adventures on facebook & instagram @amilocals!
• The AMI Chamber of Commerce Annual Tree Lighting & Holmes Beach Holiday Open House Friday, December 6th from 5 PM – 8 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/423890301878746/ The shops and stores of Holmes Beach open their doors to welcome the community for this fantastic event. They provide treats, special holiday sales, live music and the tree lighting happens at 6 PM in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot – you won’t want to miss this!
• The Anna Maria Privateers Island Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14th at 10 AM. http://amiprivateers.memberlodge.org/event-3624031 The Privateers host this parade every year, spreading lots of Christmas cheer. And, of course… you can see Santa! You will be able to find a good spot to watch the parade anywhere along the route. It begins at 10 AM at Coquina Beach Park in Bradenton Beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island and continues all the way to City Pier Park on the northern tip in Anna Maria.
• 2nd Annual Bradenton Beach Holiday Boat Parade at Bridge Street Saturday December 14, 7 PM – 8 PM https://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/events/2nd-annual-bradenton-beach-holiday-boat-parade/ The boat parade route will start at Jewfish Key at 7pm and head north, motoring past the Historic Bridge Street Pier and ending at Bradenton Beach Marina. Christmastime on Anna Maria Island by boat is magical!
• December Artwalk: A Village Wonderland Friday December 13, 6 PM – 9:30 PM and Saturday December 14, 11 AM – 4 PM
Enjoy the lights and galleries decorated for the holidays. Live music, strolling entertainment, unique holiday shopping, and tasty treats during one of Bradenton’s favorite holiday events. Friday night 6-9:30 pm and Saturday 11am-4pm.
• Christmas on Bridge Street Saturday December 14, 4 PM – 8 PM https://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/events/christmas-on-bridge-street/ Enjoy an afternoon and evening on Bridge Street celebrating the holiday season! Bridge Street will be closed to traffic. Live bands, the local chapter of the Sweet Adelines International Singers, a cornhole tournament, free children’s Christmas ornament making activities and food tastings are some of the fun planned for the day.
• 2019 Manatee River Holiday Boat Parade Saturday December 14, 6 PM – 10 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/474870269781486/ A short drive off of Anna Maria Island, the downtown Bradenton boat parade kicks off at sundown at Snead Island and makes it’s way up the river to Caddy’s offering public viewing locations along the Green Bridge and Bradenton Riverwalk.
• Robinson Preserve Light Festival Saturday December 21, 6 PM – 9 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/1595153717290899/ After sunset on the winter solstice, head over to the Robinson Preserve for an evening of reflection and contemplation. A candlelit trail will be assembled for a single night – you are invited to walk the path in mindful meditation. Take some time during this busy season to slow down, observe the lights, and enjoy the beauty of Robinson Preserve at night. Program suitable for all ages. Reservations are required for a Lantern Kit.
• Palmetto’s Historical Park – Christmas in the Park Saturday, December 7th from 3 PM – 8 PM https://www.facebook.com/events/459835937993496/ Start your holiday festivities with “A Classic Christmas” at Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park. This free event offers something for everyone: decorated buildings, kids’ crafts and contests, Reindeer Games, and of course, Santa. A snow hill will also be on hand for children to slide down. Santa Claus will be arriving at 4:00 – bring your camera for a photo with the big guy himself!
• Acqua Aveda Salon, Spa & Store – Annual Holiday Open House Friday December 6, 9 AM – 7 PM https://www.facebook.com/acquaaveda/ Come out anytime on December 6th for discounts on products and pre-booked appointments. Get ready for your holiday celebrations with perfect nails and hair!
• Enchant Christmas St. Petersburg now through December 29 https://www.facebook.com/events/377307009888020/ About a 45 minute drive north of Anna Maria Island, but oh so worth it! The World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze and Market is at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL, November 22 – December 29, 2019. The event is also host to a bustling artisan Christmas Market, an Ice Skating Trail, seasonal food and beverage, and visits with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Christopher Calvin meeting Santa for the first time.
So, as you can see there’s more to Christmastime on Anna Maria Island than just sipping eggnog on the beach in 70 degree weather. But we won’t judge if that’s all you want to do! Happy Holidays from AMI Locals!
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!
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.
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& Bcan be rented all together to accommodate your wedding party for the festivities.
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.
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.
Do you love coming to Anna Maria Island for your family vacations every year and catching the perfect sunset? Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation homes will keep you and your family in close proximity of where you can go to see the perfect sunset. We know where all the places are around the island and want to share them with you. Let’s look below at where your family can head to while you vacation here to soak up the beautiful sunsets of AMI.
The Rod and Reel Pier
This is a favorite among not only the locals but also for
many of our visitors as well. Head over to The Rod and Reel Pier so that you
and your family will be able to catch a glimpse of the amazing sunsets on the
island. And while you are watching the sunset, grab a bite to eat at the restaurant
as well so you won’t go home hungry. We promise that you won’t want to miss any
of the sunsets on the island after you see it from the pier!
Bean Point
Another fantastic spot that your family can head to on Anna
Maria Island is Bean Point. Many of our guests love to head to Bean Point every
trip to watch the sunset. Not only will you be able to see the sunset in the distance,
but you will also be able see a few wildlife animals including dolphins. This
is a great place that is perfect for families who have small children who can
come out and play as you watch the sun setting on the horizon!
