In the News - Tradewinds Resort

Island Honors
Anna Maria Island is the family-friendly destination that earns kudos near and far
By Kate Pursell

Take a stroll or go fishing from the Anna Maria City Pier

The little tyke on the Anna Maria City Pier was as cute as a button in his Tommy Bahama-style shirt (just like dad's) and his khaki cargo shorts.

The Hallworth family was visiting from snowy Grand Rapids, Mich., and the youngest Hallworth man was in for some serious fishin' as he cast his line in the shimmering waters and declared, "I'm going to catch a fish." He got a thumbs up from dad, who beamed as the balmy and picture-perfect weather made him remark, "I'd be shoveling snow right now."

Welcome to blissful, beautiful Anna Maria Island, where the only snow you'll find is of the snow cone variety and where "family-friendly" could be the island's motto.

In recent years, the secret has definitely come out about where to take the entire family to go to revel in gorgeous waters, wriggle your toes in sugary-soft sand and enjoy a just-caught grouper sandwich.

First, Life magazine named Anna Maria Island one of eight "Island Escapes" to cure any blues you might have. And this little slice of heaven on Florida's Gulf coast, just west of Bradenton, shared that honor with Maui, Bermuda and Jeykll Island, Georgia, among others. Then TripAdvisor TravelCast ranked it number one of the Ten Hot U.S. Destinations for 2007 (sharing the list with Kailua, Hawaii and Vail and Breckenbridge, Colorado).

Why the accolades? The 7-mile-long island and its beach towns (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and

Bradenton Beach) are chockfull of gorgeous beaches where the entire family can kick back on soft white sand, scan the shoreline for beautiful shells, swim in the turquoise Gulf of Mexico waters and even catch some boogie-board action.

You might want to rent bikes or scooters, or maybe take to the water for a sightseeing boat tour, kayak ride or a half- or full-day inshore or near-shore fishing adventure (Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters is a good one to try). To get a truly delightful view of the entire island, make sure you take a ride on the free open-air trolley that runs up and down the island.

Anna Maria Island's soft white sand is perfect for
sunbathing and playing

You might want to rent bikes or scooters, or maybe take to the water for a sightseeing boat tour, kayak ride or a half- or full-day inshore or near-shore fishing adventure (Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters is a good one to try). To get a truly delightful view of the entire island, make sure you take a ride on the free open-air trolley that runs up and down the island.

Or, just chill. Get comfy in a beach chair and watch the kids play on jungle gyms at the Anna Maria Park, while you get an incredible view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

All that activity is sure to make you hungry, and lucky you: choose from cool, Old Florida-style spots to upscale restaurants and everything in-between. There are enough choices to satisfy everyone's appetite and wallet.

Ed Chiles, son of Florida's late governor Lawton Chiles, owns three favorites. The Gulf-front Sandbar is a must for a grouper sandwich – here you can savor the sandwich (and incredible sunsets) while relaxing on the deck and listening to live music. At the BeachHouse, also right on the Gulf, watch the kiddies dive into plates

The Tradewinds Resort features
cottages ideal for families

of popcorn shrimp while you swoon over the lobster ravioli. At the Old Florida-style MarVista, sit under the oak trees, gaze at the gorgeous Intracoastal Waterway and enjoy a center-cut sirloin. Save room for the key lime pie.

You'll need a spot to hang your bathing suit and stash all the kids' beach gear. Anna Maria Island has everything from bed and breakfasts to motels to condos to beachfront resorts, and if your "doorstep" isn't right on these highly lauded beaches, it sure is close!

Nestle yourself in at the charming and casual Tortuga Inn Beach Resort, where you'll find serene and lovely apartment suites, hotel rooms and studios set amongst lush foliage and tropical flowers. True heaven for families. Two shimmering pools and a fishing pier on the Intracoastal and a private beach entrance – and do we have to leave?

Only if it means we can scoot down the road to the Tradewinds Resort, a true gem of a spot where pastel-colored cottages with flowering vines on the arbors line a private, palm-tree-filled oasis. Tranquility reigns supreme here – as it does all over the island – so once you arrive, go ahead and adjust your watch to laid-back island time.

For more information on family activities on Florida's Gulf Islands of Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key and the Bradenton Area, contact the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 941-729-9177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com.

Kate Pursell is a freelance writer based in Sarasota.

Last modified on Mar 08, 2007