We had the wonderful excuse to visit the Sunshine State last week with dear friends of ours because of a business meeting. It was so incredibly good for the soul. The weather is still a bit mild in Florida this time of year so we enjoyed many a brisk walk on the beach with warm lattes. It was lovely to fill up the soul without any goals or pressure to tackle a bunch of activities. My husband’s business partner, Andrew, his wife Mary and their two girls, Olivia & Jocelyn spent the week with us! They are also Ohio natives from the same community we are from and moved to WV along with Wayne before opening up the office together with him. It is a wonderful comfort to have them here with us and they have become the kind of dear friends that are like family. So it was lovely to share a house with them in Anna Maria Island and spend time together! We took many many walks together on the beach and to the sweetest little town on the island, with stroller and baby in toe, and always sweet Olivia’s hand in someones else’s. Lots of coffee and breakfast were made together, fresh fruit & seafood consumed and splashing and lounging by the pool. We even had the pleasure of grilling one night with other friends that were also in town. I got to spent an afternoon with a dear friend of mine who moved to Florida a year ago & walked the beach with another friend who was celebrating graduating college. I am wonderfully assured that relationship is the best investment we make in this life and the essence of all the deepest beauty in the world. I am reminded of one my favorite quotes, which I think resonates with my focus on love and intimacy. “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
Anna Maria Island Travel GuideI love quaint little Islands where you can walk around from place to place easily. If you are looking for a quiet low-key vacation - Anna Maria Island is the place for you! We stayed near the City Pier/ Holmes beach area. This is the quaintest little town with cute shops and great places to eat. I would recommend staying within walking distance of here.
ACCOMMODATION | Beach Pearl, Vacasa
BEACH | Holmes Beach is lovely and you will likely enjoy any part that you walk out to closest to where you're staying but the further north the beach gets a little smoother.
FOOD
The Donut Experiment | Warm cake donuts ready for your to custom order with toppings like bacon, graham crackers and fruity pebbles.
Ginny & Jane E's Bakery & Cafe | Amazing homemade cinnamon rolls, scones, lots of other pasties, espresso and decadent and hardy breakfast. An eclectic place to sit with the family!
Cortez Cafe | The Locals favorite hardy breakfast diner. Eggs Benedict Specials.
Anna Maria Island Bakery & Creamery | Macarons, gelato, espresso, truffles, & a small selection of pastries (I snagged up a chocolate croissant one day!).
The Sandbar | One of the nicest dining experiences on the beach with amazing seafood. Great for date night although Wayne & I also enjoyed crab cake and scallops for lunch! I would recommend making a reservation.
The Feast | Another amazing seafood and pasta choice without the ambiance of the beach.
Harry's Grill | Great place for burgers, seafood & live music on the patio.
Island Fresh Market | Choose from many of the local seafood markets and pick up some fresh lobster dip for your cheese board. We ate shrimp and cocktail sauce by the pound!
FARMER'S MARKET | There's a wonderful Farmer's Market at Coquina Beach on Sunday's & Wednesday's, check their Facebook page for updates!