From the bay side of Anna Maria Island you can catch the lights of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and make out the large expanse of city beyond. Somewhere out there on February 1, just off the Dale Mabry Highway, is Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and for one night only, focus of the world's gaze as Super Bowl XLIII hits town.
Thousands of fans from Arizona and Pittsburgh will be descending on our corner of Florida for the week as they get ready to get behind their team's chance to make history. Will it be the Cardinals' first-ever Super Bowl win, or the Steelers' record sixth? It's a tough one to call, but will surely be another classic game held in Tampa.
We also hope that some of those visitors make it over the water to Anna Maria Island, where we can offer the ideal spot to relax while you await the big day, or get over the heartache of losing by putting things back in perspective.
Visit us at annamaria.com for the best selection of private rentals on the island, and forget about your worries and your strife...
Monday, 19 January 2009
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Yacht a performance
Anna Maria Island will have some presence when Super Bowl 43 rolls into Tampa next month. We don't yet know whose fans will be coming to visit us for the biggest game of the year, but Galati Yachts will be flying the flag for AMI, as it did at the 2001 Super Bowl in Tampa between the New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens.
Before that game, the NFL filmed did a segment on Galati Marine that was televised leading up to the game. This year, Chris Galati told the Islander newspaper, the NFL made a different offer.
“We’ve been invited to bring a luxury yacht for display alongside Jackson’s Restaurant at Harbor Island in Tampa during one of the parties,” said Galati. The party will be hosted by Jim Carrey and Carmen Electra. “We’re trying to work out the details now." Tough job, but someone's got to do it...
Before that game, the NFL filmed did a segment on Galati Marine that was televised leading up to the game. This year, Chris Galati told the Islander newspaper, the NFL made a different offer.
“We’ve been invited to bring a luxury yacht for display alongside Jackson’s Restaurant at Harbor Island in Tampa during one of the parties,” said Galati. The party will be hosted by Jim Carrey and Carmen Electra. “We’re trying to work out the details now." Tough job, but someone's got to do it...
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Anna Maria firmly on the map
we're still flavor of the month for Vacationers longing for a laid-back, old-time Florida, according to a couple of articles featured in the AMI Sun.
Articles in recent editions of USA Today, Baltimore Magazine and the increased internet traffic have really put our island on the map, it says.
It states: 'According to Chamber figures, visitors increased by 311 percent, with new visits up 280 per cent and internet search engine traffic up 240 percent.'In its current issue, Baltimore Magazine calls the Island "a mostly unknown strip of paradise" that serves as a hideaway for celebrities Stephen King, Jerry Springer, Maria Sharapova, Graeme Edge and Jimmy Van Zandt.
'It’s a great place to escape Tampa’s Super Bowl crowds on Feb. 1 and relax in a beach chair, according to the writer, who recommends the Sandbar, Beach Bistro and Gulf Drive Café for dining and Bridgewalk, Tortuga Inn and Harrington House Bed and Breakfast for accommodations.
'Ringling Museum, Bishop Planetarium and St. Armands Circle also get mentions, as do "poky oldsters" forcing vacationers to slow down and relax on the roads – whether they want to or not. In a Dec. 12 article, USA Today praises what the Island does not have – high-rise condos, chain hotels, fast food burger joints and rowdy, Key West-style sunsets – as much as what it offers.'So it's blue skies all the way for Anna Maria Island in 2009. If you haven't been here yet, better get your skates on.
Visit www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals
Articles in recent editions of USA Today, Baltimore Magazine and the increased internet traffic have really put our island on the map, it says.
It states: 'According to Chamber figures, visitors increased by 311 percent, with new visits up 280 per cent and internet search engine traffic up 240 percent.'In its current issue, Baltimore Magazine calls the Island "a mostly unknown strip of paradise" that serves as a hideaway for celebrities Stephen King, Jerry Springer, Maria Sharapova, Graeme Edge and Jimmy Van Zandt.
'It’s a great place to escape Tampa’s Super Bowl crowds on Feb. 1 and relax in a beach chair, according to the writer, who recommends the Sandbar, Beach Bistro and Gulf Drive Café for dining and Bridgewalk, Tortuga Inn and Harrington House Bed and Breakfast for accommodations.
'Ringling Museum, Bishop Planetarium and St. Armands Circle also get mentions, as do "poky oldsters" forcing vacationers to slow down and relax on the roads – whether they want to or not. In a Dec. 12 article, USA Today praises what the Island does not have – high-rise condos, chain hotels, fast food burger joints and rowdy, Key West-style sunsets – as much as what it offers.'So it's blue skies all the way for Anna Maria Island in 2009. If you haven't been here yet, better get your skates on.
Visit www.annamaria.com for the very best in vacation rentals
Monday, 5 January 2009
Start as you mean to go on
Happy New Year! Why not make 2009 the year you spend some time with us down on Anna Maria Island?
