8/9/2019 Insider Guide to Florida's Anna Maria Island

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A Vacation Insiders Guide

Anna Maria Island

Florida

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shrimp heaped onto communal picnic tables, andmodest (yet rened) beach cottages where familiescreate lifetime memories at the edge of the Gulf.

To experience AMI's timeless charms, check out TuckWieler's Cozy Cottage  and Cozy Cabana East  & Westthree delightful homes within strolling distance of thebeach, with private, palm-dappled pools and charminginteriors in a beachy palate. Read on: You're invited tolearn how to create a tailored-to-you vacation on AMI

with the help of the Wieler family's expertise!

Hand-painted signs pointing the way to seafood joints.Clapboard cottages. Fringed palm trees and live oaksdraped in Spanish moss. And, most importantly—not afaceless chain business in sight. This is Old Florida, andsome say its heyday is long past.

Not on Anna Maria Island! In the 21st century, its coatsof paint may be fresher, its food options more diverse(some of it downright gourmet), and its low-prolebeach cottages outtted with more modern comforts,

but AMI remains a stronghold of simplicity in America’smost-beloved vacation state.

On AMI, you won’t nd highways, clogged intersections,big-box retailers or high-rises to block your view. Butyou will nd welcoming locals, baskets of fresh Gulf

 THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR

MEET  TUCK & KRISTEN

This Insider Guide is broughtto you by Tuck & KristenWieler, who own 3 vacationrentals on gorgeous AnnaMaria Island. After yearsof vacationing on AMI withtheir family, they know theisland inside out, almost likea walking, talking guidebook!

E: info@vacatoninsiders.com

W: www.vacatoninsiders.com

Contact Tuck:

+1.678.232.7996

Tuck can be contacted via anyof the above options for moreinformation about the area,pricing, and availability.

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ABOUT THE WIELERS & THE REAL AMI...A trip to the beach is a treasured tradition for Tuck and Kristen Wieler and their family of ve. When they stumbledupon Anna Maria Island during a search for a beach they could really settle into, a place they could return to yearafter year, they realized something important: You can't really choose your family's perfect beach. It chooses you.

Since their discovery of Anna Maria Island, the Wielers have felt at home on this seven-mile slice of paradise, with itsour-soft sand and clear, emerald waters. And two years ago, they translated that feeling of "home" into a house. Tuckand Kristen were taken with how Cozy Cottage exactly reected the soothing vibe of Anna Maria Island. The cottagewith its three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and tropically landscaped, private pool, is the ideal family getaway that's just a two-minute stroll from the beach.

The Wielers have also added a second, multi-functional villa to their property portfolio that can suit the needs of a

young couple, couples vacationing together, or groups of families and friends. Cozy Cabana East and West are bothnewly renovated, beach-convenient properties just a block from the Gulf, each with its own private pool. Families orcouples who want to play together, but not stay together, can take advantage of both properties and their exiblebedroom congurations. Though adding this second property was an unexpected journey for the Wielers, the urgeto jump in head-rst is a testament to how much they've come to love Anna Maria Island.

And there's a whole lot to love. Life slows down on Anna Maria Island. The speed limit doesn't exceed 35 MPH,and absent are high-rise condos, party bars, and chain establishments—yet Anna Maria won't leave you feeling likeyou've missed anything.

For those seeking a peaceful, relaxing beach trip, all of the island is accessible by bike, golf cart, the free trolley, ora good ol' fashioned stroll (preferably with ice cream cone in hand). The island is home to a local history museum,quaint coee shops, and locally owned restaurants and business. The Gulf beaches are a picturesque backdrop forlounging and enjoying the Florida sun and breeze.

Anna Maria Island also oers high-octane thrills for adventure-seekers, including paddleboarding or kayaking inmangrove-lined waters among manatees, dolphins, and more. Explore some of the best waters in all of Floridawith a boat charter, or take a day trip to Sarasota, Tampa, or the theme-park mecca that is Orlando, all two hoursor less from the island. At the end of a fun-lled day, rest easy knowing you get to come back to a relaxing refuge, aquintessential beach front cottage or cabana with all the modern conveniences and amenities you could hope for.

The island and its laidback vibe will quickly show you how beautiful life can be when it all slows down.

