Florida: Anna Maria Island, A Florida Secret for Families.
There is a place in Florida that does not have the very best in beaches, the most Caribbean-like climate, the most up-scale or hottest resorts or nightlife in the State. So, why is an island peninsula community of 15,000 residents on the Gulf Coast considered by many to be a “best kept secret”? For those in the know, it is affordable subtropical nirvana. Just south of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway bridge, west of Bradenton and north of Sarasota and glitzy Siesta and Longboat Keys, the town and Island of Anna Maria holds this honor. The most remote and outlying town on the island of the same name, it combines with two other municipal communities to the south, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, for the total Anna Maria Island experience.
The secret is that the town of Anna Maria does not have any fast food or convenience franchises, chain stores, high rises or a stoplight and the community intends to keep it that way. Yet, prominent destinations such as the Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg areas are only 45 to 90 minutes away. What Anna Maria does have is a Florida Keys charm of 30 years ago, spectacular ocean sunsets, solitude without remoteness, secluded beaches with sea turtle egg nests, wildlife, easy bike riding, friendly people, exemplary dining opportunities and a free local trolley. The late winter and spring throngs do affect the area somewhat and visitors may hear a multitude of German-speaking visitors who seem share my tastes.
While not as crowded as other popular Florida destinations during peak travel season, mainland traffic access along the causeways to and from the nearest city, Bradenton, can occasionally gridlock and waiting for restaurant seating can be excruciating. For these reasons, northerners may best appreciate this eclectic community in the summer – when the coastal climate is cooler (high eighties) than many North American regions and the sparse attendance and competitive pricing is just right. This allows you to experience the otherwise camouflaged and friendly local beach populace of year-round residents - best described as a blend of small family businesses, artists, commuters, retirees and escapees from big cities with a slow-paced Mayberry quality and a smattering of international flavor.
Bring paperbacks, sandals, shorts, swim wear and plenty of sunscreen but leave most clothes at home. A typical summer day starts out sunny and clear with an afternoon or evening thunderstorm like clockwork so schedule your outdoor time in the mornings and midday. The most challenging part of your stay might be deciding whether to go anywhere else. If so, then sprinkle some half-day family excursions on your vegetative experience among the palms. Popular choices include the Bradenton science center and planetarium; Siesta Beach, rated one of the world’s best beaches; Mote Marine Aquarium; Myakka River State Park - great for viewing alligators in the wild; the Ringling Museum and Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota; St. Armands Circle shopping district in Siesta Key and the Leffis Key Baywalk nature preserve near Coquina Beach for a sampling.
As noteworthy as regional attractions are, the reality is that after numerous visits, I am seldom drawn out of the subtropical cocoon of Anna Maria even during the winter and spring seasons. Anna Maria is not completely immune to peak travel, so book your accommodations ahead of time as well as your flight and car rental if you are coming via the extremely visitor friendly and efficient Tampa airport. The smaller and closer community airport of Sarasota is also available but may require an additional plane change. A multitude of customary accommodation options await especially in the contiguous communities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach to the south but I recommend that for the first visit, make the total commitment of residing in the Town of Anna Maria itself.
If beachfront accommodations are not a requirement, cut costs without cutting comfort and amenities by staying just a bit inland and is the more economical way to experience Anna Maria - as it is strategically located within walking distance of both sides of the island shoreline, the community's best restaurants, a small museum, a video rental, dry cleaner, general stores, and gift shops. The most common lodgings, include house and condo rentals, are usually available by the week. Even more selections are available ocean front for a bit more of an investment. In most of this area, the Gulf of Mexico will be to the west and Tampa Bay to the east. The best way to explore Anna Maria and Holmes beach from here is by foot and bicycle - rent some at a shop near a general store and enjoy the flat and scenic terrain. If feeling adventurous, do it with roller blades.
Some local and low maintenance activities within walking distance can begin with going right to the beach to soak in the warm and gentle blue waters. Read a book and beach comb. Try to find prize seashells and discover how this total focus makes the real world fade. Be careful with the deceptive water currents at the northern tip of the island and the midday sun - it may feel the same as up north but rays are near equatorial intensity.
Try fishing on the Bay's Anna Maria City Pier and eat at the pier's over-water restaurant among dolphins and birds. Have a family cookout at the Anna Maria beach front park and play area on the Bay. Lounge by the pool but don't forget to watch the Gulf sunsets each evening with everyone else – observe it from the beach accessible deck at the area's most popular beach front restaurant and bar, the Sandbar. Correctly guessing the sunset time may net you complimentary drinks. A word of caution - if you find yourself excessively scheduling and planning, you don't belong here.
Details
Anna Maria Island. www.annamariaislandchamber.org
South Florida Museum Center. Home to the South Florida Museum, the Bishop Planetarium, and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. 201 10th Street West, Bradenton Florida 34205. 1(941) 746-4131 or
www.southfloridamuseum.org
Siesta Beach. Rated one of the world’s best beaches. 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, 34242. 1(941) 861-5000.
Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium. 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. 1(941) 388-4441 or
www.mote.org.
Myakka River State Park. Great for viewing alligators in the wild. 13208 Florida 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. 1(941) 361-6511 or
myakkariver.org
The Ringling Museum of Art. The Ringlings acquired the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1919 to create the Greatest Show on Earth. The museum not only houses the Circus Museum but the products of other Ringling family efforts such the Museum of Art, Cà d'Zan (their winter gothic mansion), Archives and Library, sculptures, musical performances and public education programs. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 359 5700 or
www.ringling.org.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Billed as the best public garden in the south and once a private estate, this showpiece of tropical flora now comprises eight and a half acres, seven greenhouses and 20,000 species and is a leading research and exotic species identification center. 811 South Palm Avenue, Sarasota, 1(941) 366 5731 or
www.selby.org.
Coquina Bay Walk at Leffis Key. Anna Maria Island, FL 34221. 1(941) 729-9177.
Holmes Beach. www.holmesbeachfl.org
Bradenton Beach. www.visitflorida.com/bradenton_beach
