Category: Anna Maria

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Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Family Fun Holmes Beach Kids Corner The Things that Locals Know!

Ice Cream Options on Anna Maria Island

There’s nothing better than treating yourself to some delicious, cold ice cream on a hot and humid Florida day. Which may be the reason why there is quite a selection of ice cream options on Anna Maria Island. Here are all the ice cream shops the Island has to offer, and which Island city they’re located in:

Anna Maria City:


Holmes Beach:


Bradenton Beach:

 

 

 

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Anna Maria Family Fun Kids Corner

Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery

Baked goods and sugary goodness is what you’re in store for at Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery. Located toward the North end of the Island, this shop is  just two blocks before Pine Ave. Here you will find Handmade Italian gelato, premium soft serve, and sorbettes. Among classic bakery items like croissants and danishes, this bakery also sells William Dean truffles (known from the Hunger Games).

Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery

This family owned business uses fresh fruit and local dairy. They even produce their gelato on site! If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll appreciate the fact that they have 8 different chocolate based flavors. Or you could go for their delicious dairy-free sorbetto. The kiddos will really enjoy the customized sundaes they do. Now lets talk about the bakery aspect of the Anna Maria Island Creamery and Bakery.

The bakery offers danishes, croissants, and more! Though, this bakery also carries a very unique product, William Dean truffles. These truffles are known for their flavor combos, like peanut butter & jelly, port & fig, etc. In fact, you can choose from 36 flavors of the William Dean truffles.


9801 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
(941) 896-5308
Open from 10am – 10pm everyday

 

 

If you liked this blog (and ice cream), then you’ll definitley apprecaite our “Ice Cream Options on Anna Maria Island” blog.

 

 

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Anna Maria Shopping

Artist Guild of Anna Maria Island

Artists Guild Anna Maria Island
Artists Guild Anna Maria Island

The Artist Guild of Anna Maria Island has plenty of amazing pieces of art to be discovered. The gallery is  located in the Island Shopping center, the same plaza as The Feast and Small Town Creamery.

There is so much beautiful artwork displayed here, including; original fine art, watercolor, photography, sculptures, local writers books, custom jewelry, etc. A lot of the art shows off fabulous Anna Maria Island as well as our local seascapes.

They even offer different art workshops each month.  Visit their website for a calendar of events and the topic of choice for the month you plan to visit the island. What’s a better way of remembering your trip than with some artwork you made while you were there?

The Artist Guild is non-profit and run by volunteers.

Anna Maria Artist Guild

Island Shopping Center
5414 Marina Drive
Holmes Beach, Fl, 34217
(941) 778-6694

 

 

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Activities Anna Maria Anna Maria Island Featured Blog Bradenton Beach Family Fun Fishing Restaurants Shopping The Things that Locals Know!

Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers

Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers is a great activity during your visit. All located on the bay side of the island, there are three different piers to see.

Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers
The Bradenton Beach Pier is great for Fishing and Sightseeing.

Sightseeing Anna Maria Island Piers

Each of the three island piers has a little something different to offer, but all have beautiful views. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along with a respite from time on the beach.

Rod & Reel Pier

The Rod & Reel Pier is the northern most of the three. Here you’ll enjoy views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At the end of the pier you’ll find the Rod & Reel Restaurant. The small downstairs bar is a great stop for a beer. Grab a drink and sit down on one of the outdoor benches. Upstairs you’ll find the dining room with both indoor and outdoor seating.

For a small fee you can fish off the pier too! This is a great place for family fun with a view. If you are looking for a taste of old Florida, you’re sure to find it on this pier.

Anna Maria City Pier

The Anna Maria City Pier is located just a few blocks south of Rod & Reel pier. Here you’ll also enjoy views of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway. The city pier is a historical site with an important past. This is where boats would drop off “Day Trippers” from the mainland before a bridge was built.

At the end of the city pier is a restaurant and small gift shop. The menu here offers a little of something for everyone. Find the city pier at the end of Pine Avenue. There are also some bay beaches to visit around the base of the pier.

Bradenton Beach City Pier

On the south end of the island you’ll find The Bradenton Beach city pier at the end of Bridge Street. The pier is in the location of what was the first bridge connecting the island to the main land.

