Mother’s Day is the one day a year that we all get to celebrate Mom and all she does for us! Now you should be treating Mom throughout the year, but this one day should be extra special.
If your Mom is really lucky you’ll be on Anna Maria Island for her special day – what better place than beautiful AMI?
Lucky for Mom (and you) many Anna Maria Island and area restaurants make it easy to make sure she won’t have to cook and wash dishes on her special day. Have a look:
The Sandbar Restaurant
The Sandbar will be having a Jazz Brunch from 10 am to 1 pm.
Enjoy toes in the sand dining with a spectacular view of the Gulf Of Mexico set to the soothing sounds of jazz.
The Beach House offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico from it’s brand new deck. There is plenty of choice between shade and sun, and misters when it gets too hot.
Brunch, lunch or dinner to watch the sunset will definitely make Mom happy here. The menu is fresh and modern featuring seafood (of course) and farm to table dining.
AMOB On The Pier, located at the foot of Bridge St in Bradenton Beach, is offering a Mother’s Day Brunch featuring picture-worthy views to enjoy with the family – all items are under $10, too! Moms will receive a carnation and their choice of a Mimosa or Cup of Soup!
Located on the pier on Bradenton’s award winning Riverwalk, look out over the Manatee River from their beautiful patio
Sunday, May 13 | 10 AM-3PM | $34.95 Adults ++ | $14.95 Children
Treat Mom to an incredible waterside brunch buffet complete with an award-winning menu from PIER 22! Dine in with family and friends and enjoy $4 Mom-mosa specials and $4 Bloody Marys.
If you’d like to visit Anna Maria Island contact us for accommodations at Blue Turtle Cottage – a 3 bedroom renovated pool home located in Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island just steps from the sand.
There’s always lots of fun to be had at Easter on Anna Maria Island, and Easter 2018 is no different.
The 32nd Annual Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt starts at 9:00 am., at The Sandbar Restaurant on Saturday, March 31st with refreshments served in the Pavilion next to the restaurant starting at 8:30 am.
The hunt will take place on the beach next to the restaurant with sections set up for children aged 0-2, 3-6 and 7-10. Each child is responsible for bringing their own basket to collect eggs. Parking is available in the restaurant lot, across the street and at city hall. We encourage folks to take the free island trolley or monkey bus.
After the Sandbar fun, the Easter Bunny will lead a walking parade down Pine Avenue where the 9th Annual Easter Egg Roll and Easter Bonnet Contest will take place. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family with games, face painting, egg rolling and coloring. Complimentary mimosas, sausage biscuits and frittatas will be provided by the Sandbar Restaurant along with cupcakes from Hometown Desserts. Take home an Easter keepsake – a framed picture with the Easter Bunny with pictures taken by Dara Caudill of IslandPhotography.org. Music will be provided by Chuck Caudill. A fabulous gift basket will be raffled off to one lucky winner. The egg roll and bonnet contest event is also sponsored by the Sandbar Restaurant, PAR and the Anna Maria Sun Newspaper. The roll will take place 9:30am-12:00pm.
Prizes for the best bonnet include a two night stay at the Anna Maria Guest Houses for first prize. There will also be prizes for second and third place. First prize for the best kid’s bonnet is a Sandbar lunch for the winner and three of their BFF’s complete with hot fudge sundaes. There will also be prizes for second and third place. This is the 16th year the Sun Newspaper has been a sponsor for the Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt. For more information on the Sandbar Easter Egg Hunt and Pine Avenue Easter Egg Roll contact Tina Chiles at 941-778-8710 or tchiles@chilesgroup.com.
On Vacation And Don’t want To Cook?
Don’t worry! Check out restaurants that are open on Easter Sunday:
Attend A Beach Front Easter Service
Make Easter extra special with an Easter sunrise service – you’ll never forget this.
The 54th Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island Easter Sunrise Service will begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, April 1 — sunrise is expected at 7:21 a.m. — at Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island?
Contact us to stay at Blue Turtle Cottage conveniently located mid-island in Holmes Beach. Close to shopping, dining and the free Trolley.
The cottage is a renovated 3 bedroom pool home just steps to the white powder sand beach.
