Things we can’t wait to do when it’s ok to travel again…
We don’t know about you, but the time spent at home with our loved ones has been wonderful… but… we can’t wait to travel again! The beaches of Anna Maria Island especially are calling our name. So, here are the things we most look forward to visiting in the near future!
Stroll down Pine Avenue and shop in person instead of just Amazon shopping online. We are great at spending money either way (whoops!) but we love the warm ambiance of the city and saying hello to the local shopkeepers.
Enjoy a Sazerac with our friends at The Doctor’s Office. It’s not often you find the perfect cocktail, but this one is pretty darn close.
Sit on the patio at Wicked Cantina and watch the sunset with a big group of pals, chips & salsa, and a margarita. Yum.
Get out on the water with Egmont Key Adventures. Sunset cruises, Dolphin watching, maybe even go fishing!
We can’t wait to do all of these things, and to welcome new visitors back to our beautiful Anna Maria Island.
So please stay safe, stay healthy, wash your hands, and we hope to see you all soon on the beach! When you’re looking to book your summer vacation, give AMI Locals a call!
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!
Spending Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island is a wonderful way to celebrate this joyous family holiday! What better way to spend this holiday than at one of our luxury vacation home. Imagine spending time with your loved ones while a sweet ocean breeze sways the palm trees around you. So, sit back, relax and let the Feast-tivities begin!
What’s For Dinner?
Thanksgiving Dinner
As we all know, one of the main components for Thanksgiving is food, food and more food! While you are spending Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island you have quite a few great options that you can enjoy.
One such option is to follow tradition and spend quality time with your family preparing your favorite recipes. Use the fully stocked kitchen in your vacation home to cook. If you still want to eat in the comfort of a beautiful waterfront home, but don’t necessarily want to cook, then you are in luck! You may order an entire Thanksgiving spread from locations such as the Holmes Beach Publix and The Fresh Market just off the island on Manatee Avenue. Furthermore, both offer a tremendous array of selections for all the guests around your holiday table!
In addition to the desserts at these stores, you can also order sweets from local island bakers. This will complete your Anna Maria Island Thanksgiving feast. One such choice is ordering a delectable homemade pie from Chef Molly at The Travelling Gourmet. Her kitchen is located within the walls of the local Community Center of Anna Maria Island. Her freshly prepared foods and pies are an amazing addition to any meal.
Another delicious dessert option, is a stop at Hometown Desserts located on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria. Try the Key Lime Coconut Cake! You won’t be disappointed! Lastly, you can indulge in a selection of gourmet chocolates & truffles from famed chocolatier William Dean available at the Island Creamery and Bakery on the corner of Gulf Drive and Palm Avenue. These exquisite treats are sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests that join you for dinner on Anna Maria Island.
Gourmet Chocolate from Island Creamery
However, cooking isn’t for everyone. If you desire a true Anna Maria Island vacation free from all your holiday duties, then make a reservation at one of these popular dining destinations. For a unique Thanksgiving dinner, head over to the Anna Maria Island Beach Café. Stuff your bellies beachside with their casual and family friendly Thanksgiving Buffett, all the while basking in the warm Florida sunshine and listening to the relaxing sound of the Gulf of Mexico.
On the other hand, perhaps you are in the mood for a more formal option. If this is the case, then head out to Pier 22 in downtown Bradenton and enjoy a lavish, homemade style Thanksgiving meal complete with a panoramic riverfront view. In the same fashion, you can head just south of Anna Maria Island to dine and celebrate at Marina Jacks with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay. Or go a step further and book a table on one of the Marina Jacks II Thanksgiving Dinner Cruises. Sail through the waters and enjoy a spectacular meal and live entertainment. Any of these is sure to create wonderful and special memories for you and your family!
I Am Stuffed! Now What?
You Can’t Beat an AMI Sunset
With full hearts and bellies, head out to the beach for a nice sunset stroll. After all, our sunsets and beaches are what Anna Maria Island is famous for! All of our vacation homes are within a short walk to the sand. Or maybe you were lucky enough to reserve one of our Gulf Front Properties! Either way, it is a must-do, peaceful addition to your Thanksgiving plans!
Go Shopping!
Are you ready to shop yet? Keep the Thanksgiving holiday spirits going and head out for some serious shopping just off Anna Maria island! First, join the bargain hunters out at the Ellenton Premium Outlets. With a wide selection of stores such as: Adidas, Banana Republic, Gymboree, Chico’s, and more, you are bound to find any gift you are searching for! Next, you can visit some wonderful shops at the University Town Center. This breathtaking mall is where you can find Santa Claus waiting for the little ones to visit.
Any Other Fun Activites?
Amazing Seafood and Great Live Music
Be sure to keep an eye on our Events Calendar to stay up to date with all the Anna Maria Island and surrounding area festivities! Furthermore, check out details here for both the Sarasota Medieval Fair and the Lakewood Ranch Seafood & Music Festival which are happening during the weekends surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday!
For additional advice, be sure to ask your personal property manager or give us a call in the office. We love nothing more than sharing all of our local Anna Maria Island knowledge and activities with our guests! You can also check out our Things To Do link on our website for fun options for the entire family. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels good to just Relax by the pool of your vacation home! We cannot wait to see you all this Thanksgiving on Anna Maria Island! Life is good when you Vacation Like A Local!
