Anna Maria Island Adventures

If you come to our home , you'll be greeted with shells as soon as you step in the door. You would be hard put to find a space where there isn't a bowl or jar of shells. As long as I can remember, I've collected shells. But since we've moved 38 times in 46 years, I've had to let all of them go. Except when we moved to the States after ten years in Ecuador , I brought home a Lightning Whelk from Ballenita on the coast of Ecuador.  If you're a sheller, Anna Maria Island is a seashell paradise and I can't believe the treasures I've found, including a Junonia, Scotch Bonnets and Lion's Paw . But some of of my favorites are the alphabet cones, banded tulips, lightning whelks and pear whelks. And who can resist, scallop shells. My favorite color is the burnt orange, so I have an entire jar filled with them.  And who can forget the almighty sand dollar. We often go to Whitney Beach where we can find as many was 120 sand dollars in two hours or just a han

When people ask where we're going on vacation this summer, we say, "Why? We live where we vacation." I heard this would be a problem when we first moved here two years ago. It's true! We don't want to leave this place -- even for vacation.  Here are a few reasons why we live where we vacation:  1. White sandy beaches that stay cool, not hot -- all year long. And the shelling is amazing.  2. Fresh seafood and great eateries. Some of our favorite restaurants are: The Waterfront , The Beach House , Swordfish Grill , and Whitney's Cafe (over the bridge on LBK).  3. Gorgeous Sunsets. 4. Great shopping (Pine Street and Bridge Street).  5. Flora, Fauna and Wildlife. And did I mention fishing?! 6. Family Friendly. Our grandkids love coming down to visit for all the beaches and area attractions.  7. Live music -- almost everywhere, especially on Anna Maria Pier, Bridge Street and Whitney's Cafe.   8. Excursions by boat.  9. Local art and galleries.  10. Beach Marke