St. Patrick’s Day is the day we all become at least a little bit Irish. Of course you’ll find revellers and green beer along with Irish cuisine in just about any of the many great Anna Maria Island restaurants and bars this weekend. But the one event you don’t want to miss is the Beach Bistro’s St. Patrick Days parade!
Sean Murphy (a good Irishman from Nova Scotia), owner of the Beach Bistro, Eat Here and The Doctor’s Office, says that the Anna Maria Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is “the largest south and east of Savannah, Georgia. It may also be the only St. Patrick’s parade south and east of Savannah, Georgia”.
This year the parade takes place on March 18, 2018 at 4:00 PM, wending its way from it’s start at the Eat Here parking lot (5315 Gulf Dr in Holmes Beach) at the corner of Marina and Gulf drives and travel north on Marina Drive and then Palm Drive and ending near 79th Street.
Sean Murphy also invites anyone and everyone to join — gather about 2 p.m. and the parade will start at 4 pm. A true community event – even if you’re visiting the island you can participate, or just come out and enjoy the show.
For more information, call the Beach Bistro at 941-778-6444.
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island?
Contact us for your stay at Blue Turtle Cottage – a renovated 3 bedroom pool home steps from the beach.
Whoop! Whoop! It’s almost July 4th! There is lots and LOTS of fun to be had on and around Anna Maria Island!
PARADE
The Anna Maria Island Privateers once again host their annual 4th of July Independence Day parade. It is a sight to see – in 2016 there were 115 parade entries and 850 participants, and an estimated 25,000 spectators!
When: Kick off at 10:00 Am at Coquina Beach
Where: Coquina Beach in the south through Holmes Beach and ending on Pine Ave. in Anna Maria on the north end.
Who Can Participate: Anyone! And it’s free! Decorate your bike, car,truck, segway or golf cart etc., or roller blade all decked out. As long as it’s on wheels it can be in the parade (note: this is a non-walking parade due to the 7 mile length). All you have to do is registerhere.
Everyone is invited to participate – bring a flag and set up a chair along the parade route.
After Party: After the parade there will be an after Parade Party with Live Music, Libations & Grub @ “The Ugly Grouper” 5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach Florida where the Privateers will announce the Scholarship recipients of over Twenty thousand dollars. ($20,000.00)
FIREWORKS
What would the 4th of July be without fireworks? Nothing! The annual fireworks extravaganza is once again being put on by theSandbar Restaurant– you don’t want to miss this!
VIP Party Packages are available with prime seating set up on the beach under their wedding pavilion located next to the restaurant for the show. Packages are available now and include an array of delicious food. Tickets are $140 for adults and $50 for kids. Reservations for the VIP Party are required and seating is limited. Contact Jamie Kissell, Special Events Director at (941) 778-8709 or jkissell@chilesgroup.com
Or you can bring a blanket or towels and some snacks to the beach and watch the show!
When: Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 shortly after dusk
Where: Sandbar Restaurant 100 Spring Avenue Anna Maria
JULY 4TH PIG ROAST & FIREWORKS IN DOWNTOWN BRADENTON
Pier 22restaurant is holding an all-American Independence Day Pig Roast & Fireworks event in downtown Bradenton. While dining waterside you will enjoy a marvelous July 4th fireworks celebration. This is a single seating event starting at 6 p.m. and ending with the fireworks grand finale at 9 p.m. You can see the full menu here. Adults $69.95 – Open Bar Wristband Add $30, Children under 12 – $19.95. Reservations 941-748-8087 or https://pier22dining.com/reservations
If you just want to watch the fireworks Riverwalk and The Green bridge (which will close to traffic) will give you the best views. If you need some directions to get around try the new Walk Bradenton Geolocation page that will help you find anything you want in Bradenton – from restaurants to businesses, wifi hotspots to, well, anything! It’s pretty cool.
A Sarasota Fourth of July
Night time brings the Fireworks Spectacular over Sarasota Bay. Part of the Suncoast Offshore Festival, viewing is free from anywhere downtown including Bayfront Park and Island Park. The display is an awesome sight from a boat anchored on Sarasota Bay. Make sure you bring an umbrella just in case of rain. The Sarasota show starts at dusk or around 9:00 p.m. and is privately funded and charity focused and benefits Suncoast Charities for Children.
