Kacey V - Island Real Estate Blog

July 20, 2022March 18, 2024

The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe

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! It doesn’t get any better than that! It is located right on the public beach at 4000 Gulf Drive in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island.

The Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe is the perfect place for breakfast on the island. Enjoy your cup of coffee, maybe even an order of their all-you-can-eat pancakes, and take in the gorgeous Gulf view. 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. 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, live music, it is absolute perfection. Chances are, if you’ve been to the Island, you’ve most likely enjoyed a meal at the Beach Cafe. And if you haven’t, then what are you waiting for? There is a reason not only tourists, but locals as well, love this place! 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.

Where: 4000 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Phone: (941) 778-0784
Hours: Open EVERYDAY from 7:30am – 8pm

Want some more ideas on where to have a great breakfast on Anna Maria Island? Visit our breakfast information page.

Kacey V

Meet Kacey Varga – Revenue Manager for Island Real Estate Vacations. Kacey is a native of Bradenton, FL – just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island – and is an expert on all our area has to offer for visitors to our piece of paradise.

July 19, 2022September 9, 2022

G. T. Bray Park Is a Large Park in Bradenton, FL

G.T. Bray Park located in Bradenton, Fl has something for everyone. You can walk tree rimmed paths, swing on the swing in one of the three playgrounds, swim and play in the water fountains or take your dog to the very safe enclosed dog park.

If you are looking to have a larger event while visiting Bradenton or Anna Maria Island then G.T. Bray Park could be your perfect ticket. The Bradenton park has seven pavilions (Picnic Shelters.) Of course sizes vary. If you refer to the map below the numbers here correlate to those on the GT Bray park map. (1)Cedar Hammock (2) Oak Knoll (3) Hickory Hollow (4) Meadow View (5) Woodland Grove (6) Whispering Pine (7) Bright Outlook – located adjacent to the Activity Center.

The dog park is called happy tails and is a perfect treat for pet visitors to Anna Maria Island. Happy Tails Canine Park is a fenced in, 3-acre off leash dog park located at the North East corner of G.T. Bray Bradenton park. Happy Tails is just off 51st Street West. Amenities at the dog park includes one drinking fountain and free waste bags and a enclosed separate area exclusively for small, fragile, or elderly dogs.

This Bradenton park is a great place to relax or play soccer, softball or football in one of their many open fields. Tennis and racquetball courts are available year round. There is a weight room available for a fee. Skate and hockey court is also just one of the great amenities the Bradenton park has to offer. The skate park is located at G.T. Bray Park, 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West, Bradenton, Fl, 34209.

Depending on the time of year you are visiting the beaches of Anna Maria Island, you can find many family friendly events for children all year long. The Christmas party is a must see, Santa Claus flies in on a helicopter with Batman to give the children their opportunity to tell him what they want for Christmas and have their photos taken. The holiday celebration is perfect for families of all ages, face painting, bounce houses, games, crafts, etc.

G.T. Bray Park
5502 33rd Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, Florida
(941) 742-5923

Kacey V

June 12, 2022June 23, 2023

4th of July on Anna Maria Island

There’s nothing better than spending the 4th of July holiday laying out on the beach, grilling a burger on the BBQ, and watching some spectacular fireworks light up the summer night sky. Luckily Anna Maria Island offers all three and then some! Every year visitors flock to our lovely island and surrounding area for the festivities and firework displays.
Below is more information on local 4th of July fun:

4^th of July Parade:

Families line the streets of the island every year to witness the annual Anna Maria Island Privateers Parade , which begins at Coquina Beach, and travels the entire length of the island to Bay Front Park. The parade is a morning event, making it a super fun and exciting way to start the 4th!
Where: Entire length of the island
When: July 4th
Time: 10am

Anna Maria City Picnic Celebration

Immediately following the parade is the Anna Maria City Picnic Celebration. This event is held at the City Pier Park where the parade concludes. There will be food and entertainment for the whole family. The celebration starts at 12:00 om and is scheduled to run until 1:30 pm. City Pier Park is located at 103 N. Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216. It’s near many of our vacation homes, so you can beat the traffic by grabbing the bicycles from your vacation home and using them to go to the park.

