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So much to do, so little time....
Whether you are an island resident, a traveling guest, or a seasonal renter, one thing
is for sure on Anna Maria Island - there is always something to do. If one is bored, then one
must truly be boring.
There are clubs for every interest on the island: sewing, reading, theater, poetry, art - the Island
Library would be a place to start looking for what interests you. If you prefer to spend quiet time
alone all you need is a beach chair and a good book (along with some sun tan lotion). Some folks just enjoy a
long walk along the aqua waters of the Gulf of Mexico. |
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Sea Hagg Nautical Gifts  |
Shopping:
Aside from the grocery and hardware stores, Anna Maria offers a mecca of boutiques, antique shops, galleries, clothing stores, gift shops and the weekend yard sales and flea markets...or one might venture down to St. Armand's Circle.
Each city offers their own unique version of the 'city mall': Bay View Plaza in Anna Maria, two shopping centers in Holmes Beach and the unique shops of Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Sprinkled in between are
the many shops for essentials or for those that offer the perfect island t-shirt.
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You might enjoy a "Girls Night Out" beading class at Nica Rose - bring 4 to 6 of your friends for an
evening of instruction on basic beading and clasping techniques. $10 - Beads and supplies extra. Call Nica Rose 941-779-0779 for more information.
Nica Rose also
has the 'Bead Bash' for kids. A great rainy day activity! Age-appropriate techniques will be taught and the kids can make a necklace or
bracelet. $10 - includes a tube of beads, wire and clasp (additional beads extra). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ginny's Antiques & Art, Inc. 5602 Marina Drive in Holmes Beach and the new Ginny's Garden Party, Inc. in the old IGA on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria are definately two places you will want to visit. You will be delighted by her
artistic displays of antiques and hand-made items, but make sure that you check out the Juice Bar and have yourself a smoothie or a Frappacino while you browse. |
Beaches:
There are 7 miles of Gulf of Mexico Beaches on the island and many smaller beaches on the Tampa Bay and
intracoastal waterways. Parking on the island is always a problem. If you live or rent in Anna Maria City, you can
walk to the beach - otherwise, be mindful of the areas where parking is not allowed. Also, the Anna Maria City beaches have
no lifeguards or restrooms and swimming is at your own risk. |
Holmes Beach has the Manatee County Beach has a lot of available parking along with shaded areas with
picnic tables, restrooms and the Cafe on the Beach. There are other beach areas in Holmes Beach, but again,
parking may be a problem on the residential streets.
Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach has plenty of parking (some parking in shaded areas), plus lifeguards at the main beach. Make sure to take
along the sun screen - skin burns quickly in the sub-tropics. |
You'll be needing these 
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Restaurants:
There is an amazing variety of restaurants on the island representing every type of
food. The restaurants on the left have menus posted on the web that you can preview. For more information on restaurants check out the
island newpapers, or just ask a local. If you like moderate priced seafood and want to sit on the beach at sunset, then the Sandbar or the Beach House are recommended. The Sun House Restaurant & Bar
is just across the street from the Gulf and features “Floribbean Cuisine” which is the fusion of American cooking traditions with Caribbean and Latin American ingredients. If
you want to sit on the bay front, the Waterfront Restaurant at the Bay View Plaza is for you. |
For wonderful funky fun, take a chance and
go to Mr. Bone's in Holmes Beach where you choose your beer from a coffin in the reception area. If it's French Gourmet you
crave, then Ohlala might be perfect for that romatic meal...and after it all, take a trip down to Bradenton Beach for
ice cream at Joe's Eats and Sweets. Anna Maria has it all, from the famous Duffy's burgers to the ultra elegant meals served at the
award winning Beach Bistro...or maybe Rotten Ralph's would be the place, where you can pull up to the dock in your boat and place your order.
For more restaurant information go to AnnaMaria.net |
Rotten Ralph's in Anna Maria City  |
Entertainment:
Just about every weekend one of the cities will have something going on - either an art festival or flea market, or the Privateers will be smoking mullet in a parking lot. It's best to
consult the island newpapers to see what is going on. The Island Community Center has different events throughout the year, along with many of the clubs and
organizations that sponsor various fund raisers. |
Many of the area restaurants and bars offer evening entertainment, whether it's Jay Crawford at Rotten Ralph's,
Connie and Scott at DeCoy Ducks, reggae on the beach patio of the Beach House, or Dr. Dave at one of waterfront restaurants - you'll surely find some toe-tapping music. If
opera or concerts are more to your liking, check the schedules for the Sarasota Opera,
the Aslo Theater or the Van Wezel in Sarasota.
You also might want to check the Bradenton newspapers for the schedule
for the Manatee Players at the Riverfront Theater. |
The Island Players schedule is posted at the theater on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and if a movie is
more to your liking, there are several Bradenton or Sarasota theaters only a short drive away.
Sarasota Opera
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Day Trips:
Anna Maria Island is within driving distance of many of the major Florida attractions: Disney World, Sea World (2 ½ hrs. drive), Universal Studios,
Orlando's Church Street Station, Busch Gardens in Tampa, Cypress Gardens and and the Kennedy Space Center on the east coast.
Locally you might want to visit the Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens and Mote Marine. If you want to experience a real Florida adventure, take a
canoe trip at one of the many surrounding camp ground areas. |
| For more island fun, check out the boating and water sport activities and the art scene for
the schedule of gallery events. As you can see, there is no excuse for boredom on Anna Maria Island. From the relaxing walk on the beach at sunset, to the
day trip to Disney, the choices are varied and up to you to investigate. |
Click on the dolphin to continue the tour of Anna Maria Island, our little bit of paradise on the Sun Coast of Florida.
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