When: July 4, 2017 9:00 PM
Sarasota: Sarasota Bay, Sarasota
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us for help with accommodations – stay at Blue Turtle Cottage : a renovated 3 bedroom pool home steps from the sugar sand beaches the island is famous for
Craft Brewing (and Breweries) in Florida are growing at supersonic speed. There are currently well over 200 in the state of Florida according tobeerinflorida.com, a website dedicated to craft breweries in Florida.
When you’re staying on Anna Maria Island there are several Craft Breweries within easy driving distance. Each one has their own brews (of course) and their own offerings and amenities.
Motorworks Brewing
Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton’s first craft brewery, is housed in a 1923 building that used to house an automobile dealership: Hudson Motors – complete with a concrete ramp that was used to move cars from the ground floor to a second floor service area.
Motorworks Brewing boasts the largest beer garden in Florida, complete with a spacious deck built around a magnificent 150+ year-old oak tree, a 3-hole putting green, 2 bocce ball courts, over a dozen cornhole sets, life-sized jenga, a live music stage, 22 ft. projection screen and more.
Featured is acore lineupof 5 brews, plus aseasonal lineup – currently 31 brews. Simply something for everyone! They also have lots onTap.
Though they don’t offer food themselves they’re not about to let you go hungry! they partner with several local Restaurants and Food Trucks. The typical offerings include sliders, chicken tenders, grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, pulled pork, chicken salad, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, pizza, and Philly cheese steaks. You can check out their food scheduleHere.
Just The Facts:
Address: 1014 9th Street West, Bradenton
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 AM to Midnight, Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 2 AM
*Children allowed until 9 PM, dogs allowed in the beer garden. Contact for details
Darwin Brewing Co.
Darwin Brewing Co. was established in 2012 and brews artisan ales and lagers influenced by the flavors and spices of South America’s Andean and Amazonian Regions with a focus on ingredients sourced in Florida.
DBC is a full fledged brewery also featuring a Taproom and a garden. The selection of brews is large and includes theirFlagship Core Beers, as well as seasonal offerings.
Being right next to *McKechnie Field where the Pittsburgh Pirates spring train and the hometown heroes – the Bradenton Mauraders – play, this is a good place for a cold brew before or after the baseball game. A thriving Trivia League is held on Thursday nights as well.
*Family friendly
Just The Facts:
Address: 803 17th Avenue West, Bradenton (next to *McKechnie Field)
The newest Craft Brewery to call Bradenton home,3 Keys Brewing & Eateryis also the closest to Anna Maria Island – along the Manatee Ave. business and shopping stretch. The focus is on community, friends & family (including welcoming dogs on the patio). There is a kids area in sight of the dining tables with books, legos, games, toys and a Nintendo Wii.
Established and run by the Douglas family – Jeff, Cathy & their eldest son Scott, opened the brewery after a nationwide brewery tour that included 126 breweries. When they returned they turned their dreams of opening a restaurant/pub in to opening a brewery & eatery.
3 Keys philosopy is “Beer should be for everyone, so we offer flavorful, light, fruity and low alcohol beers alongside of traditional favorites such as IPAs, pale ales, stouts, dubbels, bocks, porters and wheat beers.” The of beer is large, you can see itHere, and they also serve a selection of wine and cider.
The fact that 3 Keys is also an eatery sets them apart from many craft breweries that are often serviced by food trucks or local restaurants. Their menuis pub inspired and includes a kid’s menu. The full service and community focus has made the brewery a favorite of locals and visitors.
Naughty Monk Brewery is the only Craft Brewery in the Lakewood Ranch area and has been a welcome addition. The focus is onBelgian inspired brews, with wine, cider and several guest taps of local and national craft brewers also available.
While enjoying your chosen brew you can play a game of pool on the only two Diamond pool tables in Manatee County. Also for fun darts, cornhole and a variety of games and entertainment are available.
While there is no food served by Naughty Monk Brewery, bringing your own food or snacks is encouraged. You are also welcome to order from any local fast food business or restaurants with delivery available.
Jdubs’S Brewing Company was founded byJeremy “JDub” Joerger in 2011 in Sarasota. A former soldier turned government worker, Jdub made his first (“terrible”) batch of home brew in 2003 with a buddy. In 2011, with a nudge from his father-in-law, Jeremy decided to follow his dreams of working in the craft beer industry and to do it in Sarasota.