Here you’ll enjoy views of Sarasota Bay and the old fishing Village of Cortez directly across the Intracoastal Waterway.

At the base of the pier is the Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant. The menu has great seafood in addition to chicken and burgers. Anna Maria Oyster bar offers a full service bar along with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The Bradenton Beach City Pier is a popular spot for fishing too. Bring your own pole, or rent one from the bait shop. You can also catch a dolphin watching boat tour here.

Be sure to enjoy a walk on one of the three island piers on your next visit to Anna Maria Island.

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Activities Anna Maria

Historic Green Village Anna Maria Island

Historic Green Village Anna Maria Island

Add some history to your vacation with the Historic Green Village Anna Maria Island!

Vacationing on Anna Maria is always full of fun and family, but why not a little history too? Here on the island the Historic Green Village (HGV) is a fun place to explore while giving back to nature.

The Historic Green Village is on Pine Avenue in Anna Maria City

The HGV is one in only 100 places worldwide to reach platinum LEED and have a net zero campus. This means that the area is using as little energy as possible by maximizing Florida’s natural resources.

The HGV has houses over 100 years old that have had many important people stay in them including the Rosedale Cottage, Thelma by the Sea, the Sears Cottage, and the Pilsbury Home.

The founders of HGV Mike and Lizzie Thrasher discovered Anna Maria island when they were on vacation in 2005. They had traveled from Britain and instantly fell in love with the island. This soon led them to selling their successful baby food company in their hometown and use the money to create their own real estate business on the island.

The first renovation was Beach Bums, an island store that rents bikes, kayaks, and other equipment. After helping the store become eco-friendly, the Thrashers turned the business over to two local women.

The Thrashers have continued developing a more environmentally friendly place in hopes of keeping the island as beautiful as when they first saw it. Today the HGV has an art gallery, jewelry and gift shop, village bakery and an outfitters where outdoor equipment is sold.

Historic Green Village Anna Maria Island

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Activities Anna Maria Shopping

Vintage Flea Market at Ginny & Jane E’s

Anna Maria Bridge Street Market

Ginny & Jane E’s Vintage Flea Market on Anna Maria Island is back for the 2015/2016 Season with more great finds!

The market is located at the corner of Gulf Drive and Magnolia Avenue across the street from Ginny & Jane E’s.  This outdoor market happens six times through the season with the rain dates occurring the following Sunday.

Vintage Flea Market Hours Anna Maria Island

Flea MArket

Season dates 8am-4pm

• Sunday, November 1st
• Sunday, December 6th
• Friday, January 1st – New Year’s Day
• Sunday February 7th, March 6th and April 3rd

This market offers unique vintage finds, art and up-cycled items. Head over to Ginny & Jane E’s for more shopping or a tasty treat from the bakery!

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Anna Maria Bradenton Beach Holmes Beach Shopping

Souvenir Shops and Shopping on Anna Maria Island

Shopping on Anna Maria Island
Great Shopping on Anna Maria Island for anyone!

What is the one thing you want to find while shopping on Anna Maria Island? Find exactly what you are looking for or buy a local souvenir to remember your time on Anna Maria Island at some of the country’s cutest shops. We are all guilty of trying to take a little bit of this island paradise home with us!

The following list is to help you find the best places to get local goodies for yourself or a family member that didn’t get to come to Anna Maria to make then jealous of your trip.

Shopping on Anna Maria Island:

  1. Libby’s – 501 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, Florida 34217
  2. Sand Dollar – 5302 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  3. Shiny Fish Emporium – 306C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  4. Bridge Street Bazaar – 117 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  5. The Back Alley Gift and Coffee Shop – 121 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  6. Sun & Surf Beach Shop – 5418 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  7. Restless Natives – 5416 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  8. West Coast Surf Shop – 3902 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  9. Two Sides of Nature – 101 South Bay Boulevard, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  10. AMI Outfitters Coastal Gear & Apparel – 505 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  11. Island Cabana – 403C Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
  12. Island Bazaar – 3304 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
  13. Raders Reef – 5508 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Now this is a very short list, and there are a plethora of other places to find what you are shopping for on Anna Maria Island, but these are the best places for local souvenirs.   Make sure to tell these shops that Kacey from Island Real Estate sent you while on the island for your beach vacation.