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5  EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

It's easy to lose track of time in the tangled, tropical forest of Florida'smangroves with a kayak tour. As you cruise the shallow waters, you'll seeyoung sh, sea stars and sea horses, urchins and other critters. Happy Paddler oers customizable kayak tours through this rich ecosystemat various times of the day, including sunset. Mix it up with a tour on apaddleboard with Fun and More Rentals, getting up-close-and-personalwith sea turtles, manatees, and even dolphins.

Kayak in the Mangroves...1

On the island, sunset is the day's main event. As any local will tell you, youhave to see one for yourself to understand why. Though the views arespectacular from any beachfront vantage point, White Avenue (acrossfrom Cozy Cabanas) and Bean Point (a short walk from Cozy Cottage)are two great places to stake out. Bring a (concealed and plastic...shhh!)cup of wine or a cocktail, a small picnic, and the whole family. Each nightbrings a whole new show.

Sunsets ANYWHERE on the Beach...2

All-you-can-eat pancakes are a treat on their own—but when you get to

enjoy them on a picturesque beach at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe,it doesn't get any better. Kids and parents with a sweet tooth will bothenjoy creating their own doughnut concoctions at Anna Maria Donuts, alocal, family-owned staple. For the island's best French toast, made withcrème brûlée, head to Ginny's & Jane E's Island Bakery, Cafe and Store.

Breakfast on the Island...3

Egmont Key, an island only accessible via boat, has a unique natural andcultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858 andfort ruins from the Spanish–American War. Hitch a ride to this secludedkey on the Egmont Key Ferry. Once there, have a swim among the ruins

and learn more about the island's rich history. Meanwhile, keep an eyeout for diverse wildlife like shore birds, sea turtles, and the grumpy-looking, burrowing gopher tortoise.

Ferry to Egmont Key...4

You simply can't vacation on Anna Maria Island without taking advantageof an interactive dolphin cruise. Coastline Dolphin and Snorkeling Excursion oers cruises with several sandbar stops where kids can digfor sand dollars, forage for conch shells, and interact with sea urchins.Knowledgeable guides help cruise-goers easily spot schools of majesticdolphins—you'll want to have your camera for this vacation moment.To learn more, call Coastline Excursion at 941-201-8429.

Dolphin Cruise...5

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Rent a Bike...Explore Anna Maria Island with a relaxing bike ride.Pedal by the water along City Pier or Rod & Reel Pier, both home to good eats, or down Pine Avenueto see sparkling beaches. Beach Bums oers funand funky rental bikes suited to any excursion,including cruisers and geared bikes. For those not

comfortable on two wheels, Beach Bums also rentstricycles. Couples can tour the island on tandembikes, and parents can rent extra bike seats foryoung children.Rentals rangefrom $5 to $9 anhour or $14 to$20 a day. BeachBums will alsodeliver free ofcharge any bikesrented for longerthan 24 hours.

Charter a Fishing Boat...The waters bounding Anna Maria Island havebeen home to Tom Chaya for more than 30 years,making him the island's most sought-after andknowledgeable shing tour guide. Set sail withCaptain Tom's charter and he'll expertly guide youthrough waters teeming with snook, tarpon, permit,

trout, redsh, snapper, grouper, cobia, kingsh,mackerel, and ounder. The custom-built, 26-footboat is rigged for comfortable-yet-serious shing,

and Captain Tomoers expeditionsfor both expertsand rst-timers.R e s e r v a t i o n swith Captain Tomare available forfull- and half-daytrips.

4 FOR THE ACTIVE...

Paddleboarding...

S t a n d - u ppaddleboardingis a fun way tosee the watersaround AnnaMaria Island andt in a rigorous,f u l l - b o d yworkout while you're at it. Master your balanceand rowing with a lesson from AMI Paddleboard Adventures  or take part in one of their sunsettours. If you nd yourself on the island during afull moon, take advantage of AMI's f ull moon tour to see nocturnal birds and other night-dwellingsea animals. AMI also oers rentals for one or twohours, or a half or full day with free pick up anddelivery.

A Sun Break...

The fun doesn'tstop just be-cause it's a rainyor cloudy day onAnna Maria Is-land. Head to the John and Mable Ringling Museum,

which features an art museum, a circus museum,and a residence and garden open to tours. Thisunique museum's story begins nearly a century ago,when a circus impresario honored his wife’s lovefor Italy and art with a Venician-style residence inSarasota — to the tune of $1.5 million. Or, to expe-rience Florida's marine life on a rainy day, head toMote Aquarium, which also doubles as hospital forinjured sea animals.

