Explore Anna Maria Island Like a Local from Your Vacation Rental

Beautiful sunset at Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Welcome to Anna Maria Island, where stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and a laid-back charm await you. While this tropical paradise is a tourist favorite, there’s a secret to genuinely unlocking its essence: experiencing it like a local. And what better way to do so than by immersing yourself in the comfort and convenience of an Anna Maria Island vacation rental? Here’s your guide below to exploring Anna Maria Island like a local, right from the doorstep of your vacation rental.

Rise and Shine with Local Flavors

Start your day the island way by savoring the flavors of local cuisine. Skip the crowded breakfast spots and opt for a relaxed morning in your vacation rental’s kitchen. Head to one of the island’s farmer’s markets to pick up fresh produce, locally sourced coffee, and artisanal treats. Whip a delicious breakfast while soaking in the island views from your rental’s balcony or patio.

Discover Hidden Gems

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

Anna Maria Island is dotted with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Grab your bike or wear your most comfortable walking shoes and explore the island’s lesser-known spots. From secluded beaches and tranquil nature trails to quaint shops and art galleries tucked away in charming neighborhoods. There’s always something new to uncover off the beaten path.

Dine Like a Local

Anna Maria Island boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with many restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering anything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Explore the lesser-known areas and discover the beloved hidden treasures the island’s residents cherish. From waterfront seafood shacks serving the day’s catch to family-owned bistros dishing out comfort food classics, dining like a local promises a feast for the senses.

Sunset Rituals

No visit to Anna Maria Island is complete without witnessing its legendary sunsets. Join locals and visitors as they gather along the shoreline to watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant hues. Whether you enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your vacation rental’s private beach access or venture to one of the island’s popular sunset spots, experiencing this daily ritual will leave you in awe.

Live Music and Local Culture

Young couple laughs and enjoys each other's company at the local farmers' market

Immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant cultural scene by seeking live music performances, art exhibitions, and community events. Check out our local calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. There’s something for everyone, from weekly farmers’ markets and art walks to outdoor concerts and festivals. Engaging with the local community is the perfect way to gain insight into Anna Maria Island’s unique spirit.

End the Day with Relaxation

After a day of adventure and exploration, return to your vacation rental for a night of relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you prefer to unwind with a soak in the hot tub, cozy up with a book in the living room, or stargaze from the comfort of your balcony. Your vacation rental provides the perfect sanctuary to end the day on a tranquil note.

By immersing yourself in the island’s local culture, cuisine, and community, you’ll uncover the true essence of Anna Maria Island. Capture unforgettable moments during your stay in our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, crafting memories to cherish forever. So go ahead, explore like a local, and let the magic of this tropical paradise capture your heart.

What to Pack for your Anna Maria Island Vacation

Family loading luggage into car top box before road trip

Do you have a family vacation to Anna Maria Island soon but are unsure what to pack? We understand that it can be overwhelming to pack the whole family, so we have come up with a packing guide to help you. AMI Locals provide linens and a few starter items in each vacation rental for you. Let’s check out a more detailed list to get your next Anna Maria Island vacation packed and ready to go.

What We Provide in All of Our Vacation Rentals

Fresh and clean towels in a bright room

AMI Locals vacation rentals include fresh bed linens, beach towels, bath towels, and kitchen towels. We also have a starter supply of products that provides for one small bottle of dish soap, two dishwasher tablets, one roll of paper towels, two rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, one small bar of hand soap per bathroom, one trash bag per bin and a sanitary strip on each toilet. We also provide beach chairs in our rental homes, but the number of chairs will vary by each property. Almost all of our vacation rental homes have a washer & dryer but be sure to check the amenities list on the rental you’ve booked.

Rental Home List

  • Paper Towels
  • Napkins
  • Toilet Paper
  • Coffee Filters
  • Sponges
  • Laundry Detergent/Fabric Softener/Dryer Sheets
  • Dish Soap/Dishwasher Tablets (or liquid)
  • All-Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant Wipes
  • Trash Bags
  • Aluminum Foil/Plastic Wrap
  • Storage Containers/Ziplock Bags/Reusable Bags
  • Hand Soap for Bathrooms & Kitchen Sink
  • Tissues
  • Clothes Basket/Collapsible Hamper
  • Reusable Water Bottles
  • Spices/Non-Stick Cooking Spray/Oil
  • Nightlights
  • Sound Machines
  • Items for Your Baby

