Anna Marie Island: Your Island in the Sun

Anna Marie Island - Fun in the Sun!

Anna Maria Island is a quaint Barrier Island nestled in the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are the main attraction here. It is a place where “old” Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35mph. High rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from our pristine “get away from it all” island. Our accommodations and restaurants offer something for everyone. We offer quaint cottages by the sea to deluxe suites, from million-dollar villas to rustic cottages to own. One visit to Anna Maria Island and you will be calling it “My Island in the Sun.”

Once a best-kept secret among local Floridians…

Anna Maria Island has always been known for its sugar-white coastline, emerald Gulf waters and quaint business districts. Today, it is now known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you. Your Piece of Paradise, “An Island in The Sun,” Anna Maria Island, Florida.

Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset all in a day…

You need never leave the island to find fun and relaxation. Our island is only 7 miles long and no more than a few blocks wide, which leaves you with sounds of waves and visions of the sunset in every location. Enjoy a day at the beach and watch the kids play in the sand. Walk along pristine beaches and dine in award-winning restaurants, Enjoy fresh grouper sandwiches on a pier and sipping martinis while enjoying live music. Go shopping in our specialty shops and boutiques all along the island. We even have a free trolley to take you where you want to go. The friendly environment and endless activities will keep you coming back for more. Hop aboard and experience island paradise!

Get Swept Away…

Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to relax and get away from it all. This stretch of land, 7 miles long is home to the island’s three cities – City of Bradenton Beach, City of Holms Beach and City of Anna Maria. All three cities provide access to spectacular beaches, accommodations and outdoor activities – while at the same time offering an enjoyable selection of shops, restaurants, performing arts, wildlife, history and other attractions. Rent the accommodation of your dreams. From beautiful beachside hotels, featuring a wide array of room sizes, to rustic cottages, remodeled homes, luxury condominiums, just take a look at what we have to offer. We offer the perfect mood for an island way of life. “Anna Maria Awaits You!”

In the News…

Anna Maria is becoming an increasingly popular destination for national and international travelers. It is no wonder that this timeless hideaway has been featured in numerous publications over the years including: The New York Times, USA Today, Coastal Living, Southern Living, The Washington Times, The Miami Herald, The Orlando Sentinel, Geo Saison (A German Magazine) and countless others. Take a peek at what so many have already discovered and can’t stop talking about.

www.annamariaislandchamber.org 

Discover Why RE/MAX of the Islands Was Voted ‘Best’ Real Estate Agency

RE/MAX of the Islands

RE/MAX of the Islands is a family owned and operated full service real estate firm on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The company is celebrating over 20 years of professional real estate service and was voted BEST Real Estate Agency on Sanibel & Captiva Islands for 2010 & 2011.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer a truly unique lifestyle. The islands have become a vacation destination for people from all walks of life. Plan your vacation with RE/MAX of the Islands. Select from beachside condos to island bungalows or your own private hideaway. Beautiful and spacious accommodations are available. Amenities include pools, tennis courts, bike trails and world famous shelling beaches.

With RE/MAX of the Islands, you will find your vacation to be an enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

RE/MAX of the Islands

2400 Palm Ridge Road

Sanibel, FL  33957

877-388-5050

www.remax-oftheislands.com

Inlet Reef Club Invites You to Destin Florida!

Inlet Reef Destin

Inlet Reef Club invites you to Destin, Florida. Visit our beautiful white sandy beaches, enjoy the wonderful restaurants and great shopping experiences. We have many local discounts.

Located directly on the beach, Inlet Reef Club features two and three bedroom Gulf front and Gulf view units. All units have many things to offer including king size beds in the master bedroom, full size kitchens, washer/dryer, iron and ironing board, large vanity and dressing area in master bath, inside/outside wet bars, sliding glass doors off the living room and master bedroom.

Enjoy the sauna and hot tub, tennis courts, shuffleboard and weight room. Relax in our seasonally heated pool. Beach service is available.

Inlet Reef Condominiums are centrally located in the heart of Destin, on Holiday Isle, near shopping and dining.

Inlet Reef Condominiums
506 Gulf Shore Drive
Destin, Florida 32541
800-367-1801
www.inletreefclub.com    

Why is Captiva Island Inn a Unique B & B?

See Why Southern Living Featured Captiva Island Inn.

In the heart of Historic Captiva village, our unique Inn and B & B awaits you. Choose between our traditional B & B, a surrounding cottage, a loft or suite. A delightful experience awaits you. Enjoy our pool and Gazebo. Beach chairs provided. Walk the beach, which is just 360 steps away. Explore the Historic Village of Captiva. At the beach, you can just chill or rent any of the many boats, rafts, waverunners or even go parasailing. Just 340 steps away the opposite direction to the back bay is the Captiva Kayak. They will take you on guided nature trips or you can go out and paddle away on your own.

