Check out this latest travel feature on Anna Maria Island, by one of television's newest stars. And don't worry if you don't speak Manatee, there are subtitles.
If you're missing the place, why not book your next vacation now? Visit http://www.annamaria.com for the best in luxury vacation rentals on this paradise island.
And don't forget to tell them Marvin sent you...
Monday, 5 July 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Warming story on a cold day
Brrrr. It's been chilly in Anna Maria recently, but at least we humans can wrap up warm against the cold. Spare a thought for the poor animals who also call this wonderful place home.
Some of them are just not prepared for it, and sadly for them WalMart just doesn't make provision for animal-sized clothing.
As the Bradenton Herald reports, some of them even required rescuing. Among them were two small, juvenile green sea turtles which were brought to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium unable to move their flippers due to the cold.
One of them, who More staff have called Brady, was found by a fisherman on Bradenton Beach, and the other, called Squeaky, was found on Longboat Key.
If you happen to find a sea turtle on a local beach, either alive or dead, you really must call Turtle Watch at 232-1405.
The outlook for Squeaky and Brady looks good, but there have been an estimated 1,500 more “cold-stunned” turtles of all kinds which have been gathered over the past week who aren't so lucky.
The Herald also reports that state officials are also beginning to worry about manatees, which can suffer from cold stress syndrome when the water dips below 68 degrees.
So keep your eyes peeled. We all share this beautiful part of the world, if we can help our flippered friends in a time of need it goes without saying that it's our duty to help.
Come to Anna Maria Island, and stay with us at www.annamaria.com for the vacation of a lifetime
Some of them are just not prepared for it, and sadly for them WalMart just doesn't make provision for animal-sized clothing.
As the Bradenton Herald reports, some of them even required rescuing. Among them were two small, juvenile green sea turtles which were brought to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium unable to move their flippers due to the cold.
One of them, who More staff have called Brady, was found by a fisherman on Bradenton Beach, and the other, called Squeaky, was found on Longboat Key.
If you happen to find a sea turtle on a local beach, either alive or dead, you really must call Turtle Watch at 232-1405.
The outlook for Squeaky and Brady looks good, but there have been an estimated 1,500 more “cold-stunned” turtles of all kinds which have been gathered over the past week who aren't so lucky.
The Herald also reports that state officials are also beginning to worry about manatees, which can suffer from cold stress syndrome when the water dips below 68 degrees.
So keep your eyes peeled. We all share this beautiful part of the world, if we can help our flippered friends in a time of need it goes without saying that it's our duty to help.
Come to Anna Maria Island, and stay with us at www.annamaria.com for the vacation of a lifetime
Friday, 18 December 2009
Pier review suits the car-crew
The Bradenton Herald reports that Anna Maria's City Pier may be getting 'a companion boardwalk made of heavy timbers in time for the pier’s 100-year birthday in 2011'. Sounds interesting.
It continues. 'The proposed $877,000 boardwalk, or nature walk, which would run perpendicular to the pier, was part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s tentative five-year work program outlined Monday ... About 360 feet long and running on either side of the 740-foot pier, the walk will allow tourists to sit on benches and gaze out at the bay rather than have to sit in their cars'.
So we're building a great big boardwalk to try to coax out into the open those people choose to sit in their cars when outside the sun is shining and all the attractions of this part of the island are just the other side of the windshield?
Don't quite understand that. Why not just make access to the quiet part of the island around the northern tip a bit better? You can only park in a couple of places, there is only a few walkways between the houses and yet it's one of the nicest bits of beach.
Actually, on second thoughts. Let the car-crew stay over on the bay side, and we'll enjoy the peace and quiet to be found on Anna Maria for those willing to use their legs once in a while...
It continues. 'The proposed $877,000 boardwalk, or nature walk, which would run perpendicular to the pier, was part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s tentative five-year work program outlined Monday ... About 360 feet long and running on either side of the 740-foot pier, the walk will allow tourists to sit on benches and gaze out at the bay rather than have to sit in their cars'.
So we're building a great big boardwalk to try to coax out into the open those people choose to sit in their cars when outside the sun is shining and all the attractions of this part of the island are just the other side of the windshield?
Don't quite understand that. Why not just make access to the quiet part of the island around the northern tip a bit better? You can only park in a couple of places, there is only a few walkways between the houses and yet it's one of the nicest bits of beach.
Actually, on second thoughts. Let the car-crew stay over on the bay side, and we'll enjoy the peace and quiet to be found on Anna Maria for those willing to use their legs once in a while...
Friday, 27 November 2009
What's all that racket?
You might want to head over to the IMG Academy in Bradenton this week if you want to catch the next Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick or Ana Ivanovic. They all played in the Eddie Herr International Junior Championships in Bradenton - and look what happened to them.
All next week the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at the IMG facility will be buzzing as the top juniors from around the world slug it out.
This year more players from more places around the world sent in entry forms to have the opportunity to play in a tournament with age groups ranging from 18-under to 12-under. The numbers include almost 2,000 players from 200 countries.