Beach Day List

An African American family of four packing their car for a trip to the beach or pool, with cooler, umbrella and toys.  The teenage boy is carrying pool noodles and the 10 year old girl is watching the father put a picnic basket into the car.
  • Sunscreen/Face Sunscreen
  • Aloe/Lotion
  • Beach Umbrella
  • Beach Blanket
  • Beach Wagon (to carry all the items on the beach)
  • Cooler
  • SPF Shirts (a white shirt will also work well)
  • Bluetooth Speaker
  • Boogie Board/Rafts
  • Floats (for the pool if vacation rental has access to one)
  • Beach Toys
  • Books/Magazines/Kindle
  • Sun Hats/Sunglasses
  • Baby Powder
  • Beach Tote/Mesh Bag

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste
  • Glasses/Contact Lenses/Contact Solution
  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Body Wash/Bar Soap
  • Haircare Products
  • Razors/Shaving Cream
  • Makeup
  • Feminine Products
  • Hairdryer/Styling Tool
  • Brush/Comb
  • Face Cleanser/Toner/Moisturizer
  • Insect Repellant
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Pain Reliever
  • Medications/Vitamins
  • Deodorant

Clothing

Young Asian woman packing a suitcase for trip at home.
  • Underwear/Bras/Undershirts
  • Sleepwear
  • T-Shirts
  • Dress/Casual Pants
  • Jeans/Pants
  • Light Jacket
  • Shorts
  • Dress/Sun Dress
  • Swimsuits/Cover-Ups
  • Leisure/Walking/Tennis Shoes
  • Sandals/Flip-Flops/Water Shoes
  • Purse
  • Dress Shoes

Miscellaneous Items

  • Microfiber Towel
  • Laptop/Tablet plus Chargers
  • Waterproof Phone Pouch/Case
  • Insurance Cards
  • Credit/Debit/ATM Cards
  • Cash
  • List of Emergency Contacts
  • House/Car Keys
  • Camera/Charger/Memory Cards
  • Phone/Phone Chargers
  • Driver’s License

You can pack many other things, including groceries, for your stay, but we wanted to share this list with you. If you haven’t booked your next stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how easy it was to pack with the help of this list!

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!

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!

How to Enjoy your Easter Vacation on Anna Maria Island

Easter logo decorated by brush drawn easter eggs. Egg hunt concept as card, postcard, poster, banner, sale or promo sign.

Do you have a vacation planned to spend Easter with us on Anna Maria Island? If the answer is yes, allow us to share a few things about what you can do to enjoy your stay. Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family to reconnect with each other. Let’s look below at what you can do and how you can enjoy your trip this Easter on the island.

Easter Egg Hunt at your Vacation Rental

Portrait Of Five Children Wearing Bunny Ears On Easter Egg Hunt In Garden

We all know that having kids and attending at least one Easter Egg hunt is a big deal, but if your kids think they’ll miss it, they won’t. Instead, have an egg hunt right there at your vacation rental. Whether you’re staying in a beachfront vacation rental or a rental with a pool, the possibilities are endless. Bring plastic eggs filled with goodies for the kids to find as you hide them around your rental or around the outside area. However, we ask that you make sure that you pick them up if the kids don’t find them, as we want to ensure the wildlife is safe. Think of the new memories you’ll make watching their faces find those eggs around your vacation rental.

Bake a Few Goodies

Colorful easter cookies in basket

Another great way to enjoy Easter this year here on Anna Maria Island is to bake some goodies. A number one goodie that most kids love to help bake and decorate is sugar cookie cutouts. We must say that cupcakes are another hit with the kids as they help decorate them with their favorite candy. With the full-sized kitchens in your vacation rental, all you need are the ingredients, lots of love, and family to help make your treats.

Beach Time

A beautiful ocean whitecap waves roll onto the sandy beach of Anna Maria Key

We can’t forget to mention spending your time on the beach with the family. With our white sand and crystal-clear water, there is never a bad day here on the island. Pack a lunch, snacks, a cooler full of ice and drinks, and the beach toys for the day. Whether you’re staying in a beachfront vacation rental or a rental where you must walk a little bit, the beach is right within reach. Don’t forget to pack those beach bag essentials to be able to enjoy your time soaking up the sun with the family.

There are many other reasons you can enjoy your Easter vacation, but we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your trip to stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, call us today. We can’t wait to see you and the family for Easter and Spring Break!

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 2nd, 2022, we celebrate the 5th 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!

