I am on the lovely Anna Maria Island in Florida's gulf right now. My parents have been coming here for about 9 years now and they seem to be darn close to moving here!
I haven't seen much in the way of great shops. As expected all are pretty devoted to the tourist crowd. You can buy anything with a shell or dolphin on it! I have seen one or two that might be good hunting grounds depending on prices. Yesterday I saw a McCoy vase for $57...not a rare or uncommon one.
(This is the MOON setting in the gulf the morning of April 9th.)Does Anna Maria Island sound familiar? Recently the island was featured in Southern Living magazine. The crowds are a little larger than usual because of the article and also because of the Easter weekend. The other night we had a 2 hour wait for carry out from the local barbeque haunt "Mr. Bones". But it was worth it...we were glad to wait. Makes me think "Recession? What recession?". I'll take it as a glimmer of hope for small businesses everywhere!
(My daughter Grace and I created this sunbathing mermaid on the beach at Bean Point.)I have had one BIG find that you can read about on David McRee's blog titled Blog the Beach. I am now keeping a bottle of vinegar in my beach tote.
That mermaid is cute. The moon, beautiful. Nothing like the moon at night to soothe the soul.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Great Man of war pictures although I really dont know what one looks like. The really big article that kicked all the positive press off for Anna Maria Island was the USA today article on DEC 12th. Most small businesses are doing very well on the island. I do have a bunch of shopping information on my blog at www.blog.IslandReal.com and if you dont find what you need there just email me. I will let you know where to go if it is even on the island. Great pics, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMy family just got home from vacationing at Anna Maria Island. I highly recommend eating dinner at the Rod & Reel Pier. The food was great and we watched dolphins swimming and jumping the whole evening. Also, you should go to the point (northern point of the island) for sunset. It is spectacular! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Anna Maria Island mention. It's truly a special place. Not too many antique stores on the island, but a great boutique to check out is the Sand Dollar and for unique finds, Ginny & Jane E's at the Old IGA. if you want to cross the bridge to Bradenton you'll find some one-of-a-kind pieces in the Village of the Arts - http://www.floridasgulfislands.com/see/shopping.php
ReplyDeleteGentry
You must be enjoying this very temperate weather we're having! Perfect! Not too hot/humid yet and breezy! I'm only about 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes from you -- sending thoughts of a relaxing time your way!
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Ruth
Great pics...so glad you are enjoying yourself.. The beach looks great..
ReplyDeleteJanet
Oh your so close to Orlando u can stop by my house and see everything that I have to pack in my suitcase from your store.. I was in Ohio last weekend and bought some really cute stuff from Urban Farmhouse:)
ReplyDeleteHi, just wanted to introduce myself. I'm visiting your blog from Living with Lindsay, and just realized that you're in Ohio, and less than an hour from me! I'll have to come over for a visit sometime, your shop looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteKimm
Oh it sounds so lovely! Enjoy your time.
ReplyDeleteI love our Spring visits to Gulf Coast Fla and will have to consider Anna Maria next year. We enjoyed 12 days of outstanding weather in March. Can't wait to see what you unearth there.
ReplyDeleteBonnie (in Missouri)
Love LOVE the sleeping mermaid! How creative. Would you mind if I posted a photo link to your blog from mine in an upcoming article on beachcottagestyle.blogspot.com?
ReplyDeleteThanks! Barbara
Love Anna Maria Island! We have been going for about 6yrs on Memorial Day weekend. So old Florida. Sure wish we bought back in the 50-60's.
ReplyDeleteIf you are still there you should really try breakfast at the Island Creperie - their Organic Buckwheat Crepes with eggs, bacon, and cheese is amazing!!! And honestly I am normally a dessert person and that was all I ordered the few times we ate there.
ReplyDeleteMy inlaws live in Sarasota- every time we visit, we head to venice Beach, and Siesta Key- and I swear that next year I'm moving down there. By next I mean before I die, lol.
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