Larry - Island Real Estate Blog

July 30, 2014November 20, 2020

Breakfast on Anna Maria Island – The Donut Experiment

The Donut Experiment is an amazing spot for donuts and coffee! When choosing breakfast on Anna Maria Island there is definitely no shortage of options. But there is only one place where gourmet donuts are baked fresh daily and topped with your choice of crushed M&M’s, Fruity Pebbles, Oreos and so much more.

The Donut Experiment

Located at 210 Pine Avenue, The Donuts Experiment is a staple of the breakfast community coming out with new and more creative recipes every day.

AMI Donuts is the brain child of Shawn and Cecilia Wompola. Shawn formerly a police officer and Cecilia, a retail buyer for QVC, vacationed to Anna Maria. They dreamed of one day making it their home. Their only complaint while vacationing here was the lack of good doughnuts on the island. What could be more obvious? Now, a year and a half later, you can stroll down Pine Avenue and be lured by that tantalizing smell of fresh, tasty doughnuts. The Wompolas will welcome you in the door of Anna Maria Doughnuts with a big smile and such a creative array of sumptuous treats like the Golden Grahams S’more donut or the all new the sriracha donut.

So next time you find yourself in need of a delicious pick me up, stop in and try some of the one of a kind recipes like Key Lime or the Cinnamon Sugar (personal favorites of Shawn and Celia) or the Maple Bacon (my

favorite) I can assure you won’t be disappointed.

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

July 22, 2014July 22, 2020

The Spectacular Desoto Parade

Bradenton – One of the largest parades in the South that attracts over 200,000 people every year, is Bradenton’s famous Desoto Parade. To give a little background, In the early 1500’s, Conquistador, Hernando De Soto, and his army of soldiers walked the grounds of Bradenton, making local and national history. In the first few months of every year over 150 beautifully lighted and decorated floats are driven through the streets of the city. If you’re staying with us during this time, it is a highly suggested event to take part in with the entire family. Definitely come out to enjoy some tailgating, music, candy, beads, and various merchant carts on this exciting evening.

However, IMPORTANT to note, if you do plan on coming I highly suggest getting there at least an hour early to set up some chairs and get situated (This event gets EXTREMELY crowded and busy, so make sure to keep an eye on your children). This is a very fun parade, which is patrolled the entire time with an abundance of police officers and deputies to keep everyone safe, so don’t hesitate on bringing you’re entire family/friends to this entertaining time.

For more info head to the Desoto Parade website! And keep an eye on our Event Calendar for more information!

Larry

July 17, 2014November 20, 2020

Anna Maria Island Ice Cream Hot Spot – Dips Ice Cream

Anna Maria – What is best way to beat the heat on Anna Maria Island this summer? I will give you a hint:

“I scream… You scream… We all scream for ____________!”

That’s right ice-cream! I know of this perfect little gem right in the heart of Anna Maria City called Dips Ice Cream.

They have so many things to choose from, but make sure you bring cash because if you don’t you will not be able to enjoy any of their delicious treats L A few of their delectable flavors are (but not limited to):

Salted Carmel
Mint chocolate chip
Red velvet cake
Superman
Black Raspberry
Cookies-n-Cream
Turtle Tracks
French Vanilla

The list goes on and on! All are offered in a cup, waffle-bowl, regular ice-cream cone, sugar cone or waffle cone. You can even add toppings if you’d like. You can also get handspun milkshakes, banana splits, Italian ice or gelato.

Don’t forget the little ones with the Old fashion candy/toys you can peruse as you are waiting to order. I saw a few things I am going to take my daughter Shelby back to get after I pick her up from summer camp at the Anna Maria Island Community Center. I would feel weird buying them for myself, so I get the relive my childhood through her… Hey don’t judge!

There are other ice-cream shops to choose from on Anna Maria, but this one is by far my favorite. The others are just too busy for me. I have never had to wait more than 5 minutes to get waited on at Dips. When I want an ice-cream fix, I do not want to wait long! Do yourself a favor, and make sure Dips Ice Cream is on your list of places to go while on Anna Maria Island.

Dips Ice Cream has relocated to the Pine Avenue General Store located on Pine Avenue. Want more dessert ideas?

Larry

July 15, 2014November 20, 2020

Bradenton Marauders Baseball, a Taste of the Big Leagues.

Bradenton – The Bradenton Marauders are an outstanding affiliate baseball team of the Pittsburgh Pirates, they are also one of the only two minor league affiliates owned and operated by a major league club. If you talk to the locals, you’ll know how big of a deal this team is to Bradenton.

