Bejeweled & Bedazzled -Beading in Holmes Beach

      

 Looking for some shiny treasure while you are at the beach?  You need to look no further than Creations by L!  Tucked in the little shopping center across from Catcher’s Marina at 5500 Marina Dr.  Suite 2 in Holmes Beach, is a great little shop where you can pick up your own Island treasure.  This lovely little spot has beautiful jewelry hand made by store owner Lois Manza.  If you are looking for something to sparkle in the gorgeous Anna Maria Island sun, you can pick up a ready made piece off the shelf.  If you have something specific in mind, want to create a custom keepsake of your trip, or need a rainy day activity, you can head to the beading table, and create your own masterpiece.  The selections range to fit any budget including glass beads, semi-precious stones, and even Swarovski crystals.  Lois will help you create something to be proud of!  Throughout the year Lois hosts beading classes, so check with her to see when you can come in and learn the tricks of the trade! 

Let’s Go to the Movies! The Bradenton Royal Palm Movie Theater shows ‘em all…

Every once in a while, a little rain must fall.  But when you are staying on Anna Maria Island, you still have lots to do, and lots of activities to choose from.   As we’ve mentioned before on our Top Six Things to Do on a Rainy Day blog , going to the movies can be a good way to pass the time away on a rainy afternoon, or a lazy afternoon, or any afternoon, or evening, for that matter.  Just a quick car ride across the Cortez Bridge and out 53rd Ave/SR70 will take you to the Carmike Royal Palm 20 Theater, where you can catch the latest releases on the big screen.  The Royal Palm 20 is located at 5125 26^th Street in Bradenton (map it here).  That’s right, 20 theaters playing the latest shows only a hop, skip and a jump (and about 20 minutes in the car) from the beach!   Check out their website for showtimes.  Their Super Bargain shows start at $6.00 and prices go up from there.  If you are a planner, you can head to Fandango and purchase your tickets to your favorite show online, ahead of time.  They also accept Visa and Mastercard at the ticket counter, and the concession stand. 

The last time we were there, the debate was not over which movie to see, but what to add to the popcorn!  The concession stand has a whole” Personalize your Popcorn” station.  You can add their tasty shakers o’ flavor to your classic movie snack.  They have savory and sweet flavors-including cheese!  But the winner for my crowd was our own purchase, and the old stand by- M&Ms!  It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet…and it’s always a pleasant surprise in the dark of the theater, to guess how many chocolatey treats you might grab out of the bucket!  If you make it early for your show, there’s a seating area in the lobby where you can nosh while you wait.  There is plenty of signage too, to make sure you know which direction to head to catch your flick.   The theaters are good sized, and the seats are large and comfy, with cup holders big enough for those gi-normous drinks! 

So, if you are looking for a rainy day activity, or date night fun, head in to town to catch a movie.  They are SURE to be playing something you’ll enjoy at the Royal Palm 20!  Oh yeah, did I mention they have 3-D movies as well?  Sorry, these movies are a bit more expensive but they do supply 3-D plastic glasses to enjoy the movie with, and what a thrill!

Sarasota – Lakewood Ranch outdoor Polo Club

If you are visiting Anna Maria Island from December until April and don’t have much to do on a Sunday then you

 should head out to Lakewood Ranch and enjoy a few hours of being outdoors and take in a polo match.  The Polo Club facility is over 130 acres with 9 outdoor polo fields and a covered open air pavilion with open air stadium seating.  When I visited a polo match there was just one match going which was plenty of fun.   If you click the aerial picture to the right you will see the Sunday field and once you get close on University the drive in is pretty obvious where to go and where to park.

The polo club allows for facility rentals and has a gift shop as well.  Most bring pets, lawn chairs, some snacks and beverages while sitting out on the field and watching the horse action.  If you arrive soon enough you can back your car up to pretty close to the field and tailgate while watching the polo match.  The match lasts about 2 hours in all but the play is really for 6 chukkers for seven minutes each.  If you are wondering what a chukker is, a hook, goal, etc then learn the lingo before your visit.  You can sound like a pro and then admit you visited their website.

The outdoor area allows for children to run and play.  During the polo match “half-time” they request everyone’s help to walk out on the playing field and stomp down the divots.  It is neat to walk out on the actual field and participate with everyone else stomping down the divots created by the polo match.  When I visited there was a hay ride during divot stomping that filled up the open time for younger children.   Of course the polo matches are pet friendly and a perfect spot to bring a pet.  Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times.

