Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are Manatee County’s best-kept secrets.
The two barrier islands offer a taste of Old Florida charm that’s fast disappearing from the Sunshine State. Instead of fast food franchises, mega strip malls with neon lit T-shirt shops and walls of condominiums blocking the ocean view, these two islands offer secluded beaches and real towns where people live year round.
That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of choices for snowbirds and tourists. But don’t look for cookie-cutter resorts and hotels. Seasonal and short-term accommodations blend in with the residential ambiance.
In recent years, the islands’ pristine beaches have drawn an ever-increasing number of international snowbirds. Anna Maria is divided into three towns — Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and the City of Anna Maria. The northern half of Longboat Key is home to the Village of Longboat, with its cluster of tabby block houses from the 1920s. Tabby blocks are a type of cement block made with ground shells. A flock of peacocks can often be seen wandering through the village streets. Here’s a short list of attractions on both islands that bear exploration:
BEAN POINT
Bean Point sits at the northernmost tip of Anna Maria Island. Look for the narrow trail on North Shore Drive that marks the beach access. Wander through the pines and over the dunes to one of the most breath-taking views to be found of Tampa Bay and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. ANNA MARIA PIER This Old Florida pier is at the eastern end of Pine Avenue in the City of Anna Maria. By day a fisherman’s delight and by night a romantic spot to watch the sunset or the moon rise.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY PARK
The Anna Maria Historical Society park, also on Pine Avenue, tells the story of what the island looked like nearly a century ago when mainlanders had to take the ferry to reach the beach.
LEFFIS KEY
Leffis Key, a county park across from Coquina Beach on the south end of Anna Maria, offers nature walks down shell paths and boardwalks along a natural seashore fringed with mangroves. An observation tower offers views of Sarasota Bay and beyond. BEER CAN ISLAND Beer Can Island, best approached by boat, is the curved beach that extends from the northern tip of Longboat Key across from Coquina Beach. Unspoiled, it’s surreal landscape of twisted driftwood and towering pines makes it look like a castaway island. Boaters often take to the beach with picnics.
PARASAILING
Parasailing along Bradenton Beach: Strap into a harness and take sail over the Gulf of Mexico. Several beachside concessions offer the thrilling rides.
ANNA MARIA ART LEAGUE
The Anna Maria Island Art League Center, 5312 Holmes Blvd. in Holmes Beach, includes a large exhibit/classroom, membership gallery/conference room, photo lab, art library and picnic grounds. The league sponsors the winterfest and springfest juried art shows. LONGBOAT KEY
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Longboat Key Center for the Arts, located in a tropical setting at the corner of Longboat Drive South and Hibiscus Way, offers a wide range of classes and art exhibits.
DONNA’S PICKS
Nighttime: Watching the sunset on the deck of the Sandbar Restaurant in the City of Anna Maria, followed by dinner and tropical music under the stars. Restaurant: The Waterfront, at 111 South Bay Blvd., great food, good wine, fantastic views of Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge, served in a cozy cottage setting.
Walk: Start at Rod and Reel Pier at the end of Alamanda Street in the City of Anna Maria, walk the beach around Bean Point then follow the surf south to the Sandbar. Bring a bag for shells and plenty of sunscreen.
Hangout: Duffy’s Tavern where Pat Geyer, the former mayor of Holmes Beach, serves the best hamburger and coldest beer on the island. Great escape: Rent a kayak and explore the bayside shoreline of Robinson Preserve in Holmes Beach. Great breakfast: Cafe on the Beach, located at the end of Manatee Avenue West. This beach-side restaurant offers the best Sunday pancake and sausage breakfast that can be enjoyed at seaside tables under colorful umbrellas.
Island history: The Anna Maria Island Historical Complex, at 402 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria, features a museum built in 1920 as an icehouse. Visit the famous old island jail, “no doors, no windows, no roof, no bars” and tour Belle Haven Cottage, a beautifully restored 1920 cracker house filled with period antiques and furnishings. And enjoy the “mangrove walk” of tropical plants and trees.
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