Anna Maria Island

Florida
A Vacation Insiders Guide

MEET TUCK & KRISTEN

Contact Tuck:
+1.678.232.7996

This Insider Guide is brought

to you by Tuck & Kristen
Wieler, who own 3 vacation
rentals on gorgeous Anna
Maria Island. After years
of vacationing on AMI with
their family, they know the
island inside out, almost like
a walking, talking guidebook!

Tuck can be contacted via any

of the above options for more
information about the area,
pricing, and availability.

THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR

Hand-painted signs pointing the way to seafood joints.
Clapboard cottages. Fringed palm trees and live oaks
draped in Spanish moss. And, most importantlynot a
faceless chain business in sight. This is Old Florida, and
some say its heyday is long past.
Not on Anna Maria Island! In the 21st century, its coats
of paint may be fresher, its food options more diverse
(some of it downright gourmet), and its low-profile
beach cottages outfitted with more modern comforts,
but AMI remains a stronghold of simplicity in Americas
most-beloved vacation state.
On AMI, you wont find highways, clogged intersections,
big-box retailers or high-rises to block your view. But
you will find welcoming locals, baskets of fresh Gulf

E: info@vacationinsiders.com
W: www.vacationinsiders.com

shrimp heaped onto communal picnic tables, and

modest (yet refined) beach cottages where families
create lifetime memories at the edge of the Gulf.
To experience AMI's timeless charms, check out Tuck
Wieler's Cozy Cottage and Cozy Cabana East & West,
three delightful homes within strolling distance of the
beach, with private, palm-dappled pools and charming
interiors in a beachy palate. Read on: You're invited to
learn how to create a tailored-to-you vacation on AMI,
with the help of the Wieler family's expertise!

ABOUT THE WIELERS & THE REAL AMI...

A trip to the beach is a treasured tradition for Tuck and Kristen Wieler and their family of five. When they stumbled
upon Anna Maria Island during a search for a beach they could really settle into, a place they could return to year
after year, they realized something important: You can't really choose your family's perfect beach. It chooses you.
Since their discovery of Anna Maria Island, the Wielers have felt at home on this seven-mile slice of paradise, with its
flour-soft sand and clear, emerald waters. And two years ago, they translated that feeling of "home" into a house. Tuck
and Kristen were taken with how Cozy Cottage exactly reflected the soothing vibe of Anna Maria Island. The cottage,
with its three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and tropically landscaped, private pool, is the ideal family getaway that's
just a two-minute stroll from the beach.
The Wielers have also added a second, multi-functional villa to their property portfolio that can suit the needs of a
young couple, couples vacationing together, or groups of families and friends. Cozy Cabana East and West are both
newly renovated, beach-convenient properties just a block from the Gulf, each with its own private pool. Families or
couples who want to play together, but not stay together, can take advantage of both properties and their flexible
bedroom configurations. Though adding this second property was an unexpected journey for the Wielers, the urge
to jump in head-first is a testament to how much they've come to love Anna Maria Island.

And there's a whole lot to love. Life slows down on Anna Maria Island. The speed limit doesn't exceed 35 MPH,
and absent are high-rise condos, party bars, and chain establishmentsyet Anna Maria won't leave you feeling like
you've missed anything.
For those seeking a peaceful, relaxing beach trip, all of the island is accessible by bike, golf cart, the free trolley, or
a good ol' fashioned stroll (preferably with ice cream cone in hand). The island is home to a local history museum,
quaint coffee shops, and locally owned restaurants and business. The Gulf beaches are a picturesque backdrop for
lounging and enjoying the Florida sun and breeze.
Anna Maria Island also offers high-octane thrills for adventure-seekers, including paddleboarding or kayaking in
mangrove-lined waters among manatees, dolphins, and more. Explore some of the best waters in all of Florida
with a boat charter, or take a day trip to Sarasota, Tampa, or the theme-park mecca that is Orlando, all two hours
or less from the island. At the end of a fun-filled day, rest easy knowing you get to come back to a relaxing refuge, a
quintessential beach front cottage or cabana with all the modern conveniences and amenities you could hope for.
The island and its laidback vibe will quickly show you how beautiful life can be when it all slows down.

5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...

Kayak in the Mangroves...

Sunsets ANYWHERE on the Beach...

Breakfast on the Island...

Ferry to Egmont Key...

Dolphin Cruise...

