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Florida Gulf Coast Islands: Unforgettable Experiences Set Us Apart
Shop the Shore
It’s hard to imagine such an abundance of wonderful shopping just a hop, skip, and a jump away from this secluded beach paradise. Ellenton, a nearby sleepy hamlet, is home to the Prime Outlets with over 135 brand name outlet stores. Fashion-conscious shoppers relish chalking up brand name products at discount prices. The Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, just a short jaunt away, offers more than 20 specialty boutiques filled with fashions, gifts and décor.
Those who like to forage through a hodgepodge of unique stands love The Red Barn Market, one of Florida’s most popular flea markets with more than 650 booths selling, well, just about anything. Shoppers can indulge in a little breakfast or lunch at one of the many restaurants or pick out some of Florida’s farm fresh produce.
For art aficionados and those who just like to stroll about town, the Village of the Arts is just the ticket. This newly emerging artsy community features dozens of homes and bungalows that have been refurbished into colorful art galleries and studios, where artists live and sell their work.
Turtle Tracks
No doubt about it, the life of a loggerhead turtle is fraught with danger. Between the imminent danger of the all too eager bird’s beak, the jaws of a hungry fish, and the rough and tumble welcome of the gulf surf, baby sea turtles have the odds stacked against them. So the non-profit Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch figures the least they can do is see that the turtle nests are undisturbed. In 2007, there were more than 100 turtle nests on Anna Maria Island, each under the watchful protection of a dedicated team of volunteers.
The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch also hosts turtle walks, guided night tours, and educational classes for kids. A trained team of volunteers also serves as a highly specialized rescue team that can be called upon should anyone encounter an injured turtle or exposed nest. Night tours offer the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to possibly witness the miracle of baby turtle hatchlings heading for the surf.
A Swinging Club Scene
For the area’s club scene, you’ll want to leave your dancing shoes at home. A great collection of more than 20 courses make Florida’s Gulf Islands a swinging place for golfers. Throw in nearby Sarasota and golfers find more than 45 golf courses to choose from—not too shabby for an island getaway. The beautifully landscaped courses showcase Florida’s natural beauty, from densely wooded acres of oaks and maples, to protected wetlands and sweeping views of the Manatee River. And avid golfers will enjoy their pick of public, semi-private, and private clubs all just a short drive from beachside accommodations. The River Club, a four-star Gold Digest pick, is a must-play for most golfers. The David Leadbetter Golf Academy and other golf schools are available for those looking to sharpen their skills.
Island Past Times
The first settlers drawn to enjoy this natural wonderland were the Timucuan Indians who inhabited the area as early as 1000 A.D. Legend has it that these settlers named the Manatee River for the gentle sea cows which can be found slowly swimming in area inlets. In 1530, Spanish explorers (including the infamous Hernando DeSoto) laid claim to the area, proclaiming it to be ruled under the Spanish Crown. After unsuccessful attempts at colonization, the Spaniards eventually abandoned the area and the Florida Gulf Coast was quiet once again and for several hundred years to follow.
In 1892, George Emerson Bean became the first permanent resident, annexing an area which today comprises most of the city of Anna Maria. Curiously enough, one of the founding citizens was George Roser, inventor of the Fig Newton. The memorial chapel he built in honor of his mother in the early 1900s still stands and is an active church for locals.
At the turn of the century, the atmosphere was uniquely scenic and very remote as the only way to reach the island was by boat. It wasn’t until 1922 that Anna Maria was connected to the mainland. A wooden bridge extending from the fishing village of Cortez was constructed, the remnants of which can still be spotted today if you drop by to check out the sights in Cortez.
Beach Brides
For obvious reasons, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are both popular locales for romantic wedding ceremonies. Couples choose the colorful Gulf sunsets and balmy breezes as the unforgettable backdrop to their most special of days. Beyond the beach, beautiful courtyards lined with striking bougainvillea and other tropical blooming vegetation, river vistas, and gulf waterfront landings all provide lovely alternatives for a walk down the aisle. Destination weddings can be as simple as an intimate wedding for two or a larger gathering with more fanfare at a hotel with catering facilities. Many luxury hotels and charming inns can work with local vendors to help make that special day even more memorable. Beachside cottages and delightful inns make perfect weddingmoon packages for couples wanting to tie the knot and honeymoon all in one location.
Stone Crab Season
Oct. 15 – May 15
The lobster is to Maine as the stone crab is to the Sunshine State. Florida’s favorite crustacean is actually a tasty cousin of the Maine lobster and the Maryland blue crab. Regardless of its family tree, the stone crab is a delectable delight whether served cold or steamed. Lucky for island visitors, stone crab makes an appearance on the menus of local beachside shacks as well as swanky restaurants in the area. The tasty white meat isn’t as rich as lobster and has more flavor than Maryland blue crab, making it a fan of many. About three million pounds of stone crabs are harvested a year to keep up with the popular demand. Vacationers who get hooked on the taste will find prices a bit hefty if they want the claws shipped on ice to them. Maybe it would be easier just to plan another visit!
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