Blog - Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals - Duncan Real Estate
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Annual Cortez Stone Crab Festival

Cortez Stone Crab TrapsThe stone crab season started Oct 15 and Cortez fishermen are bringing in this delicious seafood to the docks over the last several weeks. This weekend at the 8th Annual Cortez Stone Crab & Music Festival the crab claws will be the featured attraction.

In the 1880’s settlers came down from North Carolina and founded a small Gulf coast commercial fishing village which is now known as Cortez Fishing Village. Today Cortez is one of the last remaining fishing villages in Florida and home to about 5,000 people. Most of them still live off the water in different ways. The people of Cortez are quite proud of their history and preserving the legacy of this area. It is labeled on the National Register of Historic Places. To celebrate their maritime heritage several festivals are held every year.

Cortez is just a short drive from the Southern tip of Anna Maria Island. It is fun to visit anytime of the year. Restaurants with fresh fish and seafood, the village is quaint with small streets lined with cottages, homes and businesses and many with boats in the front yard. Obviously not now, but you will also see lots of crab traps stored in the yards before and after the stone crab season. You walk, bike or golf cart rather than drive and it’s the kind of neighborhood where people know and lookout for each other.

This weekend Nov 9 and 10, 2019 will be another occasion to display their fishing skills at the Stone Crab Festival that is hosted by the Swordfish Grill Restaurant. The free event is held from 10 am to 6 pm and takes place at the restaurant location at 4628 119th St W. Or come by boat and look for Marker 49!

Besides fresh seafood and beer, there are local art vendors and a kids play area.  Live music will start at 10 am on three stages at the East end of the fishing village.

If you are in Cortez, take some time and check out the “Sea Hagg”, an eclectic maritime store or the Florida Maritime Museum.

ready for Annual Cortey Stone Crab Festival

If you have any other question about the area feel free to reach out to our Vacation Rental Team. You can reach us at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

 

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Symphony on the Sand

Spend an elegant afternoon in the sand and enjoy three hours of music by the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra. “Symphony on the Sand” is the 7th annual event held this Saturday, Nov 9th on Coquina Beach at the South end of the island in Bradenton Beach from 4.30 to 7.30 pm.

Tickets start at $20 and there will be all sorts of delicious food and drinks available for purchase. Some of your favorite Island restaurants will be participating. It’s an amazing and unforgettable event and you can take the Trolley there easily from your Island home and not even worry about parking.

 

Here is an overview of your ticket options:

  • $125 – Ticket/Person Includes: Table Seating (at table of 10) with delicious small plates by area restaurateurs, complimentary fine wine and select beer
  • $75 – Ticket/Person – Deck Seating with 2 drink vouchers per ticket & concessionaire food purchase options
  • $50 – Ticket/Person Includes: Concert Chair with 2 drink vouchers per ticket & concessionaire food purchase options
  • $20 – Ticket/Person Includes: General Admission bring your own seating with cash bar & concessionaire food purchase options

 

The 45-piece orchestra will be under the accomplished baton of Maestro Alfred Gershfeld.  Noted local soloists, supported by a professional chorus, provide vocal talent are performing. Also, local television and Island favorites co-emcee the evening.

You will enjoy the music with the water right next to you. The breeze and the waves enhance the experience. And it’s an event for people of all ages and every generation. If you get General Admission, you can bring your own chair (and maybe a blanket too). And you will feel good to know that a portion of the proceeds benefit the Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra Youth and Outreach Programs.

Please find more details about the event or to buy tickets here.

 

For other events or any information about the island please contact our Vacation Rental Team at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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Mullet Smoke Off!

Are you ready for some of the best fish treats of the area? Don’t miss this year’s Terra Ceia Island Mullet Smoke Off and head to Seabreeze Park, 55 Horseshoe Loop Road, 34250  this Saturday, November 2, 2019. Hundreds of other folks will too! From 11 am to 6 pm you can enjoy smoked mullet, music, drinks, local art and incredible Terra Ceia Bay views from the community dock. In addition, the now World-Famous Mullet Toss will be on again!

Terra Ceia Island has the same old Florida vibe as Anna Maria Island and is home to this local festival and community gathering held in the community Seabreeze Park right on the Bay. Volunteers gather about a week in advance and start fishing for mullet to smoke for mullet cakes and mullet spread. Deviled eggs with a dollop of mullet spread and some hot sauce on top – mmmmmmm.  The ones smoked for the mullet dinners that you can enjoy at the event were caught the days before and smoked all night in special made, giant casing from when the Skyway Bridge was built. Ask to see her – she’s Big Bertha and is something to be seen!

Local fishermen and women gather the night before to party and to smoke their fish to win the bragging rights for Best Smoked Mullet in Florida (they say Manatee County – but that just means Florida). But the most popular event of the day is always the mullet toss. Hundreds of people gather around the mullet-tossing area where you pay around $5 for three chances to toss a dead mullet into a barrel for some points, wheel barrow for more points and TOILET for most points. It’s a hoot! You better start practicing now!!!

See you there!

If you are looking for another fun event this weekend  check out “The Sandblast”,  a sand sculpting contest, that takes place on the Manatee Public Beach.

More events are found on our calendar or call Team Duncan for all other island information. You can also send us a quick message.

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Beach Yoga

Anna Maria Island has the perfect balance of relaxation and fun things to do. Why not combine two spiritual experiences to the ultimate outdoor worship in a session of Beach Yoga?

