Tag: Bradenton Beach

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Savor the Season with these 4 Unforgettable Holiday Events on AMI

a picture of the sun setting on the gulf of mexico with purple, pinks and orange shades with a small wooden tree decorated with lights and the words that say Savor the Season with these 4 Unforgettable Events on AMI

Holiday magic takes a whole new meaning this year on the sun-kissed shores of Anna Maria Island. Imagine celebrating the festive season surrounded by white sandy beaches, a gentle breeze off the Gulf, and a calendar filled with unforgettable events. Get ready to create those cherished memories in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals this December. Let’s explore the top four holiday events happening on Anna Maria Island, all while enjoying the comforts of home.

Festive Lights & Sparkling Nights

This is a large Christmas tree that was displayed at a Christmas event in Florida.

Kick off your holiday vacation with the mesmerizing spectacle of twinkling lights. Anna Maria Island transforms into a winter wonderland adorned with festive decorations. Head to Holms Beach for the Tree Lighting on Friday, December 1st, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. After the tree has been lit at 6:00 pm, shop at the Holiday Market for a little while. Grab a few gifts to give to those in your life who mean the most. Your family will delight in strolling through the luminous streets, soaking in the spirit of the holiday.

Christmas Extravaganza with Santa

Experience the season’s joy with a Christmas extravaganza with Santa and his helpers. Mark your calendars for a jolly time on Saturday, December 2nd, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Pier Circle on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. The AMI Privateers are set to make the season merry & bright by bringing Santa and his sleigh to the beach. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere with various activities, from joyful caroling to delightful season treats. As the sun sets, gather at the Post Office for an enchanting outdoor movie with the family. Create the perfect ambiance of holiday cheer under the starlit skies, all while making new memories together.

 Unwrap the Magic at the Holiday Faire & Boat Parade

A decorated Christmas boat in a marina in Florida

Get ready to kick off the festive season in style at the Bradenton Beach Holiday Faire & Boat Parade on Saturday, December 2nd, from 3:00 – 9:00 pm on Bridge Street. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as the street comes alive with holiday cheer. Explore the array of stalls featuring local crafts, delectable treats, and unique treasures of the coast. This is the perfect place to find those special gifts for ones at home. As the sun sets in the west, be enchanted by the dazzling Boat Parade, a spectacle of lights leaving you in awe. It’s a holiday soiree your family won’t want to miss!

A Joyful Island Tradition with the Privateers

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 9th, as Anna Maria Island transforms into a winter wonderland for the Privateers Christmas Parade & Gifts from Santa. From 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, the island will come alive with festive floats, marching bands, and the jolly presence of Santa himself. Join the community in welcoming the holiday season with open arms as the parade winds through the picturesque streets. Little ones will be delighted as Santa hands out unique gifts, helping spread joy and creating those cherished memories. It’s a heartwarming tradition that promises to spread cheer among locals and visitors alike.

Between these enchanting events, your family can relax and recharge in the privacy of your AMI Locals vacation rental. Whether a charming beachfront or a spacious rental with panoramic views, these accommodations offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for a holiday getaway. We can’t wait to hear which event was your favorite this holiday season!

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FALL in Love with Anna Maria Island

Fall-On-Anna-Maria-Island-Uncrowded-Beach-AMI-Locals

Fall in Love with Anna Maria Island. It is not hard to do when you vacation during the months of Fall on Anna Maria Island.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to vacation on Anna Maria Island during the fall months of September, October, and November? Here is a little secret: This is our favorite time of year on the island! Even though it may not feel like colder weather and there are no landscapes of color-changing leaves to look at…the spirit of Fall takes over Anna Maria.

Less Crowds

Generally, by this time of year, the crowds have dwindled. You can get a feel for what it is like to live like a local on Anna Maria Island during the Fall months. By now, most of the kids have all returned to school, and the beaches are quiet. So, head out to the beach for a secluded and relaxing day. Grab a book and read. Or, close your eyes and soak up plenty of warm rays from the sun.  There is nothing like getting a tan in the Fall on Anna Maria Island. During the Fall on Anna Maria Island, the lack of crowds is evident everywhere. After relaxing at the beach, explore the uncrowded restaurants, shops, and bars. Just jump on the free Anna Maria Island trolley and explore the island from end to end. Maybe find a new favorite spot to grab a bite to eat. During the Fall on Anna Maria Island, you will find much shorter wait times for a table at most of our popular dining options!