Easy Ways to Explore Anna Maria Island on your Next Vacation

Easy Ways to Explore Anna Maria Island on your Next Vacation

Do you and your family have a vacation coming up to visit Anna Maria Island? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the ways you can explore the island. Staying in one of our Water Access vacation rentals can keep your family close to the water. Getting around the island is easy as 1, 2 , 3 and we are here to let you know how you can explore the island for free!

Anna Maria Island Trolley

Take a FREE local trolley when exploring Anna Maria Island.

We have been asked numerous times if you can still visit Anna Maria Island without a car and the answer is absolutely! Not only can you explore the island by walking around it, you can also explore the island by using the Anna Maria Island Trolley. This service is available to all those who visit the area and is available 365 days a year. Depending on where you are staying at on the island will depend on which location you need to start at. Many will find that beginning at the Anna Maria City at 6:00 am and there will a trolley at each stop every 20 minutes throughout the day. If you are concerned that there will be no air, you will be pleasantly surprised that each trolley does have air-conditioning but there are a few that do offer open-air seating too.  This is a great way that you can explore Anna Maria Island for free with the family!

Island Beach Monkeys

When you visit Anna Maria Island and are headed to enjoy some nightly activities, but the trolley isn’t running that late, have no fear. Island Beach Monkeys is just the service you are looking for then. This is another free mode of transportation to get around the island. One thing that is different compared to other transportation around the island is that the drivers work for tips only. How cool is that?! Their hours of service are from 12:00 pm to 3:00 am every day which is perfect for those who love late night outings. Some of the other services that Island Beach Monkeys offers are tours, weddings, airport & cruise ship shuttles and even off-island rides too. Their fleet includes 2 mini-buses (one equipped with a karaoke, an 8-passenger golf cart limo and an SUV. Give them a call at 941-565-6542 to catch a ride on the Monkey Bus on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island!

There are many other ways that you can get around the island but these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to Anna Maria Island yet, now is the time. We hope that you and your family will enjoy using these services while on vacation

How to Identify Scam Vacation Rental Listings



How to identify scam vacation rental listings? We recently have been alerted to the growing issue of copycat scam listings of some of our rental properties, being posted on unverified websites.  Often, we are unaware of these duplicated fraudulent listings until it is too late and unknowing guests show up to check in to a property that they have not legitimately rented through AMI Locals.

Unfortunately, in cases like this we are unable to do anything to help.  Since the booking was not taken by our AMI Locals reservation team, we have no notification of the reservation, or any of the funds you may have paid to secure the property.

How to Identify Scam Vacation Rental Listings

If you are searching online for a vacation rental property on Anna Maria Island, start with verified travel booking sites and listings.  Such as our amilocals.com website, or Vrbo.com, Airbnb.com, Booking.com, Expedia.com, for instance.

Here are some other tips for spotting these fake listings:

• If it seems “Too Good to be True”!
•  If there are no reviews
•  If the listing was recently created, usually within a few weeks
•  Google search the name on the listing of the company that manages the property
•  If the contact information is not connected to the management company in any way, be especially wary of booking through this channel
•  Trust your gut! If your instincts are telling you that something seems fishy, it probably is!
•  If the “host” requests payment in an unusual form, such as Venmo or PayPal, or cash

And if you are unsure of any part of the booking process, please do not hesitate to reach out and call AMI Locals at 941-757-8226.  We appreciate your assistance with identifying fraudulent websites so we are able to report them and have them taken down.

Eating Healthy While on Vacation

luxury chef's kitchen at Winding Waves

Easy and fun tips for eating healthy while on vacation! Life is all about balance. At least, that’s what we are told ever since we were kids.

But if you are anything like us here in the AMI Locals office, we tend to eat whatever we please while we are on vacation… figuring we will just go on a diet when we get back home. However, swimsuit season is all year round in Florida! So we asked our friend and expert Personal Chef Sarah Subrize of Cook.Bake.Nourish for some advice.

Eating healthy while on vacation at Winding Waves!

Q: We tend to go overboard and eat whatever we like, instead of eating healthy while on vacation. Can you share some tips on making better choices at restaurants?

Tip #1: Before you go out to eat, if you are feeling incredibly hungry, be sure to have a healthy snack that’s rich in fiber, healthy fats, or protein and it’s ideal if you can snack on a combination of the three. You know the saying of do not go grocery shopping while you’re hungry? Well, the same applies to you when you go out to eat, go to a party, or any social gathering around food. It is so easy to entertain the “eat everything in sight” mentality when you’re incredibly hungry and when we usually do this it ends up not even being that enjoyable and we never tend to feel satisfied.

