It seems Florida is full of unexpected treasures and surprises; one only has to look for them and be willing to venture out. Fisherman and I took our bikes to Anna Maria Island (the best way to see the area) and spent some time riding around the neighborhoods and visiting a couple of fishing piers.
Anna Maria Island is a lovely, laid back coastal town with a bit of a Key West vibe, but a bit more upscale in feel, yet definitely NOT hoity toity.
We are finally at a place with decent internet, so I wanted to get a quick post out to you because who knows what it will be like at our next stop. (Most places say they have ‘free wi-fi’, but the connections are terrible.)
True confession time: yes, our internet has been spotty at best, but happily we’ve been busy having way too much fun and I just haven’t felt like sitting at my desk in front of a computer, especially since my ‘desk’ these days is our dinette table and my iPad is filling in for my trusty MAC.
One thing about the island that is apparent is there are TONS of realtors and homes for rent. It’s definitely a resort town, but lacks the commercialism you might expect. Notice how even the real estate office is pretty! I’ve fallen in love with lavender houses it seems.
And I simply can’t resist a white picket fence.
Notice the air stream?
This is one of two piers we visited, and at the end of each are casual restaurants where one can grab a bite or a drink and watch the fishermen reel in their catches.
And here’s one for the modernists out there. I know you’re lurking ;).
How would like to have this place? Dumb question, I know.
In other news…
Lots of catching up to do! Let’s start with my ankle (remember I sprained it playing pickleball?). It’s MUCH better, though still not 100%. I tried to play again about two weeks after the accident but it was clear I wasn’t quite ready. I think I can play now but there are only tennis courts here and it’s been too windy anyway. Probably for the best.
We went bike riding the other day along A1A. If you’re unfamiliar with this road it runs along the east coast of Florida and is a lovely drive since it’s close to the ocean. It’s always fun to see how the other half lives :). It was very windy and difficult to pedal, then I noticed I had a flat tire, which didn’t help! Fisherman went on ahead and got the car, and we’ve since gotten the tire fixed.
I had lunch with one of my readers, Bev, and we had a lovely time. She doesn’t have a blog but she should! She and her hubby are snowbirds, but up north they live in an old one room school house they renovated. How cool is that?!
While we were still in Venice we took the 45 minute drive to Sarasota and saw this ski show. The performers are all volunteers, and they were excellent! We also saw a show at the Van Wezel Theatre, which is a huge, beautiful venue on the water. The show stunk but I’m glad we were able to experience the theatre!
Surprisingly I have hardly used my dslr. Most of my pics are from my cell and unedited. I do miss my MAC!
I hear the weather up north has been strange. Springlike temps then snow! Plants and shrubs are probably confused!
I’ve got a darling little neighborhood to share with you next time (are you noticing a theme here?) that I know you will like. It stole my heart!
Off to St. Augustine…
Brenda Pruitt says
You guys are always out having so much fun! I can’t resist a white picket fence either. Always thought I would have one. Maybe in another life. I envy you those wonderful bird shots!
Brenda
Emily McGriff says
Wow, wonderful snaps of the coastal life! Sure sounds like a wonderful trip and you are having a blast. You are doing some of my favorite things I enjoy when at the beach. Biking for one, so happy your ankle is better. Keep the photos coming, makes me feel like I’m back at the beach……….
Pamela says
My neighbors spent every winter in Venice Fl. And they recommended that city to us. When we are in Florida I just marvel at and love all the tropical paint colors of the houses and the buildings in the downtown areas.
Pamela
Benita says
Gorgeous places you are showing and I would love to stay in any of them! It looks like you two are having so much fun and I wouldn’t want to be perched in front of a computer either…especially with all of the eye candy you have to look at down there! Glad your ankle is finally feeling better, please take it easy and don’t push it! I’ve never seen a ski show before…how exciting!! And your photos are phenomenal!! Love and hugs sweet friend!
handmade by amalia says
They must have known you were coming and scrubbed up for the photo shoot. It looks picture perfect and so lovely.
Amalia
xo
Poppy says
You’re in Florida…keep having FUN and forget about everything else!
A white picket fence is still the most charming thing in the world, to me: pretty, practical and the perfect backdrop for climbing petals.
The last pic is dreamy!
xx
Poppy
Mary-the boondocks blog says
You certainly are enjoying yourself Doreen. Glad that the ankle is on the mend. I say better to be in Florida at least there the weather is not confusing. Enjoy your time and keep the lovely photos coming, they are beautiful no matter which camera you use.
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen how fun to go to these wonderful warm places. Yep up North it is as weird as ever with weather. Tornados and severe storms to snow a few days latter. Crazy!!!! Enjoy your time at these beautiful spots. Terry and I visited St. Augustine a few years ago and it was so cute there. Enjoy.
Kris
tammy j says
oh dearest bean! this post was well worth waiting for!
i’m glad in a way that you can’t always post. just like you say here…
you’re OUT actually ENJOYING IT ALL!!! 😀
I love those homes. they look like the little cottages that jane coslick rescues
with her wonderful happy tropical colors! love her style.
safe travels dear heart. xoxo♥
Cecilia says
How darling! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Anna Marie Island…it looks cute. I think I could live there – at least part time. 🙂
Glad your ankle is better…don’t overdo it! The cameras on cellphones nowadays are actually pretty good. As they say, the best camera is the one you have with you! Thanks for sharing.
Oh! The weather has been strange here too. Spring is a good month early. The trees should just now be starting to leaf out but they are well ahead of the game. The azaleas, wisteria and dogwood trees are in full bloom too. Was looking through pictures from a couple of years ago taken in April and it looks like what we are seeing now. We hardly had winter. Very odd.
Enjoy your next stop! Hugs,
Cecilia
Vickie says
So many pretty places to explore! I would love just walking around and looking at all those wonderful vacation homes!
AnnMarie says
I must put Anna Maria island on my must visit list, since it is kind of my namesake! It the name my sweet friend Colleen calls me. What a lovely area with such cute houses. Love the last picture. I want to stroll down that path!
Yes, crazy, crazy weather up here in NY. 70 one day, 14 the next!
Rita C at Panoply says
Doreen, this looks like a cool place. I may need to talk hubs into going there. We haven’t spent time in Anna Maria, but most all of the rest of FL. I like the idea of upscale but not hoity toity!
Amy says
I know I would fall in love with Anna Maria Island and never want to leave! Thanks for playing tour guide! The pictures from the ski show are amazing! Take good care of that ankle, Doreen!
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
I love that little quaint town! And also love those lavender houses and white picket fences! My nephew lives in Port Orange… wonder if he’s been to this little island? And my sister visits there alot and lives in The Villages in Leesburg (I think) so will tell her also. She loves to explore Florida. In fact she’s there right now.. her first grandson is there so she visits alot! You guys look so tan and happy and glad your ankle is getting better. Bike riding around an island sounds like a dream. I used to ride a bike but carpal tunnel in my wrists won’t let me anymore. Darn! Keep having a fun time and really enjoy your posts when you get a chance to sit down for a minute! The photos ARE all gorgeous and clear and sharp. At least we don’t have any more snow where I live, but south of us about 50 miles is getting buried with it! glad I’m here… xoxoxo Marilyn
Karen says
How exciting to see your post on Anna Maria Island! I grew up in Florida and Anna Maria was a frequent weekend place to play. I also married my darling husband at the Sandbar there 2 years ago. So glad y’all are enjoying all it has to offer 🙂
Kim says
You are my hero…traveling and having a ball in the warm, fun, sun! I’ll just sit back, try to block out the snow and wind that are currently howling outside my window and say yes, please to everything that you’re having. Except that sprained ankle! 😉 Feel good!!
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Those houses are lovely, I wish I could see the inside!
Bev says
Sorry for delay in responding! Life really got in the way this week and all became a blurrr. A very dear friend is about to loose her baby sister and it is all very sad. But, I am so happy I got to meet you. Just read the NE weather report and hope you drag your sandy feet heading North. Ickk. Very cold again and more snow.
Daylight Savings starts this weekend and how wonderful that is being here in South Florida. This week the local paper had a feature on Buffets new community. Hope you had a chance to check that out along the way Fall opening?
Enjoy your trip where ever you roam! Safe traveling and lots of smiles!
susan says
Looks and sounds like you’re having a ball, Doreen. I’m happy for you.
Enjoy the weather because back home (or at least here in NY) we’re expecting a nor’easter on Tuesday complete with 15-18″ of the white stuff. So, my friend, enjoy the sun and sand and sea!
Dewena says
Those houses are sweet! And lavender would tempt me too, as would a white picket fence. This area does seem Key West-ish, Doreen. Is the Fisherman doing any fishing? How is the chess coming? Do you happen across nice old wealthy men sitting on a veranda playing chess? I’m looking forward to pictures of your next stop along the way. Still can’t believe I never made it there when I lived 20 minutes away for 9 months. Hope you take some pics in the historic district for me!
Have fun–or is that like telling a child to eat candy?
Dewena
Feral Turtle says
Looks like you are having a great time Doreen! Thanks for sharing….I kinda liked the modern house….
Cindy says
I remember those f un ski shows from going to see my grandparents in Florida. I used to be so excited when they said we were going, for a youngster is like going to a Resort.
So happy you are having a great time. Tomorrow we are getting hit with a MAJOR snowstorm, may be up to 2ft. an you say YIKES!
Cindy
Jemma says
What a fun Winter you have had! I tell you this, you are an inspiration for me to get out and shake a leg!
I love your tan too-you are a doll!
xo
Jemma
Kelly Dotson says
I have never been there (I don’t think). That looks like a pretty area. So glad that your ankle is better and you’re having a good time. Be glad that you’re not at home right now. You would be dealing with a blizzard today! I love St. Augustine so I can’t wait to see your pics from there. I’ve been there many times and always enjoy it.
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Sorry I missed commenting on this one Babes! I did read this post a while back – probably at a sports tourney…but just now realized I never commented. 😛
Just know I love catching up with you when you’re able to post & always love your posts – especially of gorgeous homes and scenery.
But also know, I’m sticking out my tongue at you for living the dream life. I want some action photos of pickle ball in the future. Oh and Ruby says hi and sends a big snuggly hug!
xoxo
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
You are certainly having lots of fun / I remember loving St. Augustine when I was there years ago 🙂
Red Rose Alley says
Doreen, these pics are from your cell and unedited, what? They are fantastic! It sounds like you’re having a great time on your trip. That first picture is awesome. Love those birds. These cottages on the island are so charming. I’d love to have one for sure. The ski show looks interesting, and how talented these skiers are. Anna Maria Island is beautiful. I look forward to your next stop. Have fun, Doreen!
~Sheri