Top Four Reasons to Stay on Anna Maria Island

If you’ve seen or stayed on Anna Maria Island before you know just how beautiful it is along the white sand beaches. Anna Maria Island is an island paradise with many of the comforts of civilization without taking away from that laid back island feeling. Aside from that what makes Anna Maria Island so great though? Well, let’s count them out for you.

1. The beautiful coastal weather.

The average temperature on Anna Maria Island is 74.8 degrees Fahrenheit (23.75 celsius). This makes for a lot of wonderful beach days even in the fall! When the leaves are falling in other parts of the country we’re still tanning on the beach or sporting shorts and flip flops.

2. An average of 361 sunny days a year.

Anna Maria Island fits in well with the rest of Florida featuring 361 days of sunshine a year. While there may be afternoon showers (we see them most often around 5-6 pm in the summer) usually lasting for less than an hour, that still leaves beautiful mornings and nights to catch a sunrise over Tampa Bay and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly every day is a beach day!

3. The laid back island atmosphere.

Anna Maria Island still has that old Florida feel while maintaining modern living. Days are determined by sunrise and sunset rather than clocks. Golf carts are allowed on all Anna Maria Island roads so you can take a cruise to the store, patronize your favorite restaurant, or swing by the beach all on one charge.

4. The strong sense of community.

Anna Maria Island is a small enough community that you’ll see familiar faces everywhere you go. There are plenty of fun social events in the winter months to get involved with, and a lot of volunteering groups that are constantly improving our personal piece of paradise. The Chamber of Commerce routinely hosts bigger events and has friendly games of horseshoes every Wednesday and Saturday morning.

So what are you waiting for? We’ll be patiently awaiting your arrival!

Larry

Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

August 13, 2013November 21, 2020

Experience the Anna Maria Island Nightlife

Anna Maria Island Nightlife

Looking for something to do at night on Anna Maria Island? There are several choices in nighttime entertainment to choose from…

Live Music

Blue Marlin Restaurant’s Courtyard offers live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday in a relaxing outdoor setting.
Island Time Bar & Grill has live music running from Thursday through Sunday. Wings, burgers, and fried grouper sandwiches are also available.
The Anna Maria City Pier has live music on Friday and Saturday starting at 6:00PM.
D Coy Ducks is an option for those wanting to stay out later, open until 1:30AM. Live music Wednesday-Saturday with Thursday being karaoke night.
Ace’s Lounge, a short jaunt off the island, is a great choice for live music. Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz and Reggae can all be found here.

Happy Hours

Check out our full list of ten Anna Maria Island happy hours to get the night started right!

Bars & Billiards

Sport’s on Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach has billiards, darts, and shuffleboard!
Slim’s Place has two billiards tables and drinks to go around. A large bar and televisions to watch the game.
Bortell’s has darts, pinball, video games, and billiards tables, and .

More information on night spots can be found in some of our other top blogs!

Larry

August 8, 2013November 21, 2020

Myakka River State Park

Looking for the perfect destination to go hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, or nature watching? Well Myakka River State Park is where you should be heading if you are interested in any of these activities!

Fees for entry are extremely affordable. A single passenger car is $4, a car with 2-8 passengers is $6. Pedestrians and bicyclists can enter the park for $2. Canoes, kayaks, and bikes are also available for rental. Canoes are kayaks are $20 for the first hour and $5 for each additional hour. Bikes are $15 for 1-2 hours, $25 for 4 hours, and $40 for 5 hours or until park close.

The 57 square mile state park boasts an impressive 38.9 miles of trails. Camping grounds can be found along the trails, and carry a fee of $5 per person per night.

Some of the wildlife you can expect to see during a trek are fish, lizards, snakes, frogs, bats, raccoon, deer, birds, bobcats, and of course alligators! Dogs are allowed in the park, but not allowed in the concession areas, buildings, on tours, or in the Wilderness Preserve south of S.R. 72. It is advised that dogs are not allowed near open water as alligators have been known to attack dogs along shorelines or from ditches.

The park is open for use everyday from 8:00AM until sunset. The park staff can advise on the time of sunset upon entering the park.