We have so much to offer the vacationing family, all through the year.
Seven miles long with perfect unbroken beaches along the length of its western shore, Anna Maria Island has always attracted discerning travelers in search of a little piece of paradise. You can discover it for yourself simply by crossing one of the two bridges connecting the island to the mainland of Manatee County, Florida, and letting the magic of the island do the rest.
Travel along Gulf Drive to enjoy the individual delights of the three diverse cities which make up the island: Anna Maria at the north end, Holmes Beach in the center and Bradenton Beach wrapping around its southern tip. Each adds a different but essential ingredient to the island's unique flavor, making your stay varied and ever-changing.
Despite being home for many of the island's residents, the entire City of Anna Maria has been designated a wildlife sanctuary and you can expect to see a wide variety of birds there, along with bottle-nosed dolphins and manatees in the crystal clear waters around its beaches, which are also a prime nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.
Holmes Beach is the largest of the three cities and covers a three-mile stretch of shoreline looking out to the Gulf of Mexico on its western edge and the tranquil waters of Anna Maria Sound to the east. Holmes Beach offers the opportunity for some retail therapy and plenty of fine restaurants. Bradenton Beach, meanwhile, presents a laid-back, traditional Floridian experience, with miles of uninterrupted sand, beachside restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops in the historic old town district.
Wherever you stay on the island you are never far from a beautiful, sun-kissed beach and 80-degree sea temperatures, guaranteed to help you unwind. But if all that relaxation gets too much there are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, all types of water sports, shelling, tennis and the chance to enjoy the numerous top-class golf courses nearby. Anna Maria Island is also just one hour from the many attractions of Tampa and two hours from Orlando.
Whether on your own, as a couple, a family or large party, we want to make your time on the island as peaceful and stress-free as possible. We offer and range of luxury, five-star vacation villas, each with their own private pools, or first-class condos with direct beachfront views. Our standards are high, with sumptuous furnishings, thick pillow top mattresses, freshly laundered towels and linens, clean, fresh kitchens and bathrooms and a rare attention to detail as standard.
So come and stay a while with us in a truly special place – and fall under the spell of Anna Maria Island yourself. Visit annamaria.com for more information
We have so much to offer the vacationing family, all through the year.
Seven miles long with perfect unbroken beaches along the length of its western shore, Anna Maria Island has always attracted discerning travelers in search of a little piece of paradise. You can discover it for yourself simply by crossing one of the two bridges connecting the island to the mainland of Manatee County, Florida, and letting the magic of the island do the rest.
Travel along Gulf Drive to enjoy the individual delights of the three diverse cities which make up the island: Anna Maria at the north end, Holmes Beach in the center and Bradenton Beach wrapping around its southern tip. Each adds a different but essential ingredient to the island's unique flavor, making your stay varied and ever-changing.
Despite being home for many of the island's residents, the entire City of Anna Maria has been designated a wildlife sanctuary and you can expect to see a wide variety of birds there, along with bottle-nosed dolphins and manatees in the crystal clear waters around its beaches, which are also a prime nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.
Holmes Beach is the largest of the three cities and covers a three-mile stretch of shoreline looking out to the Gulf of Mexico on its western edge and the tranquil waters of Anna Maria Sound to the east. Holmes Beach offers the opportunity for some retail therapy and plenty of fine restaurants. Bradenton Beach, meanwhile, presents a laid-back, traditional Floridian experience, with miles of uninterrupted sand, beachside restaurants and an eclectic mix of shops in the historic old town district.
Wherever you stay on the island you are never far from a beautiful, sun-kissed beach and 80-degree sea temperatures, guaranteed to help you unwind. But if all that relaxation gets too much there are plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, all types of water sports, shelling, tennis and the chance to enjoy the numerous top-class golf courses nearby. Anna Maria Island is also just one hour from the many attractions of Tampa and two hours from Orlando.
Whether on your own, as a couple, a family or large party, we want to make your time on the island as peaceful and stress-free as possible. We offer and range of luxury, five-star vacation villas, each with their own private pools, or first-class condos with direct beachfront views. Our standards are high, with sumptuous furnishings, thick pillow top mattresses, freshly laundered towels and linens, clean, fresh kitchens and bathrooms and a rare attention to detail as standard.
So come and stay a while with us in a truly special place – and fall under the spell of Anna Maria Island yourself. Visit annamaria.com for more information
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Reward put up for missing woman
The latest news on the missing Haleys Motel co-owner Sabine Musil-Buehler is that the Gold Club of Manatee are offering a reward for news about her.
Here is an extract from the breaking news story on The Islander website:
The club is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Musil-Buehler or information leading to the person or persons responsible for her disappearance.
