Anna Maria Island

Bike Longboat Key

See Anna Maria Island and Longboat By Bike...

If you are into bicycling Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, there is a website you need to visit... Bike Longboat Key!

If you want to rent a bike on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key, there is a site for that too... Fun and More Bike Rentals.

The Bike Longboat Key website is dedicated to the bike paths and shoulders on the Islands of Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island.

Lets face the facts. There are not many places left in Florida to ride a bicycle safely, so Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key are a real blessing to us cyclists.

Regardless, please ride safely!

Festivals, Art, Theater, History and Other Must See Events

Anna Maria's Island's Cultural Connection...

Realize Bradenton is all about the arts, the culture and the heritage behind the community of Bradenton.

The idea of turning downtown Bradenton into a vibrant hot spot, or 'Cultural Destination' if you will, seems to have rubbed off on neighboring Anna Maria Island.

As January Holmes put it in his recent article entitled 'Buzz Worthy: Anna Maria's Cultural Connection'... the idea of a Cultural Connection is, "a contagious phrase — in a good way." In the article he says, "I recently had the opportunity to meet a group trying to make a difference for Anna Maria Island — Cultural Connections. It’s mission: promoting the island’s appealing cultural attributes."

He goes on to explain that, "Those attributes are more than the white sand beaches that lure thousands of visitors each year." And lets face it, he is right when he says, "One can only sit on the beach so long before wondering what other things are hidden in this tropical paradise."

Anna Maria Island truly is a tropical paradise. That... no one would deny, yet there is so, so much more, and that’s where Cultural Connections comes in. Cultural Connections on Anna Maria Island is the "guiding light to area festivals, art, theater, history and other must-see events".

Blog and Information Portal

Anna Maria Island Life...

What is Anna Maria Island Life?

Anna Maria Island Life is a group of websites that provide information about life on Anna Maria Island, planning a wedding, local businesses and services, as well as information about things like where to stay, where to eat, what to see and do while on Anna Maria Island, organized events and entertainment, even local issues and news.

What is the Anna Maria Island Life Blog?

The Anna Maria Island Blog is the hub that ties these web properties together.

For anyone planning a vacation on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key or some other location close to Anna Maria Island, the Anna Maria Island Blog has a Vacation Equipment Rental and Supply category that may be of interest.

That's right, you can leave it all at home and just bring yourself!

Fun and More Beach, Bike and Baby Rentals, right here on beautiful Anna Maria Island... has everything you and your family need to enjoy your vacation of a life time!

Things To Do Through April and May

Fun Things To Do On and Around Anna Maria Island...

Anna Maria Island is known for it quiet, serene and beautiful beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast, as well as its laid back, stress free, Old Florida charm.

Yes, Anna Maria Island truly is a tropical island paradise in the sun.

Of course, depending on your age and outlook, that quiet and laid back atmosphere most of us cherish might just be too much for some.

It's even been suggested that if you bring your teens along on your next family vacation to Anna Maria Island... they may go a bit buggy as a result of that stress free, Old Florida charm you so cherish!

Well, not too worry cause there's a full calendar of activities in the area to relieve the kids boredom from all that sand and water.

Bridge Street Market

For starters, there is the Bridge Street Market on the first and third Saturdays of each month beginning April 17.

The Bridge Street Market is an opportunity to peruse local art work, flowers, gifts and a whole lot more at the outdoor Bridge Street Market in Bradenton.

Call 941-518-4431 for more information about the Bridge Street Market.

Ringling International Arts Festival

Arts Festival to Include Several World and U.S. Premier Events...

Now an annual event, the Ringling International Arts Festival will be held Oct. 13-17 on the campus of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Arts and the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

• Orders for festival passes are now being accepted at the Historic Asolo Theater box office.
• Single tickets go on sale May 15.
• Call 360-7399 or visit  www.ringlingartsfestival.org.

Ringling International Arts Festival 2010:
October 13 - 17, 2010

The Ringling International Arts Festival is the result of a unique partnership between the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and New York's Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC).

The Festival's eleven main stage productions reflect BAC's commitment to presenting contemporary, innovative work by both emerging and established artists at the forefront of their fields.

Priority Ticketing

Because you were the first to support the Ringling International Arts Festival, you are among the first to hear our exciting line-up of stage performances for RIAF 2010.

More importantly, you can be the first in line to enjoy Priority Ticketing for both the Night of Premieres and Festival Passes before general ticket sales begin on May 15.

Relay for Life

Support the American Cancer Associations Relay for Life...

Just a short post letting everyone know that Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center is teaming up with the American Cancer Society for the Relay for Life.

What is the
American Cancer Associations Relay for Life?

More than 20 years ago, one man took it upon himself to raise money to support the efforts of the American Cancer Society.

Today, more than three million Americans participate in Relay events nationwide.

Today, the Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivor ship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society.

During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center is now forming their team for the Relay for Life. 

Help Support the American Cancer Society.  Visit the Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center for more details and how you can win a one year membership!

Anna Maria Island Health and Fitness Center
5364 Gulf Drive
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-778-5446

Festival sARTée

About The 2010Festival sARTée...

The Festival sARTée expands the energy and excitement of the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF), planned for Sarasota-Manatee, on October 13-17, 2010.

For two weeks surrounding the RIAF, the Festival sARTée, Oct. 8-24, showcases the region's world-class arts and culture ranging from theater, dance, music, visual art, live music and more in a variety of venues throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Spring and Winter Art Festivals

Anna Maria Island Arts League...

Anna Maria Island is rich in arts and culture and the Anna Maria Island Art League is part of that cultural heritage.

The Anna Maria Island Art League was founded in 1989 by a group of artists and art lovers with a common desire to bring art to the island community.

In June 1993, the Anna Maria Island Art League opened the island's first art center at 5312 Holmes Boulevard in Holmes Beach. The art center includes a large exhibit/ classroom, membership gallery/conference room, photo lab, art library and picnic grounds.

The Art League of Anna Maria Island also offers a broad range of classes at the center, and a scholarship program for children and adults.

New exhibits are hung every month, starting in October, and exhibits feature members, faculty, students and/or regional artists. Exhibit artwork is original and most is available for sale by the artists.

Opening receptions are on Friday evening, with the evening of the exhibit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. These events are always open and free to the public.

Wedding Festival in the News

Anna Maria
Island Wedding Festival...

There is a lot of anticipation in the air in regards to the up and coming 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival.

Everyone is talking about it... even the News!

What follows is a list of news articles and press releases about the 2010 Wedding Festival to be held this February 28 on Anna Maria Island.

Go to...
Third Annual Wedding Festival: Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival in the News.

Learn more about the wedding vendors that will be present at the Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival.

Welcome to Anna Maria Island Life.

See You There,
At the 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival!

Featured Wedding Photographer

Looking for a Wedding and Events Photographer on Anna Maria Island?

Anna Maria Island Wedding Photography
by Billi...

With the Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival just around the corner, many of you may already be well into the planning of your dream wedding in paradise.

After all, Anna Maria Island is one of Florida's best kept secrets and has quickly become one of the top destination wedding locations in America today.

As a result, Anna Maria Island area wedding venders are about to experience their busiest season yet, and of all the different aspect of your wedding, the photographer and wedding pictures are something you simply do not want to leave to chance.

Photographic services are one of the most important services you will employ on this very special day.

With this in mind, you'll want to take your time in selecting a wedding photographer that is just right for you... and you'll want to book them well in advance of your wedding day.

Our currently featured Anna Maria Island Photographer is Billi Gartman of www.MemoriesByBilli.com.