Rainy Day Fun
by | Jul 1, 2019 | Insider's Guide | 0 comments
Please take cover during storms as lightning is a REAL threat in Florida.
Sunshine, storms, clouds, and rain are all part of what makes Florida… Florida. I know it is a disappointment when you travel to the beach and your day gets rained out or the beach conditions aren’t the best. Never fear, there is plenty to do to keep busy and explore beautiful Anna Maria Island & the surrounding areas!
On the island:
Ride the free Trolley for island exploring.
Wander through our fascinating history at the AMI Historical Museum on Pine Avenue… check out the old jail & Belle Haven cottage
Shop till you drop for area souvenirs at many of our island shops including those on Pine Avenue
Say hi to the parrots at Sun & Surf!
Spend a gray afternoon with a book from our public libraries in Holmes Beach & Bradenton Beach
Check out our art galleries and visit artsy shops. Support our local artists at the Guild!
Take in a performance in our local Island Players Playhouse at NE corner of Pine and Gulf Dr.
Take a trip to local ice cream shops. We like Smalltown Creamery (old time candy too!) and Two Scoops! See The Yummy Stuff.
Mail some Anna Maria Island post cards to friends, and make them wish they were here.
Check your email with free wireless at AMI Chamber of Commerce and gather more information about the island.
Visit some local fish markets for local FRESH fish and whip up a gourmet island style meal at home! Like Starfish Company, Island Market, & Capt. Anthony’s. Can you say stone crabs and ceviche? YUM YUM
Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure at one of our island pamper shops.
ZEN OUT with some island yoga at Body & Sol or Salty Buddha.
Stop in at Saltair. One of our local favorite boutiques and take home some new beachy apparel or finds!
Do an island bar crawl… make sure you have a DD or take the trolley or Monkey Bus! See The Boozy Stuff
Dance to some live music (almost nightly) at Island Time Bar & Grill
Walk the beach in the rain, great way to have the beach to yourself!!
Try a Painkiller or the Green Hour happy hour at the Doctor’s Office. Can you see the green fairy?
Paint a sand dollar or tray a Hawaiian Bubble at the Shiny Fish Emporium
Plan a romantic dinner at the highly acclaimed and Zagat award winner the Beach Bistro
Grab a bite, a cinnamon roll, or smoothie and check out some funky finds at Ginny & Jane E’s
Make custom made-to-order donuts at the Donut Experiment
Taste test and pick up some fresh pasta, cheese, and olive oil at the Olive Oil Outpost.
Schedule a tour or adventure where the beach isn’t needed! See The Fun Stuff
Try a round of mini golf at The Fish Hole
End the island local argument and decide for yourself if the BEST ISLAND BURGER is at Duffy’s or Skinny’s
Find some vintage finds at Pineapple Junktion
Get some heavenly key lime cake at Hometown Desserts or sweet gourmet cupcakes at Cupcake Delights
Just off the island:
Visit Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez on 119th St.
Shop the Ellenton Outlet Mall at the Intersection of 301 and I-75.
Visit the Red Barn Flea Market located at Hwy 301 in Bradenton
Visit The Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
Visit Mote Marine Museum (N. LBK) to learn about local marine/fish life in S. Longboat Key.
Visit the car museum in Sarasota.
Visit South Florida Museum, see the Manatees!
Check out the Saturday morning farmer’s market in Bradenton
Stroll through The Dali museum. Voted one of best museums. They also do Sunday Brunch – Mimosas & Masterpieces
Catch a movie at AMC Bradenton theatre
Visit the Village of the Arts and explore some amazing shops and galleries in Bradenton
Check out the local brewery at Motorworks Brewery
Explore Robinson Preserve – by trail, paddleboard, kayak, or visit the Nest!
Bowl a strike at AMF Bradenton Lanes (15 mins away) which offers traditional bowling on 64 lanes
Visit Jungle Gardens and see some wildlife
Visit Sarasota and take a picture at the Unconditional Surrender statue
Watch a ball game during spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates or local Bradenton Marauders at Lecom Park (it will always be McKechnie to us!)
Great day trips:
Get some thrills at Tampa Bay’s Busch Gardens
Catch a Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field, a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers game
Visit Winter (from A Dolphin’s Tale movie) at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Take a day trip to St. Armand’s on Lido Key for shopping and romantic lunch & dinner options
Visit some animals at the Tampa Bay Zoo
Other great nearby beaches within about an hour’s drive – if you are up for exploring!
Clearwater Beach
St. Pete Beach
Siesta Key Beach & Village
Madeira Beach
Lido Key Beach
Apollo Beach
Venice Beach
If the weather gets bad, we will personally contact you to advise you on the situation. Your safety is our utmost concern. Please see below regarding storms, beach conditions, and refunds.
If there is a storm or hurricane, no refunds will be given unless:
- The state or local authorities order mandatory evacuations in a “Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning area” and/or
- A “mandatory evacuation order has been given for the Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning” area of residence of a vacationing guest.
- The day that the authorities order a mandatory evacuation order in a “Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning,” area, we will refund:
- Any unused portion of rent from a guest currently registered;
- Any unused portion of rent from a guest that is scheduled to arrive, and wants to shorten the stay, to come in after the Hurricane Warning is lifted; and
- Any advance rents collected or deposited for a reservation that is scheduled to arrive during the “Hurricane Warning” period.
