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

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.

Columbia Restaurant on St. Armand’s circle, Sarasota

 The Columbia restaurant is mainstay in Sarasota as well as Tampa.  If you are looking for fine dining with some shopping before or after the Columbia on St. Armand’s circle is a great choice.  They serve elegant dinners and lunches all year around.  Located on St. Armand’s circle the restaurant makes for a great day trip from Anna Maria Island.  Grab a lunch at the Columbia, walk around and go Shopping on St. Armand’s circle and pick up an ice cream as a mid afternoon snack.

The Columbia restaurantoriginally started in the Tampa area and you can find the Columbia in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and several other Florida locations.  As soon as you walk up to the restaurant you feel a positive vibe.  There is limited seating outside of about 25-30 seats with at least 100 inside.  The elegant restaurant has a large interior bar and the exterior is made to feel like an extension of the interior.

Island Real Estate Offers Deep Discounted Thrifty Car Rental Rates

Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island is happy to announce our recent affiliation with the Thrifty Car Rental company making it possible to offer our guests a significant discount on their rental car costs.

If are looking for a rental car while vacationing with us in Anna Maria Island or in other cities, just click on the Thrifty Car Rental logo on our website to make your reservations.   You can then easily pick up your car at the airport or other locations when you arrive.

Savings can be up to 40% off  in most cases depending on travel dates.  Island Real Estate’s Corporate Code is 004C005932.  This code should be entered in the Corporate Code box to enjoy the discounts we are able to pass on to our guests and clients.

Here are some helpful rental car tips:

• Always print your confirmation when you book your reservation online.  It is always helpful to have a copy of the confirmation with you in case of any discrepancies on the rental fee.
• Check back from time to time and re-price your reservation.  Rates change often and you may be able to lower your cost by re- booking the reservation.   Don’t forget to use our discount Corporate Code 004C005932.
• Join the car rental company’s frequent renter program.  This will often save you time in line for picking up the vehicle, and may even offer special discounts.
• Check for different car classes. You may find a special offer on a minivan rather than a compact at times.  It pays to shop the car classes. When gas prices rise, you may find that a SUV rents for less than a mid-size car.

Don’t forget to book your next vacation to Anna Maria Island with us at Island Real Estate of Anna Maria Island.   We are here 7 days a week for your convenience and offer everything from luxury gulf front accommodations to Old Florida style cottages from gulf front to bay and canal front and everything in between!

If you need additional information on which Airport to fly into ,etc be sure to visit our Travel to Anna Maria Island Information page.

McCurdy’s Comedy Club – Sarasota, Florida

If you are visiting Anna Maria Island, Longboat, Bradenton, or Sarasota then McCurdy’s could be just what you are looking for.  McCurdy’s is a great comedy club that is sure to get you laughing.   They bring in great comedians all year around.  The night we attended was a to be announced week which is very unusual for this comedy club.  The opening acts warmed up the crowd well and the club finished up the night with some improvisation which was fun and got the crowd involved.

The Sarasota comedy club has plenty of showtimes and it is always suggested to buy tickets prior to showtime by calling the box office for reservations… (941) 925 – 3869.  At the time of this post McCurdy’s has show times Wednesday through Sunday with lower weekday show prices and higher rates for Friday and Saturday shows.  One great option for McCurdy’s is many of the comedy shows are NON-SMOKING.  In addition, they rate each show with a brief description of what kind of jokes and profanity the comedian will use.  This is helpful for larger families traveling to Anna Maria Island.

Some quick rules of the comedy club… There is a two item purchase minimum per person.  They of course have beer, mixed drinks, non-alcoholic drinks and offer a quick bite to eat if you need a snack.  The average cost of a drink is about $8 plus tip and taxes.  I would not call their food a meal so plan on grabbing a full meal before or after.  All visitors of the comedy club must be at least 18 years of age.

Be careful with Google directions as it tried to take us off Tamiami to the comedy club and McCurdy’s is directly right off Tamiami only about 15 or so blocks to the South of the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport.

McCurdy’s Comedy Club
3333 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Fl, 34234
(941) 925-3869

Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge in Downtown Sarasota

Horse Feathers Bar and Grill is a great way to spend a night in downtown Sarasota. Horse Feathers Bar and Grill is about a 40 minute drive from Anna Maria Island. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, it is truly a hot spot for the younger spirited crowd. (Ages 21 and up, of course!) Bar Specials are available Monday-Friday 4-7pm, and Ladies night is Thursday nights.

Horse Feathers club has music Wednesday-Saturday consisting of Jazz and DJ’s. The interior has a very contemporary look with a large dance floor and bar. There is a dress code, no jeans are allowed and collared shirts are preferred. This is a very popular place to be over the weekend, so if you are not into fighting through crowds to get to the club dance floor, this may not be the place for you!

