Guest Hook Travel Guides Anna Maria Insider Guide | Page 10

TERRY & SANDY'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... AMI has a number of lodging options to suit your needs. As well as owning two vacation rentals on the island, Terry and Sandy also manage a number of others. Below are their two rentals along with some information on the other options should they be fully booked. Anna Maria Island Condo... Our condo offers all the amenities you need to fully enjoy your stay on Anna Maria Island, including air conditioning, a 50-inch flat screen television, and luxurious bedrooms with the finest 200-thread linens and a Floridian comforter. From the bedrooms, sliding glass doors lead onto the balcony, which provides breathtaking views of the pool, the Gulf of Mexico, and the parasailors passing by. For more information please refer to the property website... The Beach Sands... Treat yourself to amazing beach views from every room by day, and unforgettable sunsets by night, at The Beach Sands. You'll enjoy elegantly decorated accommodations with amenities to make your beach vacation a treasured memory, including a state-of-the-art kitchen, wireless internet, HDTVs, direct beach access and a heated pool. For more information please refer to the property website... Orienting Yourself... Anna Maria Island is located on the west coast of Florida, around 20 miles from Sarasota, 55 miles from Tampa, and 125 miles from Orlando. The island itself is 7 miles long but a mere 2 miles across at its widest point. You'll often hear reference to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. These are all places on the Island, with Anna Maria to the north, Bradenton to the south, and Holmes Beach sandwiched in between. Our condos are located in Bradenton Beach. Away From the Beach Tips... Retail Therapy... St. Armands Circle... Homegrown Treats... If you love shopping for goodies you can't find elsewhere, try the shops in Bradenton. Pick up vintage dresses and refurbished furniture (if you're not flying home...) and don't forget the stores at Village of the Arts. These artist bungalows sell affordable and fine art from regional artists. Or shop the huge outlet mall for traditional luxury stores like Polo Ralph Lauren. St. Armands Circle offers wonderful shopping and dining for a luxury treat on your trip. Find exclusive shops, galleries, and boutiques, plus high-end restaurants and nightlife. Pay a visit to the center of St. Armand's Circle to see AMI's version of a Hollywood landmark: The Circus "Ring of Fame" commemorating circus stars. Then have dinner at the famous Columbia Restaurant. Florida's mild climate makes it a goldmine for delicious fresh fruit. At Mixon Fruit Farm in Bradenton, you'll find brimming baskets of sweet, juicy citrus fruits that taste (almost) as good as dessert. Or, for something a little more sinful, try their famous "Mixon Swirl," an orange-flavored ice cream cone. You can also tour the groves and learn about the citrus-growing process.