Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme Parks



Do you and your family have plans to visit one of the many theme parks located in Central Florida this year? We at AMI Locals have the details on when they are opening and how you can enjoy a relaxing vacation in a beach home too. Staying in one of our many Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow your family to enjoy some privacy along with the white sand beaches and the relaxing waves. Let’s look below at a few of the reopening plans with several of the theme parks located in the area.

Walt Disney World Parks

Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme Parks

Walt Disney World has recently released its reopening plans, and we couldn’t be more excited to get back to the parks ourselves. On July 11th, Magic Kingdom Park & Animal Kingdom will be opening up. On July 15th, Hollywood Studios & Epcot will be opening back up along with the Food & Wine Festival kicking off a little early. To visit each park, you will have to have tickets or annual passes and use their reservation system to gain access to one park a day. Everyone over the age of 2 has to wear a mask within the park and will require each person in the party to have their temperatures taken. Disney Springs has already opened and is available for you to come and shop the day away before heading back to your vacation rental.

Universal Studios

Universal Studios has already opened its parks and has a similar system to gain entry to each ride. They, instead of making reservations for each day, are allowing people to enter the park, but it is based on first come first serve. Once the park has reached its new capacity, then you will not be able to gain entrance to the parks. The water park, Volcano Bay, is open, and while you are swimming, the face masks are not required, the central common areas they are. Also, while inside Universal Studios, they do have a U Rest, which is where you can take off your mask for a minute and remember to social distance.

SeaWorld

Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme Parks

SeaWorld is open back as well, and they, just like Universal Studios, has the same concept. Aquatica is open as well, and they do not allow masks to be worn while riding the rides and swimming but do in the common areas. They have also launched a new reservations system just like Walt Disney World, and you will need to have some to gain entrance to the parks. If you, however, have date-based tickets, you don’t need to worry about using the reservation system. The parks are also opened for five days a week and are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Legoland Florida

If you have younger kids and they love Legos, then head on over to Legoland for the day. They have been open since June 1st, and they are no requiring face masks to be worn by guests but are recommending them. If you forgot your mask, then you will be able to grab a complimentary one from the park. Legoland will be open from 10 am to 5:00 pm daily, and the waterpark will be open from noon to 4:00 pm. You will find that this is a great park for the younger crowd and will win you brownie points with each kid!

Busch Gardens Tampa

Stay in an AMI Locals Vacation Rental While You Visit Local Theme Parks

Busch Gardens Tampa and Adventure Island are open back to the public. They, just like many of the other parks, are implementing those who are two and older, will be required to wear face masks. There are relaxation areas where you can take a breather and not wear your masks or while eating or drinking. They also will be doing temperature checks when you enter the park, and if you have a fever of 100.4 or higher, you will not be allowed to enter the park.

Staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals will allow your family to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Some of the things that you may experience at your vacation rental is a private pool, beach access, and spending time with the family. We understand that going to a theme park can be fun but sitting back and relaxing at your rental is just what every family needs and wants.  We can’t wait to see you and your family as you come vacation with us and still have the exciting thrill of going to a theme park for a day or two!

Coming Back to Island Time – An AMI Update



Do you have a family vacation planned to visit Anna Maria Island this summer but aren’t sure of the current updates? We at AMI Locals have got you covered as we, too, want to make sure that your family is safe on your vacation. Staying in one of our AMI vacation rentals will allow you and your family to stay together and still have a good trip. Let’s look below at a few updates that we have compiled together on how you can still enjoy your summer vacation this year.

Is Anna Maria Island Open for Business?

Yes, Anna Maria Island is open for business, and we at AMI Locals are ready for you and your family to come vacation with us. There are, however, some things that we must tell you about before you schedule your next trip or before you head to the island to relax.

  • Right now, the parking on the streets in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island has been restricted with time limits. There are, however, Public Beach Parking lots that are open with no time restrictions for you to use.  
  • Social Distancing on the beach is strongly encouraged, but it is not being enforced. This also goes for being out in public in general with the family.
  • Restaurants and Businesses are operating at a lower capacity and will be following all recommended safety measures to keep the guests safe.
  • Visitors from “hotspot” states that have been defined by our Governor are being discouraged from coming to AMI and will not be allowed to check in to vacation rentals.

What Changes in Cleaning Have You Made?

https://www.amilocals.com/professional-cleaning-services

Since we first heard about the outbreak of COVID-19, we have made some changes to our housekeeping services. We know that making sure each vacation rental has been thoroughly cleaned before and after each guest checks out. Our cleaning staff wears masks and gloves at all times, and we make sure they utilize a disinfecting spray. This spray has been approved by the CDC to kill viruses and bacteria as well. Our Professional Linen Service ensures that all linens, towels, washcloths, and kitchen towels are removed after each guest and are replaced with freshly laundered ones. Our cleaning company uses the OZONE system, which provides 100% sanitation.

Enjoy Some Local Virtual Fun from the Comforts of Your Home

Coming Back to Island Time – An AMI Update

While you wait for your upcoming vacation, get in the mood by having a little virtual fun from some local places. We have compiled a list that you and your family can enjoy from the comforts of your home.

