Top Ten things to do with Pets on Anna Maria Island

I am married to a veterinary technician.  Dogs, cats, birds, snakes, lizards and lots of other pets are all part of the family.  So why leave your pet behind when Island Real Estate has so many pet friendly properties.  Let’s get down to business….the best spots to take Fido, the family pet while visiting Anna Maria Island.   Unfortunately, Anna Maria Island does not have any pet friendly beaches but there are plenty of other options.  By the way, not sure if this is the exact order but they are all great things to do!

#10 – Take a walk up in Anna Maria City with an easy to tie up leash.  So many places to visit and so many businesses that are excited to see your pets.  Just walk Pine Avenue or Rudy’s and string them up.  Rudy’s actually has a dog paw wall where you can measure the height of your pet(s).   Last time I was at Rudy’s sub shop they had a dish of water outside.  Don’t forget Ginney and Janie’s, they are pet friendly inside last I was there.

#9 – Go up to Bayfront park in Anna Maria City and enjoy a picnic while you enjoy the bay.  If you have children they can have fun on the playground as well. Grab a sandwich for a quick fun afternoon.

#8 – Go take a walk at Robinson’s preserve.  The park has a wonderful tower that has gorgeous views of the Tampa Bay.  There are miles and miles of walk way’s with pet friendly bag stands as well as paved walkways as well for roller bladers.

#7 – Go to the causeway and let your pet enjoy the beach and the water.  The causeway is the beach you see traveling to Anna Maria Island on Manatee avenue or State Route 64.  It is only about 1/4 of a mile from 75th Street on the mainland of Bradenton, Fl.  Just a short 5 minute drive of Anna Maria.  If you want to grab Google maps type in Anna Maria Island in and move the map East until you see Palma Sola Bay.  That is the spot where pets can play in the water.

#6) - Go visit Sarasota amd St. Armand’s circle.  The Circle in Sarasota is a fantastic shopping area with clothing,

 jewelry, artwork, etc.  Lots of great local gifts and trinkets to grab.  In addition, lots of ice cream shops and restaurants with outdoor seating that allow you to sit outside with your pet and grab a bite to eat.  If shopping is your passion then try Red Barn Flea market in Bradenton as well.  Much of the flea market is outside and there are some indoor areas however sorry, not absolutely sure they allow pets.  Here is a video of the Red Barn Flea market.

#5) – Go visit the Sarasota Bay and water park, Bay Front park.  There is a great park over by Marina Jack’s.  I am sorry we do not yet have a blog on this but hope to write one soon.  While there go grab a special treat for your pet in downtown Sarasota.  Grab a snack at Max’s dog bakery on main street in Sarasota.   Walk up and down main street window shopping, maybe even grab yourself a snack then stop in at Max’s dog bakery for a treat!

#4) - Fort Desoto Park in St. Petersburgh.  There is a very large dog park that allows for dogs to swim in the Ocean.

#3)  Just bringing your pet on vacation is a big treat.  Grab one of Island Real Estate’s pet friendly properties with a pool and let us know a pet will be using the pool during your reservation.  Many of our pool properties can be pre-arranged to be cleaned twice during your stay for no extra charge!  Island Real Estate’s vacation rental website allows you to search for only pet friendly vacation rentals!  They have made the process easy!  

#2)  Visit Lakewood ranch and take in a Polo match.   Horses and lots of spectators taking in the Polo action.  Polo matches are open to the public on Sunday’s and they typically start matches in December and they go until April.  The kids can take a hay ride on one of the breaks and your pet will love you for it.  Get out in the sunshine on their over 140 acres and spend some time outside where the entire family including your pet will create memories for a lifetime.   Check out the polo match video below.

#1)  Drum roll…. All dogs love to run and play take them to GT. Bray Park in Bradenton, Florida.  This is a fenced in park where dogs can run and have fun with lots of other dogs.  Of course you need to have a mild mannered dog as there are lots of dogs inside the area.

June 20th Anna Maria Island Spill visitor update

Same old same old here on Anna Maria Island.  Just gorgeous white beaches with lots of visitors enjoying our Gulf

and Bay coasts.  I apologize and have not had a chance to visit the beach all week however Melinda Bordes has and thought I would post a few of the amazing pictures she shot in Anna Maria City on the Gulf Coast beach.  Melinda a professional Real Estate sales person that specializes in Anna Maria Island real estate and Sunsets got some water shots of a Manatee with visitors to Anna Maria Island.  My wife has had a close encounter with a Manatee but no camera.  Thanks to Melinda we can all dream of such a day!