It's easy to lose track of time in the tangled, tropical forest of Florida's
mangroves with a kayak tour. As you cruise the shallow waters, you'll see
young fish, sea stars and sea horses, urchins and other critters. Happy
Paddler offers customizable kayak tours through this rich ecosystem
at various times of the day, including sunset. Mix it up with a tour on a
paddleboard with Fun and More Rentals, getting up-close-and-personal
with sea turtles, manatees, and even dolphins.

On the island, sunset is the day's main event. As any local will tell you, you
have to see one for yourself to understand why. Though the views are
spectacular from any beachfront vantage point, White Avenue (across
from Cozy Cabanas) and Bean Point (a short walk from Cozy Cottage)
are two great places to stake out. Bring a (concealed and plastic...shhh!)
cup of wine or a cocktail, a small picnic, and the whole family. Each night
brings a whole new show.
All-you-can-eat pancakes are a treat on their ownbut when you get to
enjoy them on a picturesque beach at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe,
it doesn't get any better. Kids and parents with a sweet tooth will both
enjoy creating their own doughnut concoctions at Anna Maria Donuts, a
local, family-owned staple. For the island's best French toast, made with
crme brle, head to Ginny's & Jane E's Island Bakery, Cafe and Store.

Egmont Key, an island only accessible via boat, has a unique natural and
cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858 and
fort ruins from the SpanishAmerican War. Hitch a ride to this secluded
key on the Egmont Key Ferry. Once there, have a swim among the ruins
and learn more about the island's rich history. Meanwhile, keep an eye
out for diverse wildlife like shore birds, sea turtles, and the grumpylooking, burrowing gopher tortoise.
You simply can't vacation on Anna Maria Island without taking advantage
of an interactive dolphin cruise. Coastline Dolphin and Snorkeling
Excursion offers cruises with several sandbar stops where kids can dig
for sand dollars, forage for conch shells, and interact with sea urchins.
Knowledgeable guides help cruise-goers easily spot schools of majestic
dolphinsyou'll want to have your camera for this vacation moment.
To learn more, call Coastline Excursion at 941-201-8429.

4 FOR THE ACTIVE...

Rent a Bike...
Explore Anna Maria Island with a relaxing bike ride.
Pedal by the water along City Pier or Rod & Reel
Pier, both home to good eats, or down Pine Avenue
to see sparkling beaches. Beach Bums offers fun
and funky rental bikes suited to any excursion,
including cruisers and geared bikes. For those not
comfortable on two wheels, Beach Bums also rents
tricycles. Couples can tour the island on tandem
bikes, and parents can rent extra bike seats for
young children.
Rentals
range
from $5 to $9 an
hour or $14 to
$20 a day. Beach
Bums will also
deliver free of
charge any bikes
rented for longer
than 24 hours.

Paddleboarding...
S t a n d - u p
paddleboarding
is a fun way to
see the waters
around
Anna
Maria Island and
fit in a rigorous,
f u l l - b o d y
workout while you're at it. Master your balance
and rowing with a lesson from AMI Paddleboard
Adventures or take part in one of their sunset
tours. If you find yourself on the island during a
full moon, take advantage of AMI's full moon tour
to see nocturnal birds and other night-dwelling
sea animals. AMI also offers rentals for one or two
hours, or a half or full day with free pick up and
delivery.

Charter a Fishing Boat...

The waters bounding Anna Maria Island have
been home to Tom Chaya for more than 30 years,
making him the island's most sought-after and
knowledgeable fishing tour guide. Set sail with
Captain Tom's charter and he'll expertly guide you
through waters teeming with snook, tarpon, permit,
trout, redfish, snapper, grouper, cobia, kingfish,
mackerel, and flounder. The custom-built, 26-foot
boat is rigged for comfortable-yet-serious fishing,
and Captain Tom
offers expeditions
for both experts
and first-timers.
Reservations
with Captain Tom
are available for
full- and half-day
trips.

A Sun Break...
The fun doesn't
stop
just
because it's a rainy
or cloudy day on
Anna Maria Island. Head to the
John and Mable
Ringling Museum,
which features an art museum, a circus museum,
and a residence and garden open to tours. This
unique museum's story begins nearly a century ago,
when a circus impresario honored his wifes love
for Italy and art with a Venician-style residence in
Sarasota to the tune of $1.5 million. Or, to experience Florida's marine life on a rainy day, head to
Mote Aquarium, which also doubles as hospital for
injured sea animals.

TUCK'S TIPS ON AMI DINING...

