WATER-SHOW NEAR ANNA MARIA ISLAND – SKI-A-REES WATER SKI SHOW

February 21, 2018/0 Comments/in Anna Maria Island, annamariaisland, Blog, Events, News, Things to Do, Travel Tips, Trip Planning /by Terry Whyte

Locking for something different to do?

FREE weekly Water Ski Show every Sunday February 4 to May 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm. The show is near Mote Marine Aquarium on City Island. Once you get to the aquarium just follow the Ski-A-Rees signs.

Just a short drive south along Gulf of Mexico Dr. from Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Fl 34217

Come out and watch the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team as they perform a themed and spectacular one-hour water show. Fun for the whole family! Prepare to be dazzled with thrilling jumps and tricks, beautiful ballet and swivel lines as well as breathtaking pyramids. See these world-class champions as they rehearse at their base on Lido Key.

The Sarasota Ski-A-Rees are one of the best amateur water ski shows and the only saltwater ski team in the United States. Founded in October 1957 and with the support of the City of Sarasota and generous private sponsors they have been performing free water shows ever since. Being a non-profit organization, without the help from the City, the Ski-A-Rees would not have a place for practices or performances. They hold regular practices and participate in the Florida State Show Ski Championship, Southern Regional Show Ski Championship and compete in the National Show Ski Championship when possible. They were the 2017 National Champions and in 2016 won the Southern Regional Show Ski Tournament.

We thought the Ski-A-Rees put on a wonderful show with great music and entertaining announcers. They are a very professional group and their show is non stop, exciting and a great family activity. The announcer explains the different tricks, the history, and the equipment of the Ski-a-Rees. The skiers show so much skill with lots of fast moving organizing going on. Displaying their talent while performing tricks and even making a twelve person skiing pyramid made us feel like we had stepped back into the 1950’s except the music is up to date which is sure to please people of all ages.

When you go be sure to get there at least an hour early as it usually draws a big crowd. The bleacher seats, some of which are covered, but most of the seats are in the sun so dress accordingly. Sunscreen and hats for everyone! Bring a cushion if you don’t want to sit on the metal seats. We were in the open area which provides a behind the scenes view of the team. Talking to people seated in the covered stands, they were partially blocked from some stunts, but said it wasn’t often. You can also bring your own lawn chair. There is a shaded area under the trees where you still have a good view of the show.

Free parking and snacks and drinks are available for purchase.

Although the shows and parking are free, donations are appreciated as the Ski-A-Rees are a non-profit organization.

For the latest up to date news, things to do, travel tips, special offer and more continue to follow our Blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Travel Tip created by Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals in association with Vacation Soup

WATER TAXI SERVICE DELAYED, BUT COMING SOON …

January 25, 2018/1 Comment/in Anna Maria Island, annamariaisland, Blog, Community, News, Travel Tips, Trip Planning /by Terry Whyte

In October Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. – Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 wrote, The Sarasota Bradenton Ferry water taxi service will be launching in early 2018. It has now been announced the project has been delayed. We anticipate the launch will take place mid 2018 and promise to keep you updated.

The service will connect downtown Sarasota and downtown Bradenton to Bradenton Beach. The drive between Sarasota and Bradenton Beach (Anna Maria Island) can take approximately 40 minutes without traffic, but the commute by water is expected to take just 28 minutes. With the approval by all three cities in 2017, Captain Sherman Baldwin, owner of Paradise Boat Tours in Bradenton is ready to provide this innovative service. Unfortunately, a Bradenton Beach floating dock is delaying this long-awaited water taxi service.

Sarasota Bradenton Ferry is all ready to launch its 149-passenger high speed catamaran. The docks from the 10th Street Pier at Centennial Park in downtown Sarasota and the Bradenton Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton have been secured. The installation of the Bradenton Beach floating dock to unload and load passengers at the Historic Bridge Street Pier is the only thing holding the project back. Lenders will not release the ferry until all three docks are cleared for use. So until Bradenton Beach gets its dock in place this service is docked so to speak.

