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Anna Maria Articles Overlooked: Anna Maria Islandby: Christopher Elliott, Elliott.org Just when I thought I had thoroughly explored Florida’s coastline and discovered its best vacation destinations, I stumbled upon a place like Anna Maria Island, a quiet resort area near Bradenton, right across the bridge from Longboat Key.
See Sea TurtlesAnna Maria Island is a prime sea turtle nesting spot; more than 100 sea turtle nests were recorded last year. Take care not to harass month turtles-to-be, their nests or hatchlings. For an up-close look, guided tours are available in July.
 | Beach Bound, For Love
by: Lisa Codianne Fowler, member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association
Happy anniversary, baby! Patrick and I have finally escaped for a few days to spend our holiday on Anna Maria Island, and the drive through Florida's Gulf Islands is a celebration in itself. |
 | Beach Bars & Bistros
by: Nancy Chapman
You close your eyes and see it in your mind: a comfortable chair, palm trees swaying, the surf pounding the sand mere steps away on a shoreline that stretches as far as you can see in either direction. |
 | Family Fun On & Off the Island
by: Kate Pursell
Every year, and in every season, families flock to Anna Maria Island, a slice of heaven on Florida's west coast, for a casual, laidback vacation experience. |
 | Island Honors
by: Kate Pursell
Anna Maria Island is the family-friendly destination that earns kudos near and far |
 | Signs of the Mermaid
by: Amy Nance
A little magic isn't difficult to come by in Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch area. After all, its environs include the color-shifting Gulf and an island popping with brightly hued beach cottages, parrots in the trees and restaurants inspired by mermaids... |
Soak Up The Sunby: Diane Bair, Go Airtran Airways In-flight Magazine, December 2007 Slip over the causeway from bustling Bradenton to Anna Maria Island, Florida, and you’ll feel like you’ve gone through a time warp – albeit a pretty one, with sparkling turquoise water on both sides of a drawbridge. Two Rim Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with Asian Slaw and ChimichurriIt is boating season and grilling season; both were the inspiration for this simple preparation of jumbo Gulf shrimp. The flavors are a fusion of Gulf Coast, Asian and Latin and almost all the real work is done before the cooler is packed or the first beer is popped. The finished product is colourful and delicious and can also be grilled in advance and served chilled. Best Face ForwardWhen you walk in, you will be inundated with the scents of Aveda’s plant-based products. The customized hourlong elemental nature facials ($85) are lovely, but the real power-treatment is the botanical skin resurfacing (60 minutes, $95), in which crushed tourmaline and essential oils are used to smooth skin and improve radiance.
Bridging the Gap EventsWhen the Anna Maria Island Bridge on SR 64 closes September 29, Anna Maria Island merchants will keep busy hosting a series of family-friendly events to entertain visitors during weekends through November 13. The bridge will be closed for rehabilitation and visitors will be re-routed to the Cortez Road West bridge for access to the island. Spring Romantic Getaway Winner AnnouncedCongratulations to Monika from Alabama! Monika is the recipient of our spring romantic getaway promotion and will enjoy a two-night stay for two at Bridgewalk, A Landmark Resort on Anna Maria Island. She will also receive a gourmet dinner at the Zagat-rated Beach Bistro, a massage or spa manicure/pedicure for two at Acqua Aveda Salon Spa Store and tickets to Mote Aquarium. The Studio Hosts Women Contemporary ArtistsWomen Contemporary Artists will host the opening reception of their fall juried exhibition, “The Nature of Florida: A Personal Interpretation of Florida as Seen by the Artist” on November 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Studio at Gulf and Pine on Anna Maria Island. The festivities coincide with opening night of the Anna Maria Arts Hop, featuring music by Trillenium Music Company. The exhibition runs through January 3, 2009. Learn More. First Island Historical Marker Unveiled at City PierThe Anna Maria Island Historical Society (AMIHS) and its committee for the preservation of historic barrier island homes and buildings announced the first of twelve historic markers to be presented to Anna Maria Island structures that are more than 50 years old. The first small ceremony took place at the foot of the pier on Thursday, October 30th. Chiles Restaurant Group Offers Holiday Gift IdeasThis holiday season, serve up a delicious gift idea by purchasing a gift card to one of the three Chiles Restaurant Group locales – BeachHouse and Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, and Mar Vista Restaurant on Longboat Key. For purchases of $50 or more, guests will receive a free gift card equal to 20% off their total purchase. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who plans on visiting the islands. And, the gift cards never expire and come with free shipping. Longboat Key Articles Million-dollar DiningUSA Today named Mar Vista Restaurant on Longboat Key "the most likely place to sit next to a millionaire and not know it." | Beach Bars & Bistros
by: Nancy Chapman
You close your eyes and see it in your mind: a comfortable chair, palm trees swaying, the surf pounding the sand mere steps away on a shoreline that stretches as far as you can see in either direction. |
| Signs of the Mermaid
by: Amy Nance
A little magic isn't difficult to come by in Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch area. After all, its environs include the color-shifting Gulf and an island popping with brightly hued beach cottages, parrots in the trees and restaurants inspired by mermaids... |
Shells and TreasuresAll of our area beaches are awash in colorful shells, but Beer Can Island is a special favorite of locals, who arrive in early mornings and at low tide to hunt for treasures.