Tip #2: Look at your day as a whole and pick where you want your indulgences. If you want a few cocktails poolside during the day but know you are going out to a restaurant later, perhaps choose a veggie loaded balanced meal at the restaurant, or if you’ve eaten well during the day get that meal you’ve really been wanting on the menu.

Tip #3: Aim for 1 veggie heavy meal per day when eating out. When I am away on vacation, I look at my day and try to aim for at least 1 veggie heavy meal per day. This could be a produce-packed omelet, a big loaded salad with a protein like grilled chicken, or a plate full of grilled veggies with a protein.

Tip #4: Think in terms of adding in the good vs cutting out the bad. When eating out try ordering a side of veggies with your meal or adding in a salad (only if that’s what you enjoy – never force yourself just because its considered “healthier”.) Eating additional vegetables can help you get in the fiber your digestive system needs to help with fullness, which helps keep your blood sugars stable. This helps you not overindulge later.

Tip #5: Opt for cooking methods that include steaming, broiling, baking, roasting, over frying.

Tip #6: Talk to your server. Ask your server about how the food is prepared, sometimes a simple dish such as chicken and vegetables can have many hidden oils, salt, and sauces. Restaurants in general tend to use more of all of those to boost flavor. Most of the time in amounts you would not expect/don’t know about. Having this simple conversation and knowledge will allow you to ask for adjustments about how you want the meal to be prepared. You’ll be able to ask for some items on the side, so you have more control over your meal.

Tip #7: Have a ‘when in Rome’ mentality when on vacation. Seek out what the locals eat. Ask around to what the best places are and if you are looking for a more health focused restaurants ask your neighbors or whoever around if they have any good suggestions. People are so friendly in this area, they will for sure share their go to spots. I always gravitate towards restaurants I know get their foods from local farms and have freshly caught local fish coming in, too and the locals will know those details better than anyone.

Tip #8: Eat what you want but be mindful of your portions. It is easy to overeat at restaurants especially when we are out with a group. It adds up with an app, entrée, drinks, and desserts. Overstuffing never feels good.  Eat until you’re full but not stuffed. Ask for a box when they bring out your meal. Once we feel full and ask for a box, its easy to eat a bunch more bites just because it is sitting in front of us before the server gets a chance to bring back the box. Getting your box first allows you to box up your meal when you are ready, so you do not feel overstuffed.

Tip #9: Savor what you are eating and slow down to enjoy it. Overall, my biggest tip and this might be the most important – when it comes to vacation it is important to enjoy yourself and not put too much stress on anything—go ahead, indulge, and enjoy. Just remember to SAVOR what you are eating by slowing down and remember that portion size counts. Take the guilt out of your choices. Because if we allow ourselves to fully enjoy something, we will more likely be fully satisfied and not go back for something else. I think in general if you try and take away the packaged, processed foods in your house and fill your meals with colorful veggies and real ingredients for most of your meals you are doing well even if you indulge at restaurants.  

Eating healthy while on vacation, plus wine! At Winding Waves.

Q: Can you share some ideas for healthy travel snacks to throw in the car/travel bag?

It is easy to go for something greasy or extra sweet when you are super hungry. Avoid making quick choices by being prepared and packing some healthy, filling snacks for the journey. This will help you make nutritious choices when you’re in a pinch.

There are a couple of key things I look for when packing my travel snack bag including foods that are portable, require no refrigeration, going to keep me hydrated, and are satisfying.

This can be as easy as a handful of almonds/trail mix, fruit like an apple and nut butter, or a bag of raw veggies and hummus.

· Packing hummus and veg is a classic snack combo for good reason. Crisp raw veggies are loaded with filling fiber, hydrating water, healthy nutrients phytochemicals, while hummus provides more fiber, satiating protein, and fat. All particularly important things so you aren’t starving once you get to your destination or stop at a rest stop/airport shop and then reach for anything you can get your hands on. Although most stops nowadays have great choices.

· I like to pack some fruit and a nut butter packet. I always pack the heartier fruits like apples they can still last even if they are thrown around in my bag. And nut butter packets make it so easy to keep the snacks less messy which is essential with traveling.

· I also try to plan and make a homemade snack. Something like a chia pudding, bliss balls, or vegetable fritters if I can pack an ice pack with them in my bag. I like to keep these in a sealed glass container to keep them fresh and avoid them getting crushed in my bag. If you have time to prep a bit before traveling, there are a ton of great recipes that are loaded with nutrients to keep you fueled while you’re in the car or on the plane.

· And as always making sure you drink water and staying hydrated is always important!

