Guide To Anna Maria

You all have been asking since we arrived in Anna Maria for all our fave spots  [ in no particular order ] so I have pulled together a guide to Anna Maria - our little paradise. We have officially adapted to the beach life and I didn't think it would happen so quickly. Anna Maria has amazing food, the greatest sunsets and the people are just the best. We are now 'let's take a dip in the ocean in the middle of the day' people and I am so into it. 

Skinny’s - The best burger on the island, my fave for a midday beer and burger! Whitney’s - The queso is sooo good and they have fun drinks and great decor!

The Waterfront - I have to be honest, I haven't been here yet...but everyone loves it and speaks highly of it! The wait is long so don't come starving lol. The Donut Experiment - Donuts, need I say more? But this is a MUST - they make your *customized* donuts right on the spot. It smells like straight heaven. Peach's - Best breakfast on the island! Hole in the wall country, down home cookin’ - and Quinn's very fave. The Doctors Office - Kind of like a speak easy vibe - fun for cocktails and small bites - their cheeseboard is so good! You sit down, order a drink and they give you a single serve bag of salty Lays potato chips. My kinda place! Oh, also, they have cocktails to go! 

Poppos - I could eat my weight in Mexican food and this does not disappoint - the black bean quesadilla is amazing...add carnitas! The Waffle Press - Ohhh man, imagine a slightly sugary crisp waffle with an egg and bacon smushed between it. Yah, are you drooling?  AMI Beach Cafe: All you can eat pancakes, everyday! Graze Street AMI: Located right behind the inn! Great for sandwiches and baked goods! Kojo (Sarasota): Elevated delish Japanese. Artisan Cheese Company: They change the menu weekly, so fresh and delicious! We usually order one of everything because it’s all so good! Jack Dusty's (Sarasota): Great cocktails at the Ritz. Buttermilk (Sarasota): Coffee shop and Bakery.

Shopping: The Fox Mercantile - Opening June 8th, 2023! West Coast Surf Shop  - The sweetest owners and perfect for local finds. Driftwood Beach Home and Garden  - My favorite little store in Longboat Key! It has something for everyone and it curated so beautifully.  UTC  is the mall close by [ about 30 mins ] and they have the basic good stuff...Anthro, Free People, Urban, etc. Shiny Fish Emporium - Really cute whimsical shop where you can paint sand dollars .
Coffee:  Foxi Coffee - Opening June 8th, 2023! North Shore  - My love for North Shore runs deep - get the avotoast on wheat or the yo bowl with peanut butter. And their oat milk latte is my favorite. Life is too short for bad coffee, am I right?

Activities:  Long Walks to dinner or burgers - we love a good family walk, so when it involves walking to burgers and beer, I am for it. The island is only 7 miles long so depending on how long you like to walk, you can make it to anywhere. I love that! Rent a boat or kayak around the island - we got a boat for the 4th of July and it was the perfect day! They have this great sandbar that you can pull up to and it's like a great boat party all floating on this little part of this beautiful water - so amazing! Bradenton Marina has anything you need and is full service! The Toy Barn   - Travis is the sweetest and this is really the best place on the island for rentals ! He has the most amazing collection of 'toys' for so many activities and play! The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium - The kids loved this aquarium, we could have stayed there all day - there is so much to interact with and you can actually safely tough the animals! Plus it's open everyday of the year! The Anna Maria Trolle y is free for riders and runs from 6 am to 10 pm everyday - even if you just want to hop on and tour the island, you can't go wrong!

Anna Maria Pier - the prettiest views! It gets crowded but early morning is the best for taking a walk with your coffee and seeing what the fishermen are pulling up! They have amazing live music some nights on the end of the pier from @stocktonbros.music - the kids had so much fun dancing!   Bayfront Park   - Get there early for a fun, full day at the beach - it gets crowded but the views are incredible! Sunsets - I can't stress enough how amazing the sunsets are here. It's really every single night, but if you miss one night...just wait, tomorrow will be amazing. Photographer - If you want to capture your vacation professionally, I cannot recommend Christine Wozz enough! She is so good! Beach Suites - They setup the most incredible lounge experience on the beach, no thought needed and so beautiful!

Beach Church - Thursdays, Spring/Summer 7pm, Fall/Winter 5pm at 35th St Beach Access 

A nna Maria Yacht Charters - Donnie is the owner and driver of the boat. 941-504-9068 AMI Paddle - Paddle board/kayak tour, www.amipaddleboard.com Captain Matt Fishing Charters - Captainmatt.com, 941-447-9888 Beach Bum Rentals - Our guests can mention they are staying at the inn for 10% off. (941) 778-3316, beachbumsami.com AMI Escapes - Best place to rent a boat! They provide fun water toys and share so much of the island with you!  Fresh Coconuts Delivered - Amanda 310-922-7148, (941) 778-3316 Manatee Public Beach - Local beach with picnic tables, grills and a playground. Bayfront Park - Get there early for a fun, full day at the beach - it gets crowded but the views are incredible! 

We donate any leftover canned items to the local Church and Food Pantry on the Island - it's a great resource if you have anything leftover from your trip!
We are prepping this entire list - and I am sure there will be more - to have in each room at  Joie Inn ! We cannot wait for you all to visit our little island of beauty! xx