1st visit - beachfront accomodation required

Hello,looking to spend 1 or 2 weeks in the Sarasota area in September because from the reviews it seems just the place for us with a young child.

Looking for quality beachfront accomodation for days on the beach and then a good relaxing meal in a local restaurant in the evening - our 5 year old will be in bed by 9.30pm so somewhere relaxing at night to enjoy drinks on our terrace overlooking the ocean with my wife - will have done 7 days in Orlando by this time!

Would prefer not to drive during the evening but don%26#39;t mind exploring by day.

Cheers

Paul - Preston, England (between Manchester and Lake District)

1st visit - beachfront accomodation required

Alwyasissy, I noticed that you posted on Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach forum, just wanted to let you know that these are three communities that are all on one 7 mile Island called Anna Maria Island. If you arent really familiar with the area you want know which community you are in unless you see the signs. Knowing that, any of these communities would be a great choice for your vacation. You mention that you wanted a terrace and beachside, there are no high rise hotels on the island and only condo%26#39;s that are two stories, they are not allowed to be built there which is a wondeful thing, they are trying very hard to perserve the ';Old Florida'; enviroment that makes this island so special. That being said, I can recommend Blue Water Beach Club, Bali Hai Resort and Via Roma, these are all hotel type units with balconies. If a condo is what you are looking for La Costa is a really good choice, you can private message me and I can give you that info. If you want to experience the ';Old Florida'; beachy type of resort, I highly recommend Bungalow Beach Resort and Cedar Cove Resort. Go to Anna Maria Chamber of Commerce and there is a listing of accomodations, chck these out and if you find something you are interested in we would be glad to answer any questions. Also, if you check out recent forums from Trip Advisors on Anna Maria Island you can look at a lot of info about places to see and where to dine.

1st visit - beachfront accomodation required

have a look at annamaria.com which lists some really good quality condos and houses, some on the beach. Bit pricey but very well furnished.

Bear in mind that nowhere on the island is more than a 10 minute walk to the beach.

Other options are Bermuda Bay townhouses - decent accomodation (3 bed houses) with shared pool, La Costa ( quite big by AMI standards - 40 units but might be good for your child to make friends ), Coconuts - right on the beach but perhaps a bit in need of a makeover inside the units. Nice pool area.

Plenty of restaurants to choose from ( no chains) like Sandbar, Beachhouse, Sun House etc etc. Have a look at AMI chamber of commerce site.

There is a free trolley service up and down the island every 20 minutes. Great for getting around although I don`t know what time it runs to at night.

Definately recommend AMi - I`m sure you`ll love it

Thanks for the replies - it sounds fantastic!

I take it that for a morning/afternoon shopping session we need to drive into Sarasota itself?

I also need to convince my wife that we are not staying in an area which is too quiet - although the idea really appeals to me,especially with everything low rise.

We really enjoy having a leisurely stroll after an evening meal - does that restrict us to the main road which runs the length of AMI?

Thanks

Paul

Nothing beats an evening stroll on the beach!

Paul, you got a shopping strip on the island (gulf drive) beginning with Publix store and some Restaurants and Gift shops...

Restaurants there are a german one (old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus) and Shells (only chain-restaurant on the island!)

If you want to go shopping I would choose to go to ellenton (outlet mall) or Bradenton (de soto square mall)...

I heared that the free trolley will NOT be free much longer...

I heared that they will start charging a fee shortly...

any locals with info?

The trolley will stay free at least for another year. They needed $50,000. and the Manatee County Tourist Development Council donated $26,000. and the three cities will pay for the remaining $24,000. I do believe that this is only bandaid surgery so to speak and in another year there will be a charge. However, the charge is going to be very small, like a dollar a trip. The people it hurts the most are the locals that use it to go back and forth to work everyday like to the restaurants, gift stores, Publix, etc. Us tourist can afford a couple of bucks to ride while we are on vacation.

No problem with shopping - island has a really good Publix for all your groceries, plenty of places to eat etc. Wal Mart within 20 minute drive in Bradenton.

If looking for clothes shopping then St Armands Circle on Longboat Key ( 30 minute drive) for upmarket stuff or Ellenton for a good Outlet Centre

Evening walks ? Nothing better than a stroll on the beach watching the Pelicans fishing and the occassional Dolphin swimming by.

Places to eat on the beach - Sandbar for decent food and great sunsets, as well Beach House and Sun House .

Rod and Reel Pier and Star Fish Co for rustic charm.