There will be more than 30 of the top 100 ITF players in the world competing in the boys 18s division. Among the top Americans are Denis Vladimir Kudla, Mitchell H. Frank, Raymond Sarmiento, Harry Fowler, Junior Alexander Ore and Sekou Bangoura Jr., a Bradenton resident who will be playing tennis at the University of Florida.
Brit Heather Watson heads up the girls draw, having lost in the final in the girls 18s last year but won the 2009 Junior U.S. Open Championship in September. She is currently in the running to be named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in Great Britain.
The top American in the girls 18s is Beatrice Capra, who is ranked No. 29 by the ITF and has a WTA ranking of 705. Also in the field is Madison Keys, who won the Eddie Herr 14s division two years ago. That same year Melanie Oudin won the 18s title.
The tournament is open to the public at no charge. Call IMG Academies at 755-1000 for more information. For more details see the Bradenton Herald story here
And while you're there, why not stay in the best vacation rental accommodation available, with properties to suit everyone at www.annamaria.com
All next week the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at the IMG facility will be buzzing as the top juniors from around the world slug it out.
This year more players from more places around the world sent in entry forms to have the opportunity to play in a tournament with age groups ranging from 18-under to 12-under. The numbers include almost 2,000 players from 200 countries.
There will be more than 30 of the top 100 ITF players in the world competing in the boys 18s division. Among the top Americans are Denis Vladimir Kudla, Mitchell H. Frank, Raymond Sarmiento, Harry Fowler, Junior Alexander Ore and Sekou Bangoura Jr., a Bradenton resident who will be playing tennis at the University of Florida.
Brit Heather Watson heads up the girls draw, having lost in the final in the girls 18s last year but won the 2009 Junior U.S. Open Championship in September. She is currently in the running to be named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in Great Britain.
The top American in the girls 18s is Beatrice Capra, who is ranked No. 29 by the ITF and has a WTA ranking of 705. Also in the field is Madison Keys, who won the Eddie Herr 14s division two years ago. That same year Melanie Oudin won the 18s title.
The tournament is open to the public at no charge. Call IMG Academies at 755-1000 for more information. For more details see the Bradenton Herald story here
And while you're there, why not stay in the best vacation rental accommodation available, with properties to suit everyone at www.annamaria.com
Friday, 20 November 2009
Beat the crowds, book smart
Here's an interesting piece from the Smarter Travel website: www.smartertravel.com
November, December, and January tend to be hectic months, with several major holidays crammed into a short period. There are family celebrations to plan, gifts to purchase, and feasts to coordinate. Certainly, there's no time to take a vacation, right?
Wrong! If you have any flexibility in your schedule, you'll want to consider planning a trip immediately after the holidays to take advantage of low travel periods and great bargains. Known in the industry as travel "dead weeks," the weeks following Thanksgiving and New Year's (first week of December, first week of January) show a major drop in travel and tend to be a great time to snag a bargain.
This year, it seems you can find great deals through mid-December and throughout much of January, offering even greater flexibility. If you can extend your vacation time this year, or backload your vacation days following either holiday, you'll be able to find a deal on nearly any type of trip, from sunny getaways to ski outings and city escapes to secluded resorts.
It's a very valid point, and if you fancy taking advantage of some truly fantastic special offers check out www.annamaria.com for online discounts that will take your breath away. But never fear, there's no better place to regain your composure than Anna Maria Island, a jewel of a place on Florida's Gulf Coast.
See you there soon...
November, December, and January tend to be hectic months, with several major holidays crammed into a short period. There are family celebrations to plan, gifts to purchase, and feasts to coordinate. Certainly, there's no time to take a vacation, right?
Wrong! If you have any flexibility in your schedule, you'll want to consider planning a trip immediately after the holidays to take advantage of low travel periods and great bargains. Known in the industry as travel "dead weeks," the weeks following Thanksgiving and New Year's (first week of December, first week of January) show a major drop in travel and tend to be a great time to snag a bargain.
This year, it seems you can find great deals through mid-December and throughout much of January, offering even greater flexibility. If you can extend your vacation time this year, or backload your vacation days following either holiday, you'll be able to find a deal on nearly any type of trip, from sunny getaways to ski outings and city escapes to secluded resorts.
It's a very valid point, and if you fancy taking advantage of some truly fantastic special offers check out www.annamaria.com for online discounts that will take your breath away. But never fear, there's no better place to regain your composure than Anna Maria Island, a jewel of a place on Florida's Gulf Coast.
See you there soon...
Friday, 9 October 2009
Eat, drink and be merry
The good old Bradenton Herald has come up trumps again with a calendar of culinary events going on near us on Anna Maria this coming next few weeks.
Here it is in full, but feel free to follow this link to the Herald site.
Prix fixe: Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key, is reopening from summer vacation on Oct. 9, and to celebrate will debut a Fall-inspired Prix Fixe menu. The four-course dinner offers a choice of vichyssoise or gazpacho, then a roasted Golden Beet salad with Chevre cheese, an ahi tuna carpaccio topped with a three-olive tapenade or steamed Prince Edward Island mussels in a poblano pepper-coconut milk. The third course is Salmon a la Orange on a bed of toasted orzo or a grilled filet mignon topped with smoky corn and tomato salsa that is served alongside a crispy butternut squash and Yukon Gold potato croquette, third choice is baked jumbo shrimp De Jong with mozzarella, croutons and a lemon garlic butter sauce. Last is Harry’s dessert of the day. The prix fixe menu is offered5-9 p.m. and is $29 per person or $43 per person with chosen premium wine pairings. Reservations are strongly recommended. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Casa Italia cooking classes/events: Casa Italia, 2080 Constitution Blvd, Sarasota, will hold the following cooking classes:
1. Spanish Cooking Class and Lunch with Fatima Soriano, 11 a.m. Oct. 9. Menu includes gaspacho Andaluz, garlic shrimp, green beans and peas with serrano ham and Canary Islands roasted bananas. Cost: $40. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
2. Indian Cooking Class and Dinner with Nita & Raj Mathur featuring vegetarian Indian dishes, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Cost: $75. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
Reservations can be made by calling (941) 924-1179. Gift certificates are available.
3. Giuliano Hazan has a new cook book out, his fourth, titled “Thirty Minute Pasta,” containing 100 recipes that can be prepared in half an hour or less. Hazan will be signing copies of the book at Casa Italia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17.
Wine events
Weekly wine tasting: Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Jude’s Drive, Longboat Key, will hold wine tasting events 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 15. Cost: $10 , proceeds to benefit the Longboat Key/Lido Key/St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce. The wine tasting is located at Harry’s Gourmet Deli and Take-Out. There will be small appetizers offered along with a large wine selection to taste. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Free tasting: WineStyles Lakewood Ranch, 8225 Nature’s Way, San Marco Plaza, is offering a free wine tasting presented by Rhianna Brandt of Winebow Brands International, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 9. Call 306-5804 or visit www.winestyles.net/lakewoodranch.
Mattison’s Riverside: 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, hosts Tuesday Tasting 5-7 p.m., offering the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from a featured vineyard, varietals or regional. This is a free event with light appetizers offered. For reservations, call 748-8087 or visit www.mattisons.com.
Wine tastings: The Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. holds wine tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $10. Information: 778-1515.
Here it is in full, but feel free to follow this link to the Herald site.
Prix fixe: Harry’s Continental Kitchens on Longboat Key, is reopening from summer vacation on Oct. 9, and to celebrate will debut a Fall-inspired Prix Fixe menu. The four-course dinner offers a choice of vichyssoise or gazpacho, then a roasted Golden Beet salad with Chevre cheese, an ahi tuna carpaccio topped with a three-olive tapenade or steamed Prince Edward Island mussels in a poblano pepper-coconut milk. The third course is Salmon a la Orange on a bed of toasted orzo or a grilled filet mignon topped with smoky corn and tomato salsa that is served alongside a crispy butternut squash and Yukon Gold potato croquette, third choice is baked jumbo shrimp De Jong with mozzarella, croutons and a lemon garlic butter sauce. Last is Harry’s dessert of the day. The prix fixe menu is offered5-9 p.m. and is $29 per person or $43 per person with chosen premium wine pairings. Reservations are strongly recommended. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Casa Italia cooking classes/events: Casa Italia, 2080 Constitution Blvd, Sarasota, will hold the following cooking classes:
1. Spanish Cooking Class and Lunch with Fatima Soriano, 11 a.m. Oct. 9. Menu includes gaspacho Andaluz, garlic shrimp, green beans and peas with serrano ham and Canary Islands roasted bananas. Cost: $40. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
2. Indian Cooking Class and Dinner with Nita & Raj Mathur featuring vegetarian Indian dishes, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Cost: $75. A copy of the recipes will be provided.
Reservations can be made by calling (941) 924-1179. Gift certificates are available.
3. Giuliano Hazan has a new cook book out, his fourth, titled “Thirty Minute Pasta,” containing 100 recipes that can be prepared in half an hour or less. Hazan will be signing copies of the book at Casa Italia from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17.
Wine events
Weekly wine tasting: Harry’s Continental Kitchens, 525 St. Jude’s Drive, Longboat Key, will hold wine tasting events 5-7 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 15. Cost: $10 , proceeds to benefit the Longboat Key/Lido Key/St. Armands Key Chamber of Commerce. The wine tasting is located at Harry’s Gourmet Deli and Take-Out. There will be small appetizers offered along with a large wine selection to taste. Information: 383-0777 or www.harryskitchen.com.
Free tasting: WineStyles Lakewood Ranch, 8225 Nature’s Way, San Marco Plaza, is offering a free wine tasting presented by Rhianna Brandt of Winebow Brands International, 5-7 p.m. Oct. 9. Call 306-5804 or visit www.winestyles.net/lakewoodranch.
Mattison’s Riverside: 1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton, hosts Tuesday Tasting 5-7 p.m., offering the opportunity to sample a variety of wines from a featured vineyard, varietals or regional. This is a free event with light appetizers offered. For reservations, call 748-8087 or visit www.mattisons.com.
Wine tastings: The Waterfront Restaurant, 111 S. Bay Blvd., Anna Maria. holds wine tastings from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $10. Information: 778-1515.
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