Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is my peaceful place. If I am ever in an unpleasant situation, I have a catalog of happy memories to choose from. Anna Maria is one of those items.

I have been lucky enough to enjoy this piece of paradise for my entire life. My grandparents had the foresight to buy property on the island and it has been our main vacation spot ever since. Most memories from childhood were made here or in Disney World.  In recent years, whenever I am there my grandparents are also there. I cannot verbalize how special they are to me. The week that I spend in Florida is great but would be just another beautiful location without them. This beautiful location is also in Manatee county, which I thoroughly appreciate 🙂

The island feels like old Florida. The pace is slower, the sun is always shining, and the decor is always bright and beach themed. Everything revolves around the beach, sun, and water. The island itself is only about a half a mile wide and 3 miles long. Though small, it is a place worth going to.

Because I have been there so many times, I have my favorite restaurants to eat at and activities to do while I am there. I was excited this year to finally show Maxwell part of who I am! He loved it, which made my heart full. He especially loved the food- no surprise- so here is his review of the food.

The island has been getting busier and busier with every passing year. Word of the natural beauty and authentic Florida feel has been traveling. It makes driving on the island somewhat of a nightmare because it was not designed for that many people. Additionally, one of my grandma’s biggest grievances has been lack of parking at her favorite local restaurants.

As my grandparents are getting older, I feel a small pit of anxiety in my stomach. For a few years I have actively thought, this could be my last time here with both of them, and that is not a day I look forward to. I will continue to love the space and feeling they created for as long as I possibly can.

This place will always be a priority travel destination.

I will end this post with some old family photos and some more recent ones. 🙂

-Leeann

Anna Maria Island 1991

Anna Maria Island 1991

Anna Maria Island 1998

Anna Maria Island 1998

Anna Maria Island 2004

Anna Maria Island 2008

Anna Maria Island 2008

Anna Maria Island 2009

Anna Maria Island 2010

Anna Maria Island 2010

Anna Maria Island 2010

Anna Maria Island 2011

Anna Maria Island 2014

Anna Maria Island 2014

Anna Maria Island 2012

Anna Maria Island 2016

Anna Maria Island 2016