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The craft bar at The Waterfront is a cocktail lover's dream. Its lineupof mixed drinks oers adventurous twists on classics, like the SmokedMargarita made with Reposado Tequila and a rinse of Mezcal with freshlime and ginger. The food menu boasts fresh Gulf catches and the porchseating provides the ideal environment to enjoy it all. It's a popular spofor locals and visitors alike, so call ahead to make reservations.

T: 941-778-1515 | Reviews

 The Waterfront...1

Eat Here is Beach Bistro’s younger, more wallet-friendly brother. Itbreaks the mold of formal dining with quirky tableware and clipboardmenus, but the quality of the food is just as exceptional as that of ahigher-priced establishment. The sh is always fresh and plates areserved as soon as they're made for the best avor. Save room fordessert at this place—you won't regret it!

T: 941-778-0411 | Reviews

Eat Here...2

 TUCK'S TIPS ON AMI DINING...

Bridge Street Bistro...

3Dine al fresco on the third oor terrace of Bridge Street Bistroand take in Anna Maria Island's main event: a blazing sunset. Thekitchen, run by Chef Keith Daum, is known for its lobster bisqueseafood gumbo, specialty salads, and thick cuts of steak. Happyhour starts at 3 PM with drink specials and half-priced apps, and liveentertainment keeps the party going past twilight.

T: 941-782-1122 | Reviews

Everyone Loves a Local Dive...

4For a break from seafood, try Village Idiot Pizzeria, with its NYCworthy (or better!) wood-red pizzas in the Cortez Fishing VillageAfterward, head next door to Tyler's Ice Cream for a homemadescoop or two. Skinny's Place is another dive hangout, this one witha distinct Jimmy Buett vibe and juicy burgers. It's a cash-onlyestablishment with $1.50 beers and communal picnic tables ideafor getting to know your neighbor.

T: 941-896-4857 | Reviews (A)  T: 941-778-7769 | Reviews (B)

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AMI has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are the 3 rentals which Tuck owns.If these are booked, or you require a dierent size and style of accommodation, Tuck knows otherplaces on the island and can help with referrals.

 TUCK'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

 THE WIELER'S Practical Tips

Prepare Seafood at Home...Star Fish Company is the area'shighest-quality local seafoodmarket with a daily, rotatingselection that includes snapper,scallops, salmon, and more.Closer to home (but with a smaller selection), try Island Fresh Market.  Another tip: For just $6, Rod & Reel Pier  willcook any sh you catch on theirpier (and clean yourself). That'sabout as fresh as seafood gets!

Groceries...The local Publix, one of the onlychain establishments on theisland, is ideal for non-seafoodgroceries, snacks, and othernecessities. It also stocks anice selection of kids' beach toys. The Anna Maria General Store  is another alternative forgroceries and small items liketoiletries—plus, it boasts a smallcafe perfect for breakfast, lunch,or a midday coee.

Cozy Cabana-East...Cozy Cabana-East has it all: coastal charm, comfort, and convenience.Located a half-mile from historic Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island,this property is a quick, three-minute stroll from the coveted beachesof White Avenue, known by locals as a top-notch surng spot. Guestscan also relax by the sparkling private pool surrounded by privatefencing and lush tropical palms.

For more information please refer to the property website...

Practicalities...Though uncommon, some localbusinesses are cash-only. Don'tworry—ATMs are abundant,including at Wells Fargo, TheGeneral Store, Publix, andSkinny's Place. We also ask thatyou be a good neighbor to theisland's residents—who makeAMI the friendly place it is—byobserving quiet hours between10 PM and 8 AM and sticking tothe 25-30 MPH speed limit.

Cozy Cabana-West...Cozy Cabana-West is another charming, comfortable, and convenientproperty just minutes from Anna Maria Island's gorgeous beaches.Cozy Cabana-West oers two bedrooms, each with their ownprivate bath, and can sleep additional guests on a brand new, fullyconvertible sleeper sofa. An outdoor patio overlooks the heated pooland comes with a propane grill for family bonding over a nice dinner.

For more information please refer to the property website...

Cozy Cottage...This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home can sleep up to eightand is just steps from the beach. Each bedroom also oers directaccess to the pool and lounging patio, and the kitchen is abundantlystocked. Guests can unwind in front of the 42-inch at screen HDTVin the living room or take in the mature tropical landscape poolside.Cozy Cottage provides the beach chairs, towels, and cart.

For more information please refer to the property website...

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