Last week was my husband’s birthday, and in June, I decided to book an Airbnb on Anna Maria Island in Florida. For birthdays I always try to do something special, and due to current circumstances, I figured that being at a beach house would be the “safest vacation” we could do.

Last week Monday, my grandfather unexpectedly passed away, so we thought it would be best to cancel the trip, but because of the cancellation policy, we would get less than half of the money refunded, we didn’t cancel.

As weird as it may sound, I’m glad we didn’t cancel the trip because it was helpful to get away and distract my mind for a bit. I’m still grieving, and it will be a WHILE until I’m back to “normal,” but the trip help to distract me instead of being home and try to force myself to get through the day to day routine of working.

THURSDAY

We arrived at the beach house in the afternoon, we got settled, went to eat ice cream – which was walking distance, and then caught the sunset at the beach.

Bradenton Beach was where our Airbnb was located, and it was conveniently located close to everything on the island, although the island is only 7 miles long from North to South LOL.

Friday

We started with having breakfast at Island Creperie French Bistro, which again was walking distance from where we stayed.

I ordered the “Big French Breakfast,” which came with two crepes filled with strawberry jelly, french toast (first time trying it), and croissant all covered with powdered sugar. Hubby ordered their fresh strawberry crepes with fried cube potatoes. Everything was so delightful, and this breakfast spot is highly recommended.

Then we rode the free trolley to our next destination.

The trolley is free to travel on the island, but they do accept donations.

The Donut Experiment located on Pine Avenue has fresh, made-to-order donuts with your choice of icings and toppings!

Due to social distancing right now, only one person per party may go inside to place the order for the donuts. They have a paper outside where you choose the toppings and icing you would like and how many donuts.

Hubby ordered vanilla icing with sprinkles topping. I ordered two donuts, one with vanilla icing and Oreo toppings; the other was chocolate icing with sprinkles topping. If I had not been so full from breakfast, I would have ordered more because they were AMAZING!

Afterward, we continued walking down Pine Avenue and found the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum.  Admission to the museum is free, but they do accept donations. I had not realized how much history Anna Maria Island had until I was walking through the museum.

Outside you can walk through the Old City Jail, which was built in 1927 to place the drunks during the night. The jail was used until the roof caught fire in the 1940s, but they kept the structure standing, and it is now used as a photo op for visitors.

 

 

We then walked to the Anna Maria City Pier, which is at the end of Pine Avenue.

 

 

Back on the trolley, we went to go to our Airbnb and get ready to head to the beach. But this time we went to Manatee Beach.

I fell in love with this beach as soon as I saw the water! I knew Anna Maria Island had beautiful beaches, but you have to experience it for yourself because pictures do not do it justice. The water was warm and so calm, barely any waves. It was perfect.

After about an hour in the water, my husband got hungry, so we went to Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe, which is right on the beach. I honestly did not know what to expect from the food, but let me tell you. IT WAS DELICIOUS!

 

I had the chicken tacos, and hubby had a cheeseburger with cheese fries!

Back to the water, we went for a few more hours and then went to get ready for dinner. Our host at the museum suggested three restaurants at Cortez, Florida, which is a historic fishing village, and from the three, we decided to try Swordfish Grill. 

Swordfish Grill has fresh seafood, live entertainment, and waterview seating. It was a whole vibe!

 

For the appetizer, we ordered the grouper ceviche.

Hubby ordered the fried red snapper fish with mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies. I don’t know what they put into the mashed potatoes, but it was GOOD!

I ordered a dozen of Garlic Parmesan Oysters, and I wish I could have more right now!

We definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is visiting Anna Maria Island, and I cannot wait to return to try more dishes.

Saturday

This day was our last day as we had cut our trip a day shorter due to the passing of my grandfather, and we decided to start the day at the beach.

 

The morning has become my favorite time of the day to visit the beach.

We talked, listened to the Bible, talked some more, then we got hungry, and headed to Keke’s Breakfast Cafe.

It was my first time eating at Keke’s because every time I went, there was a long waiting time, but this time, no wait. 😊

I ordered french toast, (I really like it now), pancake, turkey bacon, and potatoes. My husband ordered a ham, cheese, and green peppers omelet, with toast and potatoes. Also, a waffle that isn’t pictured LOL.

Overall the trip to Anna Maria Island was perfect! I cannot wait to return and explore more of the island. It has become one of my favorite Florida beach destinations. If you plan on visiting, let me know what you plan on seeing, or if you’ve already gone, tell me your favorite things about the island!

Cannot wait to continue traveling and sharing our experiences with you guys! Thank you SO much for reading!!

With love, Heidy

 

Let’s connect!

Twitter.com/HeidyReynoso13

Instagram.com/Heidyspoems

Facebook.com/Heidyreynoso13