In the years since Jdub’s has continued to grow in sales, employees and distribution – to the point where they now need to brew at “The Brew Hub” in Lakeland in addition to on site, but continue to stay committed our our core values of Quality, Innovation and Culture. Thebeer selectionis eclectic and with 14 flavorsOn Tap there is something for everyone.
Like most other craft breweries Jdub’s does not serve food but it does have a local food trucks on aschedule. Expect food that goes well with beer – burgers to BBQ to tacos. Check out the schedule and visit when your favorite food is available, or just enjoy a beer!
Big Top Brewing Company’sBrewmaster Josh Wilson crafted beer for many years with only his friends enjoying his efforts. Big Top was the first Craft Brewery in Sarasota, and Josh wanted to compliment Sarasota’s historical associations with The Ringling Circus, performing arts, great architecture.
There is a rotating list ofcore beersas well as rotating list ofbeers on tap. Live music and food trucks are featured regularly, take a look at theirevents calendarto plan your visit.
Just The Facts:
Address: 6111 Porter Way Sarasota
Hours: Monday – Saturday 2 -10 PM, Sunday 12-8 PM
Contact: 1.800.590.Bigtop
Enjoy the Craft Beer explosion – choose your brewery or make your way through the list. Cheers!
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? Contact us for a reservation at Blue Turtle Cottage and let us help you with your vacation planning.
The 3rd annual Blues, Brews & BBQ on Anna Maria Island’s hot spot, Bridge St. in Bradenton Beach, is a super fun family friendly event happening on April 22 from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Enjoy the stellar music lineup curated by Steve Arvey, known as “Stone Crab Steve” all while partaking in delicious BBQ, drinks and shopping.
Featuring craft brews from Motorworks Brewing, Bradenton’s first full production craft microbrewery. A full bar along with standard domestic beers, wine and non-alcoholic selections will also be available.
The menu features mouth-watering BBQ with ribs and pulled pork platters from Island Time Bar & Grill, plus favorites from Fire and Stone including barbeque-themed pizzas.
Bridge St is all about fun, food and boutique shopping, expect to find some amazing deals from the Bridge Street Merchants!
This is an all ages event with gates opening at 2:00 pm with wrist bands issued so you can come and go at will. Bring chairs and blankets so you can be comfy (no outside food or coolers). A bargain at $5.00 with 12 and under free.
Best of all, proceeds of the event will benefit All Island Denomination’s Food Pantry at Roser Church, without being an on-site food drive. A silent auction will further fundraising efforts without interrupting the entertainment.
How to get there: Consider taking the free Island Trolley right to Bridge Street. Car parking: The city lot behind the Bridge Street Bistro, up and down Bridge Street, including by the pier, Bradenton Beach City Hall / Tingley Library, along the beach just south of Bridge Street, and down at Coquina Beach. The “Monkey Bus” is another option at 941-565-6542 as well as RIDE AMI1-877-743-3264. For more information call Eric 607-346-4126. Here is a Map and directions to Bridge St..
Do you want to visit Anna Maria Island?
Come stay at Blue Turtle Cottage – a renovated 3 bedroom pool home just steps to the soft, white sands Anna Maria island is famous for.
The Bridge Tender Inn at the east end of Bridge Street is hosting a New Year’s Eve Pyjama Party! Go out, eat, drink, ring in the new year and when you arrive home you’re ready for bed, perfect!
When: Starting at 7:00 PM
Where: 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach
Sandbar/Beach House/Mar Vista
The Chiles Group Restaurants are all featuring a Caviar dish for New Year’s Eve. The Sandbar: Stone Crab and Caviar, The Beach House: Florida Lobster and Gulf Shrimp roll served with lemon aioli and Caviar, Mar Vista: Tater Tots combined with caviar.
When: Anytime New Year’s Eve
Where: Sandbar 100 Spring Avenue, Anna Maria/Beach House 200 Gulf Dr., Bradenton Beach/Mar Vista 760 Broadway Street N., Longboat Key
Slim’s Place
Slim’s Place is holding a New Year’s Eve Jam Party hosted by Rick Quimby – live music, watch the ball drop in NYC . Free Champagne at midnight! If you know Slim’s Place you know it’s always a party atmosphere, fun is sure to be had!