The Marauders might as well be classified as a major league team in this area because with the press and turn outs they get at their games, its quite impressive. Over the years and new players, the team has only gotten better and better making their baseball games a fun way to spend the afternoon or evening. Plus the Marauders are always hosting fun events! You even get to interact with the players, which is pretty cool if you ask me. While you’re here definitely take the family to one of their games just in town and have fun at the McKechnie Field.

Have some drinks and food, and just enjoying the all American sport of baseball. Click HERE for the Marauders Team Schedule.

Larry

July 2, 2014November 20, 2020

AMI Historical Society – A Must Stop In Paradise

Your one stop shop for local history is the AMI Historical Society at 402 Pine Avenue. A visit to our island paradise isn’t complete without learning a little history. Here you can visit Three original island buildings in one location.

AMI Historical Society

The Historical Society formed in 1990 giving island visitors a glimpse into the past. The building which houses the museum was originally built in 1920 as the ice house. In 1927, the city built a jail next door, complete with bars on the windows which let swarms of mosquitoes feed on the unlucky guests who spent time locked up. The jail was operational until the 1940’s when a fire burned its wooden roof and door; it now makes for a great vacation photo! The most interesting building is Belle Haven Cottage… originally located on the Anna Maria City Pier when the pier was just a dock ….before it fell into Tampa Bay in 1926! The cottage was rescued from the sea floor and used as a home and rental cottage before relocating to its new location in 2001.

Inside these historical walls you will discover a myriad of treasures from days past collected by island residents. The old ice house is the perfect setting to see actual pine needle woven baskets made by Anna Maria’s original residents, the Native Americans. You can also peruse photos of the island in early days and see how fishing, sharks and even baseball shaped this island we love today! If you are lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday during “season”, be sure to pick up a loaf of Settler’s Bread, a rare treat!

For hours and more information on the Anna Maria Island Historical Society, visit www.AMIHS.org. You can even post your own photos of you in “jail” on their Facebook page!

Larry

June 30, 2014January 22, 2021

Outdoor Dining Anna Maria Island – Dine and Drink El Fresco!

Outdoor Dining on Anna Maria Island is the quintessential way to hang out in beautiful tropical climate! There’s nothing better than when going out to grab a bite to eat or drinks, having the warm island breeze surrounding you. Some of the wonderful restaurants I’ve listed below have beautiful water views of either the crystal clear Gulf or Bay, or an open-air setting directly across the street from the beach.

The fresh air of AMI always makes your food taste that much better and your drinks that much tastier, bringing you relaxing vibes that will be sure to lift your spirit. I have suggested different places from smaller and more quant spots, to casual any-time spots, to romantic night spots.

Outdoor Dining Anna Maria Island

Sandbar (featured in above image)– 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria

Direct Gulf front

The Waterfront – 111 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
Bay views

Anna Maria Pier – 100 South Bay Blvd, Anna Maria
Out in the middle of the Tampa Bay

Bridgetender – 135 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach
Direct bay front

Island Time Bar & Grill – 111 Gulf Drive South, Bradenton Beach
Open-air setting, across the street from the Gulf

The Beachhouse – 200 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton Beach
Direct Gulf front

Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe – 4000 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
Direct Gulf front

Larry

June 18, 2014November 20, 2020

Ernie Would Be Proud!

Anna Maria – Back in the day….When you walked into the IGA grocery store at 9807 Gulf Drive , you would most often find old Ernie Cagnina chewing on his cigar, barking at a stock boy or cracking jokes with customers. He always had colorful Gladiolas for sale when they were available. Ernie was a big part of Anna Maria Island. He served his community through volunteer work, as mayor of the city of Anna Maria and by quietly extending credit to members of his ‘island family’ if they fell on hard times.

These days, the store that has spent so many years serving residents and visitors, is busier than ever carrying on the tradition. No, you won’t find cans of corn neatly stacked on shelves, but you will find one of the best latte’s this side of the Mississippi (I highly recommend the “STAR WARS”), wonderful trinkets and treasures from local artists and kitschy, take home gifts (just to remind your friends that YOU spent time in paradise and they got a key ring!) .

Now Ginny’s & Jane E’s offers a WIDE variety of wonderful goodies; the cinnamon rolls are the size of a dinner plate, it took six different trials before they found the PERFECT corned beef for the bestest Rueben around! You can take your breakfast or lunch to the beach or hang out in the big casual dining area that is just as much a mish mosh of tables and chairs as the visitors to our beautiful island

Breakfast entrees run from $4.95 to $9.00, for omelets to tantalizing scones and pastries, fresh fruit to waffles. Lunch is just as deserving of raves. Sandwiches, salads, soups, Panini and wraps will average $7 to $10 per person for a wonderful lunch of comfort food with a twist. It shows that the team at Ginny’s & Jane E’s are passionate about being a part of the great Island experience for our visitors and residents. Ice cold beer and wine are also available. How good can it get?!