The-Sandbar-Restaurant-Anna-Maria-Island
Visit the Sandbar Restaurant for Gulf Side dining at it’s finest

Festivals Galore

As October and November roll in, so do all the area festivals! In my opinion, the Fall on Anna Maria Island – October to December – are the best months of the year to explore all the great happenings in and around Anna Maria Island. Maybe you keep it super local and head down to the Coquina Beach Market at the island’s South end to search for treasures from local artists and vendors, all while taking in the beautiful gulf views.

Also, look for Halloween-style island events. From costume contests to the Anna Maria Elementary Fall Festival, there is fun to be had for all ages! Take advantage of the Trail of Treats if you find yourself here with your little ones on Halloween. This is where area businesses hand out goodies to all the dressed-up kiddos!  If you get adventurous and head off the island, you will find some exciting events! Maybe head East and go to a good old-fashioned pumpkin festival. There are plenty to choose from! Or, take a ride on the Pumpkin Patch Express at the Florida Railroad Museum, where you can journey on an open-air train through the picturesque countryside of Manatee County. The train ride ends at a remote pumpkin patch. There, everyone selects a pumpkin and gets to bring back the perfect gourd for an island-style pumpkin carving party. With so many things going on, how will you choose? Check out our area events calendar when planning your next Anna Maria Island getaway! 

Halloween-On-Anna-Maria-Island
Halloween on Anna Maria is a Scary Fun Time!

Beautiful Weather

While the island is beautiful and sunny almost all year, the Fall months on Anna Maria Island are very refreshing. They can bring a nice break from the high humidity and hot, sticky days that rule the Summer. While the days are warm and pleasant, with temperatures hovering in the 80’s, the evenings can often bring a nice breeze and cool down into the low to mid 70’s. This makes those evening strolls on the beach even more enjoyable. You may still even be able to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sea turtle nests. Some of the eggs will still be waiting to hatch. Sea turtle season runs until the end of October every year. Each nest is marked and secured with “caution tape.” Witnessing the hatching of a nest and watching all those tiny sea turtles take off toward the water is one of the most fascinating and memorable sights you will ever see!

Turtles-On-The-Beach-Anna-Maria-Island-Florida-AMI-Locals
Watch the Baby Turtles hatch on Anna Maria Island

Get Out On The Water

The Fall on Anna Maria Island is also an excellent time of year to fish. Being a barrier island, you can enjoy offshore and inshore fishing the best. This time of year, trout, flounder, redfish, cobia, snapper, and permit take center stage for near-shore fishing. Perhaps one of our spectacular Waterfront Homes would give you the best opportunity to do a little fishing right in your backyard! Or, allow you to bring your boat and secure it behind your vacation home. You can always book a local fishing charter to show you all the best spots to drop a line. Or, just head out to one of the island’s piers. Whichever you choose, we can help point you in the right direction. If fishing is not your forte, then perhaps a leisurely cruise around the coastline of our little island is more your speed. We have some excellent suggestions for dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, and snorkeling excursions on our website. With clear, sparkling aqua

Fishing-Boat-Tampa-Bay-Anna-Maria-Island-Florida
Boating, Fishing, and Diving are great in the Fall.

What Are You Waiting For?

So, whether you want to get away for a romantic week for two or you are traveling with a group, we have a unique and luxurious vacation home waiting just for you. Visit our AMI Locals Rental Page to pick your next vacation home from our list of exceptional properties. Or, contact one of our property managers to make your vacation dreams a reality this Fall on Anna Maria Island. Let us show you how to vacation like a local!

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Mini Golf at the Fish Hole with AMI Locals

Mini Golf at the Fish Hole

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!

Mini Golf on AMI

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!

Mini Golf on AMI

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/

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Coquina Beach Market – come explore with AMI Live

Coquina Beach Market

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!

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Sports + Beach Vacations



Combining Sporting Events and Beach Vacations

Combining Sporting Events and Beach Vacations? You’re probably wondering, is that really a thing? Combining sporting events and beach vacations might not be something you’ve ever thought of before; but, it can be done! Furthermore, sporting events and beach vacations makes for one amazing trip! So, let AMI Locals show you how to do it right!