When: 8:00 PM-Midnight
Where: 9701 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria
Stay in at Your Rental!
Enjoy ushering in the New Year Island Style at your Vacation Rental. Keep it small with just the family or invite a few friends over, but either way enjoy some good food, a toast, and good company.
Publix in Holmes Beach at 3900 East Bay Dr. can supply you with anything from ready made food to something for the barbecue.
You shouldn’t forget to stop by Walgreens Liquor Department at 3200 East Bay Dr. to pick up some champagne – open until midnight on New Year’s Eve.
A Little Bit Off Anna Maria Island
(but not too far)
Pier 22
Pier 22 , on downtown Bradenton’s Riverwalk, is offering several New Year’s Eve options:
Starting at 4 p.m., in the PIER 22 dining room, restaurant goers may choose to enjoy a meal from a special holiday menu.
Beginning in late evening, the PIER 22 Terrace, back dropped by the beautiful Manatee River, will include a dance floor and party DJ entertainment.
Starting at 9 p.m., in the Grand Ballroom, a VIP party will take place, which includes a delectable buffet, delicious hors d’oeuvres, a decadent dessert display, an open bar, and a dance floor and party DJ entertainment. Reservations to the VIP party are required and include restaurant party entry along with exclusive access into the Grand Ballroom for $119 per person (tax and gratuity are not included).
Throughout the evening, all PIER 22 guests are encouraged to commemorate the night with unlimited photos from the onsite photo booth. As the New Year is ushered in a celebratory midnight toast will ensue; restaurant-goers and VIP guests will receive a glass of sparkling champagne.
When: 4:00 PM-1:00 AM
Where: Pier 22, 1200 1st Ave West, Bradenton
Downtown Bradenton
Old Main Street
Realize Bradenton will one of their Main Street Live! events – a new year’s eve party on Old Main Street (12th Street West) between Manatee and 3rd avenues.
The street will be closed to vehicular traffic, and alcohol consumption is permitted on Old Main Street while it is closed to vehicles.
Bradenton folk-rockers Have Gun, Will Travel headline at 10 p.m. with opening act The Dram performing 6 p.m. at this block party, with local restaurant booths, food trucks and vendors adding to the fun.
WHEN: December 31, 2016 at 5pm – 11pm
WHERE: Old Main Street, Bradenton
2016 Sarasota Pineapple Drop
ticket.heraldtribune.com
Downtown Sarasota has a day into night celebration ending with the famous Pineapple Drop at midnight.
Kids and family games, rides and attractions start at 2:00 PM at Pineapple and 1st st, and the fun continues in to the night with live bands, a DJ, food vendors, and beer & full bar vendors starting at 3:00 PM.
Meet at midnight at the intersection of Lemon and Main for the Pineapple Drop!
Located on the water just over the Ringling Bridge Marina Jack will be offering dinner in the lounge, dining room (early seating 4-7 pm for those not staying for fireworks), and patio topped off with fireworks in conjunction with the City of Sarasota.
Marina Jack II offers a New Year’s Eve cruise with a dinner and full bar (extra). Featuring air conditioned salons and open air outside deck – every seat has a water view!
Marina Jack II
When: 8:30 PM-1:00 AM
Where: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Would you like to visit Anna Maria Island? We’d love to host you at Blue Turtle Cottage! Get comfortable in our renovated 3 bedroom home featuring a private, heated pool less than 100 steps from the 7 miles of sugar sand beaches Anna Maria Island is famous for.
Anna Maria Island is a magical place all year long, but it is especially so at Holiday Time.
The island takes this time of year seriously – seriously fun! There are many, many celebrations and events to take part in, and nobody can help but to get in the spirit of it’s tropical revelry.
The beginning of the holidays are marked by Thanksgiving and continue through until the New Year.
ON THE ISLAND FOR HOLIDAYS AND DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING?
Let’s be honest, going to the beach is way better than spending the day in the kitchen cooking if you’re lucky enough to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday on Anna Maria Island.