Get to Know Longboat KeyThe Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce is your source for community information, such as the locations of churches and synagogues, healthcare and more. Get Your Fixe at Harry'sHarry's Continental Kitchens is opening for the season with another exciting $25 Prix Fixe four-course menu, available Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. The fresh, seasonal offerings are also available with premium wine pairings for $39 per person. Learn more about this delectable special offer. Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Articles Gentle Giantby: Kathy Hagood, AAA Going Places Snooty™ is the oldest living manatee to be born and raised in captivity. He also is the first manatee to have a “recorded” and documented birthdate. This gentle giant is permanently housed at Parker Manatee Aquarium at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, Florida. Fishing Festival Illuminates Daily Life in CortezFlorida's Gulf Islands claims an authentic fishing village in the area of Cortez, 10 blocks packed with boats and fish houses where local fishermen sell fresh catches. On March 16 and 17, the village comes alive during the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.  | Uncovering the Ancient and Avant-Garde in Bradenton
by: Heather Boynton
On a recent trip to Bradenton I explore local galleries, museums and historical buildings and unexpectedly come across a funky artists' community, a restored antebellum plantation, an ancient Native American village and more. |
 | Secrets of the Shoreline
by: Judy Bokorney
Strolling along a beautiful shoreline usually conjures up feelings of serenity and awakens your senses to the splendid surroundings unfolding before you. Yet, did you ever wonder about all the people that journeyed on that beach ahead of you? |
| Signs of the Mermaid
by: Amy Nance
A little magic isn't difficult to come by in Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria, Longboat Key, Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch area. After all, its environs include the color-shifting Gulf and an island popping with brightly hued beach cottages, parrots in the trees and restaurants inspired by mermaids... |
 | Cool Downtown Eats in Bradenton
by: Amy Nance
Stroll the brick-lined streets of downtown Bradenton to find some of the best local eats this side of the Manatee River. |
Two mainland hotels go greenThe Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Riverfront earned their Green Lodging Certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Concert in the GroveThursday, October 23, November 20th & December 18th, 2008, join Mixon Fruit Farm for a free concert in the grove. The Dr. Dave Band will be performing Country Rock on Steroids. The concert is free however, there is a charge of $5.00 for parking. You are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs or blanket. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Snooty's GalaSaturday, November 1, 2008 join us for Bradenton’s premier black-tie social event, Snooty’s Gala, benefits the South Florida Museum. Gala guests dine on gourmet cuisine and dance under the stars to live entertainment in the Museum’s beautiful Spanish Plaza. Super Bowl Events Kick Off with Jim McMahon Swang “N” Golf TournamentJoin Jim McMahon, along with more than 30 of his celebrity friends, January 29-30, for the Swang “N” Super Bowl Bash charity golf tournament. The event is open to the public with individual tickets available for play and to meet and greet celebrity players. All activities take place at the Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club. Gamble Plantation Hosts Holiday Open HouseVisit Gamble Plantation decked out in its holiday best, and enjoy free tours of the Gamble Mansion and Patten House on Friday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual holiday open house allows visitors to experience an authentic Civil War encampment, complete with live cannon and Civil War era weapons, period costumes, uniforms, and Civil War field equipment. Early craft demonstrations, period vendors, food and music make this a fun learning event for the entire family. Call (941) 723-4536 for more information.
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