Click here for the original Manatee and Sunset post by Melinda.  Here is the great Sunset blog that Melinda keeps up so visit her fabulous sunset pictures if you need your “fix” of sunsets. 

Please note these pictures are not for reproduction and use of these pictures or anyother pictures on Island Real Estate’s website with out expressly written consent is strictly prohibited.  Enjoy the pictures and Melinda’s posts and keep in mind these were taken June 20th, 2010.  No OIL HERE!

June 6th, 2010 Anna Maria Island Oil Spill update

Based on recent comments on the oil visitor update blog it is clear that many questions are being asked by those that do not have trustworthy, reliable sources for information.  Newspapers, Internet, television, etc are providing mixed information on how or what impact oil is having on the Anna Maria Island beaches.  

The oil continues to be more than 250 miles from Anna Maria Island.  There is no smell on our Anna Maria Island beaches, no tar balls, just white soft sand.  Today, June 6th, 2010 my wife, son of six years of age went to the beach just off White Avenue at the South end of Anna Maria City and North end of Holmes Beach.   I asked my wife to video tape the beach so everyone did not have to trust words but could witness for themselves, clean, white, beaches with lots of people enjoying the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico.    If you check the weather you will see that the day was a little overcast and you will see that it is a bit cloudy.

So take a look at the video below and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.  Sorry, no music and it is a little boring but if you watch the whole video you will see we are video taping probably at least 3 miles of beach on Anna Maria island.

Slim’s Place has great atmosphere & food in Anna Maria City

 Slim’s place is the latest bar, pub and restaurant in Anna Maria City.  It is a locals hang out for just about every night of the week.  Located just off Gulf Drive it is easy to get to and a convenient walk from many Anna Maria City Vacation Rentals.

Slims place serves plenty of COLD drink choices and serves food that borders on restaurant variety.  (This is a compliment, the food is good!)  The pub has plenty of televisions to watch your favorite sporting event or world cup soccer game with a huge copper top bar for an impromptu cold beverage of your favorite choice.  There is limited outdoor seating however the two billiard tables inside are a sure bet for extra entertainment.  Slim’s has a great atmosphere that throws off a strong local vibe of positive “stuff.”  It’s not uncommon to go into Slim’s alone and walk out with several new found friends from sitting at the bar talking about the latest in Anna Maria City politics or just sharing good conversation with a friendly face.

Slim’s place has several choices of dinners like hamburger, fish and salad.  They have a home made hummus that is fabulous and my wife loves when the soup of the day is black bean.  She says it is the best she has ever tasted.   At last check Slim’s had pizza, mahi mahi sandwiches, a few desserts and appetizers.

Check in ahead of time as Slim’s often has live entertainment on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s but nights can change so be sure to call if you are making big danci’n plans.  Not much room for dancing but you sure can try.

If you are looking for some local flair then stop in at Slims place in Anna Maria City.    They serve lunches and dinners and accept Visa and Mastercard.  Be sure to check out their local specials, you won’t be sorry you visited Slim’s Place.

 Slim’s Place Bar and Restaurant
9701 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria City, Anna Maria Island
Florida, 34216
(941) 567-4056

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Various Bird Photos – Images on and off Anna Maria Island

This is several years of taking images of the birds that can be found on and off Anna Maria Island, FL.  While most of the photos were taken on Anna Maria Island in Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach or Bradenton beach you will find some pictures of birds, pelicans, seagulls, love birds, an eagle, Osprey, etc taken in Robinson Preserve as well as Emerson Point.  Click on the below image gallery and enjoy plenty of pictures and a large variety of birds.

Anna Maria Island restaurants and shops open Easter holiday

Anna Maria Island is a great place to visit all year around.  If you happen to be visiting during a holiday, finding a spot to have breakfast, lunch or dinner could be a frustrating process if you don’t know before hand what restaurants are open.  Hopefully this information will help during Easter and there is a fairly good chance that if these restaurants and stores are open for Easter, they will be open for other Anna Maria Island holidays as well.  Have a happy holiday and

here is to doing no dishes this year!

ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESTAURANT’S OPEN EASTER HOLIDAY

Beach Bistro – Dinner – Holmes Beach, Florida
Gulf Front elegant dining with casual dining available

Beach House – Lunch & Dinner – Bradenton Beach, FL
Gulf Front casual dining – you can eat right on the beach

Da Giorgio – Dinner – Holmes Beach, Florida
Italian business casual dining with live entertainment

Euphemia Haye – Dinner – Longboat Key, Florida
Elegant dining, huge assortment of desserts

Moveable Feast – Lunch and Dinner – Holmes Beach, Fl
Casual dining with plenty of holiday seating

Paradise Cafe – Lunch – Holmes Beach, East Bay Plaza
Order take out or small availability for dining in

Rod  and Reel Restaurant – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Anna Maria City
Bay front dining – casual – live sea-life daily

Sandbar – Lunch & Dinner – Anna Maria City, Florida
Gulf Front dining – walk right in from the beach!

Sign of the Mermaid – Three meals – Anna Maria city, Florida
Business Casual dining.  National award winning key lime pie.

Sunhouse restaurant- Late Lunches, Dinner – Bradenton Beach, Fl
Floribean cuisine with Gulf Views and plenty of window shopping nearby

Waterfront restaurant – Lunch and Dinner – Anna Maria City, Florida
Bay View business casual dining.  Reservations strongly suggested

OTHER BRADENTON STORES OPEN HOLIDAY’S

Albertson’s Supermarket – Bradenton, Fl

Sweetbay Supermarket – Bradenton, Fl

Walgreens – Bradenton, Fl – Open 24 hours

Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce – February Music Festival

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce is firing up their Friday Festivals right on schedule.  If you have never made it to a Friday “Fest” you are missing a real treat.  The first Anna Maria Friday Festival of 2010 is scheduled for Friday February 19, 2010.   The time starts at 3 PM and the Music and vendors stop at 10 PM.

The Festival is held up on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City at the EAST end by the public pier.  Most folks park on Pine Avenue as they find a spot traveling EAST along Pine Avenue.  There is some serious parking at the church and the market across from the Roser church on Pine Avenue.

The Friday Festivals held by the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce are always a good time because there are lots of arts and crafts booths as well as food booths to wet your appetite with our local flavors of food.  The Chamber offers alcohol to patrons.  I have been told by many it’s the coldest beer you can find on a Friday night at just $3.00 for a good size beer.  There is also white and red wines available as well as in the past a mixed drink like a rum-runner.  While you are having some great eats you can listen to some great local bands with live music.  The best of all – the EVENT is FREE.  Yes, it is FREE.

So if you are an Anna Maria Island Visitor or live here year long it is a fabulous event for young and old.  Go check out some great live music outside with the Tampa Bay in the background at the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Friday Festival.

Be careful, if you are a visitor you may never go back and don’t worry, if you have to miss the Friday festival in FEB there are plenty more throughout the entire year!

The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce presents:
Island Music Festival    FRIDAY FEST
Date: Friday February 19, 2010        Time: 3pm to 10pm
Location: Pine Ave & Bay Blvd     Village of Anna Maria

Featuring: Koko Ray & The Soul Providers and Bootleg

Proceeds to benefit The AMI Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund; Participating Island Businesses and Local Not for Profit Agencies.  If you are interested in participating in future Friday Festivals as a music venue, craft booth, or eatery just email the Chamber of Commerce.

For a location of the event see the map below and it is on the NORTH WEST corner of Pine Avenue and Bay Blvd.

View Friday Festival in a larger map

Silhouettes at Sunset ~ Nov. 21, 2009 ~ Happy Thanksgiving

Anna Maria Island continues to see beautiful weather and amazing sunsets. Many families will rush to the Island to leave the cold and gather with other family members to partake in Turkey and the trimmings. If you live on Anna Maria you do not wait until Thanksgiving to give thanks. Everyday you wake up and see the splendor of our Island, you cannot help but stop and give thanks for the opportunity that we,  somehow in life,  have managed to live and be surrounded by nature in a place where most visitors simply describe as Paradise. We will see many seeking out the Island to spend some family time and catch some incredible sunsets as they make their guilt walks on the beach from indulging in way too much delicious holiday food and fun!! A special thanks to the families that became my silhouettes this week and were enjoying the beauty on Anna Maria while staying connected to family and nature! Remember to click on the gallery pictures to enlarge them!

Written by Melinda Bordes~941-705-0146~ melinda@annamariasunset.com ~Whether buying or selling on Anna Maria Island or surrounding areas please feel free to contact me for all of your real estate needs! Season is fast approaching and inventory is dropping. The time is now!! Remember to be thankful this week and every week because some of the most beautiful and richest gifts are free. Just look around and please enjoy the sunset! Happy Thanksgiving!