Summer hours for the Myakka Outpost are in effect June 1st-December 15th with the park being open 10:00AM-4:00PM Monday-Friday and 8:30AM-5:00PM on Saturday & Sunday.

Winter hours for the Myakka Outpost are in effect from December 16th-May 31st with the park being open 9:00AM-5:00PM Monday-Friday and 8:30AM-5:00PM on Saturday & Sunday.

Myakka River State Park
13208 State Road 72,
Sarasota, FL USA 34241
(941) 361-6511

Larry

August 8, 2013November 21, 2020

Yoder’s Restaurant | Homestyle Amish Food Sarasota, FL

Yoder’s Restaurant in Sarasota has some of the finest homestyle Amish food you will ever taste. Make sure to save room for dessert because the pies are quite possibly the best part of the whole experience.

Not only is the restaurant locally acclaimed, it has been featured on Man Vs. Food and 101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down. Since 1975 Yoder’s has served food with southern hospitality and passed on Amish traditions. Mrs. Yoder makes her pies fresh insisting on only using fresh fruit fillings and an impeccable crust.

Any Amish comfort food you can imagine can be found at Yoder’s, and you can be sure the taste will satisfy your cravings. Fried chicken is one of the signature plates to be found at Yoder’s, and boy golly is it the best fried chicken in the area.

Yoder’s is open 6:00AM to 8:00PM on Monday through Saturday. Yoder’s is closed on Sundays.

Yoder’s Restaurant
3434 Bahia Vista Street
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 955-7771

Want another choice in Sarasota? Be sure to try the Columbia restaurant. Pretty much a staple choice to visit if you need to take a trip into Sarasota.

Larry

August 8, 2013November 21, 2020

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Sarasota, FL

Hosting numerous performances throughout the year, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is a top of the line live entertainment venue. Music, dance, theater, and comedy can all be found within the spacious walls and lush acoustics of the Van Wezel. Remodeled in 2000, the Van Wezel hall can now seat 1736 guests in the concert hall. A 6000 square foot Grand Foyer was also added which can comfortably seat up to 350.

The Van Wezel also has many community outreach programs that teach about the arts. Performances are often held for school children to begin to engage them in the creative thought process of the arts.

Ticket prices vary depending on the event, but you can expect it to be reasonably priced for the quality. Student and teacher tickets are available on the day of the event for $15.00 per person with valid ID. Group discount options start with groups of 20 or more.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Box Office 941-953-3368
Toll Free 1-800-826-9303
Administrative Office 941-955-7676

Want some more local night life choices? Fear not, we have the nightlife information page just for you!

Larry

August 8, 2013November 21, 2020

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota Jungle Gardens in Sarasota, FL makes a great day trip from Anna Maria Island. The zoo features reptiles, mammals, birds, and most notably flamingos!

Currently there are a couple exhibits available throughout the day where you can interact with the animals!

Let out your inner Steve Irwin with the reptile encounter which takes place daily at 11:00AM and 1:00PM.
The jungle bird show can be seen at 12:00PM and 3:00PM in which the birds perform daring acts. You can catch up with the stars after the shows and even get a picture while holding them.
You can also check out the Wild Life Wonder which stars a variety of animals from within the Sarasota Jungle Gardens habitat.

There is plenty of reason to explore the park on your own as well as taking part in the exhibits. The habitat is gorgeous, and you can catch many a butterfly fluttering about near the butterfly garden. You can find the butterfly garden on the north side of the Sarasota Jungle Gardens park.

If you are interested in “adopting” an animal to help support the park that is also available! You will receive an adoption certificate, a photo of the animal you chose for adoption, and the satisfaction of having helped protect this delicate ecosystem.

Admission to the Sarasota Jungle Gardens for adults is $15.00; children 3-12 $10.00; seniors 60 & up $14.00. There are also annual passes available for about the cost of 3 admissions. If you have a group of 10 or more you may also qualify for a discounted rate.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore Road
Sarasota, FL 34234
(941) 355-5305

Another fabulous option is to visit Busch Gardens. Just a little over an hour away from Anna Maria Island. A great all day excursion from the beaches of Anna Maria.

