Domestic AnnouncementsAnna Maria Island Retains 'Old Florida' Feel
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — - Can you find old Florida in new Florida? Well, you can, here on this 7-mile-long barrier island west of Bradenton and directly north of Longboat Key.
Anna Maria Island is paradise without an attitude
Paradise Without An Attitude is not just an advertising slogan on the cover of a glossy brochure. This tropical mindset flows tip to tip along seven miles of serene Anna Maria Island.
Beautiful Bradenton, Florida part 1 of 2
If you’re flying to Florida this winter for spring break, consider visiting Bradenton, one of central west Florida's oldest cities. Located along the Gulf of Mexico next to Sarasota and about 45 miles south of Tampa, Bradenton is an ideal spring fling.
Beautiful Bradenton, Florida part 2 of 2
In 1539, when Hernando de Soto first discovered the area around what is now the city of Bradenton, Florida, he brought along enough supplies to start a colony.
Beach Magic
The motto of Florida’s Anna Maria Island says it all: “Welcome to paradise without an attitude. Editor Wanda McKinney shares how to enjoy this slice of heaven.
A Hidden Island (That's Easy to Find)
Anna Maria on Florida's West Coast promises a sunny escape for the winter weary.
The 'Old Floria' Feel of Anna Maria Island
ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. — "Please be sweet and rinse your feet," hand-painted signs over troughs of water outside rooms at the beachfront, 23-unit Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages gently urge.
Island Restaurants Honored in Culinary Hall of Fame
Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon awards are coveted by the state’s best chefs and foodie favorites. Two of our own have cooked up enough innovative ideas to earn 25 golden utensils between them, and have since taken their seats in the magazine’s Hall of Fame.
Wading In to Go Net Dipping and Finally Meeting Snooty
I consider myself to be somewhat of an outdoors-type person. I love being outside, whether it’s walking, running or just relaxing. So, I was really looking forward to visiting Emerson Point Preserve.
Discover Florida's Gulf Islands
With Video from Johnny Jet, a world-renowned Travel Expert. Watch It Now.
Tortuga Inn Beach Resort. Old Florida Charm & Old Florida Style
To meet ever-changing travel needs of our readers we have been looking at great nearby getaways that seem to be far from the madding crowds, relaxing, luxuriously personal and distinctive. For many the ease of a vacation that is a short flight away or even within driving distance is an option that fits their plans this year. Nearly a well-kept secret Florida's Gulf Islands, including Anna Maria Island and Long Boat Key, have been a winter haven for those in the know.
The Best Beaches, Sand and Seas from Around the Globe
Though the cold of winter has set in for some parts of the world, islands across the globe continue to celebrate their beaches and sand in a leisurely fashion.Islands have always been popular vacation destinations for travelers across the world. However, these strips of land, surrounded by the bluest seas and the deepest oceans, are no longer only for quick vacation jaunts. Island travel is now a great choice not only for spring breakers and college students, but also families, honeymooners, vacationers and even potential residents. Here's a look at some of the best island getaways for 2008.
Florida's Gulf Islands
FLORIDA GULF ISLANDS As we were getting close it became apparent (thanks to the huge sign) that we were entering Manatee County. It's named after (you guessed it!) the manatee or sea cow. You know those gigantic, peaceful, but ugly looking mammals? The gem of Manatee County is Florida's Gulf Islands, which are comprised of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and the mainland areas of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Each area has its own personality and my first stop was Longboat Key, an island 10.8 miles in length and about a mile wide.
Plan a Quick and Easy Trip to Florida's Anna Maria Island
We're all super busy these days, and sometimes you want to get away from it all at the last-minute but, not coincidentally, don't have time to plan. To make things easy, and spare you a weekend of zoning out watching reality TV, I'll show you a quick getaway option that will take just a few minutes to book. The reward is an affordable, pristine island destination in sunny Florida. All you'll need is 15 minutes and $500. Located on Florida's Gulf side, about halfway down the state, is Anna Maria Island, a little-known beach gem that feels like a private island destination. And once you've had your fill of lounging in its sugar-white sands and chasing sand pipers, you can hang out at the marina, go shopping at a boutique, or dine at anything from casual pubs to candlelit restaurants.
RECIPES: TOMATO-ORANGE RISOTTO WITH JUMBO SHRIMP
As Florida moves into its cooler fall season, Chef Raymond Arpke has found the perfect seasonal comfort food.
Relax, Refresh, Revive, Renew
Anna Maria Island and its white sand beaches are barely an hour from southern Pinellas County, but they seem so much farther in both attitude and appearance. The condo canyons common at the Florida shore haven’t developed here.
A Different Florida
Bradenton, Florida – Judging from the jumbled flotilla of lettuce heads bobbing in his massive water tank, Snooty™ the manatee is not going hungry.
Overlooked: Anna Maria Island
Just when I thought I had thoroughly explored Florida’s coastline and discovered its best vacation destinations, I stumbled upon a place like Anna Maria Island, a quiet resort area near Bradenton, right across the bridge from Longboat Key.
Anna Maria is for Sand, Solitude and Star Fish
On a little known island just off Florida’s Gulf Coast, shorts-clad children ride a trolley to school, stunning sunsets come free of charge and since the early 1900’s, time has stood magically still.
Gentle Giant
Snooty™ is the oldest living manatee to be born and raised in captivity. He also is the first manatee to have a “recorded” and documented birthdate. This gentle giant is permanently housed at Parker Manatee Aquarium at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, Florida.
UK AnnouncementsFlorida Please
Florida's Gulf Islands is a friendly spot for beachcombing along the Gulf of Mexico, nature-watching, fine dining and shopping. Upmarket eateries, bargain shoppes and beachfront views await visitors to this west coast retreat not far from Orlando's Disney-themed attractions.
Out of this World
On your next Florida holiday, pair a visit to the world's happiest place with one to its most beautiful place. Close to the merriment of Disney Orlando, Florida's Gulf Islands present accommodation, dining, beaches and water views in a laidback setting.
Kids Go Free – Take a Break and Plunge In!
In Florida's Gulf Islands, warm weather, unspoilt beaches, vibrant sunsets, abundant wildlife and easy access to dining, shopping and surrounding attractions create an ideal family holiday.
Paradise Island
Florida's Gulf Islands remain unhurried amid modernised beachfronts. Here, old-style accommodations line white sand beaches in a pedestrian-friendly community known for its sunsets, seafood restaurants and untouched charm.
A Day in the Life: Jeanne Radcliffe, Sovereign Travel and Leisure, Wimbledon Village
Florida's Gulf Islands delight with a variety of accommodation, beaches, nature and arts. Boutique hotels and bungalows are close to white sand shores, colourful sunsets and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Waking up to a Waterfront View
Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages on Holmes Beach in Florida's Gulf Islands offers beachfront accommodation and easy access to island activity, including enjoying the beach and Gulf of Mexico, fishing, golfing and dining.
More to Florida than Walt Disney
In Florida's Gulf Islands, shops, restaurants, spas and the beach are on offer. Whether it's a hen break, honeymoon or holiday with the family that you're planning, you can find laidback entertainment and accommodation in Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island and Bradenton.
Hot Hotel
Anna Maria Island's Tortuga Inn offers accommodation with amenities in Florida's Gulf Islands. Apartments, rooms and studios insure your choice of accommodation, and a private beach, boat dock and swimming pool create a tropical style.
Hidden Florida is Top Destination
Anna Maria Island, one of Florida's Gulf Islands, is TripAdvisor's top U.S. destination according to its Top 10 Hot U.S. Destinations for 2007. White sand beaches, restaurants, wildlife and a "hidden Florida" charm characterize this retreat off of Bradenton on Florida's west coast.
Take Dad on a Golf and Gulf Coast Getaway
Take dad on a golf and Gulf Coast getaway to Florida's Gulf Islands. You can find some of America's top golf courses in Bradenton on Florida's west coast, where warm weather ensures greater savings and smaller crowds in summer.
Presseberichte über Florida's Gulf IslandsFloridas geheime Trauminseln

Longboat Key/Florida

Floridas Trauminseln

Florida-Das sonnige Paradies der USA

Jenseits von Florida