See why Southern Living featured us. Rooms starting at $99.00 – $450.00 per night including breakfast at award winning Keylime Bistro or RC Otter’s Island Eats

Captiva Island Inn

11508 Andy Rosse Lane

PO 848

Captiva Island, FL   33924

239-385-0882

800-454-9898

www.captivaislandinn.com

Collins Vacation Rentals, Inc. Welcoming Families to St. George Island

Collins Vacation Rentals Welcomes Families to St. George Island, Florida.

Collins Vacation Rentals, Inc. has been welcoming families to St. George Island since 1973. Our goal is to match each guest’s request to just the right property for the perfect vacation experience. We manage over 250 privately owned rental accommodations, from luxuriously appointed five – seven bedroom beach homes, to old Florida style cottages, beach bungalows, low-rise condos, and townhomes. We have the perfect place for your family gathering, girlfriend getaway, fishing trip with your best buddies, romantic escape, wedding, or that solitary retreat to nourish the soul.

Uncrowded, natural beaches, free from high rises and traffic, offer many simple pleasures – excellent fishing, kayaking, outstanding bird watching and awesome star gazing – just to name a few. And our beaches are pet-friendly – so bring your family’s best friend!

CALL TODAY and let one of our Vacation Specialists help you plan the right vacation experience for you. Come to St. George Island and make memories for a lifetime!

Collins Vacation Rentals, Inc.

toll free 888-600-4712

www.CollinsVacationRentals.com/gq12

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Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

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Related Articles

• 7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA (guestquest.com/blog)
• 5 Hot Tips to Help You Plan Your Family Vacation (guestquest.com/blog)

Beaches in the USA are great for family vacations. Kick back and relax and stick your toes in the sand!

It’s no surprise that families who live in colder parts of the USA flock to America’s beaches throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Don’t worry about crowds. There are plenty of beach destinations in the USA. The only problem you may have is choosing which one to visit.

Are you ready to find out the must-see family beaches in the USA? Here we go…

7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA

"7 Must-See Family Beaches in the USA" Photo credit: Jason Weeks. Visit http://about.me/jasonweeks

Alabama

An Alabama beach vacation is the perfect family vacation destination. This gulf state has championship golf courses, white-sand beaches, charter fishing, water sports, and more. Coastal locales include Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Dauphin Island.

You and your family can rent a condo or vacation home or stay in one of the many hotels and resorts that can be found throughout the state. You’ll have easy access to the beach!

Florida

Florida is home to renowned sandy beaches, dreamy resorts, and some of the best attractions found within the USA.  Daytona Beach is one of the must-see family beaches in the USA. There are plenty of hotels and resorts in the area along with vacation rentals such as condos and homes.

Georgia

A family vacation is just peachy when you travel to Georgia!

Jekyll Island is one of the most spectacular family beaches in the USA. Here’s a secret … it’s known as the “best kept secret” in the Southeast. Jekyll Island is an untouched, natural beauty which makes it a unique family vacation destination. There’s plenty to do from lounging on the beach, kayaking, boating, biking, birding, horseback riding, and more. The possibilities are endless.

Jersey Shore

Like it or not, your teenagers may be glued to the TV watching the antics of Snookie, JWoww, Pauly D, and the rest of the cast from MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” The good news is that New Jersey is filled with family-friendly activities such as amusements parks, and, of course, 127 miles of the best glistening beaches in the USA. Visit Sandy Hook and Cape May and take advantage of the warm weather and fun family activities such as festivals, concerts, and more.

North Carolina

Some of the must-see family beaches in the USA can be found within North Carolina. Home to top cities such as Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, families enjoy North Carolina’s beaches such as the Outer Banks and Ocracoke, where pristine beaches still exist. Relax and let the stress melt away as you relax on the luxurious sands of the Atlantic coast.

South Carolina

A South Carolina beach vacation is perfect for the entire family. The most popular beach destination is Myrtle Beach. With 60 miles of sandy beaches, you’ll like you’re in heaven. There’s plenty to do such golfing, sight-seeing, shopping, dining, and more.  Accommodations include hotels and resorts, vacation home rentals, and motels.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a must-see family beach destination. Known for its famed boardwalk, golf, and family friendly atmosphere, you’ll want to visit over and over again. Accommodations include rental homes, hotels and resorts, and campgrounds. You and your family will enjoy Virginia Beach activities such as lounging on the beach, surfing the waves, kayaking, shopping, wildlife trails, and more.

It’s a good idea to plan for rainy days. Visit the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia. See a movie or play a game of Laser Quest. Check out the books at the Central Library or at one of the eight area libraries.

Happy travels!

What’s your favorite family beach in the USA? Share.

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