I spend the summer in Bradenton and on AMI and my favorite days are spent on Bradenton Beach where many times I have seen dolphins and manatees swimming by. Story by Jessica Chateauneuf Munn

located right in the center of the Island at 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach and just opened our 317 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria location. Come in for great coffee, pastries, smoothies, snacks, and of course, conversation – you will always find a friendly mix of locals, snowbirds, and visitors. All of our coffee is Fair Trade roasted in Spring Hill Florida by Jaguar Coffee Company. Our coffee is a blend of Mexican, Costa Rican, and Columbian beans. We carry a wide range of black and herbal teas. Our chai is amazing. Our baked goods are made right here and include sweet pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Selections are fresh and change daily – you’ll often find yogurt parfait, fresh fruit, quiches, and new items. We have free Wi-Fi. Go check them out at 5350 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach and tell them We Love Anna Maria Island sent you!

The wind in your hair means you’re exercising harder and so, getting more out of your workout. At the same pace, you’ll burn more calories when you run outside than on a treadmill, according to a 1996 study. Capitalize on the beauty of the beach and the strength-enhancing workout running on sand provides. Beach running—especially on dry, loose sand—strengthens your arches, ankles and other below-the-knee muscles more than running on harder surfaces. When to Run on the Beach A falling or low tide creates the most level, hard-packed surface for running. As the water recedes, it leaves hardening sand behind—similar to a soft trail that’s forgiving on the body. Check the local tide reports before your beach run. Ideally, you want to run at low tide or within an hour or two around the lowest point. Stay close to the edge of the water without getting your feet wet. Some beaches have extremely low tides and allow more room away from the edge of the water to run and still be on packed sand. A high tide leaves soft, dry sand, which is kindest on the legs, but it’s also much harder to power through (it makes 10-minute miles feel […]

Heading to the beach is one of the best ways to spend a family vacation. Too bad you have to pack before you can go! We know. Packing is a drag. That’s why we put together this ultimate family beach vacation packing list — so you’ll never stress about forgetting something ever again. And there’s a free printable list too! EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A FAMILY BEACH VACATION Raise your hand if you’re the CEO of packing in your house? Whether you wanted that lovely title or not, chances are you’re the one who takes on the packing responsibilities when it’s vacation time. If your family is anything like mine, they’re counting on you to lead the charge and will mostly likely blame you if something is missing. My crew and I just returned from Santa Rosa Beach, Florida for a week of summer family fun. I wish I could trust my memory to make sure I’ve got everything covered when I pack but since I’m thinking for my entire family of four – which includes two picky tweens – I’ve got to write things down. Before we left I came up with this extensive Family Beach Vacation Packing List […]

The Sandbar Restaurant, located on the north end of Anna Maria Island, has for decades been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for its fresh Florida seafood. Enjoy a tropical cocktail and a beautiful sunset from our inside dining room and bar that was newly renovated in December 2012 or on our covered deck right on the white sand beaches by the Gulf of Mexico. Beachfront seafood restaurant serving up classic dishes plus surprises such as grouper Reubens. The Sandbar is also considered the perfect location for your beach wedding, reception, next corporate luncheon, business meeting, after hours function or family get together. We can easily accomodate small or large groups and can help with event and wedding planning and catering. Visit The Sandbar Restaurant and tell them you found them on We Love Anna Maria Island! 100 Spring Avenue • Anna Maria, FL 34216 • (941) 778-0444

located on Anna Maria Island (AMI) A Beautiful island, with white sand beaches and a beautiful sunset, make it the perfect place to relax! If you are looking for a sweet breakfast this is what you are looking for. Everything was good, food and coffee. Nothing was overcooked, everything was perfectly lightly browned. Thumbs up ! An Authentic Café restaurant for breakfast and lunch with specialties of buckwheat crepes served for breakfast, with eggs , cheese , bacon , turkey ,ham ,sausages, tomatoes , smoked salmon … When you taste our breakfast crepes , you will come back just for that ! Hungry Enough? Visit the Island Creperie and tell them you found them on “We Love Anna Maria Island! Address: 127 Bridge St Bradenton Beach Florida 34217[ Website: http://www.islandcreperie.com/ rule type=”basic”]

Enough said. #CantWaitCottage #UMSUResortProperties Story by Bonnie Page

July 4th 2013 at The Sandbar. One of our best July 4th vacations while we were dating. We had the perfect view from our table overlooking the beach to watch fireworks celebrating with our bubbly. It was the perfect July 4th vacation in Anna Maria Island. Ed M Offner. This is one of my favorite pictures of us too. Story by Desiree Mohan Offner