The Sarasota Polo club is a quick 30 minute ride off Anna Maria Island.   They do have a few special events around the holidays so check the Polo Club website for additional information.  Tickets are around $10 for each person and visiting the club on a Sunday polo match is a great activity for the entire family.  There are a few vendors there offering kettle corn and a few other items and you can contact an event coordinator to supply catering and/or beverages.

Sarasota – Lakewood Ranch Polo Club
8201 Polo Club Lane
Sarasota, Fl 34240
(941) 907-0000

Highlands Hammock State Park – the “real” Florida

If you need a break from the beach take a ride to the “real” Florida. The Highlands Hammock State Park is centrally located in the middle of Florida, near Sebring. This park is one of Florida’s first state parks and known for its beautiful old-growth hammock and cypress swamps. A 3.1 mile loop drive gives a first impression. In addition there are nine different nature trails that take visitors through lush, jungle-like foliage. There are habitats like the pine flatwoods, hardwood swamp, marshes, scrub vegetation and lots of wildlife to discover. White-tailed deer, raccoons, bobcats, tortoises, herons, anhingas, ibis and of course alligators are among the animals living in the state park. The most popular hiking trail is the Cypress Swamp Trail that takes you on a 30 minute walk on an elevated boardwalk. The swamp borders a blackwater stream in the lowest elevation and numerous key points include the variety of plants, birds and other wildlife.
A large picnic area, 159 campsites, horse trails, playground, restaurant and the Civilian Conversation Corps Museum are other features of the park.  During my visit I took the tram ride that leaves daily at 1 pm if there are at least 5 passengers present. For $5 this is possibly the best value you can get in any state park. Our park ranger Nick provided us with a wealth of information while touring the remote areas on this 60 minute ride. I guess it is even more interesting as we were very lucky to see all kinds of wildlife including a wild boar. Take a look at the pictures!

Contact Information:
Highlands Hammock State Park
5931 Hammock Road
Sebring, Fl 33872
http://www.stateparks.com/highlands_hammock.html

For other great activities or suggestions for your leisure time please visit our Island Real Estate blog.

Anna Maria Island celebrates Geckofest 2010 with a display at Duffy’s Tavern!

Anyone driving around the past few months always asks me the same questions – what’s with the big creatures on all the buildings? No, they are not bugs, no they are not dinosaurs… they are part of Gecko Fest 2010! I have LOVED spotting all the Geckos and searching for new ones! Local artists and sponsors have gotten together to design and display the adorable 6 foot Geckos which have adorned businesses and county buildings since December 2009. My husband and I are definitely headed to the preview party is this Friday, April 16th at downtown riverfront Rossi Park. The Geckos will then enjoy a float ride down Manatee Ave during the Heritage Festival Parade April 24th. Each Gecko is unique and aptly named so, such as “Van Gecko” by artist Mindy Colton which sports a VanGough Starry Night motif, and “Legends of Duffy’s” by artist Annemarie Nicholas that proudly rests on our island’s beloved Duffy’s Tavern. There are over 60 Geckos offered for auction at the Gala scheduled for May 1st. Not sure what they are going for, yet I’m still going to bid on my favorite, “Freedom” by artist January Eldred – this little guy is all red white and blue!

Anna Maria Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Anna Maria Island holds some great holiday parades and St. Patrick’s day is no exception to the rule.  The parade

typically starts in the late afternoon and of course it is in the month of March.  The starting point for the past few years has been the outdoor plaza in Holmes Beach, Fl.  The very same plaza that houses the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce as well as the Wells Fargo bank on the corner of Gulf Drive and Marina Drive.  The St. Patrick’s day parade travels up Marina Drive past Island Real Estate all the way up to 85th street where it takes a jog to the East where the parade ends.

Each consecutive year the Holmes Beach based Irish parade has become larger and larger.  The Beach Bistro initiated the St. Patrick’s parade just a few years ago and has quickly become a very high participation parade.  Island Real Estate continues to participate in the parade and if you have never had the opportunity to drive down a street with wall to wall pedestrians waving, smiling and wishing you a happy holiday you need to give it a whirl.  It’s simply fantastic.

In 2008 the Beach Bistro sponsored an Irish elephant, 2009 it was a Camel and 2010 it was an elephant AND a camel.  You will have to come visit Anna Maria Island in 2011 to see what is next.  Candy, treats, beads and lots of other items are thrown by the parade goers.

So where is the best place to stand?  Island Real Estate at 6101 Marina Drive is a great spot.  Another great spot is at the Gloria Del Lutheran Church on the corner of Marina Drive and Palm Drive.  There is plenty of parking at the church which makes it a great place to stay if you are not staying a walk away from the parade route.  Lastly, these spots are towards the beginning of the parade route so everyone should still have plenty of treats to be throwing to the crowd.