Larry

July 31, 2013January 22, 2021

Business Assistance on Anna Maria Island

If you are in need of a little extra help with errands, grocery shopping, or planning an event, give Consider It Done a call! This errand and personal assistance service is experienced, dependable, and ready to help.

Their services include pre-arrival grocery shopping, wedding/special event planning, island tours, home watch service, running errands, and overseeing home deliveries/maintenance appointments.

“We do what you can’t do, don’t have time to do or simply don’t want to do.”

Consider It Done – Personal Assistance LLC
941-896-4089
www.ConsiderItDoneAMI.com

Larry

July 16, 2013December 11, 2020

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum for Anna Maria Car Enthusiasts

If you are an auto-car enthusiast looking for something to do on your Anna Maria Island vacation then look no further. Travel a little less than 1 hour up to Tampa Bay to visit a museum with more than 50 collector automobiles. From vintage vehicles like a 1930 Tracta E to something a bitmore recent like a 1981 Delorean.

General Admission to the auto museum is currently $8 USD with discounts for students and Seniors. They do support large tours if prearranged for a fee. The car museum is closed Tuesdays and holidays and open Mon – Sat 10AM – 4 PM and open Sundays Noon – 4 PM EST.

For additional information on their collection visit their collection web page.

If you are in the market to purchase someone a tough gift then be sure to review their vintage automobile books for sale for a great auto enthusiast gift.

The Tampa Bay Museum is located at 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellis Park, Florida, 33782. For more information visit their website or call 727 579-8226. Just under a one hour easy drive from Anna Maria Island.

There is another auto museum close by to Anna Maria Island. A muscle car museum in Punta Gorda. In addition, Sarasota has an exotic car show each year.

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Need more spots to visit in Tampa on your Anna Maria Island Vacation? Visit our Tampa information page for more info.

Larry

July 12, 2013August 8, 2023

Top 5 Ice Cream Places on Anna Maria Island

Hey dudes and dude-ettes!! You’re back with The Island Kid right here on Kids Corner, the best place to get the best news on Anna Maria Island. I’m here today to tell you guys about the absolute best places on the island to get your ice cream fix. Now, here on Anna Maria Island, there are plenty of places you can go if you want a frozen treat to eat. But if you’re unsure of which places are best and which places to rule out. Read on for good info!

Best Places for Ice Cream on Anna Maria Island

1: Two Scoops: This ice cream shop is a small shop nestled between Two Sides of Nature and across from the Anna Maria City Pier. With 32 rotating flavors, some as weird as blueberry pie and as normal as your classic vanilla, your pallet will always be pleased. They also have pastries, assorted lunch foods, and candy bars.

2: Dips: An ice cream shop near Three Island Monkeys and The Loft #5 in Anna Maria, this itty-bitty place packs the punch when it comes to ice cream. With thousands of flavors and topping variations, your experience will never be a bore. Plus the classic candies and toys on the wall are great for a trip down memory lane.

3: Tyler’s Ice Cream is just over the bridge in Cortez Village. Well worth the jaunt to enjoy some delicious gourmet flavors-literally hundreds over the years! They have locally themed, as well as delicious classic flavors…and finding out what their latest is, is always part of the fun. But creating your own flavor of shake just can’t be beat!

4: Small Town Creamery is the bomb.com. It’s got everything from chocolate to cotton candy & milkshakes and more! Small Town is located in Central Holmes Beach right next to the Feast.

5: Holy Cow: No, I’m not shocked, they just have really good ice cream! The Holmes Beach ice cream shop has many different combos of flavors and toppings, plus much more. They include a little mini gift shop inside the shop, plus indoor and outdoor seating. So feel free to enjoy your ice cream while browsing the trinkets.

Bonus tip – about 15 minutes off Anna Maria Island is a fantastic custard shop called Sweet Berries. They mix all kinds of goodies in their custard ice cream and call it a concrete. yum!

Whether you’re looking for just one spot or want try them all, these places are the best on the island. So next time you’re visiting, go check ’em out! Let us know what you thought, and check back with us here on Kid’s Corner.

Larry