If you’d rather beach than cook you have a few options:
Restaurants that are opened for Thanksgiving
Restaurants
Phone
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Day
Beach Bistro
941-778-6444
Closed
5:30 pm-10:00 pm
Closed
4:30 pm-10:00 pm
5:30 pm-10:00 pm
Sign of the Mermaid
941-778-9399
9:00 am-1:00 pm
4:00 pm-9:00 pm
5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Closed
5:00 pm-12:00 am
9:00 am-2:00 pm
5;00 pm-9:00 pm
Sandbar
941-778-0444
Closed
12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Closed
5:00 pm-10:30 pm (pre-paid)
11:30 am- 10:00 pm
Waterfront
941-778-1515
Closed
11:30 am-9:00 pm
Closed
11:30 am-9:00 pm
11:00 am-10:00 pm
Bridge Tender Inn
941-778-4849
11:30 am-12:00 am
11:30 am-5:00 pm
Closed
11:30 am-2:00 am
12:00 pm-11:00 pm
Mar Vista
941-383-2391
Closed
11:30 am-10:00 pm
Closed
11:30 am-9:00 pm
11:30 am-10:00 pm
City Pier
941-779-1667
Closed
11:00 am-8:00 pm
Closed
11:00 am-9:00 pm
11:00 am-9:00 pm
Beach House
941-779-2222
Closed
11:30 am-9:00 pm
Closed
11:30 am-10:00 pm
11:30 am-10:00 pm
Paradise Bagel
941-779-1212
7:00 am-7:00 pm
Closed
7:00 am-12:00 pm
7:00 am-2:00 pm
7:00 am-2:00 pm
Oma’s
941-778-0771
Closed
11:00 am-12:00 am
Closed
11:00 am-12:00 am
11:00 am-12:00 am
Bridge St Bistro
947-782-1122
12:00 pm-8:00 pm
1:00 pm-9:00 pm
12:00 pm-9:00 pm
5:00 pm-11:00 pm
Closed Jan 1-2
Old Hamburg
941-778-1320
Closed
Closed
Closed
?
Closed;00 pm
Lobstahs
941-779-1000
12:00 pm-8:00 pm
12:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closed
12:00 pm-2:00 am
12:00 pm-
Public Beach Café
941-778-0784
7:30 am-5:00 pm
7:30 am-5:00 pm
7:30 am-5:00 pm
7:30 am-8:00 pm
7:30 am-8:00 pm
Island Creperie
941-778-1011
8:30 am-1:30 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm
8:00 am-2:00 pm
Blue Marlin
941-896-9737
Closed
5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Closed
5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Closed
Eat Here
941-778-0411
Closed
5:00 pm-9:00 pm
Closed
5:00 pm-10:00 pm
5:00 pm-10:00 pm
Hurricane Hanks
941-778-5788
Closed
11:30 am-8:00 pm
Closed
11:30 am-10:00 pm
11:30 am-10:00 pm
Rod & Reel Pier
941-778-1885
Closed
8:00 am-3:00 pm
Closed
8:00 am-9:00 pm
8:00 am-9:00 pm
Slims
941-567-4056
Closed
Closed
Closed
3:00 pm-9:00 pm
3:00 pm-9:00 pm
Buy your holiday dinner and serve at your vacation rental
After a busy summer at Blue Turtle Cottage and on Anna Maria Island the Fall is upon us. That means the island is somewhat quieter and the pace a bit slower.
That’s why Fall is a favourite time to visit the island for many.Traffic is lighter and stores and restaurants are less busy, but the weather is gorgeous and the Gulf is warm!
Take a look at the air and water temperatures:
But if you think there is nothing to do just look the events listed below all happening this Fall!
Events
Beer, Boats and Bacon Location: Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota Event Date: October 8, 2016 12 noon-7:00pm Description: Sample some of the best bacon dishes from local chefs and restaurants. beerboatsandbacon.com
AMI Privateer “Shiprek” Poker Run Location: Various Event Date: October 8, 2016 11:00 am-11:30 pm amiprivteers.org
Run the River Half Marathon Location: Downtown Bradenton Event Date:October 15, 2016 6:30 am Description: The one & only 13-miler in gorgeous Manatee County. A Hernando DeSoto Historical Society Signature Event. bradentonhalfmarathon.com
Bayfest
A family friendly event with live music, arts and crafts, food, Kids’ Zone, a classic car show and more! Location:Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Event Date: Saturday, October 15, 2016 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Description:A free family event on Anna Maria’s Pine Avenue benefiting the AMI Chamber’s College Scholarship Fund. Featuring live music all day long, a huge classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, kids fun zone, yummy food from local restaurants and vendors, beer, wine and more! Tons of fun for all!