While other things are going around in the area, we wanted to keep you and your family up to date on what is happening here on the island. If you haven’t booked your next vacation today to stay with us at AMI Locals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories this summer by relaxing and enjoying the beach!

The Best 3 Places to Go Fishing on Anna Maria Island

The Best 3 Places to Go Fishing on Anna Maria Island

Do you and your family love to fish when you go on vacation? If you do, then we need to tell you all about the three best places where you can go fishing on Anna Maria Island. Staying in one of our Water Access vacation homes will keep you and the family close to the fish and water. Let’s look below at where you can head to on the island to get in some great fishing.

Rod & Reel Pier

The Best 3 Places to Go Fishing on Anna Maria Island

One of the best-hidden treasures on Anna Maria Island is the Rod & Reel Pier located on the North End of the island. Not only can you fish off the pier, but you can also try their restaurant that is pretty famous for the area. Spend a day or two at the dock and soak up the sun and fun as you fish off this historic pier as a family for only a small fee. Plus, you will be able to grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner there if you choose not to cook for the day. Be sure to check out the Rod & Reel Pier on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island this summer!

Bay to Bay Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for a one of a kind experiences, then look no further for your fishing adventures. Bay to Bay Fishing Charters is an excellent charter to do some different charters. One of the unique fishing experiences that they offer is their Extreme Night Shark Charters! They also have other skills such as Inshore & Near Shore Charters, Tarpon Charters, and even some relaxing excursions around the bay. The least amount of time for fishing they offer is 4 hours, and they go up to a full day, which is 8 hours. If you’d like to do the night fishing, it will be for 4-5 hours. No matter what you are looking to do, Bay to Bay Fishing Charters with Captain Brian Peacock is just for you!

Anna Maria Island City Pier

The Best 3 Places to Go Fishing on Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island City Pier has to be one of the most historical places to fish at on the island. It is being rebuilt from being damaged during Hurricane Irma and was supposed to open in March. Since the lockdown, we are hoping they will be open by this summer. You will have to have a Florida State License to fish off the pier but have no worries as you can get it there. We promise that your family will not want to leave the fishing pier at the end of the day, but it only means you can go back the rest of the week to fish.

While there are many other fun places around Anna Maria Island to go fishing, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your summer vacation to stay with us in one of our Water Access vacation homes, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as you travel after this quarantine is over!

Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19



We are all looking forward to the days when life gets back to normal and the uncertainty has settled. One thing we will take away from this is how important it truly is to Carpe Diem, and enjoy every moment! So in the midst of COVID-19 you might be thinking we need a vacation, we need to escape and relax, and we need to have fun. But where is the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID–19? What is the future of travel after Coronavirus?

Travel in the United States and support local businesses

Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your next vacation. Consider staying state side and travel in the United States. Also consider areas where you can support local business and economy. Major cities like New York and theme parks like Disney have been heavily impacted and will take time to get back to their usual hustle and bustle. A better option is planning a beach vacation. One place remains pristine and ready for new guests, and that’s Anna Maria Island.

Get your “Vitamin Sea” post COVID-19

Anna Maria Island

Visit the best white sand beaches in Florida here in Anna Maria Island! We’ve got 7 miles of beautiful Gulf front beaches with sparkling blue water and views for miles with no high rises insight! Come Vacation like a Local and let AMI Locals help you plan your post quarantine getaway. We work with professional cleaning companies and you can rest assured linens and sheets are sterilized between every guest by our professional linen program. We have over a 160 homes in the area, and are experts in island living. Hands down the Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19!

The beach offers a much needed serenity and the resilience of the island make it a top pick for post COVID–19 travel. Shawn Kaleta, who owns multiple homes on the island, says in regards to Anna Maria Island, “we have been through recessions before and we will get through this one. There is no better place to visit, especially after a time like this.

Anna Maria is one of a kind in that it offers world class beaches, beautiful luxury vacation homes, and unique shops and restaurants. Check out some of our favorites like Ginny and Jane E’s, The Waterfront Restaurant, The Sand Dollar Gift Shop, Beach House Restaurant, and Acqua Aveda Salon and Spa.

So, Carpe Diem!

So we say Carpe Diem, “Seize the Day” and plan your next trip to Anna Maria Island with AMI Locals. The Best Place to Vacation Post COVID-19. There’s no better time than now! AMI Locals is a newer and rapidly growing company. 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!

Escape Winter and Come to AMI



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!

AMI is located close to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, just an easy 35-40 minute drive away. SRQ Airport has been expanding it’s flights and airlines quite a bit the past few years, so it’s easy to find a good price and it is quite convenient. We’re also just about an hour drive away from Tampa International Airport and St. Pete Clearwater International Airport.

Island time

Anna Maria Island luxury vacation rental homes
Bay View Beauty • 7 bed | 7 baths

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!

Why Rent a Vacation Rental vs Stay in a Hotel?



