7/31/2019 Visit Anna Maria Island by Nancy Foster

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ENTERTAINMENT TAMPA 21

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peaceFul tranquility and grand sunsets

On FlOrida’s west cOast

By nacy Foster

one act that sets Anna mara island apart r ther beautul Flrda west castbeach destnatns s the lack ajr chan htels and hgh-rse cnds. Vstrs fndan eclectc x beach cttages, charng B&Bs, bungalws, vntage nns and dernvacatn rental unts nstead, all lushly landscaped and bastng prde wnershp.Ce here as a stranger and leave lke aly.

 Anna Maria Island, an easy 46 mile drive

rom St. Petersburg-Clearwater International

 Airport, lies a ew minutes south o the iconic

I-275 Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Its trio o

communities—Bradenton Beach, Holmes

Beach and Anna Maria—are reerred to

collectively as Anna Maria Island, although

each has its own unique characteristics. The

coveted seven-mile-long destination oers

expansive public beach and water access

directly to the beaches o the Gul o Mexico

and the intracoastal waterways o SarasotaBay. Visitors come here seeking peace,

serenity and a laid-back atmosphere.

Colorul caes, bistros, bars and pubs can

be ound throughout the island. A must-do is

the Bridge Street Bistro on Bradenton Beach

(bridgestreetbistroonline.com). Head or the

third foor and dine al resco as you gaze upon

stunning sunset views. Savor local seaood

expertly transormed into delectable creations

such as Seaood Risotto and Potato-crusted

Grouper, or dig into the landlubber’s avorite:hand-cut Filet Mignon. Shoppers, meanwhile,

love historic Bridge Street or its unky, quirky 

shops oering beach-themed gits, attire and

local art.

 Accommodation choices include the Key-

 West-style BridgeWalk (silverresorts.com/ 

bridgewalk.asp), situated in the heart o the

historic Bridge Street district. Its two-story 

townhomes eature ull kitchens, replaces

and Jacuzzi tubs. Studios and one-bedroom

units are also available. BridgeWalk hasbeen known to oer special promotions and

packages, so make sure to ask.

Owners o the apartment-style Palm Tree

 Villas (palmtreevillas.com) pride themselves

on their repeat visitors. It’s no wonder: their

meticulous six-unit complex sits on tropical

landscaped grounds on a quiet street just

a three-minute walk rom the beach. Fully 

equipped villas oer well-appointed kitchens,

spacious living rooms, ull baths, cable and hi-

speed Wi-Fi, plus semi-private garden patios

 with outside showers. Love to grill? Spend

an evening enjoying use o Palm Tree Villas’

on-site barbecue grills. Be sure to ask about

the Romance the Soul, Eco-Adventure orGirlriend’s Getaway packages.

 Anna Maria Island is a year-round destination,

perect or singles, couples and amilies. It

does tend to be habit orming, however, so be

orewarned—your rst visit probably won’t be

 your last!

sunhine skyway bridge

 VISIT

ANNAMARIA

ISlAND

Palm tree villa

bridgeWalk bridge sree biro

EC_Pub_Feb-May 2012-052412-ƒ.indd 21 5/24/12 5:14 PM