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Anna Maria Shopping

Bella by the Sea Boutique on Pine Avenue Anna Maria Island

Bella-by-the-sea-anna-maria-island
Bella-By-The-Sea!

Gorgeous boutique Bella by the Sea on Anna Maria Island is one of the greatest spots you can find! Jo-Ann Lefner opened Bella by the Sea because she was inspired by the picturesque north end of Anna Maria Island. When taking in the sights of Anna Maria, walking down Pine Avenue and enjoying the shop is a must.

Carrying a wide variety of clothing, jewelry and accessories, Bella by the Sea has everything island style woman need to enjoy the perfect beach get away. Accompanying these items are also refurbished/recycled island themed furniture ideal for taking that island feel back home. With new items brought in monthly, you’re never sure what you might find at Bella by the Sea, but you’re sure to have a great time taking in the unique ambiance.

The Bulldog Named Bella

When we asked Jo-Ann how she came up with the name for the store she told us all about her dog Bella and how bulldogs first came into the Lefner family years ago with Dauber, the leader off the pack. Then there was Martha Stewart (who really was on the Martha Stewart Show!).

Next to join the family was Cooper, who had a children’s book written about his life “You Are Who You Are” The book can be purchased and autographed at Bella’s store. So, when Bella arrived it was only fitting that she has the store named after her.  Bella and the history of all the Lefner bullies will be featured in the July issue of the New Barker, Florida’s Top Dog Magazine.

Available for Events

Bella’s is available for events like girl’s nights out and bridal parties! There is truly no other shop like it on Anna Maria Island. So next time you find yourself on Pine Avenue, stop by Bella by the Sea and say hi!

Bella By The Sea is open 10 AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday.

Bella By The Sea
218C Pine Avenue
Anna Maria 34216
941-896-4848

Here are some great Anna Maria Vacation Rentals nearby,

http://www.islandreal.com/bre/properties/casa-calienta/

http://www.islandreal.com/bre/properties/anna-maria-405-spring-avenue/

http://www.islandreal.com/bre/properties/anna-maria-207-coconut-avenue/

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Anna Maria Shopping

Pink and Navy Boutique on Pine Avenue Anna Maria Island

Pink and Navy on Anna Maria Island
Get your gifts at Pink and Navy on Anna Maria Island

A truly unique boutique, Pink and Navy is a great addition to Pine Ave. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, or a loved one, this boutique has many great fashions that are to die for!

With brands like Tory Burch, Toms, Judith March, etc. It’s hard to stay away from this trendy store. Stop in between 10:30- 5:00 any day between Monday and Saturday. Spend some of that shopping money on some beautiful pieces for your closet or your home.

Other brands include: Brands- Gypsy 05, Tory Burch, Bailey 44, Judith March, French Connection, Milly, L.A.M.B, Market, Charlie Jade, Michael Stars, Warriors of Radness, Quality Peoples, TOMS, Hudson….and the list goes on!

From clothing for yourself, your child, your significant other, items for your home, in your gift giving, all the way down to the bags you walk out of our store with. Our goal is to produce a comfortable shopping atmosphere with unique, stylish, and chic products. We have many brands that are all over the market and hard to find.

Curated with the hip, trendy, casual woman + man in mind, bringing sophistication and surf life to a whole new level. – P&N

Pink and Navy

216 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, Florida, 34216

941-567-4000

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Anna Maria Shopping

Three Island Monkeys Gifts

Three Island Monkeys Anna Maria Island
Great Stuff From Three Island Monkeys

Now this is a fun place to get a souvenir to bring back home.  Three Island Monkeys on Gulf Drive sells tons of beautifully hand painted pieces. Furniture, bags, jewelry, and many more knick knacks are just a monkey away!

Fun and Funky Three Island Monkeys

These fun, funky, and bright colored trinkets make a perfect gift.  Make a friend or family member back home jealous (that and all of the beach pictures you took). Don’t be shy! Come on in when you’re here!

Three Island Monkey’s is located at9801 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216. Reach them by phone at 941-779-0709 and find them online at www.ThreeIslandMonkeys.com