If you are looking for a vacation rental close to the parade route then I would suggest the second, third, or fourth block of Holmes Beach between 60th and 85th street.   Below are some of Island Real Estate’s vacation rentals that should work well for a quick walk to the parade route if visiting during the St. Patrick’s day parade.

120 White Avenue – 4 bedroom Private pool home

131 White Avenue West – 3 Bedroom shared Pool

131 White Avenue East – 2 Bedroom shared pool

133 White Avenue – 2 bedroom private pool home

Coral Reef – 5 bedroom private pool home with Tiki hut

Miniature Golf Course “Fish Hole” on Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach

A round of golf is $7.50 per person for both adults and kids, and there are $1 off coupons available.

They have clubs for all heights from children to tall adults, and if you need a break, you can rest in one of their colorful rocking chairs. They also have party packages that are great for birthday celebrations and family get togethers.
Try it out and (to use The Fish Hole slogan) “get hooked”!

For more ideas and other great activities on the Island visit our Anna Maria Island Blog.

The Fish Hole
115 Bridge Street
Bradenton Beach, Fl 34217
Phone (941) 778-3400
Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

All information as of January 2010. Please call to verify.

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

Movies on the cheap, Desoto Dollar Movie Theater

Are you looking for a place to go that is air conditioned and has great entertainment on the cheap?  Desoto Dollar movie theater is the right place for you!  The Bradenton Dollar movie theater is just a short fifteen minute drive from Anna Maria island, Fl.  It makes for a great family outing on a day where you are looking for a break from the sun at the beach or if it is a rainy day.

The movies are not new releases but they do tend to have a great selection of kids movies as well as movies for the big kids.   Unfortunately, there is no website for the Desoto Movie theater so either call the number below or type Desoto Bradenton into Google.

TIP: They do not accept credit cards, so bring along some cash.

The movie theater is located inside the Desoto Square mall in Bradenton, Fl.  Head East from Anna Maria island.  For directions visit the link below.

Dollar Movies at Desoto Square
303 US 301 Blvd Suite 911
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 744-2950
View Map & Directions from Anna Maria Island

Sea World is great daytrip from Anna Maria Island

Sea World is a great full day activity for Anna Maria Island visitors.  In addition, United Kingdom visitors typically hit Orlando for about 3-5 days then come to Anna Maria Island for a week long REAL vacation.

Sea World is just a short drive from Anna Maria Island.  If you can get the family up and ready to leave by 8:00 AM you should reach Sea World

by 9:30 AM and walking through the front gates of Sea World, Orlando by 10 AM.  We like to leave a little earlier and stop at the Denny’s just across the street from Sea World for a strong breakfast to start our day.  It starts us off on the right foot after the quick 1.5 hour ride to Orlando and seems to help the kids calm down since they can see the entryway to Sea World just across the street.  Most parking in Orlando is NOT free and Sea World charges to park.

Sea World has a ton of stuff to do for all ages.  They have an amusement park outfitted with a roller coaster that any adult would love.  Tea Cups for those of you that have strong stomachs, swing rides, twirling rides, you name it.  Of course Sea World is not as large as a stand alone amusement park but it has plenty to get you past your roller coaster “fix.”   Sea World also has the classic water log ride and you can see a portion of the ride in the video shown below.

SeaWorld also has a pretty large children play area.  Huge climbing nets will keep your children playing for hours and nearby is a water play area if they get bored of nets or other play areas.

Of course we cannot forget the shows.  The biggest show of all, “Shamu” will not disappoint.  Plenty of jumps, dives, and splashes.  Another great show is a dolphin show where more than 5 dolphins jump in unison all throughout the water.  A high diving show lets your children watch as parrots buzz by just over your heads as well divers dressed in costumes dive into water from about 30-40 feet above.   One last show which is great for kids.  The Sea Otter show is filled with blunders, clean jokes, and a few animals that perform tricks that even the toughest critic will be impressed with.

There are lots of sea life to view at Sea World.  There is a great penguin exhibit where you see a great variety of penguins.  There is sea life tunnel where sharks and other sea life swim throughout the tunnel overhead.  The tunnel provides plenty of Oohs and aaahs.  After one of the shows there is a neat spot where the floor below is made of glass and right above is a glass ceiling both outfitted with plenty of sea life.  Children love to run around and chase the fish in the floor.

Be sure to bring your sun screen, some cash, and a little patience and Sea World will offer a life time of family memories.  For more great Orlando things to do be sure to visit our Orlando Activities pages.

SeaWorld Orlando
7007 SeaWorld Drive,
Orlando, FL, 32821
888 800-5447

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