While you are enjoying your vacation with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals – 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 enjoy a few hours, the day or an evening on Bridge Street. Any day is a great day to visit Bridge Street and being only a five minute walk from your vacation rental you will probably visit more than once! From our condo you can walk south along Gulf Drive to the roundabout or, enjoy a beautiful stroll on the white sand beach of the Gulf of Mexico; when you reach the bright blue building “The Moose Lodge” you will know you have come to Bridge Street.
Anna Maria Island is known for its laid back Florida charm and as you walk along Bridge Street you will experience that feeling first hand.
A little bit about Bridge Street …. Bridge Street is a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach. To the East at the end of Bridge Street, is the Pier which at one time was a wooden bridge and the only way on or off Anna Maria Island from the mainland. Now there is a beautiful fishing pier in place of the bridge with wonderful views of Sarasota Bay and Cortez. Historic Bridge Street is an active, beautifully landscaped street spanning from beach to bay where you will find minutes turn into hours, Shopping – Dining- or Playing. With no high-rise condos or shopping malls on Bradenton Beach, here on Bridge Street you will find quaint buildings with a mix of boutique style shops, restaurants and bars.
The Pier is always a place we make a point to go. This pier is free and is nice to walk, to fish or watch others fish. You can rent fishing equipment and there is a fish cleaning stations with places for multiple rods. For those not wanting to fish there are places to sit in the shade with some old fashioned wooden swings at the end inviting you to sit and stay awhile. You will see lots of fish, we have often seen dolphin and there are pelicans and cormorants and many other types of birds as well. Just watching the boats pass by while the Cortez bridge goes up is so relaxing.
Fish Hole Adventure Golf is home to our annual family golf outing. This unique miniature golf course is an old Florida fishing village themed course on Bridge Street. They have a ‘fish fact’ plaque at each hole and it is neat to read about the different type of fish. It has misters, which are really nice on a hot day. It is fairly priced and at the end you have a chance to win a free game which we have been lucky enough to do.
Bridge Street Interiors – I absolutely love this store. This shop is deceiving, looks small from the outside, but once inside you will be surprised how much stuff is packed in. The store has lots of beautiful handcrafted jewelry, the best mermaid jewelry, home accessories, original prints, incredible wall art, scents, candles and tropical apparel.
They offer interior design services and are happy to help you with your decorating needs. Find a piece that won’t fit it in your luggage? That’s okay, they ship!I have been visiting this store for more than 25 years and purchased many treasures here. It is actually one of my favourite stores not just on Bridge Street, but in the whole Bradenton/Sarasota area.
Bridge Street Jewellers – a hidden treasure on Bridge this shop is definitely worth going into. The selection of jewelry is wonderful. It has some exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as sea life and other fine jewelry. You will see some amazing custom make pieces here. Every time we visit we find the staff to be very helpful, always taking their time with us and eager to answer any questions we have.
Bridge Street Bazaar is such a cute shop with lots of beachy things, summer shoes, hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, purses and those delish coconut patties you can only get in Florida!
Back Alley Treasures is funky little spot. It’s like walking into a treasure chest full of original little treasures you won’t find at home. The Back Alley is home to several local artists’ work, unique jewelry, handmade gifts, great coffee and tasty treats. They don’t just sell home brewed coffee, they also serve espresso creations either hot or cold, island smoothies, frozen lemonade, as well as craft beer & fabulous wine.Live music on popular Bridge Street happens nightly and often in the afternoon as well. On any given day you might hear rock, blues, country, steel drum, and even Irish music. With a lot of great local talent on Anna Maria Island there is always a spot on Bridge Street to sit back and relax or get up and dance. The great thing about Bridge Street is if you don’t care from one s few minute walk will take you to another that’s more suited to your taste.
Restaurants are plentiful on Bridge Street. A few of our favourites are:
Bridge Tender Inn – Indoor or outdoor dining with live entertainment. Great food and entertainment too! Right on the water overlooking Sarasota Bay with awesome views, great tropical drinks and good service.
-Island Creperie – We love this restaurant. Great food and service. Serve breakfast and early lunch and only open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
-Island Time – Right across from the beach this is a fun place to grab some food, drinks and listen to music. Nice indoor or outside seating. Always good live entertainment.
-Bridge Street Bistro – We have always had excellent meals here. The food is awesome with good drinks and a nice wine menu. Nice dining room with white table clothes. Located on the second floor offers a great view, a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Parking is limited on Bridge Street, so we recommend leaving your car at the condo and walking or using the FREE island trolley (there is a stop right in front of our condo).
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