Also, a reward account established by friends and family exists at Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, in the name of the Sabine Buehler Benefit Fund.
The missing person report describes her as about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 136 pounds, with silver hair, green eyes and a German accent.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011, ext. 2519, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
Visit The Islander site here Read the full story here
Come stay with us on Anna Maria Island at annamaria.com
Here is an extract from the breaking news story on The Islander website:
The club is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of Musil-Buehler or information leading to the person or persons responsible for her disappearance.
Also, a reward account established by friends and family exists at Whitney Bank, 5324 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, in the name of the Sabine Buehler Benefit Fund.
The missing person report describes her as about 5 feet 6 inches tall, 136 pounds, with silver hair, green eyes and a German accent.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 747-3011, ext. 2519, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.
Visit The Islander site here Read the full story here
Come stay with us on Anna Maria Island at annamaria.com
Monday, 29 December 2008
Get over the Christmas blues
Hello there, hope you had a great Christmas. Well, now it's all over for another year why not remind yourself of the finer things in life with a stay on Anna Maria Island?
We're about to head into our peak season and what better time to visit this jewel of a vacation destination than right now? Taking a vacation on Anna Maria Island before the place gets busier than usual is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather without the crowds, get some sand between your toes and have the beach to yourself at sunset.
The temperature here is currently 80 degrees, and it won't dip much below that all week, and yet the crowds don't start arriving for a few weeks yet. You can have all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausages on the patio at the Beach Cafe, stroll along the shoreline and head into Holmes Beach for some vacation mementos, before lazing by the pool in the afternoon. Life is tough on Anna Maria.
Check out the very best in vacation rentals at our website annamaria.com
We're about to head into our peak season and what better time to visit this jewel of a vacation destination than right now? Taking a vacation on Anna Maria Island before the place gets busier than usual is a great way to enjoy the fantastic weather without the crowds, get some sand between your toes and have the beach to yourself at sunset.
The temperature here is currently 80 degrees, and it won't dip much below that all week, and yet the crowds don't start arriving for a few weeks yet. You can have all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausages on the patio at the Beach Cafe, stroll along the shoreline and head into Holmes Beach for some vacation mementos, before lazing by the pool in the afternoon. Life is tough on Anna Maria.
Check out the very best in vacation rentals at our website annamaria.com
Wednesday, 24 December 2008
Good news for everyone
A spot of good Christmas news for rentals agents, hoteliers and anyone connected with the vacation business on Anna Maria Island (that's pretty much everyone then) came with the publication of an article extolling the virtues of our wonderful island paradise.
According to a report in the Islander Newspaper, USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey's piece has had an immediate effect on inquiries to the Chamber of Commerce from interested vacationers.
The report reads:
A travel story in the Dec. 11 issue of USA Today about vacationing on Anna Maria Island spawned a frenzy of telephone calls and e-mails to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from people looking for accommodation information.
Writer Kitty Bean Yancey’s story described the “Old Florida feel of Anna Maria Island,” particularly the Cedar Cove resort, where the writer stayed a few weeks ago.
Yancey wrote about quiet scenery, no crowds, no chain motels or hotels, no high-rise condos and the “unassuming Old Florida” style of the Island.
Since the article appeared, readers saying they want a vacation far from the bright lights of South Beach, Panama City or Fort Lauderdale have been burning up the telephone lines to the chamber.
“We were swamped after the article appeared,” said chamber president Mary Ann Brockman.
“We had hundreds of telephone calls in one day and close to a thousand e-mails.”
Looks like our little secret is out! Have a great Christmas everyone, see you all soon on Anna Maria. And if you really want to stay in the best the island has to offer, visit annamaria.com
According to a report in the Islander Newspaper, USA Today writer Kitty Bean Yancey's piece has had an immediate effect on inquiries to the Chamber of Commerce from interested vacationers.
The report reads:
A travel story in the Dec. 11 issue of USA Today about vacationing on Anna Maria Island spawned a frenzy of telephone calls and e-mails to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce from people looking for accommodation information.
Writer Kitty Bean Yancey’s story described the “Old Florida feel of Anna Maria Island,” particularly the Cedar Cove resort, where the writer stayed a few weeks ago.
Yancey wrote about quiet scenery, no crowds, no chain motels or hotels, no high-rise condos and the “unassuming Old Florida” style of the Island.
Since the article appeared, readers saying they want a vacation far from the bright lights of South Beach, Panama City or Fort Lauderdale have been burning up the telephone lines to the chamber.
“We were swamped after the article appeared,” said chamber president Mary Ann Brockman.
“We had hundreds of telephone calls in one day and close to a thousand e-mails.”
Looks like our little secret is out! Have a great Christmas everyone, see you all soon on Anna Maria. And if you really want to stay in the best the island has to offer, visit annamaria.com
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