Savannah Craft - Island Real Estate Blog

January 10, 2024March 13, 2024

Dog Park in Holmes Beach – Scentral Park

If you have traveled to Anna Maria Island with your furry friend before, you have probably been to the dog park. If you and your dog are Island newbie’s, you may not be aware of the dog park in Holmes Beach.

Let me give you the run down. There is a park on Flotilla Drive in Holmes Beach called Scentral Park. Here, there is a small area just for dogs to run around and do dog stuff. You can find many visitors as well as residents who use the dog park year around.

It’s nothing much, but there are benches to relax and some shade. And with dogs being NOT PERMITTED on the Island beaches, it’s nice to have a place just for them.

If you are in the need of a playground, a work out, some basketball, pickleball or tennis, then the Park in Holmes Beach is a perfect spot. The playground, soccer field and pickleball courts are all within an ear shot of the dog park. It is a wonderful place to visit and who knows, maybe get some insider secrets from a permanent resident of Anna Maria Island?

Early in your search for an Anna Maria Island dog friendly vacation rental. Look no more, Island Real Estate can help with that too!

*This park is managed by the City of Holmes Beach*

Savannah Craft

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020

The Island Donut Company on Historic Bridge Street

There are tons of different places on the Island that offer sweet treats, and as of 2020 there is a new establishment in Bradenton Beach that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. I’m talking about the Island Donut Company, located on Historic Bridge Street.

Island Donut Company offers delicious made-to-order donuts, specialty coffees, and other bakes goods. You can always count on the donuts and coffee, and depending on the day you stop by they also might have truffles, macaroons, pies, or brownies available. Recently, they have had Banana Bread, Pumpkin Swirl Ice Cream, Apple Cinnamon Scones, and Soft Pretzels available for purchase.

Island Donut Company is open from 8am – 1pm daily, and sits right next door from Back Alley Treasures.

Island Donut Company
110 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
(941) 840-0095

Savannah Craft

September 18, 2020November 13, 2020

Isola Bella Italian Eatery – Enjoy an Authentic Italian Dinner in Holmes Beach

Enjoy the taste of authentic Italian cuisine in Holmes Beach at Isola Bella Italian Eatery. This restaurant is open for dinner (5pm – 9pm), and closed on Sundays.

They serve old family recipes using only the freshest ingredients that are mostly imported from Italy, or come from local farms. The cheese is imported, the pasta is made fresh, and the meats are top-shelf. This ensures the best quality of food, and trust me, the food here is fantastic.

The menu contains many classic Italian dishes and desserts. For appetizers, they have dishes such as Bruschetta, Eggplant Eza Bella, and Caprese Salad. As for the main courses, the menu includes Gnocchi al Pesto, Ravioli alla Vodka as well as your choice of veal or chicken Parmigiana, Piccata, and Marsala. Yum, yum, yum!

And to wrap up the meal, try on of their desserts, like the Tiramisù or lemon Sorbetto.

Isola Bella Italian Eatery
5904 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
(941) 242-5309

Savannah Craft

September 11, 2020November 13, 2020

The Island Spice – Authentic Indian Cuisine on Anna Maria Island

You can find some delicious, authentic Indian food right here on Anna Maria Island at Island Spice. This Holmes Beach restaurant is the only Indian restaurant on the Island, and in the local area. The owner is from Tamil Nadu, India, and opened Island Spice back in 2012. The menu is full of Indian cuisine specialties using fresh ingredients. They also have a great choice of vegetarian options!

The menu contains a few appetizers (like Samosa and Papadam), as well as lunch sandwiches, Uttapam, and more! They also offer seafood, lamb, and chicken entrees.
The kids menu is nice if you have a child that prefers the kid food basics (grilled cheese, chicken nuggets, and a kids hot dog).
Make sure you check out there specials!

Island Spice is open for lunch & dinner Tuesday – Sunday, and closed Mondays.
3608 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Savannah Craft

August 28, 2020November 13, 2020

2020 Labor Day Showcase – Soccer Tournament

Soccer. It’s a sport loved and played by many across the world. And the Labor Day Showcase is quickly approaching, which means in just a week an estimated 2,100 athletes and an additional 3,500 spectators will be flocking the area to compete in this youth soccer tournament.

