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Guide To Anna Maria

arrowsandbow9 • July 7, 2021

Guide To Anna Maria

You all have been asking since we arrived in Anna Maria for all our fave spots [ in no particular order ] so I have pulled together a guide to Anna Maria - our little paradise. We have officially adapted to the beach life and I didn't think it would happen so quickly. Anna Maria has amazing food, the greatest sunsets and the people are just the best. We are now 'let's take a dip in the ocean in the middle of the day' people and I am so into it.

I hope this guide is helpful for when you visit the island [ and stay with us at Joie Inn !!! ] and let me know if I missed your favorite spot! We love finding new gems!

Restaurants:

Smoqe House - You guessed it, delicious spot for elevated BBQ - if Dino isn't cooking the meat, I want this!

Shore - Super fun vibe, chic decor, great cocktails and great views!

Owen's Fish Camp - The coolest country fish spot. Sit out side, listen to live music, kids can swing on a tire swing. They have oysters and blacked shrimp outside on the grill. Really cool!

Skinny’s - The best burger on the island, my fave for a midday beer and burger!

Whitney’s - The queso is sooo good and they have fun drinks and great decor!

The Waterfront - I have to be honest, I haven't been here yet...but everyone loves it and speaks highly of it! The wait is long so don't come starving lol.

The Donut Experiment - Donuts, need I say more? But this is a MUST - they make your *customized* donuts right on the spot. It smells like straight heaven.

The Doctors Office - Kind of like a speak easy vibe - fun for cocktails and small bites - their cheeseboard is so good! You sit down, order a drink and they give you a single serve bag of salty Lays potato chips. My kinda place! Oh, also, they have cocktails to go!

Poppos - I could eat my weight in Mexican food and this does not disappoint - the black bean quesadilla is amazing...add carnitas!

The Waffle Press - Ohhh man, imagine a slightly sugary crisp waffle with an egg and bacon smushed between it. Yah, are you drooling?

AMI Beach Cafe: All you can eat pancakes, everyday!

Graze Street AMI: Located right behind the inn! Great for sandwiches and baked goods!

Kojo (Sarasota): Elevated delish Japanese.

Artisan Cheese Company: They change the menu weekly, so fresh and delicious! We usually order one of everything because it’s all so good!

Jack Dusty's (Sarasota): Great cocktails at the Ritz.

Buttermilk (Sarasota): Coffee shop and Bakery.

Shopping:

The Fox Mercantile - Open Monday - Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm, 12304 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34215

West Coast Surf Shop - The sweetest owners and perfect for local finds.

Driftwood Beach Home and Garden - My favorite little store in Longboat Key! It has something for everyone and it curated so beautifully.

UTC is the mall close by [ about 30 mins ] and they have the basic good stuff...Anthro, Free People, Urban, etc.

Shiny Fish Emporium - Really cute whimsical shop where you can paint sand dollars .
Coffee:

Foxi Coffee - Open Monday - Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm, 12304 Cortez Rd W Bradenton, FL 34215

North Shore - My love for North Shore runs deep - get the avotoast on wheat or the yo bowl with peanut butter. And their oat milk latte is my favorite. Life is too short for bad coffee, am I right?

Activities:

Long Walks to dinner or burgers - we love a good family walk, so when it involves walking to burgers and beer, I am for it. The island is only 7 miles long so depending on how long you like to walk, you can make it to anywhere. I love that!

Rent a boat or kayak around the island - we got a boat for the 4th of July and it was the perfect day! They have this great sandbar that you can pull up to and it's like a great boat party all floating on this little part of this beautiful water - so amazing!

Bradenton Marina has anything you need and is full service!

The Toy Barn - Travis is the sweetest and this is really the best place on the island for rentals ! He has the most amazing collection of 'toys' for so many activities and play!

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium - The kids loved this aquarium, we could have stayed there all day - there is so much to interact with and you can actually safely tough the animals! Plus it's open everyday of the year!

The Anna Maria Trolley is free for riders and runs from 6 am to 10 pm everyday - even if you just want to hop on and tour the island, you can't go wrong!

Anna Maria Pier - the prettiest views! It gets crowded but early morning is the best for taking a walk with your coffee and seeing what the fishermen are pulling up! They have amazing live music some nights on the end of the pier from @stocktonbros.music - the kids had so much fun dancing! Bayfront Park - Get there early for a fun, full day at the beach - it gets crowded but the views are incredible! Sunsets - I can't stress enough how amazing the sunsets are here. It's really every single night, but if you miss one night...just wait, tomorrow will be amazing. Photographer - If you want to capture your vacation professionally, I cannot recommend Christine Wozz enough! She is so good! Beach Suites - They setup the most incredible lounge experience on the beach, no thought needed and so beautiful!

Beach Church - Thursdays, Spring/Summer 7pm, Fall/Winter 5pm at 35th St Beach Access

A nna Maria Yacht Charters - Donnie is the owner and driver of the boat. 941-504-9068 AMI Paddle - Paddle board/kayak tour, www.amipaddleboard.com Captain Matt Fishing Charters - Captainmatt.com, 941-447-9888 Beach Bum Rentals - Our guests can mention they are staying at the inn for 10% off. (941) 778-3316, beachbumsami.com AMI Escapes - Best place to rent a boat! They provide fun water toys and share so much of the island with you! Fresh Coconuts Delivered - Amanda 310-922-7148, (941) 778-3316 Manatee Public Beach - Local beach with picnic tables, grills and a playground. Bayfront Park - Get there early for a fun, full day at the beach - it gets crowded but the views are incredible!

We donate any leftover canned items to the local Church and Food Pantry on the Island - it's a great resource if you have anything leftover from your trip!
We are prepping this entire list - and I am sure there will be more - to have in each room at Joie Inn ! We cannot wait for you all to visit our little island of beauty! xx

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