Anna Maria Island Adventures

How appropriate that National Seashell Day falls on the first day of summer. Let the fun begin! We're definitely making up for last summer when red tide hit Anna Maria Island and dead fish lined the shores. It was awful. I call it the summer that wasn't. So, this year we are in our glory. We've found so many sand dollars, we started an Etsy Shop ( Florida Sand Dollars US ).  And yesterday, while my hubby, Mark, was diving for sand dollars, I was combing the beach for shells and I found two of my favorites: a baby's ear and a bay scallop in my favorite color -- terracotta. The water temp was 90 degrees and it was so calm and clear.  Living where others vacation can sometimes be a blessing and a curse. Traffic is now going to start picking up as the official start of summer begins, but we always find ways around that problem by timing our trips to the beach.  It's also time for the mama turtles to start laying their eggs, so a lot is going on. If you're fortunate ...

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.  1...

One of my favorite coffee places on Anna Maria Island is  Back Alley Treasures  on Bridge Street. It has a gift store, a variety of drinks, including my favorite Chai Tea Latte, and it has outdoor seating in the alley. You can't go wrong here and the owners are super friendly and helpful. I like my chai with oat milk and they always have it on hand.  In the morning on your way to the beach, stop by for your favorite hot or cold beverage and you'll be set for the day. Don't forget to ask for your frequent flyer card to be stamped. After ten heart punches, you get a free drink.  It's also my favorite place to pick up a gift. They have jewelry, photos, paintings, and other treasures, so be sure to look around while you're there. Enjoy! Until next time... Back Alley Treasures 108 Historic Bridge St. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217