Larry

June 17, 2014December 13, 2019

AMI Beach Cafe – Toes in the Sand Dining!

The AMI Beach Cafe is a great toes in the sand dining spot! Imagine this, the beach, the sun, the sand, people watching, AND FOOD! What? Amazing, I know. Where does this even exist? Ill tell you a little not so secret, secret. Anna Maria Island Beach Café, yep, amazing! I personally enjoy breakfast, but I love ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT pancakes. In fact, Ill be right back. But seriously you have to go here, go alone, go with friends, take your family, just go. They have a great menu and the prices are wallet friendly.

Oh, you didn’t wake up for breakfast did you? That’s okay because they serve lunch and dinner too! Don’t worry they didn’t forget about you late risers. Just get out of bed, grab your keys, and drive to where Manatee Ave meets Gulf Drive and wallah, Beach Café at your service. If you think I skipped telling you about putting on regular clothes, your wrong, I didn’t. You can wear anything here, your swim suit, pajamas, work clothes, wedding dress, anything. Ordering is quick, simple, and fun. Just pick your favorite menu option, place your order at the window, pay for the meal, grab a number, then sit back and wait. An atmosphere like this is hard to find, laid back people, sunshine and waves, island music, perfection.

Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about this glorious place, I shall break this news to you lightly. They also have ice cream and shopping! Yes, you can cool down with a scoop of cookies’ n cream ice cream for dessert and then stroll right on into the gift shop for some island memorabilia. That, fortunately for you, you will have money for, because everything was so affordable, yes, you’re welcome.

Larry

June 12, 2014November 20, 2020

Historic Green Village – the Model of Going Green on Anna Maria Island

If you’re on Anna Maria Island you have to check out the Historic Green Village (HGV). This unique combination of commercial and residential buildings combines today’s modern energy efficient technology in a historic setting.

Historic Green Village

Owners Mike and Lizze thrasher had a vision for Pine Ave when they vacationed here in 2007. The couple bought 4 adjacent lots on Pine Ave which only had two usable properties and a few abandoned garages. In 2009, when the renovations began, they purchased two different historic abandoned houses from around the island; the Sears Cottage, and the Anglers Lodge.

Building the Green Village

The Anglers Lodge is a huge two story house which required 300,000 lbs. of concrete reinforcement and required a temporary bridge built across one of the canals to move. It took three “heart slipping” hours to move the Anglers Lodge across the canal but was successfully delivered to the lots on Pine Ave.

During Renovations Architect Gene Aubry assisted the thrashers in choosing high quality building materials that reduce energy consumption. They also added in a fifth building, brand new, that was built to match the historic look of the other buildings. Mike and Lizzie Thrashers vision was to establish a group of buildings with a high level of sustainability. With the guidance of environmental consultant, Raymond Kaiser, the HGV was able to become only 1 of 100 places worldwide to earn the Platinum LEED certification and achieve Net Zero Energy during its first 18 months of operation.

Net Zero Energy

Net Zero Energy (NZE) building is one that relies on renewable sources to produce as much energy as it consumes. There are several main areas where buildings are evaluated to determine LEED certification. All the buildings are insulated with a special soy based formula that completely seals and insulates attics, keeping them at the same temperature as the rooms. The HGV also uses special energy efficient windows. These allow in maximum light and filter out the heat carrying infrared spectrum.

On top of the HGV buildings lay 400 photovoltaic solar panels which generate about 100kw, or 14,000$ in electricity annually. The photovoltaic solor panels collect energy from the minute the sun rises until the sunsets. The surplus energy created by HGV is sent to Florida Power and Light. The surplus comes back to the HGV when needed during rain storms and at night. Also, the buildings collect rain water to flush the high efficiency toilets and water the landscaping. Another way the HGV is saving energy, is the 450ft deep well pull that brings up 80° water from deep below the surface to help cool the AC, increasing efficiency by 30-50%!

A model of Green

The Historic Green Village is an inspiration to the local community. The Thrashers are hoping to influence others by proving that this is possible not only for commercial but residential. Despite the serious impact of this quaint historic village, don’t forget to check out the shopping venue while you’re here. Lastly, make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious cupcake at Hometown Desserts , Dips and then browse the Bob Brown art gallery.

Larry