 Recharge Best Practices
Escape to Tranquility
It’s only an hour away
By Leslie Joy Ickowitz
Published: January / February 2009
In one hour, which is how
long it takes to get to Anna Maria Island by car from
Tampa, we cross water eight times. Eight times! And one
of those times is a breezy excursion over the soaring
Sunshine Skyway. Flanked by a squadron of pelicans and
with a stellar display of islands spread out before us,
we inch closer to our destination.
At once it seems you have arrived in a different place
in time. The slow pace beckons you to slip into serenity
and leave your cares behind. What’s missing is high-rise
hotels, car horns, traffic jams, billboards and other
ugly distractions reminding us of the grind. Instead
you’ll find warm, island hospitality and a charming
choice of sleepy retreats from cozy cottages to stilt
homes. Sensory overload is replaced by sensory
seduction. The sights, the sounds, the flavor and
fragrance surround you. Suddenly, you get the feeling
you can stay here forever. But no matter how long you
visit, this trip is packed with the stuff inspiration is
made of, and you can get here whenever you want—in one
hour.
Pull up a front row seat to your definition of bliss.
Get in on the action with water sports. Or not. Play
beach volleyball. Or not. Rock out to your iPod. Shop
‘til you drop. Curl up with a good book. Catch a sunset.
Dangle a fishing line in the water. Watch the world go
by.
Strike up a conversation with the person next to you—the
one you swear you recognize from home. Could that be
your spouse? And who are those kids splashing about in
the water? They look familiar.
After a sunset stroll, a long day of pure island
indulgence comes to a close. Consumed with the
complicated question of which flip-flops to wear, you
head out for a night on the town. Anna Maria Island’s
dining scene is abundant with choices. A foodie-festival
of casual beach fare and gourmet cuisine is served with
a side of scenery. Homemade Amish ice cream and some of
the best pizza south of New York at Oma’s are among the
island’s rather unexpected treats. The slow drive south
on Gulf Drive leads to Longboat Key before continuing to
Sarasota’s St. Armand’s Circle, delivering a generous
dollop of delicious dining choices and the only dose of
nightlife you’ll find in the area.
Rod & Reel Pier on Anna
Maria Island
Whether you rise with the sun or prefer to sleep in, the
Big French Breakfast is by far the most decadent way to
start the day. Five dollars buys you the equivalent of
heaven-on-a-plate at Island Creperie on Bridge Street.
Two luscious raspberry-filled crepes, a freshly-baked,
buttery croissant and one divine chunk of French
Baguette French Toast, ALL covered in powdered sugar is
undeniably swoon worthy.
In one hour you can find yourself hanging out amidst
coconut palms. Coconuts, you may notice, are absent from
the palms lining our local streets and neighborhoods. No
wonder it feels like a million miles away.
Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach comprise
Anna Maria Island, which is easily traversed via the
free trolley. Linger on island time at beachfront bars
and eateries or poised above the clear turquoise water
on your choice of piers. Leave the driving up to someone
with a care in the world.
Bean Point, on the island’s northern tip is one of those
spots where you feel like you can slip off the end of
the earth and float carelessly on a breeze to Neverland,
or at least to the next land mass. In Bradenton Beach,
at one of Anna Maria Island’s narrowest points, Sarasota
Bay and the glittering Gulf of Mexico are mere steps
apart. Ospreys and great blue herons fish along the
bay’s shorelines while seagulls, sandpipers and terns
patrol the foamy coast. Gentle sea turtles nest in the
soft sand from May to October and without regard for
season, dolphins frolic parallel to beautiful blue
horizon.
In one hour, you can transport mind, body and soul.
Getting there is easy as 1-2-3. Step 1: Hop in the car.
Step 2: Set the GPS. Step 3: Accelerate. When you emerge
from Anna Maria Island’s cocoon of tranquility, you will
once again be ready to take on the world.
Leslie Joy Ickowitz is president of Empire Public
Relations and a personal travel concierge with 12 years
experience creating custom vacations for couples,
singles and families. Call 813.382.4387 or email:
Leslie@EmpirePublicRelations.com for more information
and white-glove service.
Photo Credit: Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors
Bureau
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