There is Valet Parking or self-parking.  Horse Feathers is across the street from other local bars allowing you to spend your evening exploring the Downtown Sarasota Nightlife.

Live Music & DJ’s Wednesday night through Saturday night. Thursday night is Ladies night. Sunday, Horse Feathers club is closed.  Please be sure to call or visit their website before making the drive from Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Please visit the Horse Feathers website for more information and a menu.
1923 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota,FL 34236
(941)955-9179

Esca Restaurant and Bar in Sarasota, FL

Esca in Sarasota should be on the top of your list of things to do once you venture off Anna Maria Island. The Nightspots in Sarasota are all in close proximity to each other, so it would be very easy to see all the hottest spots within one night! Esca is only a 40 minute drive off Anna Maria Island.

Esca Restaurant and Bar is one of Downtown Sarasota’s main hot-spots. With nightly entertainment and a roof-top dance floor that overlooks Downtown Sarasota, a night at Esca would truly be a night to remember!

The Nightly entertainment at Esca consists of Live Music, Jazz, DJ’s, Rock, Lounge, Karaoke and more!  Esca’s menu is American Cuisine moderately priced at $7-$13.  Valet Parking and Self-Parking is available.

Esca Restaurant and Bar serves Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.

Brunch 10:00AM-2:30PM Sundays
Lunch 11:30AM-2:30PM Monday-Friday
Dinner 5:00-10:00PM Monday-Thursday
Bar Menu- Until 1:00AM Monday-Saturday
Weekday Happy Hour- 5:00-7:00PM

Go to Esca Restaurant and Bar for more information.
1888 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236
(941)365-3722

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 Horse Feathers and 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. 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
Email: tavern@eviesonline.com

For more great things to do while on Anna Maria Island or in Sarasota, visit Island Real Estate’s informational website.

Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant is located in historic downtown Sarasota, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from Anna Maria Island through scenic Longboat Key. Their menu consists of over 100 hot and cold Tapas from Northern Spain, ranging anywhere from $3.50-12.50.  In addition they also serve salads, vegetarian-friendly dishes, and most of their tapas can also be ordered as a main dish.  Ceviche of Sarasota is well known for their extensive wine list and was voted “The Best Sangria in Tampa Bay”.

The building is a beautiful 1925 historical building, which boasts intricate Spanish architectural décor. The Sarasota Restaurant and Bar has four different levels with each floor having its own unique atmosphere.  The Sarasota restaurant has a rooftop bar that provides unforgettable waterfront sunsets.  The roof top bar has a big-city feel and a great view of downtown Sarasota.  The restaurant and bar entertainment includes live music, dance classes and DJs. This would be a great night out on the town, and it is in close proximity to other Sarasota nightlife.

Ceviche offers various Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday 5-7pm; in addition they have Tapas Tuesdays with a $4 Tapas menu and $4 Sangria. Ceviche also has a Sunday Brunch from 10:30-2:30pm with $3 Mimosas.

Please visit the Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant website for more information.  Events and specials can change at a moments notice so we strongly suggest checking the Sarasota’s restaurant website.

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant – Sarasota, FL
1216 1st Street
Sarasota,Fl 34236
(941)952-1036

Ceviche restaurant has four locations Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando.  For additional information on Anna Maria Island restaurants be sure to visit our Anna Maria Island restaurant information page.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum

The John and Mable Ringling Museum, Sarasota, Fl 

 

 

 

 

The Ringling museum is an excellent day trip from Anna Maria Island into Sarasota that would make everyone in the family happy! The museum is located right off Sarasota Bay in North Sarasota and just a short 30 minutes drive from Anna Maria Island.

 

 

 

 

 John and Mable Ringling built their estate and museum in 1927 and left their beautiful grounds and buildings to the State of Florida. The museum opened to the public in October of 1931. The history behind this gorgeous waterfront property is incredible, to read more please go to www.ringling.org.

 

 

 The museum includes the Ringling Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, Rose Garden, Ringling Courtyard, and the Ca d’Zar Mansion.

 

 

 

 

The museum offers complimentary tours with admission of the Ringling Museum and the Circus Museum, but it is $4-5 for a tour of the Ca d’Zan mansion.

 

Saturdays at the Ringling Museum are family fun days with story time, exploration stations, family friendly exhibition tours and more all complimentary with paid admission. 

Dining at the Ringling Museum is made easy with the Banyan Café and the Treviso Restaurant, which are both located on the grounds.

 

 

 

Open Daily from 10am to 5:30 pm

Admission is $7-20, Children under 6 Free.

Located at the end of University Parkway on beautiful Sarasota Bay, check here for directions and parking instructions.

For more things to do on Anna Maria Island or Sarasota visit our top ten list of things to do while vacationing in paradise.

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