As the owner of Anna Maria Island... I would like to explain why Anna Maria Island is one of the best holiday destinations in the world.

Situated on the Gulf coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is separated into three cities: Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. The island itself benefits from fantastic weather, great location, amazing scenery and a vast variety of activities to keep any tourist or local entertained in the short or long-term.

I have visited Anna Maria Island in total eight times, dating from October 2000 to the most recent being December 2008. In the time we have spent here there has been little more than a days worth of rain, which is often accompanied by the breath taking Floridian lightning storms. As for the 95% of the time when the sun is shining you are able to enjoy the Island's beaches which span right the way around the perimeter. The sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing, socialising or playing a game of volleyball, and if you get too hot the warm seas provide an ideal reprieve from the soaring on-shore temperatures.

With regards to activities and entertainment Anna Maria Island strikes the perfect balance. On the island itself you have a golf course (albeit private) as well as volleyball nets, a skate park, countless fishing venues and several rentals stores if you need to equip yourself for the day. So if you fancy cycling the length of the island to the Rod & Reel Pier to enjoy the sea breeze whilst trying your hand at a spot of fishing, it is not out of the question, and highly recommended. If you fancy something different or a little more extreme Anna Maria Island is within comfortable driving distance from such theme parks as !BuschGardens and
!SeaWorld, two world renowned thrill-seeker destinations. The two parks provide for children and adults alike with a range of rides and attractions from classic fairground stalls to interactive wildlife adventures that offer a close up of some of the world's most unique and beautiful animals.

If theme parks aren't enough then there is a variety of sports' venues nearby, home to many of America's best sports teams. The !TropicanaField stadium houses the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the MLB, whilst the !StPeteTimesForum will satisfy all of your ice hockey needs, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. If you're a fan of American Football the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play at the !RaymondJamesStadium in Tampa which is only a short drive away. Anna Maria Island should cater for all of your sport and wildlife needs, whilst also supplying enough attractions nearby for those of you who enjoy the odd adrenalin rush.

To sum up Anna Maria Island's unspoilt, white sandy beaches, its relaxed ambiance, and its welcoming community aura make it a little touch of paradise...and you can be there!!

And this is not just my opinion. See the articles below or find more at http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/inthenews.cfm to find out why Anna Maria Island has hit the big time recently as a tranquil, relaxing, and warm winter alternative for more holidaymakers.

- http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/a-hidden-island.pdf
- http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/Herald%20Express%20230109.pdf

Even the New York Times has had it's say.

- http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/travel/13annamaria.html?_r=1

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FISHING:

As the t-shirts state, Anna Maria Island really is "a quaint drinking village with a fishing problem." Perfect for amateurs and the experienced alike, chartering a boat and heading into the Gulf coast is a must. Access to a whole range of fish, including grouper, puffer, and pompano awaits, and if that isn't enough the shores are notorious for their Tiger shark population.

A list of websites are below for those interested. However I would recommend that you ensure you know exactly what you are getting for your money, and be sure to ask questions off and on-board about decisions to move to alternatives waters.

- http://www.2fla.com/fish.htm
- http://www.annamariafishing.com/
- http://annamariafishingcharters.com/
- http://www.captainjoshcharters.com/captain_s_home
- http://www.cortezkat.com/index.html

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND RESTAURANTS:
($$$$ Highly Priced, ☺☺☺☺ Highly Recommended)

- The BeachHouse Restaurant (http://www.beachhouse-restaurant.com/)
==> Time: Lunch/evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta/salads/cocktails
==> Favourite: Peel N' Eat Shrimp
==> Price: $$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺☺

- Bridgetender Inn (http://www.bridgetenderinn.com/)
==> Time: Lunch/evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta/cocktails
==> Favourite: Filet Mignon
==> Price: $$$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺☺

- Café on the Beach
==> Time: Breakfast/lunch
==> Menu: Pancakes/sausage/bagels/omelettes/waffles
==> Favourite: Swiss Bagel/Omelette
==> Price: $
==> Rating: ☺☺☺☺

