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.
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!
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!
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.
Anyone up for a round of Mini Golf at the Fish Hole? So much fun! Check it out on our latest blog:https://www.amilocals.com/blog/2019/02/18/mini-golf-fish-hole-ami/
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/
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.
NCAA Bowl Games in Florida
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
The Bad Boys Mowers Gasparilla Bowl starts at 8:00 pm on December 20th 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 28th, 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 1st, 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!
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? Well, here is a little secret…this is my favorite time of year on the island! Even though it may not necessarily 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 really 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 are evident everywhere. After your relaxing day at the beach, feel free to 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!
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 South end of the island 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! If you find yourself here with your little ones on Halloween, be sure to take advantage of the Trail of Treats. This is where area businesses hand out goodies to all the dressed up kiddos! If you get adventurous and head off island, you are bound to 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? Be sure to check out our area events calendar when planning your next Anna Maria Island getaway!
Halloween on Anna Maria is a Scary Fun Time!
Beautiful Weather
While the island is beautiful and sunny almost all of the year, the months of Fall 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 towards the water is one of the most fascinating and special sights you will ever see!
Watch the Baby Turtles hatch on Anna Maria Island
Get Out On The Water
The Fall on Anna Maria Island is a great time of year to fish as well. Being a barrier island you can enjoy the best of both offshore and inshore fishing. 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 own backyard! Or, allow you to bring your own 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 found on our website here. With clear, sparkling aqua waters and the endless array of beautiful sunsets, there is an adventure out there for everyone!
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 travelling 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 amazing 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!
Summer may be coming to an end but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the beach long after the kids have gone back to school. We know how you can have the perfect beach day on Anna Maria Island after school has begun for the kids. Staying in one of our beach view rentals can help you be close to the action and enjoy the fun fall weather. Let’s look at how you can make new memories with your family while you enjoy the beach on vacation.
What to Pack
When you go on vacation to the beach you want to make sure that you pack the necessities. Pack sunscreen at least 50 SPF especially if you have kids because well let’s face it, the sun is still hot even in the fall and winter months. We don’t want you to have your vacation ruined on your first day at the beach. You will also want to bring some chairs, an umbrella, a blanket for the kids to use, towels, hats and even bring baby powder (helps get the sand off easier). Also bringing a small cooler will help keep your drinks and food cold while chilling on the beach. But if you happen to be staying in one of our beach view rentals, then you can always head in if the kids need a nap or you want to take one. It’s OK you’re on vacation after all!
Lunch Time
Lunch time can always be fun if you add the sand in the mix of things especially if you have kids. It’s a known fact that when you vacation with the kids, sand will get into your food no matter how hard you try to keep it out of it. We suggest bringing a snack bag for the kids and then one for the parents. That way your food is sand free or let’s hope it is. There is a Publix Super Market in Holmes Beach that you can always go grab some groceries for the week. If you are needing a Walmart there is one over the bridge in Bradenton, FL. Waters are a good thing that you can freeze the night before and then you can bring on the beach as the day goes by, you will still have cold waters.
Timing
Timing can be everything on Anna Maria Island. If you go to the beach early, then you will want to stay out there for most of the day. But did you know that the sunsets on Anna Maria Island can be too beautiful to not enjoy. So, if you’d like to catch the sunset while spending time on the beach, head out on the sand around 2 or 3 pm. You will then be able to see the sunset and make new memories while watching it with your family.
Walk the Beach
Taking a walk on the beach in the mornings and of course in the evening can be wonderful for everyone. Not only can it be relaxing for just you but bring the kids along in the evenings and collect seashells. The sand is so soft on Anna Maria Island that why wouldn’t you want to walk barefoot on the beach with the family. Or if you like to run, go for a run on the beach in the morning and enjoy the sunrise. No matter what time you go to the beach just take in the beauty that Anna Maria Island has to offer you.
Any visit to Anna Maria Island will allow you to have a perfect day at the beach but these are just a few to help you enjoy your day a little more. We thought that coming and visiting Anna Maria Island any time of the year is better than not coming and visiting at all. Even if it’s for a short visit, you are still able to enjoy a few days away from life at home. If you are still looking for a beach vacation rental to stay check out what we have available for this fall. We hope to see you this year while you vacation on Anna Maria Island!
Do you have a family vacation this year on Anna Maria Island and not sure what there is to do with the kids? If you are staying in one of our beach and gulf view vacation rentals, we can tell you some of the best things to do with the kids. We have compiled a small list for you to check out and see what you and your kids can do on your next family vacation!
Go to the Beach
Well you are vacationing in Florida, so one of our number recommendations is to hit the beach and spend as much time as you can there. Let your kids spend as much time there creating new memories with them. Build as many sandcastles as you’d like and let the play in the beautiful, white sand. The best part of heading to the beach on Anna Maria Island is that there are sand bars that help create shallow water areas for your kids to play in. Let the kids wear their energy out on the beach for the day!
Hunt for Sea Shells
When you are vacationing hunting for sea shells can be a favorite activity for everyone in the family to do. This can be a great activity for the younger ones who are just learning to walk and for even the parents. Plus, we know of a great area to head to get to the best shells. If you head over to Beer Can Island (Greer Island) you can find some of the best area for the best shells.
Play & Enjoy Bayfront Park
We understand that your kids build up more energy than you can handle and need to run it off. Take them to Bayfront Park where they can run off that energy and where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the bay. This is a free park and a great new place to visit when you are on vacation.
Go Get Donuts
When on vacation you must get donuts especially at one of the most delicious places in the US! You will need to take the kids to The Donut Experience at least one time while you are on vacation to experience the made to order donuts. When you arrive though, don’t be surprised if you find a line out the door. This is a very popular place to go whether you are a local or a tourist. The process is simple and you will see many options to help you make your donuts better tasting. Just have fun and let the kids be creative. What a better way to enjoy these donuts!
Eat on the Beach
If you are looking for a new experience when it’s time to eat dinner or lunch with your family. Head over to The Sandbar Restaurant where you can eat with your toes in the sand. This is a locally owned restaurant that has an expansive patio with many tables over actual sand. And to make it better when you go just before sunset where you can experience a beautiful view of the sun setting over the water. They have a great kid friendly menu and no worry about the kids making a mess on the floor, it’s sand. Maybe make this your last meal while on the island. What a beautiful memory to make on your final day!
While there are still many other things to do with your kids but these are just a few that we’d thought that you’d like. While staying with us in one of our vacation rentals, you will find that there is something for everyone in the family. Take pictures, make new memories and come back to the island for years to come!
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl
Camping World Bowl
Outback Bowl
Citrus Bowl