The Bradenton Beach dock contractor, Technomarine were to begin work in September 2017, butte active hurricane season put them behind. We were in Bradenton Beach when Hurricane Irma swept through the area which gives us a better understanding of the delay. Installation of the dock is now scheduled for February 2018.

This long term project becoming a longer term project has work commuters, locals and tourists waiting a little longer. One thing we are sure of is that this long-awaited water taxi service will be worth the wait.

For the latest up to date news, events, things to do, special offers and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog

Travel Tip created by Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals in association with Vacation Soup

What To Do On Anna Maria Island – Family days out – MIXON FRUIT FARMS

November 14, 2017/in annamariaisland /by Terry Whyte

Mixon Fruit Farms is truly a unique location in the Bradenton Area to experience the taste of Florida!

Like us, you will probably be surprised when you visit. It is so much more than the citrus grove that we were expecting to see.

They share a portion of their citrus grove with Wildlife Inc. for a Florida Wildlife Care and Education Center providing land and shelter for orphaned and injured animals, birds and reptiles. Cages are built next to the orange trees where you can meet the animals up close. As part of their wildlife rescue project, we enjoyed the interactive show about rescued Florida birds, reptiles and animals.

We took a tour of the orange groves on their very own MIXON Orange Blossom Express. We enjoyed this one-hour tram ride with commentary that provided us with some interesting facts and fun trivia.

The best part was the stop where the animals are recovering from rescue. White skunk, gray raccoon, turtles, birds and we even got to hold a small alligator.

They have a really nice koi pond where you can feed the fish and a shady gazebo for those wanting a break from the sunny rays. We wandered around their tropical garden, another beautiful spot.

If you’re hungry they have an excellent Groveside Café. You can also bring your own picnic to eat outside and enjoy the surroundings.

Our visit wasn’t complete until we stopped at their gift store. We couldn’t buy a box of their citrus fruit without a couple of fruit themed bowls for home that nicely hold our fresh fruit.

Their 14,000 square foot gift shop displayed lots of nice souvenirs, many unique one of a kind gifts, as well as salad dressings, preserves, fruit teas and lots of Florida themed gifts.

The store is full of free samples from orange juice, lemonade, grapefruit juice, wine and more. You can also order and ship home their wonderful tasty fruit.
We were there in December and learned the best time to visit is from November to April which is the citrus season. But, MIXON Fruit Farms is open to visitors year round.

We spent about 3 hours there ending with their amazing must have orange swirl soft serve ice cream. I really think what made this such a great outing was that the staff were so friendly and energetic. This family owned and operated location is truly a Florida treasure!

For the latest up to date news, activities, things to do, special offers and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog.

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What’s On On Anna Maria Island – Fairs, markets, etc – Looking for a unique gift?

November 13, 2017/in annamariaisland /by Terry Whyte

11/13/2017

Come out and see for yourself the talent of Nationwide, Award Winning Crafters.
For 25 years Buckler Craft Fairs have provided endless hours of shopping and have been the largest promoter of all indoor craft fairs.

CRAFT FAIR – November 25 & November 26 2017

FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
4800 U.S. 301, TAMPA, FLORIDA

Stroll through the Buckler Craft Fair in Tampa Florida.
Pick up some handmade creations from local & national artist and crafters..
Here are just a few things you will find — Custom home decor, Unique gifts, Scarves and accessories, Jewellery,
Homemade soaps, Purse organizers, Gourmet tea, American girl doll clothes, Baby Items, Hair accessories, Candles,
Furniture and more!
Enjoy a day at the craft fair, there is something for everyone!

Buckler Craft Show
Date: Nov 25 – Nov 26, 2017
Location: Entertainment Hall
Florida State Fairgrounds

~ Convenient parking
~ Unlimited Re-Entry throughout the course of the show
~ Access to food and beverages
~ Children and strollers welcome

HOURS:
Saturday – 10am to 5pm
Sunday – 10am to 4pm

ADMISSION:
$6.00 per person
Kids 12 & under are FREE!
(one paid admission good both days with hand stamp)
$2.00 Off Admission with coupon or a canned good…benefits local food bank.

