Attention Anna Maria Lovers

[des1954]

Yes Phyllis...this thread is primarily directed at you!

The Sandbar restaurant has officially been declared a national historical site! What I didn't realize is that it was originally opened in 1913.

The fact that it is owned by the son of a former, very beloved Governor (Lawton Chiles) probably helped accelerate the process.

It is, however, and excellant restaurant!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

http://sandbar-restaurant.com/


looks pretty sweet.....I'd like to go there!

 

[auntie]

We WERE there the first week of May. Had a great dinner. I think we might even have a picture or two. I had the scallops..very good. We ate inside, but the view was still wonderful, and when the sun was setting Bob stepped out to take a few photos. There was a small wedding party when we were there as well.
Seems like Anna Maria has a lot of those...very romantic setting.

Hey Deb..I also took a ride through the newly renovated Holiday Cove RV Park. THAT turned out REALLY nice. Last year it was a tore up mud hole...this year the entire park is paved, and all the sites are stone pavers. Pool, fitness center. They have some sites with docks to the canal as well. Just a short drive over the bridge to the beach. Seems like an ideal location.
Now..when Bob get's home I've got to get him to put those pictures into the computer so I can post them.

 

[auntie]

Hey Deb...Some Anna Maria Pictures....or anyone else who might be interested. We had a few very relaxing days at the beach..at my older son's invitation. We hope to go back with the whole family in August.

View from our 2nd floor condo unit

fishing pier...(this is for you Frank!)...

Bob..taking pictures out on the pier.

Bob...relaxing and feeling much better...

and me...

us together...

pool...just off the deck.

my son and I at the beach...

Early morning sunrise. What a way to start the day..we saw dolphins feeding in the bay. I wish I were sipping my coffee and looking at his now.

Sunset from restaurant on the beach....

 

[des1954]

Awwww, Phyllis!!! These pictures are terrific, and you & Bob look great!!

I love Anna Maria, but not enough to move back there & fight all the traffic.

 

[auntie]

Thanks Deb. Bob's feeling much better and back to work (busy as can be..no easing back into things.) It was good he took the time to get a way for a few days.

As far as "traffic"...I guess it's all relative. I live in a suburb of NYC...so traffic is a way of life around here. Anna Maria/ Bradenton area, looks a lot less congested than where we live...go figure.

 

[des1954]

As far as "traffic"...I guess it's all relative. I live in a suburb of NYC...so traffic is a way of life around here. Anna Maria/ Bradenton area, looks a lot less congested than where we live...go figure.

Ahhhh....come back in November thru March when it can take 40 minutes or so to get over the bridge!! You learn how to say "get the heck moving" in multiple languages!

 

[auntie]

I did see the Cortez bridge closed for quite some time...traffic left sitting on there. There was a terrible accident just over the bridge on the Anna Maria side. Involving a car with some young kids, and a truck trailering a boat. The kids were air lifted out. They closed both sides of the bridge so emergency vehicles could get through on the side leaving the island. Quite a scene. I wondered about the ability for emergency vehicles to get in and out quickly after that.

I rather enjoyed watching from our deck the Cortez bridge open up for the huge sailboats wanting to pass through. I don't imagine the cars waiting on top of the bridge were thrilled though. Bob has some pictures of the Manatee Bridge opening for a large sail boat while we were on it. He had enough time to just get out and take some pics.
Typical tourists I guess!

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Early morning sunrise. What a way to start the day..we saw dolphins feeding in the bay. I wish I were sipping my coffee and looking at his now.

That makes me feel instant peace just looking at the photograph.....

 

[Mmketeer]

Great pics. We were just in that area camping at my favorite non-Disney spot at the Holiday Cove RV Resort in Bradenton near the bridge at the end of May. We didn't get a chance to eat at the sand bar (we'll have to try that next time), but we did make it over to Rod N Reel where I had a wonderful crab sandwich and we saw at least three dolphins playing around the pier and one manatee. We also went upto Holmes Beach to eat at Skinny's another great old place with the best burgers (it was even mentioned in Southern Living Magazine) and of course we made it to our local hang out the Star Fish grill a few times also. I love it down there and can't wait to get back!

 

[auntie]

Great pics. We were just in that area camping at my favorite non-Disney spot at the Holiday Cove RV Resort in Bradenton near the bridge at the end of May. We didn't get a chance to eat at the sand bar (we'll have to try that next time), but we did make it over to Rod N Reel where I had a wonderful crab sandwich and we saw at least three dolphins playing around the pier and one manatee. We also went upto Holmes Beach to eat at Skinny's another great old place with the best burgers (it was even mentioned in Southern Living Magazine) and of course we made it to our local hang out the Star Fish grill a few times also. I love it down there and can't wait to get back!

Thanks. Skinny's hmm...we're going to have to give that a try.
We stayed at Tradewinds Resort which is just over the Cortez bridge and to the right. We enjoy eating at the Gulf Drive Cafe..which is very close to the resort. Nothing fancy..but good decent food. There is a small outdoor dining area where you can watch the most beautiful sunsets. Oh..and they have live entertainment.. a singer performs Thrus thru Sunday. Nice way to end the day. Thanks to Debbie, Anna Maria is now one of our favorite vacation destinations!
Holiday Cove looks beautiful. MUCH improved from when we saw it last year. Love the paver sites..especially the ones that back up to the canal.
I'm jealous...your so lucky to live close enough to camp there!

 

[des1954]

We also went upto Holmes Beach to eat at Skinny's another great old place with the best burgers (it was even mentioned in Southern Living Magazine)

I've never heard of "Skinny's". I wonder if that's the old "Duffy's" under new ownership??? Another great, casual (very casual) place to dine is Rotten Ralph's, on the west side of the island at the end of Bay St. It's open air - so bathing suits are a must. They advertise "Warm Beer - Lousy Food". It's anything but lousy. Their grouper sandwiches are to die for!!