The Waterfront...
The craft bar at The Waterfront is a cocktail lover's dream. Its lineup
of mixed drinks offers adventurous twists on classics, like the Smoked
Margarita made with Reposado Tequila and a rinse of Mezcal with fresh
lime and ginger. The food menu boasts fresh Gulf catches and the porch
seating provides the ideal environment to enjoy it all. It's a popular spot
for locals and visitors alike, so call ahead to make reservations.
T: 941-778-1515 | Reviews

Eat Here...
Eat Here is Beach Bistros younger, more wallet-friendly brother. It
breaks the mold of formal dining with quirky tableware and clipboard
menus, but the quality of the food is just as exceptional as that of a
higher-priced establishment. The fish is always fresh and plates are
served as soon as they're made for the best flavor. Save room for
dessert at this placeyou won't regret it!
T: 941-778-0411 | Reviews

Bridge Street Bistro...

Dine al fresco on the third floor terrace of Bridge Street Bistro
and take in Anna Maria Island's main event: a blazing sunset. The
kitchen, run by Chef Keith Daum, is known for its lobster bisque,
seafood gumbo, specialty salads, and thick cuts of steak. Happy
hour starts at 3 PM with drink specials and half-priced apps, and live
entertainment keeps the party going past twilight.
T: 941-782-1122 | Reviews

Everyone Loves a Local Dive...

For a break from seafood, try Village Idiot Pizzeria, with its NYCworthy (or better!) wood-fired pizzas in the Cortez Fishing Village.
Afterward, head next door to Tyler's Ice Cream for a homemade
scoop or two. Skinny's Place is another dive hangout, this one with
a distinct Jimmy Buffett vibe and juicy burgers. It's a cash-only
establishment with $1.50 beers and communal picnic tables ideal
for getting to know your neighbor.
T: 941-896-4857 | Reviews (A)

T: 941-778-7769 | Reviews (B)

TUCK'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY...

AMI has a number of options depending on your needs. Below are the 3 rentals which Tuck owns.
If these are booked, or you require a different size and style of accommodation, Tuck knows other
places on the island and can help with referrals.

Cozy Cabana-East...
Cozy Cabana-East has it all: coastal charm, comfort, and convenience.
Located a half-mile from historic Pine Avenue on Anna Maria Island,
this property is a quick, three-minute stroll from the coveted beaches
of White Avenue, known by locals as a top-notch surfing spot. Guests
can also relax by the sparkling private pool surrounded by private
fencing and lush tropical palms.
For more information please refer to the property website...

Cozy Cabana-West...
Cozy Cabana-West is another charming, comfortable, and convenient
property just minutes from Anna Maria Island's gorgeous beaches.
Cozy Cabana-West offers two bedrooms, each with their own
private bath, and can sleep additional guests on a brand new, fully
convertible sleeper sofa. An outdoor patio overlooks the heated pool
and comes with a propane grill for family bonding over a nice dinner.
For more information please refer to the property website...

Cozy Cottage...
This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home can sleep up to eight
and is just steps from the beach. Each bedroom also offers direct
access to the pool and lounging patio, and the kitchen is abundantly
stocked. Guests can unwind in front of the 42-inch flat screen HDTV
in the living room or take in the mature tropical landscape poolside.
Cozy Cottage provides the beach chairs, towels, and cart.
For more information please refer to the property website...

THE WIELER'S Practical Tips

Groceries...

Prepare Seafood at Home...

Practicalities...

The local Publix, one of the only

chain establishments on the
island, is ideal for non-seafood
groceries, snacks, and other
necessities.
It also stocks a
nice selection of kids' beach
toys. The Anna Maria General
Store is another alternative for
groceries and small items like
toiletriesplus, it boasts a small
cafe perfect for breakfast, lunch,
or a midday coffee.

Star Fish Company is the area's

highest-quality local seafood
market with a daily, rotating
selection that includes snapper,
scallops, salmon, and more.
Closer to home (but with a
smaller selection), try Island
Fresh Market. Another tip: For
just $6, Rod & Reel Pier will
cook any fish you catch on their
pier (and clean yourself). That's
about as fresh as seafood gets!

Though uncommon, some local

businesses are cash-only. Don't
worryATMs are abundant,
including at Wells Fargo, The
General Store, Publix, and
Skinny's Place. We also ask that
you be a good neighbor to the
island's residentswho make
AMI the friendly place it isby
observing quiet hours between
10 PM and 8 AM and sticking to
the 25-30 MPH speed limit.

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