Travel
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Things to Know Before Visiting Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
After exploring Anna Maria Island for over 40 years, there is a certain kind of insider knowledge that only comes with time. Anna Maria Island may only be seven miles long, but there is more to know than just where to find the best beach or restaurant. Understanding how the island works before arrival can…
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Sandbar Seafood & Spirits History on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
The Sandbar Seafood & Spirits on Anna Maria Island is one of the island’s most iconic beachfront restaurants, with a history that stretches back over a century. Originally a gathering place known as “The Pavilion,” the site has endured hurricanes, ownership changes, and countless reinventions, yet it has remained a central part of island life.…
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Guide to Useful Japanese Words and Phrases
Before you even board the plane, a handful of Japanese words can go a long way. From polite greetings to everyday phrases you will hear in train stations, restaurants, and shops, knowing a few key words can make traveling in Japan smoother, more respectful, and a lot more fun. This guide covers the essential Japanese…
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Best Catering Options on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
You have the vacation rental. You have the crew. Now you just need someone to handle the food and on Anna Maria Island, you are in very good hands. Whether you are celebrating a birthday on the beach, hosting a rehearsal dinner at your Gulf-front home, planning a family reunion, or simply want to skip…
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Romantic Restaurants on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
Anna Maria Island has no shortage of beautiful backdrops for a night out, and some restaurants take it a step further, pairing that scenery with candlelight, quiet corners, and menus built for lingering over a bottle of wine. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply want a slower, more intentional dinner,…
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Ultimate Guide to Gachapon Capsule Toys in Japan
Walk down almost any street in Japan and you will eventually run into a wall of glowing machines, rows of clear plastic domes packed with tiny mysteries, a hand-crank handle, and a line of people who cannot resist just one more try. These are gachapon, and once you understand what they are and why they…
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History of the Anna Maria City Pier: My Insider Guide
The Anna Maria City Pier is the kind of place that means something different to everyone who has spent time on it. For me, it means fishing, enjoying a cold beer, eating, listening to live music, and sitting on the worn wooden benches trading stories with whoever else happened to be there that night. I…
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Captain Bam’s Jungle Float on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
If you are looking for something a little different on your Anna Maria Island trip, something that gets you out on the water but is not your typical boat tour, Captain Bam’s Jungle Float might be exactly what you are looking for. It is one of those experiences that is genuinely hard to describe until…
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Lucky Cat Japan: The Story Behind Maneki-Neko
The Japanese lucky cat, known as Maneki-neko, is one of Japan’s most beloved traditional symbols of good fortune. You have probably seen it peeking out from shop windows, perched next to cash registers, or tucked into travel souvenir displays. That cheerful figurine with one paw raised has a story worth knowing. Once you know it,…
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Lifeguard Stations on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide
If you’re planning to swim during your trip to Anna Maria Island, knowing where lifeguards are located can make all the difference. While the island is known for its laid-back charm and wide stretches of Gulf-front shoreline, not every beach access point is staffed. In fact, lifeguards are stationed at only a few designated areas.…