Take in a Game

If baseball is America’s pastime, then what better way to celebrate America’s birthday than with a game? Maybe by adding fireworks. The Bradenton Marauders, the local minor league farm team of the Pittsburgh Pirates, are out of town on the 4^th, so they are celebrating on July 3^rd. The team will have a fireworks display following their game against the Blue Jays. And the first 1,500 fans will get a free t-shirt! The game is at LECOM Park, located at 1611 9^th St. West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Get more ticketing information and times at the team website.

Nathan Benderson Park Firework Show:

Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota will be hosting Fireworks on the Lake. The event includes musical groups, the chance for families to picnic on the grass, and a stunning firework show to top off the night.
Where: 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
When: July 3rd
Time: 5pm to 10pm

Bradenton Riverwalk Firework Show:

The Bradenton Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton will have a fireworks show on July 4^th at 8:30pm.
Where:1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
When: July 4th
Time: 8:30pm

Have a Safe 4th Everyone

Kacey V

June 10, 2022September 22, 2022

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub – Delicious Seafood & Old Florida Vibes

Open for lunch & dinner, Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub is a popular establishment on Longboat Key that offers dockside dining, fantastic seafood dishes, and tasty cocktails. Mar Vista is owned by Ed Chiles and is part of the Chiles Restaurant Group along with the Sandbar Restaurant and the Beach House Restaurant.

Mar Vista is located in a beach house from the early 1900’s, which gives it a wonderful “Old Florida” vibe. Here, you can choose to dine on their private beach under the trees or on the large covered patio.

When it comes to their cuisine, Mar Vista uses as much locally sourced ingredients as they can. speaking of cuisine, lets get into the menu here. If you like seafood, you’ll love Mar Vista. with dishes like their Parmesan Crusted Flounder, Miso Glazed Grouper Collars, and Baja Fish Tacos. Of course not everyone is a fan of things that swim, so its a good thing they also have menu items like their Fried Chicken Sandwich, Mar Vista Pub Steak (served after 4PM), and Kung Pao Avocado. And don’t forget to finish the meal with one of their desserts that are made fresh in their bakery.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub
760 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228
(941) 383-2391

Kacey V

June 9, 2022September 9, 2022

The Ringling -The John and Mable Ringling Museum

The Ringling museum is a great day trip from Anna Maria Island into Sarasota. The museum is located right off Sarasota Bay just a short 30 minutes drive away. This is truly an amazing museum, and a must visit for art lovers!

John and Mable Ringling built their home and museum in 1927 and left their beautiful grounds and buildings to the State of Florida. The museum opened to the public in October of 1931. The history behind this gorgeous waterfront property is incredible, to read more please go to www.ringling.org.

The museum includes the Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, Rose Garden, Ringling Courtyard, and the Ca d’Zan Mansion.

Exhibits at The Ringling

You will fall in love with the historically significant art found here. Works from Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens fill an entire room. These pieces are huge and astonishing. Additionally many other famous names decorate the walls.

The Circus Museum is fun for everyone! Yes, this is the John Ringling of Ringling Circus. You will find interesting circus history, and fun things to see.

Ca d’Zan is the summer home of John and Mable. It’s like visiting a palace on Sarasota Bay. This mansion is one of a kind. You’ll never see anything like this luxurious home. The Ringlings held amazing balls and also loved entertaining here.

One of the galleries at the museum is for rotating exhibits. This is an excellent place to catch traveling shows.

The museum offers complimentary tours with admission of the Ringling Museum and the Circus Museum.

Saturdays at the Ringling Museum are family fun days with story time, exploration stations, family friendly exhibition tours and more all with paid admission.

Also located on the grounds, Banyan Café and the Treviso Restaurant are great for dining.

Located at the end of University Parkway on beautiful Sarasota Bay.

For more things to do in Sarasota, visit our top ten list.

Kacey V

May 14, 2022May 9, 2023

Top 10 Local Family Photographers on Anna Maria Island

Love and Style Photography – Summer & Becky Whitton are a husband and wife team located in the Bradenton-Sarasota area. They serve the gulf coast area, and are also available for travel sessions. Sea Song is the perfect beach front rental for those sunset photos!

11:11 Studio – Jennifer is the owner and photographer out of Anna Maria Island. She loves capturing those raw moments of joking, holding hands and hugging. Sand Dollar Dream can help you make wonderful memories.

Sandhill Photography – Emma-Rose is the owner and lead photographer based out the Bradenton area. Emma’s favorite thing about photography is….Weddings!

Chi Photography – Paul Nguyen is the owner and lead photographer based out of Palmetto. Paul has documented over 1,000 weddings. He stays active and practices his skills on his 5 daughters.

Sherri’s Island Images Photography – Sherri is the owner based out of Ellenton. She maintains, “you can count on the beach sessions to be fun and relaxed”. Did you say fun beach sessions? Hidden Cove 3 won’t disappoint.

M Brigham Photography – Monique Brigham is the owner based out of Bradenton Beach. She claims, and I must agree, “there is no better way to preserve memories than capturing them in a picture”. Anna Maria Island Club 40 is the best of both worlds; a pool feet away from the white sandy beaches, located in Anna Maria Island Resort

Everence Photography – Jessica & Jordan Chaplinsky are the husband and wife team specializing in weddings and lifestyle portrait photography. They serve the Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg areas. The Dodt House can provide a beautiful location for photos

Ella’s Photography – Owner Angela Mascari named her business after her one-eyed wiener dog who is her “most used and least enthused model”. Angela provides service on the gulf coast including Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Bradenton and Treasure Island. At South Beach Village 111 you can photograph your pet all day long in this pet-friendly rental.

Nuance Photography – Owners Jacob & Samantha Andrews are based out of Bradenton. “Whether you are on vacation or a local Floridian, we would love to be your photographer. Vista Grande #1 Sul-mare will make any photo look fantastic!

Peter Obetz Photo – Peter is the owner and is based out of Bradenton where he lives on a sailboat! He photographs people, places and things and will also teach other how to do the same if interested.

Kacey V

May 10, 2022March 13, 2024

The Monkey Bus offers Fun Transportation on Anna Maria Island and Beyond!

What? You heard it right, one of the best shuttles transportation on Anna Maria Island! Maybe you are planning a night out on the town to take in some libations and you want someone else to do the driving. Perhaps you want to enjoy the sights of Anna Maria Island without worrying about traffic, pedestrians in cross walks, you name it. If you need some tips on places to visit while on your vacation be sure to check out our Anna Maria Island Vacation Itinerary page that has plenty of ideas for large and small groups. Got a group of friends and want to charter your ride? Even just going to the airport can be fun on the Monkey Bus.

The Monkey Bus travels all over Anna Maria Island, Cortez and across the bridge by request, whether you are staying in one our beachfront vacation rentals, a resort rental, or house rental they offer prompt door-to-door service. You can call 941-565-6542 to schedule a ride anywhere from 12 noon to 3 am – 7 days a week. “Rides for Tips” is their slogan as there is no official charge for this service. And the monkey bus accommodates service animals – so is an easy choice if you’re staying in one of our pet friendly vacation rentals

There are no scheduled stops like the Island Trolley or County Bus service so calling for a pick up is best, however, I personally have seen the Monkey Bus while walking and flagged it down where they cheerfully picked me up. I don’t suggest counting on that occurring ever again though lol.

The Monkey Bus seats up to 16 so gather your tribe and schedule a ride! Have fun and remember to bring cash for driver tips.

If you have any questions about this service please call 941-565-6542 or 941-527-6266.

STAY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

Whether you’ve been planning your trip for months or are looking for a last-minute getaway, there is so much to see and do when you stay on Anna Maria Island, from the beautiful sugar-sand beaches to the quaint shops and restaurants you’ll never get tired of exploring all this island has to offer and with convenient transportation methods like the monkey bus you’ll be happy to leave the car parked in your luxury home rental.

If you have any questions about booking an Anna Maria Island beach rental or about golf cart rentals – please feel free to call the office at 877-778-6066 to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable booking experts, or click “chat” in the lower right-hand corner!

Kacey V

April 23, 2022January 16, 2024

BEST Anna Maria Island Pizza Places

If you’re looking for great pizza on Anna Maria Island, then this is the post for you. Keep reading to learn more about the Island pizza places:

Pizzano’s: A great pizza place for families that want more than pizza. They have take out, delivery and dine in. Dine in has 8-10 tables as well as 2-3 picnic tables outside. They have tons of choices for everyone, pizza, detroit style, wings, subs, salads, pasta, and yes, dessert!
5318 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-3663

Solos: If you’re craving pizza, but everyone else you’re with is not, Solos is the place you need to stop by. Located on Holmes Beach, Solos is a conveniently located and economical place to get not only pizza, but also burgers, subs, wings, and salads. Of course we suggest the pizza because of the various amounts of toppings you can get! Make sure to stop by!
3244 E Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-8118

Oma’s: Oma’s is the perfect place to get a pizza from if it’s late at night (open till 12AM). Their pizza is always fresh and delicious and it’ll have you eating way after you should have called it quits. So definitely stop by and enjoy Oma’s friendly environment, and their yummy pizza and calzones.
201 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
941-778-0771

The Feast Restaurant: The Feast is one of our top restaurants in general on the island. They have amazing food in good sized portions (plan for leftovers), though their pizza is absolutely fantastic. Trust me, once you just look at the pizza you will be impressed. It is the perfect balance of sauces, cheeses, and toppings. Compliments to the chef!
5406 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 778-5092

Pizza Social: The Pizza Social on Pine Ave is the newest (as of 2020) pizza place on Anna Maria Island. They specialize in handcrafted pizzas and fresh salads; the prefect combo! While they have an array of specialty pizzas and salads on their menu, you can also opt to Build Your Own pizza or salad as well. Their brick oven fire cooking method turns the crust yummier than you can imagine! Make sure to add an order of garlic parmesan nuggets – your belly will thank you!
308 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216
(941) 251-4070

Kacey V

March 24, 2022September 9, 2022

Samurai Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi in Bradenton, Fl

The Samurai is a recently opened restaurant in Bradenton, Fl. All seating is inside and the restaurant has he a fairly large bar area. The Samurai Steakhouse has 8 areas where you can sit down in front of large Hibachi grills. Japanese chefs come out and put on a nice show using knives, spatula’s, food and other items to both entertain and serve great Japanese food. The Hibachi grill has choices of chicken, Shrimp, Calamari, Steak, Tuna, Salmon and Lobster. The chef comes out and first fires up the grill with a pretty good flash of flames. Then the vegetables are cut up followed by cooking up some rice and meats. It is a good show with knives clanging and flipping and the food is fantastic. They offer two sauces with your meal and I happen to really like the cream base sauce. They call this yum-yum sauce. The Hibachi grill meals come with a clear broth soup and small salad.

If a Hibachi dinner is not your style that is ok. They serve lots of sushi as well as entrees. There are over 50 choices of Sushi as well as Tempura, fried rice and noodle based dishes. They also offer some unique soups and salads. Seaweed salad, Kani salad which is Crab meat mixed with cucumber and fish eggs. You can always try one of their 15 appetizers. Calamari, Chicken Tempura, Tofu or Edamame. The Samurai also serves Hibachi lunches as well as sushi rolls.

The Japanese Steakhouse is just a fifteen minute drive from Anna Maria Island. It is very close to the Desoto mall which is a great after lunch or dinner spot to slip in some shopping. The Samurai is fairly expensive at about $20 per entree. The food is fantastic and it is entertaining. Our younger son loves it as the chefs are very interactive with the crowd. They toss vegetables in his mouth as well as make volcanoes out of onions. The Samurai has a full bar with lots of unique beer choices.

The Samurai has dine in or take out and is open for lunch and dinner. I do consider the Japanese steakhouse to be child friendly. Our son of seven likes the chicken which is around $8 for his meal and he loves the hibachi show as they cook the rice, chicken and vegetables.

Samurai
3611 1st Street #110
Bradenton, FL 34208
(941) 747-6300

Below find the map from Anna Maria island to the Samurai restaurant.

View Larger Map

Kacey V

4th of July Parade:

Anna Maria City Picnic Celebration

Take in a Game

Nathan Benderson Park Firework Show:

Bradenton Riverwalk Firework Show:

Have a Safe 4th Everyone

Exhibits at The Ringling

STAY ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND

4^th of July Parade: