Grab your beach chairs, pack up a cooler and spend the day at the beach. It is eighty six degrees outside, it’s Anna Maria Island Fall weather and the average water temperature this time of year is eighty five, and the sugar sand beaches on Anna Maria Island have never been more beautiful. Pristine beaches as far as my eyes can see, and everyone is enjoying their favorite outdoor activities.
Tag: things to do
Evie’s Tavern is a great Sarasota Bar
Evie’s Tavern is a casual Sports Bar with a ‘pub’ feel and is one of the more popular nightspots in Downtown Sarasota.This bar is right across the street from Esca. Only 40 minutes away from Anna Maria Island, this area of Downtown Sarasota makes for a fun night out on the town! Evie’s Tavern has pool tables, dart boards and a jukebox. There are also 4 60″ television screens featuring the games and sports of the day and they boast it is the largest LED television in Sarasota. There is a loft above the bar that is a great place to have one of their Martini’s and people watch. Evie’s Tavern in Sarasota does tend to get very crowded over the weekend, as does the rest of Downtown Sarasota. It’s definitely the place to be!
Self-Parking and Valet Parking are available.
1989 Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941.955.3843
Fax: 941.342.9207
For more great things to do while on Anna Maria Island or in Sarasota, visit Island Real Estate’s informational website.
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 – 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
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: Joe’s Eats and Sweets: This place is the bomb.com. It’s got everything from chocolate to cotton candy & nerds and more! They also have pie on a stick-yes, on a stick- and various types of milkshakes and malts. This place is big colorful building right near Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, so climb the steps, and check it out!
5: Holy Cow: No, I’m not shocked, they just have really good ice cream! This
place 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.
How I Would Spend My Day on Anna Maria Island!
So here’s what I would do if I wasn’t working today! I would drive past my office in Holmes Beach and head straight to Bay Front Park in Anna Maria, unload my bicycle and go for a ride. As my stomach starts to grumble with hunger I would stop at the Rod N Reel Pier for some breakfast. Remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day even if you’re eating bacon, eggs, & home fries at your favorite island restaurant.
After breakfast it’s time for a little adventure so I would go see my friends at Yolo Parasail for a relaxing boat ride and sky high view of Anna Maria Island. If you have never been parasailing off the coast of Anna Maria Island you should put it on your to do list!
As the morning comes to an end and the afternoon is just about to begin I would go soak up some rays on Holmes Beach for a couple of hours while looking at the amazing pictures I took from my parasailing adventure. If you are at one of the public beaches you can enjoy some ice cream too.
Now it’s time to go see my good friends at Segs By The Sea in Bradenton Beach for a SEGWAY tour. We start our tour on Bridge Street and head to the beach. Travelling south along the paved beach path through Coquina Beach and up over the Longboat Key Bridge and back. If you have never been on a SEGWAY before don’t worry one of the fabulous tour guides will teach you how to ride, and in about five minutes you will be comfortable and confident on a SEGWAY.
As the Sun is setting on our return trip to Bridge Street the day is almost over but the night is just beginning and now I’m hungry once again. In the mood for good food and live music I head just a couple of doors down to The Blue Marlin where I meet friends and family for diner & drinks. The Blue Marlin is famous for their fresh fish & seafood that they purchase daily from local seafood markets. I’m not the biggest seafood lover but absolutely love the burgers, steak sandwich, and of course ice cold beer outside in the Trap Yard where on the weekends you can enjoy live entertainment from local musicians.
So that’s what I would do if I wasn’t working in paradise today… But I am working today at Island Real Estate on Anna Maria Island and would like to get you here too!
Tell us your story on facebook title it my perfect day on Anna Maria Island and let us know what you did or would do… “Remember life’s better on the beach!”
Sarasota Medieval Fair is great day trip for Anna Maria Visitors
Hear ye, hear ye! The Sarasota Medieval Fair occurs annually in the month of November. Just a short trip from Anna Maria Island it is a perfect day trip for visitors. The Sarasota Medieval Fair is located at the Sarasota Fairgrounds on Fruitville Road rain or shine from 10-6 each weekend. Enjoy performances by Jousters and Human Combat Chess. Jump in and participate in craft demonstrations of pottery, basket weaving, blacksmith work, torched glass beading and even leather working. Bring your appetite because the turkey legs are HUGE and the beer is served cold.
Tickets are available at the Medieval Fair website.
Want to know about more events on and off Anna Maria Island? Visit our events information page.
Kid’s Corner – Anna Maria Island for Kids
Kid’s Corner
Welcome to Kid’s Corner! Looking for information about stuff for us kids to do on Anna Maria Island? Well, this is the place to find it! For kids, by kids…this info will help give you ideas while you are staying on our awesome island! Have an idea to share? Please leave us a comment! We want to help you guys learn all the fun that is available on the island…with some insider tips, too! Hope you enjoy your stay on the Gulf Coast, and we hope we can help make it even more fun!
Awesome Aquariums near Anna Maria Island, Florida
Today’s information is about some of the awesome aquariums near Anna Maria Island There are so many cool places to go if you’re interested in exotic or local marine animals.
To kick it off, there’s the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. They have 100’s of different animals. Some of them have been injured & are being hospitalized right there in the aquarium. They also have technological games & activities that you can participate in during your visit. You can explore & discover the marine life they have there, touch stingrays in their touch tank & so much more.
We can’t forget about Snooty, the oldest Manatee in captivity. Bradenton has a much smaller aquarium however it is a quick trip just of Anna Maria Island. The South Florida Museum has lots to do including a planetarium. Manatee’s are often seen in the canal pool side.
There’s also the Clearwater Marine Hospital (C.M.H.) in Clearwater that holds one of the most unique dolphins ever, Winter. If you haven’t seen the movie Dolphin Tale, Winter is a dolphin that lost her tail in a crab trap accident & is the one & only dolphin with that kind of disability. She now has a prosthetic tail & is living happy & healthy in C.M.H. You can see Winter & all her friends at C.M.H. & some of the other activities. They have a hurricane simulator, some of the actual props & sets that they filmed in the movie, otters, turtles, & so much more. See more at SeeWinter.com
Enjoy your summer & keep in touch with Kid’s Corner!
Top 10 Things for Kids on Anna Maria Island
Top 10 Anna Maria Island Things To Do With Kids
Today’s blog is about the Top 10 Anna Maria Island Things To Do With Kids. Essentially, the best stuff to do on Anna Maria Island. I’ve come up with a list of the best places to go & the greatest things to do while on your vacay on the island. It’s filled to the rim with mind-blowing fun for everyone, whether it’s mini-golfing or grabbing exotic ice cream – just read this list & choose one, some, or all of the activities to do during your summer, & it’s sure to be a blast.
Top 10 Must-Do’s of Your Summer on A.M.I:
1: Hang at Bayfront Park & have a picnic. This park is right on the beach located on the north end of the island in Anna Maria & is sure to entertain everyone. They have a playground, covered eating areas, & grills for all of your needs
2: Go fishing off of the Rod & Reel or City Pier. Both located in Anna Maria on the north end of the island, these piers are sure 
to help you get some big fish. Buy your bait there or bring your own. You don’t even need a license. Just bring your gear to fish & there’s always someone to help you out.
3: Bring your skateboard and visit Bradenton Riverwalk which is just 20 minutes into Bradenton, Florida. For Anna Maria Island skating visit the Holmes Beach Skate Park.
4: Go for a round of mini-golfing at the Fish Hole on Bridge Street. This place is located on the Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach & is tons of fun. With 18 different holes each named after a different fish, fun history, & fish feeding, the Fish Hole is a great place for a post-beach activity.
5: Play volleyball or build a sand castle on the Public Beach. This place has two volleyball courts in the sand, a playground, a cafe right on the beach, & a lifeguard on duty. It also has an ice cream & gift shop with all of your beach necessities.
6: Rent a kayak & explore the island waters. Many places on the island offer low-rate kayak renting prices with different styles & sizes, as well as the amount of time you can rent them. You can freely take your kayak out into the Gulf of Mexico & paddle along as you travel across the shore & see the sights.
7: Search for unique & pretty shells on the shore near you. On the A.M.I. beaches you can find endless different types of shells, clams, & coquinas in many different shapes & colors. Some of the shells have holes in them, perfect for making a necklace, bracelet, or other jewelry. This multi-purpose task is loads of fun for everyone.
8: Play soccer, football, or baseball at the Holmes Beach or Community Center fields. These places offer the free use of their fields. All you need to bring is your sports gear & a good time. This is a fun way to spend your time, especially if you like sports.
9: Walk down Pine Avenue & explore all the cool shops & attractions. Pine Avenue is known for its unique shops & historic sites. With many boutiques, eateries, & history, the activities are endless. The activities include bocche ball outside of the Olive Oil Outpost, small festivities in front of the Flip-Flop Shop & Candy Stop. The Flip-Flop Shop is also a must-do for kid island vacationers that love sweets & small treats. Yum!
10: Have fun & enjoy your stay on A.M.I. Pick a beach & bodysurf, swim, or soak up the sun. With all of these activities to do & more, you’ll have so much fun.
Just follow these steps and you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy your summer lots & lots. Stick around, because more Kid’s Korner is coming your way. Enjoy your summer!!!
Kid’s Korner on Anna Maria Island – Top things to do
Welcome to Kid’s Korner, the best place to stop by & see the latest happenings for us kids on Anna Maria. Hey Anna Maria Island kids, do you have any fun activities planned for this summer while visiting Anna Maria Island? If not, I’ve got plenty of exciting things for you to do. With a diverse choice of activities always going on, summer on A.M.I. – Anna Maria Island Kid’s corner is never a bore.
So, let’s start with some fun summer lessons.
- To begin, there is a surf camp run by Eternal Summer Surf Camp that occurs on White Avenue beach every Sunday from early July to the middle of August. Instructors will give instructions & demonstrations on how to surf & let you surf tons yourself.
- Also, there are sailing lessons by Bimini Bay Sailing happening right now. They offer 6-hour teaching courses by experienced sailors. You can choose your boat that best fits you, & go out into the water as they teach you the basics on sailing. You’re sure to learn some new skills during this summer.
Next are the camps.
- Anna Maria Island Community Center offers a youth & teen program called “Summer My Way” that involves sports, arts & crafts, field trips, specialty camps, & much, much more. You can pick & choose your activities & join many others as you enjoy your summer, your way. Find out about the specialty camps, or choose a camp. You could choose one week or every week, just a specialty camp, or just the field trips.
- Also, Crosspointe Fellowship Baptist Church runs a Vacation Bible School for K-5th graders for one week in the summer, July 16th-20th from 9 a.m. to noon. They plan to go on many adventures & uncover mysteries. Find out more at at www.CrosspointeFellowship.com. Your summer is sure to be a blast no matter which way you toss the dice.
Looking for something fun to play with? Here on Anna Maria Island, we have equipment rental shops. These rental stores have a great variety of merchandise – you can rent anything from golf carts to sail boats & everything in between.
- For example, at Beach Bums on Pine Avenue, you can rent different types of bikes & boards, kayaks, golf carts, & more. My family & I have rented a golf cart previously, & they’re pretty cool. On Anna Maria Island, they let you drive your golf cart on the street, so it’s pretty awesome. But because they allow you to ride them on the street, your parents will be the ones doing the driving, while us kids get to ride in style. These golf carts vary in size, color, & designs, & you could have one for just 2 people, or one for you & your entire family. They offer the free use of helmets & life jackets with rental. Their bike types include regular two-wheelers, quad-bikes, cruisers, tricycles, tandems, electric & surrey bikes, along with bike seats for babies & toddlers. They have nature hikes & other kids activities you’re sure to love, as well.
- What’s more, Bimini Bay Sailing offers rental sailboats for a small fee. You can choose your sailboat & how long you wish to rent it. They offer Sunfish, Lasers, Zumi, & everything in between. They go from an hour to a month, & delivery is optional. More facts can be found on the same site as their sailing lessons. These rentals are a unique way to get around the island.
So no matter what you do or when you do it, at Anna Maria Island Kid’s corner it’s certain you’ll have a great summer here on Anna Maria Island.