The competition is for boys and girls, ages 7 – 19, and will be taking place at the Lakewood Ranch Premier Sports Campus (5895 Post Blvd, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211). This location is a 140 acre full-time sports complex, equipped with over 20 professional size fields (all being Celebration Turf), and over 40 acres of parking.

After the competition head over to The GROVE Restaurant just off Main Street for a bite to eat.

Savannah Craft

August 28, 2020January 22, 2021

Suncoast Cuisine – Personal/Private Chef Service on Anna Maria Island

Bring the restaurant to your home or vacation rental with Suncoast Cuisine. Chef Melissa has been creating beautiful and most importantly tasty meals for visitors and locals for over 5 years now. So she definitely knows what she’s doing, and she does it well.
Suncoast Cuisine brings an upscale style of dining to you, without you having to lift a finger. The chef will shop. cook, and prepare the food for you and your guests. All you need to do is enjoy. There are different menus to choose from, which can be customized for your groups liking.

Visit the Suncoast Cusine website to learn more about this wonderful service and to make a reservation.

Savannah Craft

June 19, 2020November 13, 2020

Seafood Shack – Great Seafood just over the Cortez Bridge

If you’re looking for great food with a beautiful view of the Intracoastal, take a short ride over the Cortez Bridge from Anna Maria Island to the Seafood Shack.

Located on the western shoreline of the old Cortez Fishing Village on what is called Hunter’s Point, Seafood Shack has been serving up fresh off the boat seafood since 1972.

Today Seafood Shack is as popular as ever with a menu including something for any pallet, fabulous views, and a full service bar. The menu offers great fresh seafood such as bacon wrapped scallops, fish tacos and a grouper sandwich. If you aren’t a seafood fan try out their meat like the NY Strip or the Classic Burger.

Along with fresh caught seafood, local growers such as Geraldson Community Farms provide fresh sourced produce to this fine eatery.
Enjoy daily fresh catch specials, or have the chef cook up your own catch of the day with the “Hook to Platter” special. For just $14.99 bring in your own fresh caught and cleaned fish, and the Seafood Shack chefs will prepare it to your liking.

Seafood Shack offers three different venues for banquets along with catering services. Enjoy a gorgeous wedding destination with no detail overlooked at this gorgeous waterfront restaurant.

The Marina offers several first come first serve boat slips for both large and small vessels. The Marina offers fabulous amenities including shower/bathroom facility, free wireless, boat/trailer storage and nearby gas and diesel. If you aren’t arriving by boat, experience the area with one of Seafood Shacks suggested charters.

4110 127th St W, Cortez, FL 34215
(941) 794-1235

Savannah Craft

June 13, 2020January 22, 2021

Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina in the Cortez Fishing Village

Enjoy some of the best seafood in the local area while overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway at Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina. Tide Tables is located in Bradenton at the base of the Cortez bridge. This place is definitely a favorite among visitors and locals, and for good reasons. The food is always good, the beers are always cold, and the view is unbeatable.

Lets talk about the menu. For something on the lighter side, go for their soup. They have a delicious gumbo with chicken & andouille sausage, as well as homemade soup du jour. For starters, they offer peel & eat shrimp, grouper bites, conch fritters, etc. Their sandwich options include a shrimp po boy, mojo chicken, fresh grouper, and of course a burger. For the main course, there is scallops, corvina, fish tacos, and more! If you’re not a fan of seafood, go for the BBQ ribs or the mojo chicken entree. They also have a great selection of craft and local brews/ciders that are constantly changing.

Tide Tables is open for lunch and dinner everyday, from 11:30am – 8:00pm.

12507 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton, FL 34210

Savannah Craft

March 20, 2020November 13, 2020

Rhinos, Orangutans, and Panthers, Oh my! – Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa!

What makes for a better family outing than a trip to the zoo? Especially if its the amazing Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. It is a home to over 1,300 animals, including Manatees, Orangutans, Giraffes, and more! Here, they rescue, rehabilitate, and then care for these animals.

This non-profit zoo is 63 acres, and draws over 1 million visitors each year! Which makes sense, because this place is AMAZING!!

The lush, tropical setting truly makes you feel like you have entered a new, wild world. Experience up-close animal encounters, do a behind the scenes tour, and take part in their seasonal events! Tampa is just a short drive from any of our Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals! Worth the trip every time.

Address:
1101 W Sligh Ave
Tampa, FL 33604

Savannah Craft