Eating healthy while on vacation - AMI Locals

Q: What sort of meals are you able to provide at our AMI Locals beach houses? What are some of your customer favorites?

This all depends on what each client wants and how much they want. It also depends if I am doing a meal prep situation which involves me preparing a much of meals/ items for them to enjoy later or if I am cooking in home and serving the meals. I customize the menus to fit each individual/ family or friend group. A bachelorette weekend will look different than a family vacay full of kids.

Overall, for breakfasts my meal prep clients love having a frittata on hand, individual chia puddings and/or I also set up yogurt parfait bars with homemade granola and fresh fruit. My sweet potato and veggie hash bowls that they can heat up with some fresh eggs on top is always a hit too. Breakfast items are also great for snacks, but my clients also love all sorts of things they can take to the beach with them or snack on poolside especially dips with crudité, vegetable fritters with spreads and delicious bliss balls (strawberry shortcake is probably my most requested flavor).

For lunch and dinner, it all depends on what each individual wants and likes and is looking for during their vacation stay. I make everything from starters, salads, pastas, grains & hearty veg mains, pure proteins. My meal service is focused on local, seasonal and health supportive cooking, but still cook classic dishes as well as sweats/treats. Everything is just as delicious as it is nutritious. My clients love when I set up a taco bar with all the delicious toppings. It is something pretty much everyone loves and stocking the fridge with plenty of options makes it easier for everyone so they can pick and choose what they want. Grilled lemon, herb and garlic chicken and/ or shrimp skewers, chimichurri steak and my citrus salsa verde salmon are also always big hits. I love to include different sauces and dressings to the meals I provide, as well because meals can be repurposed and customized for the whole family. I have a sample menu here that shows a few options, but all menus look different. Oh, and homemade ice cream (dairy free or dairy full) in the freezer is always loved, as well. And the kids always love an ice cream sundae bar.

Q: What is your favorite Florida seafood dish?

I love to take advantage of Florida’s local seafood. One of my favorite seafood dishes to make (and eat) is blackened local snapper with a mango salsa. A little bit of heat and a little bit of sweet. In season, Florida mangoes are one of my favorite things. Mixed with a little jalapeno, lime zest and a spritz of lime juice is so good! Honestly, when foods are eaten as local and seasonal as possible, not much needs to be done to it to make it delicious!

Thank you for sharing your expert tips & tricks for eating healthy while on vacation with AMI Locals and our guests, Sarah!

We appreciate your taking the time to chat with us, and we definitely will keep these in mind on our next vacation (or even our next trip to Publix!)
Check out our AMI Locals luxury vacation home listings for availability, and of course, to check out all the amazing kitchens you could be enjoying this Thanksgiving and Christmas season with your family!

>> Check out Cook.Bake.Nourish for recipes and more information about Chef Sarah Subrize

How AMI Locals is Keeping Our Guests Safe During COVID-19



Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year? If you do and you’re still not sure about traveling, we at AMI Locals want to share how we’re keeping you safe. Staying in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals will allow you and your family to feel like you’re still at home but enjoying our beautiful beaches. Let’s look below at how we are keeping our guests safe on their next visit to Anna Maria Island this year.

Housekeeping Services

How AMI Locals is Keeping Our Guests Safe During COVID-19

One of the main things that we at AMI Locals have done is make sure that our homes that you’re renting are clean. We have since the COVID-19 pandemic began made sure that all of our cleaning crews will exceed your expectations. Our cleaning staff wear gloves and masks at all times as they are cleaning each unit. This is something that we know is very important to helping stop the virus from spreading. We have been utilizing a disinfectant spray that has been approved by the CDC to kill any virus or bacteria left in the homes. We make sure that every linen and trash is removed from the home after the previous guests leaves and we make sure that every room and inch of the home is clean for your family to enjoy!

Linens

How AMI Locals is Keeping Our Guests Safe During COVID-19

Another big thing that we do make sure of is that each piece of the linens that come in and out of our homes are professionally cleaned. This includes towels, washcloths and kitchen towels as we will replace with a freshly laundered set. Our cleaning company does happen to use the OZONE system which does provide 100% sanitation. This is very important as we want to make sure that everything is completely clean and sanitized before your arrival to your AMI Locals vacation rental.

We know that with COVID-19 has made many uncomfortable with traveling but rest assured that we have taken care of the worry for you. Instead of worrying about your vacation, just come and enjoy your time here on the island. If you’d like to book your next vacation stay in one of our AMI Locals vacation rentals, we are here to help you. We hope to see you and your family on your next vacation as you relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches!