2010 Summer Guide: Anna Maria Island

Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street offers paradise without all those pesky tourists

Some of us big city folk down here in Sarasota have a tendency to think of Anna Maria Island as just another gorgeous string of beaches leading up to the mouth of Tampa Bay. But far from your average tourist traps like Siesta and Lido Keys, AMI is actually a collection of quaint small town communities, each with their own distinct character and history. Genuine “Old Florida” is truly alive and well in areas like Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street.

In 1967, the original wooden bridge connecting Cortez Village to AMI was converted to the Historic Bridge Street Pier, now a popular local fishing spot and home to Rotten Ralph’s Restaurant. A westward walk from the pier toward the roundabout at Gulf Drive reveals Bridge Street’s array of arty boutiques, like Bridge Street Bizarre, The Hive Creations and Art Attack, and an uber-funky coffee shop called The Back Alley. The Drift In is a local’s bar with a Cheers atmosphere where everyone knows your name and is quick to ask if they don’t.

The best way to experience this unique area is a stay at BridgeWalk Resort. The family-owned complex adorned with traditional Key West-style architecture features 28 massive rooms ornamented with old black and whites depicting beach goers from yesteryear. Living room-sized balconies overlook Bridge Street and a reservation gets you a free round of putt-putt in the lush tropical settings of The Fish Hole Adventure Golf across the street.

The third floor patio of the resort’s restaurant, The Sun House, offers beautifully presented seafood picked hours earlier from the very waters you look down upon. Every night sunset brings a ring of the gong and guests are treated to complimentary “green flash shooters” as the servers sing “You Are My Sunshine.” Imagine the powdery white sands of Siesta Key, minus the pasty white tourists, add amusing locals living the authentic “Old Florida” lifestyle, and you have Historic Bridge Street.

Here is a list of every place you have to check out on Anna Maria Island:

Katie Pierola Sunset Park 2200 block of Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach. This gulf side park features authentic chickee huts. Chickee, the Seminole word for “house,” is a style of architecture that involves palmetto thatched roofs over over a bald cypress log frame.

Holmes Beach City of Holmes Beach, 5801 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 708-5800. This beach town occupies the central section of Anna Maria Island and is the largest of the three island communities, with three miles of white sand beaches.

Anna Maria Beach City of Anna Maria, 10005 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 708-6130. The northernmost city of Anna Maria Island is a world-renowned wedding destination with a wide, usually quiet beach at the very northern tip.

Sandbar 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, 778-0444, sandbar.groupersandwich.com. One of the most popular dining spots on the island, Sandbar has tables set right in the sand for your wondering toes to dig in.

Feeling Swell 9903 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 896-7879, feelingswellsurfbar.com. A way laid-back beach bar with a surfing theme offering an outdoor patio and live entertainment most nights of the week.

Rod & Reel 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria, 788-1885. This Anna Maria pier is a nice spot to pick up a killer mahi mahi sandwich and trade your best fishing stories. Enjoy the views of Tampa Bay while stocking up on live bait shrimp.

D.Coy Ducks 5410 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-5888, myspace.com/dcoyducks. D.Coy Ducks is the live music hub of Holmes Beach and they also offer dominoes and Texas Hold-em tournaments throughout the week.

Ginny & Jane E’s Cafe 9807 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, 778-3170, annamariacafe.com. You can check your email, buy an outdoor seating arrangement, and nosh on incredible fresh baked goods all in one convenient stop.

Island Trader 5336 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-5909. This quirky gift shop offers every pirate and beach-themed item under the sun. Anything and everything you need for the beach you’ll find here.

West Coast Surf Shop 3902 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, 778-1001, westcoastsurfshop.com/shop. Claiming to be the “oldest surf shop in Florida,” the West Coast Surf Shop opened in 1963 and offers everything a surfer could want.