The Tampa Bay Buccanneers

Since the NFL Season is right around the corner, let’s start with a look at our local team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This season, the Bucs have some great home games to play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

First and foremost, lets take a look at the schedule:

Now, look over these games, and figure out which sporting event works best with your beach vacation plans. Then, contact AMI Locals to help to plan your getaway around it!

Traveling to Anna Maria Island

So, who’s your home team? Are they listed above? If they’re headed this way when it’s snowy and cold at home why don’t you be the ultimate football fan and travel along?  Getting here is easy, and you have tons of options. Either drive down, or fly into the Sarasota or Tampa airport and rent a car. Or, get fancy and hire a car or limo to take you between your destinations.

For example, if you’re a Carolina Panthers’ fan, you can fly from Charlotte, North Carolina to Tampa on December 1st, 2018 roundtrip for about $230. Then, add on a week’s stay at one of our lovely 2-3 bedroom Anna Maria Luxury Vacation Rentals such as Island Time East for about $2,450. Combine it all, and boom, you have a fantastic sporting event and beach vacation planned for just under $3,000.

How to Get to the Buccaneers Stadium from Anna Maria Island

Here’s your game plan for game day when you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations! How do you get from here to there? Tampa is about 35 miles north of Anna Maria Island. An easy 1 hour drive, and it’s very scenic! Especially if you take the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

First, you will need to take one of the bridges to the mainland, SR-64, or Cortez Road. From there you’ll hop on to I-275 N to cross the beautiful Sunshine Skyway bridge. Then, continue through St. Petersburg and then on to Tampa. The highways are easy to navigate and the exits to the stadium are clearly marked.

Parking and Tailgating at the Stadium

Parking is plentiful around the stadium, with 14 official parking lots just outside of the stadium. Furthermore, there are other parking facilities within easy walking distance. Remember to bring some cash to pay for parking! Most parking lots average around $25 per vehicle. With most people driving to the games, tailgating around the stadium is always fun. Because of that, make sure you bring some snacks and a favorite beverage or two. As a result, you’ll hang out and engage in some friendly rival team banter with the locals. After the tailgate, you’ll head into Raymond James Stadium for kickoff and the big game. Remember to #vacationlikealocal and take photos by the pirate ship, mate! Tag us @amilocals!

Other Professional and College Teams

Maybe NFL Football isn’t your thing. That’s fine, there are more options for comining sporting events and beach vacations. Instead, maybe MLB Baseball, College Football, NHL Hockey, or NBA Basketball is more your speed. Well, you’re in luck!

Within 45 minutes to 3 hours of Anna Maria Island, we have everything you need! Located 45 minutes away, we have the Tampa Bay Rays, with a season running from March-October. Also, there are some great NCAA College Football teams within 1-3 hours of Anna Maria Island. Those teams include the USF Bulls in Tampa, the UCF Knights in Orlando, and the Florida Gators in Gainesville. The NCAA College Football season runs from September until late November. The Tampa Bay Lightning are about an hour away in Tampa. Their season runs from September – April each season. Finally, the Orlando Magic, are located about 2 hours away from Anna Maria Island. This NBA team offers a great sporting event to attend from October – April each season. 

Why it’s the Best Option

When you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations you become the smartest fan in any stadium. Taking that one step further, when you’re combining sporting events and beach vacations on Anna Maria Island you become one of the smartest fans in the world. The convenience of our island, and it’s fantastic proximity to so many great sport events and venues, makes this the ideal vacation for all sports fans.

Tampa has hosted the NFL Superbowl, NCAA College Basketball Tournament for Men and Women; and, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, all have NCAA Football Bowl Games including the Orange Bowl. There is so much here, within a short drive away. Skip the crowds of the big city, and commute in for the event only. Spend the rest of your time relaxing at the beach. 

Plus, most sports occur during the Fall and Winter months. Fall on Anna Maria Island is an absolutely wonderful time of year to visit. Check out our recent AMI Locals blog post, FALL in love with Anna Maria, to get a little more insight into how we locals feel about the autumn months here on the Island. Spoiler alert: we love it!