Manatee Public Beach
Manatee Public Beach is another great location where your
family can see the sunset on the island. This is also the location of AMI Beach
Café so that you can grab a quick bite to eat as you sit at one of the picnic
tables and enjoy. Listen to the waves crashing in the background and the children
playing as you soak in the natural beauty of Anna Maria Island. If you happen
to get there a little before the sun is ready to set, then you can play a
little in the water and relax on the sand.
No matter where you are on Anna Maria Island, you will be able to see the amazing sunset. The palm trees in the background as you are sitting in a beach chair is just what parents are looking for when they vacation here. And staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation homes will keep you close to where the fun is at. We hope to see you and your family soon as you enjoy your next vacation here on the island!
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.
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!
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!
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!
May is the start of the sea turtle nesting season here on Anna Maria Island and that means that the turtles can be seen any day now. Every year hundreds of turtles love to make Anna Maria Island their home to their nests. And when you stay in one of our Beachfront vacation rentals, you may have the opportunity to see a nest or two. Let’s look at what you need to know about the turtle nesting season on Anna Maria Island below.
Turtle Nesting Season Begins & Ends When?
Many of the local residents love this time of the year because it happens to be turtle nesting season on the island. Starting on May 1st every year is the start of one of the most magical times as it is the beginning of turtle nesting season. This is when you will see sea turtles come to the shore on Anna Maria Island to lay their eggs in their nest they have built. Bean Point happens to be one of the main locations where you may see the most activity during the nesting season as it’s the quietest on the island. Turtle nesting season ends in October every year so while you are on vacation to Anna Maria Island during the late spring to late fall months, know that it is turtle nesting season.
Help Protect Anna Maria Islands Turtles
One thing that we do take very seriously is that we like to protect
our turtles who have made their home on Anna Maria Island’s shore. We have several
local volunteers who check out the beaches every morning in search of new nests.
These volunteers do mark the new nests
with flags along the beach, so if you happen to come across some while on your
vacation, don’t disturb them at all. Here are a few rules to follow while you
are on vacation on Anna Maria Island during turtle nesting season:
Maintain your distance from both the sea turtles and their nests. We highly suggest at least 50 feet if you can.
Do not use your smartphone near any of the turtles or any flash photography. This can cause them to become disoriented while they are on shore.
Please refrain from leaving your beach items on the beach overnight. When you leave the beach for the day, take your things back into your vacation rental.
Be sure to turn off the outdoor lights in your vacation rental. This can cause the newly hatched sea turtle from making their way to the ocean.
Last but not least, keep the beach clean. Be sure that you toss any trash you have into a trash can.
While there are many other things you can do during turtle nesting season, these are the important ones you need to know. If you still haven’t made your next vacation to our beautiful island, then please check our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!
You have just booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island and you have asked off work to be able to go and relax on vacation. But we know that for many families packing can be a daunting task, especially when you are vacationing with little ones. Having a plan or even a list can help you pack for the whole family so that you can relax and enjoy your beach vacation. We at AMI Locals have come up with a list to get you started on packing for your upcoming vacation.
Before you Start Packing
Going on vacation can be fun, exciting and relaxing but knowing a few things before you start to pack can help you in the long run. Always check the local forecast before you leave on vacation and yes, even before you pack. You know that you will need your swimsuits and shorts for your vacation, you may also need to bring a rain jacket or even a lightweight sweater as well depending on the time of year you visit.
Make a list of activities that you’d like to do with the family including day trips, outings or eating out. Be sure to make a list for the whole family of what you will need. We suggest doing this a few weeks before your trip just in case you need to add a few things at the last minute.
Organize a wardrobe for each day especially for the little ones including underwear and sleepwear too. To help keep you organized when packing the little ones, grab a box of gallon sized Ziploc bags and put two outfits in each one for each day. This can not only help you stay organized but can also help keep up with what they will wear each day too.
Clothing
Beach Clothing | This should consist of swimsuits (we suggest at least 2 for each family member), hats, flip-flops and cover ups (a lightweight dress will do too).
Everyday Clothing | Each member of the family should have at least 1 outfit for each day of vacation plus a couple extra ones for emergencies. For the younger children, we suggest at least 2 outfits a day and that includes underwear and socks.
Footwear | We understand that some shoes are bulky, and you don’t want to bring them, so we suggest bringing 3 pairs for each family member. A pair of comfortable tennis shoes for walking any distance, a pair of flip-flops and a nicer pair in case you want a date night or two.
Nighttime Clothing | Don’t forget about packing your pajamas and plenty of underwear and socks.
Everything Else | Safety Pins, Feminine Products, Razors, Body Wash, Soap, Cotton Swabs, Air Freshener, etc.
Medicine Bag
Prescription Medication | Bring all medications in their original bottles in case you need to go see a doctor while on vacation you know what you are on. (Also have a list on your phone in case of an emergency.
Over the Counter Medications | Benadryl, Motrin, Tylenol, Vitamins
First Aid Kit | Band-Aids, Neosporin, Sunscreen, Aloe, etc.
Miscellaneous
These are the other items that you will need to bring with you on vacation such as things for the beach including a beach bag, chairs, towels, sand toys, beach umbrella and more. Also, if you’d like to bring your bikes you can especially for the younger kids so they can have fun at your AMI Locals vacation rental. Books and things that the kids can color with can help keep them busy on a rainy day too.
There are so many other things that you can pack for your family vacation, but we felt this list should do the trick. If you still haven’t booked your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island, we suggest you check out our availability. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next adventure to our beautiful island!
