Brace yourself Holmes Beach. Trip Advisor just spilled your secret

We’re not sure who at Trip Advisor would be under the impression that Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island doesn’t already draw big crowds, but the popular website ranked the island city as one of the top seven “delightfully low-key Florida beach towns you might not know about.”

The website’s indicators for choosing the top seven locations include that these towns are known for, “their slower pace and for conjuring up memories of ‘Old Florida.’ So if you’re looking for a Florida beach trip without all the crowds, find your next vacation spot,” at these locations.

We still can’t be sure if this writer has ever tried to drive to Holmes Beach from Bradenton on Manatee Avenue during season, but let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.

“Holmes Beach is a small town on Anna Maria Island in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Tampa Bay,” the writer states on Trip Advisor’s website.

(It’s always good to give the “just south of Tampa Bay” location because it’s not like anyone knows we are here? Right?)

“It boasts miles of gorgeous white sandy beaches, emerald Gulf waters, and abundant sunshine. If you want to spend a day on the water, there is excellent fishing in the waters surrounding Anna Maria Island,” he goes on to say.

“Enjoy a beach picnic with the locals (Who? Us?) under the Australian Pines, or find a secluded cove and enjoy some private sunbathing.”

Hmm. We aren’t saying such a cove exists, but if it does, it probably won’t be so private for long.

“Prefer an animated beach crowd? Then the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts at ‘Cafe on the Beach’ is your scene,” the writer concludes

Okie dokie then.

Holmes Beach officials could not immediately be contacted on Saturday when Trip Advisor’s report came out.

The other top six “low-key” destinations include Venice, Cocoa Beach, Englewood, Daytona Beach Shores, Lauderdale By the Sea and Longboat Key.

Granted, the rankings consider these beaches “low-key” in comparison to places like Miami’s South Beach, Key West and “Orlando.” (Are there beaches in Orlando?) But Trip Advisor goes on to say these particular destinations, “aren’t quite as widely known.”

See you all on Manatee Avenue as we wait through four-to-five light cycles, enjoying our 45-minute ride to Holmes Beach.

This story was originally published December 8, 2019 at 6:30 AM.