Rod and Reel pier in Anna Maria City is good eat’s

The Rod and Reel Pier is an institution in Anna Maria City.  Ask a local on Anna Maria Island where to eat and just about everyone has Rod & Reel Pier restaurant in their top three.  The Rod & Reel Restaurant is located in Anna Maria City and is the most Northern eatery on Anna Maria Island.  The restaurant sits out on the end of a pier in Anna Maria City so it makes for perfect scenery.  I have personally seen fish, dolphins and manatee off the pier while waiting to get into the restaurant.  The pier also doubles as a great fishing spot for visitors and locals alike.  Just about every hour the restaurant is open you will see folks fishing from the pier.

Rod and Reel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Their breakfast is very good as well as their lunches and oh yah,

their dinners too!  Every meal at the Rod and Reel is great!  The restaurant has an old Florida diner charm.  It seats about 20 inside and seats about 15 outside.  The 20 seats inside are made up of tables for 4-5, tables for 2 and one table that can seat about 6-8.  There are about 4 tables that sit along the Bay so you can glance out at the water while you enjoy your clam strips, fish & chips, grouper Reuben sandwich or grouper any way you like it.  The 15 seats outside face towards the West so you can get an early glimpse of our Anna Maria Island Sunsets as well as the pier below.  There are a flight of steps up to the restaurant so if you have someone in your party that cannot do steps it is best to skip this restaurant.

One insider secret is the small bar under the restaurant.  It is back behind the stairs up to the restaurant and is considered on the ground level.  They will serve food at the bar although it can get tight on popular nights.  The seating is a tight 10-12 but the beer is cold and cheap.  Last time a “friend” had a beer there it was $3 for a draft.  (Yes, I am writing this in late 2009)  I recall the first time my “friend” got a beer down in the bar area.  The bar tender said “Three dollars please,”  My friend said “What?”  The bartender quickly said, “I know, I know, we just raised our draft beer prices from $2 but we had too.”  Of course we were surprised with how reasonably priced the draft beer was.  If you are looking for “insider” secrets then swing by the bar and pull up a seat.  There are plenty of locals that have a drink or two at the bar.

Now for the meals.  The lunch and dinner menu’s are one in the same.  The restaurant has plenty of sandwiches to choose from, grouper any way you like it, a Reuben grouper which is just like a Reuben but with Grouper as the meat and about four other choices of sandwiches.  My son loves the clam strips or the fish & chips.  If you are looking for a meal on the bigger side then the Mexican grouper is your ticket.  Of course they serve plenty of fish any way you like it.  The most recent night I visited they had several specials, Mahi Mahi, Sword Fish, and a few others.  They do serve bottled beer up in the restaurant as well as wine.  Their cole-slaw is great as well as their desserts.  If you still have room try their Key Lime Pie.  You won’t be sorry!

Another great feature of the Rod and Reel pier other than the awesome food?  If you get window seats you can take in the Tampa Bay, maybe see some dolphins and take in the gorgeous Sunshine

Sky way bridge.  You can fish off the Rod & Reel pier for a nominal fee.  Last I checked it was $2 for a day of fishing.  Check at the bar area for more information on fishing off the pier.

If you are looking for a Vacation Rental that is within a walk from the Rod and Reel pier then look no further, Island Real Estate can help you find your perfect rental.  Use the accurate on-line availability search or give the vacation specialists a call.  The office is open 7 days a week so you can get help all week long!  877 778 6066.   For more Anna Maria Island Information.

SEE VIDEO BELOW -

Anna Maria City Beaches

Anna Maria City offers very quiet beaches and the sand is a mix between sugar and flour.  If you are not renting in Anna Maria the search for parking can be a little frustrating.  Of course locals can tell you about a few special spots however we suggest bicycling or walking up to the North End if you are interested in checking out that side of the island.  A very special spot in Anna Maria City just off Linda Lane is a small sand bar that has been formed in the Gulf of Mexico.  This provides great fun for all!

If you do need a great Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach or Anna Maria Island Holiday rental, visit Island Real Estate’s vacation rental website for on-line accurate availability with plenty of pictures to make your vacation rental choice – EASY.

For properties close to the sandbar mentioned in this article…
101 Linda Lane, Anna Maria City Vacation Rental
Sundance, Anna Maria city Rental
207 Coconut just a short Stroll to the Beach

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