Are you wanting to book your next family vacation but can’t decide if you want to stay in a vacation rental or hotel? If the answer is yes, then we at AMI Locals can assist you in making the right decision for your vacation. We know that this a big decision for everyone in the family and can allow you to have the best vacation you can have. Let’s look below at a few reasons as of why you should rent a vacation rental vs staying in a hotel on Anna Maria Island.

Home Sweet Home

Staying in a vacation rental is much different than staying in a hotel because you and your family will be staying in a house. Some of the best things about staying in a vacation rental is that you and your family will feel like you’re at home. Some of the best amenities that you will get compared to staying in a hotel is having a full kitchen, washer & dryer and a lot of space. There will be enough beds for a family of 5 to stay in and the privacy you will have is what every family will want.

Soak in a nice tub that has a beautiful view in the background of the beach. Walk out onto the beach, enjoy the sand and sun before heading back into the vacation rental for lunch. Just enjoy the privacy that you will have with staying in a vacation rental along with some added bonuses such as a washer & dryer and full kitchen.

Better Option for Families

When you stay in a hotel room, you will have a limit of the amount of people who can stay in them. When you rent a vacation home, then you will have the room depending on the size of your family. Whether you have 4 people or 10 people, there is enough space for the whole family. Not only will you have the extra space, but many vacation rentals do come with pools and games that no one will be bored. What a great experience your family can enjoy on your next vacation to Anna Maria Island.

Less Expensive

Often times when you stay in a hotel you will end up spending more money that you would if you stayed in a vacation rental. One of the biggest factors that you will notice is because of the cost of food will go down. Not only will you be able to go to the grocery store and get groceries to cook at “home” for the week, but you can pick and choose where you’d like to eat out for a few days. Another thing you will notice is that you can all stay in one big home rather than having to get more than 1 hotel room. A vacation rental is a better option for many families when they take a vacation to Anna Maria Island.

There are many other reasons as of why a vacation rental vs a hotel is the way to go when you vacation. If you are wanting a more “home” feels, activities, things to do with the family and economic reasons, then a vacation rental is the way to go. We at AMI Locals are looking forward to your family staying with us one of our vacation rentals this year!

Bring Your Dog on Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island



Bring Your Dog on Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to Anna Maria Island this year but don’t want to leave your dog at home? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you that Anna Maria Island is the best destination to bring them. And staying in one of our Pet-Friendly vacation rentals will allow you to bring them with you. Let’s take a look at the few rules that you must know before your vacation to keep your pup safe too.

What Should You Bring?

Bring Your Dog on Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Packing for a vacation can be complicated at times, but it doesn’t have to be especially when you bring your pet along for the ride. We know that you will want to bring plenty of things to keep you pup safe and for them to enjoy the vacation too. Bringing a kennel or a crate with you on vacation can not only help with keeping them safe but feel like they are at home too. Be sure to bring enough treats and food that will last the length of your stay. Having their food & water dishes along with you and even their bed or blankets for the trip. Don’t forget to pack their collar, harness and leashes with you so that you can take your pet for a walk around the island.

What You Should Not Do

AMI Locals wants to guarantee that you and your dog feel at home while you stay with us. But we do have a few set rules that will keep your pup safe during your stay. No pets are allowed to be in the pool or spa at any of our rental homes. They are not allowed on the furniture and that includes the beds. We do have several different breeds that aren’t allowed to stay with us, so be sure to check out which breeds on our Terms and Conditions on Rentals. Dogs are not allowed to be on any public beach on Anna Maria Island. Be sure to take your dog for a walk, but please clean up after them. We want to keep your pup as safe as we can while you are on vacation.

Fun Places Just for Dogs

Bring Your Dog on Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

Whenever you bring your dog on vacation, it’s nice to know where dogs are permitted besides your vacation rental. Anna Maria Island has several different places where your pup will be welcomed at. There is a small dog park on the island itself that is located in Holmes Beach. The park doesn’t have a ton of amenities, but it’s a great place to allow your pet to play. A great dog-friendly beach is the Palma Sola Causeway located on Manatee Ave. There are several different restaurants that are pet-friendly on the island as well. This can allow you and your pet to explore the island a bit more together. Some of the options you can choose from are The Waterfront Restaurant and the outside sitting area of Duffy’s Tavern. There are many more to choose from.

There are plenty of other places that you can visit that are pet-friendly on Anna Maria Island, but these are just a few we recommend. Whether you are coming during the summer months or the off-season, there is always something that you and your pup can enjoy. If you are still looking for a Pet-Friendly vacation rental we’d love for you to check out the availability the rest of the summer. We can’t wait to see you and your family this summer as you make new memories together!

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

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.

Toiletries

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island
  • Haircare Products | Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Ties, Hair Gel, Shower Cap, Hair Dryer, Flat Iron, Brushes, etc.
  • Mouth Care | Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
  • Eye-care | Contacts & Case, Contact Solution, Glasses, Sunglasses
  • 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

What to Pack for Your Vacation to Anna Maria Island

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!