 Just remember to wash off your game face paint before applying your sunscreen!

 

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4th of July Celebration – Boom, Boom, Pow



4th of July Celebration - Boom, Boom, Pow

We LOVE celebrating 4th of July just as much as the rest of the country! We just like to do it “Island Style”! This time of year brought plenty of people to our beautiful beaches to enjoy all the holiday and summer festivities.

4th of July Parade Fun

Just like every year, this 4th of July started with an awesome local parade
that spanned the entire length of the island from Coquina Beach to the City Pier. The parade route winds through Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria and is a short stroll from all of our spectacular vacation homes. This annual parade is hosted and led by the Privateers. So, next year,
be ready to spot the pirates and their ship coming down the street followed by an array of decorated floats, cars and golf carts throwing treats and cooling down the crowd with super soakers! And, if you have ever dreamed of being more than just a spectator, be sure to sign up to participate and decorate
your own vehicle! The more the merrier!

More Fun After the Parade

After the parade was over, we grabbed ourselves a spot at the beach and caught some rays! July always brings the heat, but a dip in the crystal aqua-blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico refreshes the soul. Afterwards, we just relaxed poolside and grilled out with our friends and family. With full hearts and bellies we were sure to make our way back to beach as the sun went down. Firework displays were a plenty in the area and there was no bad spot to catch a great show! For more than 30 years The Sandbar Restaurant located at 100 Spring Avenue, on the north end of the island, has been graciously lighting up the night sky for all to enjoy. So, next July, If you are looking for an all-inclusive event, be sure to grab a ticket to their VIP Party which includes an amazing array of local foods, an open bar, and prime beach
seats for the fireworks. These tickets sell out quickly, so do not hesitate to mark your calendars for next year!

With so much sunshine and patriotic activities on the island, it’s hard not to have the time of your life. So, if you are looking for a laid back way to just enjoy the 4th of July with your family and friends be sure to visit us next summer and vacation like a local!

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The Hernando De Soto Parade



Did you know that on April 28th, 2018 marked the 78th Annual Hernando De Soto Parade in Bradenton, Florida? This classic Manatee County event brings travelers from Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota and other parts of the state! In fact, we can probably say that it brings people from all over the world now.  Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria Island have guests from other countries visiting for the event. We have recommended this wonderful event to many of the guests staying within the area.

About the Parade

With over 150 floats in this parade, it is one of the longest and oldest
parades in all of Florida. The parade kicks off every year from Manatee
High School, located at 902 33rd St Ct W, Bradenton, FL 34205. It travels
down 33rd Street, to Manatee Avenue (SR-64), and it ends in Downtown
Bradenton around 3rd or 4th Street. Every one of the 150 floats entered in
this event is armed with beads, pirate bullions, candy, and much more.
Days before the parade you’ll see people claiming their spot with their
lawn chairs or caution tape. No one wants to miss this spectacle. You’ll
find pirates dancing down Manatee Avenue alongside their float. Local
businesses displaying themselves and their products in unique and custom
floats. Mascots and floats representing our local professional sports
teams like the Tampa Bay Lighting and Tampa Bay Rays.  Police and Fire
Department apparatus of all kind in the parade and so much more. The
Hernando De Soto Crew and their newly crowned De Soto Queen and Princess
usually steal the show.

Let the Fun Begin

Mainly, everywhere you look you’ll find people genuinely having a blast. Children running to pick up treasures and yelling at floats and patrons for “beads, throw me beads.” Honestly, the adults might take it more seriously than the children. It is always a competition in our family to see who can collect the most, but it is always done in good fun.

Don’t Miss Out Next Year

The Hernando De Soto Parade has been a staple in our area for 78 years now, and that is primarily due to the good-natured fun and entertainment that it provides. It’s a great way to see our local community gather in one space and have fun together. Our family goes every year, and we always recommend it to our AMI Locals family that is visiting us that week. So, if you’re planning to be in town next year in 2019, make sure you mark April 29th, 2019 on your calendar because that is when the Hernando De Soto Parade will roll down Manatee Avenue for the 79th time. You won’t want to miss it!

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AMI Locals
3018 Avenue C
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
reservations@amilocals.com

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