Go to floridastatefair.com for coupon to save $2 off admission

For the latest up to date news, events, things to do, special offers and more continue to follow our blog at Anna Maria Island Condo Rental/Blog

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Where To Eat And Drink On Anna Maria Island – Recommended restaurants – Free Mimosa – Brunch on the Beach – with Live Jazz – SANDBAR RESTAURANT

November 10, 2017/in annamariaisland /by Terry Whyte

Enjoy Sunday brunch at The Sandbar and listen to some live jazz with Al Hixon.

From November 5, 2017 – December 24, 2017 The Sandbar Restaurant is offering a free Mimosa with brunch.

Inside and outside dining, literally yards from the water ON THE BEACH!

Enjoy being seated around a table with your feet in the sand while your food is being prepared creatively and with a wait staff that’s friendly and prompt.

Sound inviting?

If you are looking for a truly locally sourced dining experience we recommend the Sandbar restaurant. Goods grown in their own farm, serving fish fresh from the docks at Cortez and they make their own breads.

Their menu features picked and plated produce, locally grown clams and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

All this and a free Mimosa? What are we waiting for? …. See you at the Sandbar!

(Print the coupon below or take a picture on your phone & show it to your server)

Getting there is easy catch the free trolley in front of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals going north and get off at Pine Ave. Access the Anna Maria Island Free Trolley Schedule Here.

For the latest up to date news, events, activities, thing to do, special offers and more continue to follow our blog @ Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, Fl 34217

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What To See On Anna Maria Island – Exhibitions – 11th Annual artsHOP-Anna Maria Isalnd

November 9, 2017/in annamariaisland, Blog, Things to Do /by Terry Whyte

11th Annual artsHOP – Art walk & Seahorses Public Art Launch – Saturday, November 11, 2017 – Bradenton Beach

Looking for a fantastic way to spend an afternoon?

Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island is celebrating the 11th Annual artsHOP by hosting an Art Walk and Seahorses public art launch on Saturday November 11th from Noon to 5pm. Bridge Street will be offering plenty of art, music, food and fun.

The Art Walk is a low-key event which is typical of the Island. It is a stand-alone activity for locals and visitors to the island. Larry Wilhelm, of Longboat Key, will provide the live entertainment for the Art Walk as a pirate strolling minstrel.

The Art Walk will also be the start of the 3rd Annual Bridge Street Public Art Project. Seahorses will be first available for pickup for a $30 refundable fee at one of the Bridge Street shops, Sea-renity (Stop # 4)

Historic Bridge Street features the beach to the west and the bay on the east.

Bridge Street is a walkable community with spectacular water views from both the pier looking out over Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

All of Anna Maria Island provides you with an “Old Florida” experience, but the feeling is exceptionally vibrant on Bridge Street. Here you will feel what Florida was like decades ago.

As you look for that perfect piece of art, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on Bridge Street. Enjoy some shopping at any of the quaint boutique style shops and take in the scenic view of the water with a walk on the Bridge Street Pier.

This tourist attraction is a former bridge, once the only way to access the island. You will see plenty of fishermen there and families stopping to watch the boats pass by.

Hop on the free Anna Maria Island trolley which stops nearby so you’ll be able to get to Bridge Street easily while taking away the worry of having to pay for transportation or parking.

ArtsHOP on Bridge Street is a place to enjoy the art and also a fun day trip to this scenic, family friendly area.

A perfect way to spend another perfect day on Anna Maria Island!

For the latest update news, activities, events, things to do, special offer and more continue to follow our blog at Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals/Blog – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton Beach, Fl 34217

Click here for more local information about #whattoseeannamariaisland

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What to see in annamariaisland – Exhibitions – 11th Annual artsHOP-Anna Maria Isalnd

November 9, 2017/in annamariaisland /by Terry Whyte

11/09/2017