Sip the Sunshine Location: Nathan Benderson Park Event Date: October 29. 2016 Noon-9:00 pm Description:Sip the Sunshine is a premier All-Florida Craft Beer Festival showcasing the talents of Florida’s award-winning established breweries and those younger breweries you may not have heard of yet. sipthesunshine.com
Cortez Stone Crab Festival Location: Cortez Event Date: November 5-6, 2016 10:00 am-6:00 pm Description:Massive amounts of fresh-from-the dock seafood and the music.One of he area’s most popular events. Facebook Page
Symphony on the Sand Location: Coquina Beach Park, Anna Maria Island Event Dates: November 11, 12 & 13, 2016 Description: The 4th annual Symphony on the Sand is expanding to “a 3-day musical event in the key of sea”. symphonyonthesand.com
artsHOP
Join us for concerts, plays, art walks, museum tour, festivals and shows! Location: Anna Maria Island Event Dates: Walks:
Holmes Beach – Friday, November 11, 2016
Bradenton Beach – Sunday, November 13, 2016
Anna Maria – Friday, November 18, 2016 Also:
Sand Sculpture Clinic Thursday Nov. 17, 2016
Sand Sculpture Clinic Friday November 18, 2016
Sandblast! Saturday November 19, 2016
*Please see below for more information islandartshop.com
SandBlast! Location: Anna Maria Island Event Date: Saturday November 19, 2016 9:00 am-2:00pm
*“Tips, Tricks and Techniques” of sand sculpture at free clinics taught by master sculptors Team Sandtastic at sunset on Thursday and Friday November 17 &18, 2016 Description: This fun family event draws attention to the natural beauty of our beaches. Held on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico on Anna Maria Island, amateur teams in school and adult divisions compete in a sand sculpture competition
*more information to come! SandBlast
It’s true most North Americans visit Florida in the winter to escape the grey and cold, but Europeans and locals love to visit Anna Maria Island in the summer! What do they know that we don’t know?
1. The Gulf is Warm
We’re talking bath tub warm here. June’s average is 83 F and July’s average is 85 F. And August, ahhhh August, you could literally float for hours!
2. Uncrowded Beaches
It’s not that we don’t like sharing, but how glorious it is to sun, swim, walk and watch the sunset with so few other people. Of course we don’t mind sharing the beach with a few birds.
Caveat: This scene may not be as serene on the weekends when the locals come to enjoy the beach and get some respite from the heat.
3. It’s Cheaper
Yay! You can save money on everything and have your dream holiday. Just like any tourist destination rates go down when it’s not peak season.
That car that you rent to get to and around the island? It’ll probably be less than half the price than the high-season. The same goes for accommodations, hotels, motels, Inns and Vacation Rentals – all will be significantly discounted. Want to go out somewhere to dine? They’ll be glad to see you and their prices will reflect that.
4. No Traffic Jams
During “Season” it can take awhile to get anywhere! Some have no choice but to travel at certain times of the year, but if your vacation time is flexible the lack of vehicular traffic on the island makes life easier (and faster!). Not only will you breeze around the island, but you won’t have to perform a search and seek mission every time you need to park at the Publix or your favorite restaurant.
5. It’s Turtle Nesting Season
Turtle nesting season starts May 1 and goes to October 31. Early in the season you can see the tracks of the turtles that come up on to the beach at night to lay their eggs. When the Turtle Watch volunteers find a nest they will mark and tape it off. As the season gets going you can see more and more nests. You can even adopt a nest and will receive the turtle shaped plaque with all the nest’s stats after the season is done! During the later part of nesting season the nests start hatching and thousands of baby turtles make their way in to the ocean.
Turtles are protected in Florida, and on Anna Maria Island. If you visit during the 6 months of nesting season please turn out your outdoor lights at night if you’re on the beach, and leave no trace when you leave the beach ~ take away furniture and garbage, fill in holes, and knock down sand castles.
Michele Totino is a vacation rental owner on Anna Maria Island. She loves the everything AMI (Anna Maria Island) and writes on many different island topics. Please feel free to comment or contact with questions.
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