- Duffy's Tavern (http://www.duffystavernami.com/)
==> Time: Lunch
==> Menu: Sandwiches/burgers
==> Favourite: Cheese and Bacon Burger
==> Price: $
==> Rating: ☺☺☺☺

- Hurricane Hank's
==> Time: Lunch/evening/takeaway
==> Menu: Sandwiches/burgers/meats/Mexican/cold beers
==> Favourite: BBQ Ribs
==> Price: $$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺

- Mr. Bones BBQ (http://www.mrbonesbbq.com/)
==> Time: Evening/takeaway
==> Menu: Meats/pasta/Indian/Mexican/salads/cold beers
==> Favourite: Cold beer
==> Price: $$
==> Rating: ☺☺

- Oma's Pizza (http://www.omaspizza.com/)
==> Time: Lunch/evening/takeaway
==> Menu: Pizza/pasta/sandwiches/seafood/meats
==> Favourite: ?
==> Price: $$
==> Rating: ☺

- Rotten Ralphs (http://www.rottenralphs.com/)
==> Time: Breakfast/lunch/evening/takeaway
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/sandwiches/salads/cocktails
==> Favourite: Washington Apple cocktail
==> Price: $$$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺

- Sandbar Restaurant (http://www.sandbar-restaurant.com/)
==> Time: Lunch/evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta/salads/cocktails
==> Favourite: Seared Tuna starter
==> Price: $$$$
==> Rating: ☺☺

- Sharky's Steaks & Sea Grille (http://www.sharkysseagrill.com/)
==> Time: Evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta/cocktails/beers
==> Favourite: Draught Guinness
==> Price: $$$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺

- Sign of the Mermaid (http://www.signofthemermaidonline.com/)
==> Time: Evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta
==> Favourite: Grouper (Special)
==> Price: $$$$
==> Rating: ☺☺☺☺

- Two Scoops
==> Time: Breakfast/lunch
==> Menu: Ice cream/sandwiches/omelettes/waffles
==> Favourite: Raspberry & Mango sorbet
==> Price: $
==> Rating: ☺☺☺

- Waterfront Restaurant (http://www.thewaterfrontrestaurant.net/)
==> Time: Lunch/evening
==> Menu: Seafood/meats/pasta/salads
==> Favourite: Stone crab claws
==> Price: $$$$
==> Rating: ☺☺

(Websites used where available)

PLEASE NOTE I have only advertised the restaurants/eateries that I have visited

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ANNA MARIA ISLAND RENTALS:

Interested in possible holidays to Anna Maria Island? Below is a list of suitable and reliable realtors who would be more than happy to help you arrange your dream holiday.

- http://aparadiserentals.com/frame.htm
- http://www.betsyhills.com/514loquat/514loquat.html
- http://annamariaparadise.com/index.html
- http://www.greenreal.com/
- http://www.gulfbayrealty.com/
- http://www.islandreal.com/
- http://www.islandvacationproperties.com/
- http://www.smithrealtors.com/vacation1.html

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USEFUL WEBSITES:

See the attractions, buy tickets, view pictures or simply increase your knowledge of the island. The websites below are perfect for helping you make up your own mind.

Island Information:

- http://www.annamariaislandchamber.org/
- http://www.amisun.com/aboutus.htm
- http://www.amisland.com/
- http://www.islander.org/


Entertainment and Tickets:

- http://www.worldsofdiscovery.co.uk/
- http://www.raymondjames.com/stadium/index.htm
- http://www.sptimesforum.com/
- http://www.buccaneers.com/
- http://lightning.nhl.com/
- http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/

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For any more information regarding restaurants, island life or other specifics please do not hesitate to leave a comment and/or an email address in the discussion box and I will reply accordingly.

THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED AS A SOCIAL FORUM FOR ANNA MARIA ISLAND