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By Lisa Codianne Fowler, member of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association
Night Moves
Happy anniversary, baby! Patrick and I have finally escaped for a few days to spend our holiday on Anna Maria Island, and the drive through Florida's Gulf Islands is a celebration in itself. We’re traveling along the aptly named Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key, a narrow, barrier island that mellows from manicured grounds and high-rises at its south end in Sarasota, to a vista of sand dunes, sea oats, endless shoreline and azure waters at its north end in Bradenton.
Both Gulf and bay sides reveal award-winning restaurants that unassumingly peek through clusters of sea grapes and palm trees. Fine dining establishments like Euphemia Haye and Harry's Continental Kitchen are tempting, but tonight, we opt for the casual ambience of Mar Vista Dockside before a saunter through Village of the Arts, a burgeoning artists colony in a picturesque, historic district of downtown Bradenton.
At last, we arrive at our final destination for the evening. The Bradenton area is replete with boutique properties, from seaside cottages to quaint B&Bs, many members of the prestigious Small Superior Lodging Association. We’re staying at Harrington House Bed & Breakfast, a romantic favorite smack on the beach.
We meet another couple in the cozy living room, and chat for a moment before retiring. Seems we have much in common with Dennis and Carol – a love of fine wine, of the Sunshine State, and of celebrating love.
Our room, "Sunset," is on the top floor of the Main House. It has a quaint loft-like feel, floral décor and sprawling balcony overlooking the pool and Gulf. Though the sun has long set, the stars illuminate the sky like diamonds on black velvet. Leaning over the rail, we see our new friends strolling the beach, wine glasses in hand, as Patrick and I toast each other and the serendipitous, cool sea breeze.
Day Tripping
Breakfast is, naturally, outstanding. Afterwards, we plan to rent a kayak from Native Rentals and paddle around Perico Island, then bicycle to an al fresco lunch at The Sandbar restaurant
before deep-sea fishing with Dolphin Dreams Charters and, of course, exploring the beaches.
A predictable seasonal downpour changes our plans but doesn’t dampen our spirits. Dennis suggests the free trolley tour of the area to see the beaches in dry, air-conditioned comfort.
Trolley driver Denny Lemley talks passionately about his new amour, Anna Maria Island. Heartbreak led him here, and it was love at first sight. Mornings, he grabs coffee at Two Scoops and then watches the sunrise from historic Anna Maria City Pier, built in 1910. It’s a 10-minute walk to the Rod and Reel, a fun, family restaurant on another great fishing pier.
We learn the wild, natural beauty of Bradenton’s beaches belie their convenience. Coquina and Manatee offer concession stands, restrooms, showers and lifeguards. Shell-laden Coquina also has barbeque grills and picnic tables. Bradenton Beach has restaurants within walking distance. Greer Island, also known as Beer Can Island, is good for fishing, and gorgeous Whitney Beach is popular for family photos. Which one is most romantic? "It depends on who you’re with," says Denny.
We pass dozens of cafés; Denny recommends them all, though piques our interest in The Sandbar, where Dennis, Carol, Patrick and I end up for a reasonably priced delicious lunch, and Carol confides, "With Dennis now, I have what I never knew was missing."
Decadent Dinner
Where else to have a commemorative dinner than one of the most romantic and highest Zagat-rated restaurants in the country? The intimate Beach Bistro is a three-minute beach walk from the Harrington House. An incomparable panoramic sunset view sets the mood for an equally stunning meal. From American rack of lamb to butter-poached lobster, the dinner and service are exquisite. Talk about true love.
Farewell… For Now
The next morning at breakfast, we meet Sandra and Leon. Both are middle-aged and widowed… he proposed to her on the beach last night. We also glimpse a young, honeymooning couple – okay, to us, they look 18, but madly in love nonetheless. Dennis talks about his love for his children; we discuss our love for nature, fine food, good friends and the happy memories made here. We will all return to the Bradenton area, a magical place where love really is all around.
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