For the Yoga lovers – can you imagine the serenity of the gentle breeze on your body while you strike a Tree or a Warrior 1? You will sense the turquoise water in the background and watch the bluer than blue skies as you stretch and hold your poses.

Fortunately, there are a number of Beach Yoga opportunities all along the island. Watch for the signs along the beach. There is a spot by the BeachHouse Restaurant and across the Tortuga Inn by their wedding pavilion. You will find local gurus who offer classes oftentimes for donations only.

Not all types of Yoga are offered at Beach Yoga.

There are also several Yoga Studios that offer classes with anything from Beach Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga, Meditation, Breath Work, Yin Yoga, Basic Hatha Yoga, Yoga Nidra, SUP Yoga as well as Arm Balances and Inversions can be found. Just call your studio of choice and inquire what they offer or have the instructor come to your Island vacation home.

Here are some studios on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Some of them also offer massage and stretch therapy, acupuncture, organic facials and if you don’t mind traveling outside the Island. Who knows – you may even find the very popular Goat Yoga!

Aluna Wellness is part of the VIP Duncan Perks and will offer something special for our guests. Just tell them Duncan Real Estate send you!

https://www.islandyogaspace.com/

http://www.thriveyogafit.com/beach-yoga-anna-maria-island/

https://www.facebook.com/starfishyoga

http://www.feelgoodyogalongboatkey.com/

https://www.saltybuddhaco.com/

 

 

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Friday Night Lights

Football season is just around the corner – yeah!!! Are you ready to see some great action and support local kids then Friday Night Lights is for you! While you are visiting Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach  – catch some great High School Football at our own Darcie Duncan‘s Alma Mater, Manatee High School. This is the zoned High school for the island kids where Darcie was a Star Softball player for the Hurricanes back in the day.

Manatee High School’s Hurricanes

Manatee High School is the oldest and largest public high school in Bradenton and their football team ‘The Hurricanes” has been State Champions 5 times 1983, 1985, 1989, 1992 and 2011. Numerous players have played Div I College football and multiple players have made it to the NFL. I don’t believe there’s another school in our area who has a more loyal fan base. Manatee usually travels very well and packs the stadium better than the hosting team – so you can imagine how we roll at home!

This Friday the home game will be a very tough one against Florida Powerhouse Lakeland HS. Game time 7:30 pm. Tickets can usually be bought at the gate at the Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, or call the school to see if advanced tickets can be bought earlier in the day on campus so you don’t have to stand in the sometimes very long line.

Manatee County is home to a lot of great football programs and long standing rivalries, so if you don’t make it to the game this Friday, there will be plenty of other opportunities.

Click here for the 2019 season games list and keep in mind that the cheerleaders are multiple times State Winners as well. Go Canes Go!!!!!

 

 

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Summer Golfing

Are you spending any time on beautiful Anna Maria Island during the summer time and like golfing? A great way to explore the many different golf courses in the vicinity is summer golfing with the Big Summer Golf Card. If offers discounted rates that are not available to the general public for a one time fee of $60. The main season is May through October but some courses also offer special rates for April, November and December.

There plenty of participating courses in Manatee and Sarasota County to practice your swing.  Some offer a 25% or higher discount on the daily green fees and marked as “exclusive courses”.

You can pick from 10 courses on the mainland in the Manatee County area which is closest to Anna Maria Island:

Manatee Golf Courses

Just a bit longer driving time will give you access to many more golf courses in the Sarasota County area:

Others benefits include an automatic entry to the Big Money Tour with cash and other prices totaling $5000/month. A great way to compete and get to know fellow players are the area tournaments for Big Summer Golf Card holders.

Others benefits include an automatic entry to the Big Money Tour with cash and other prices totaling $5000/month. A great way to compete and get to know fellow players are the area tournaments for Big Summer Golf Card holders.

Key Royale Golf Club

If you do not like to leave the island there is the 9 hole golf course on Key Royale on the island. The Key Royale Golf Club also offers a summer membership.  It is a par 32 walking golf course for all levels of play. There is a beautifully designed clubhouse with a full bar and lunch and dinner service. Tee time are not required and organized golf events are offered year round.

If you like to stay near the Key Royale Golf course consider some of Duncan Real Estate vacation rentals. Port Royale is a beautiful 2 bedroom home with a caged pool and magnificent water views. For all other rental or sale information contact Team Duncan with our knowledgeable sales and rentals agents. You can call us at 941 779 0304 or or send us a quick message.

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What to do on rainy Days?

Florida is associated with sunshine and beaches but what to do on rainy days?

Luckily, there are many indoor activities offered in the vicinity of Anna Maria Island. Besides the typical alternatives like movies, bowling and shopping visit one of the great museums in this area.

 

 

Here the Top Ten:

  1. Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum
    402 Pine Avenue, Anna Maria, FL 34216
    Free Admission
    January-March: 10am to 4pm
    April-December: 10am to 1pm
    Tour this small museum, the historical Belle Haven house and the Old Anna Maria City Jail. Learn how the island changed over the years from an untouched jungle to a tourist attraction.
  2. The Bishop Museum of Nature and Science
    201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
    Tuesday-Saturday: 10am to 5pm
    Sunday: Noon to 5pm
    Formerly known as South Florida Museum it is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast.  There is also the Planetarium and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.
  3. Florida Maritime Museum
    4415 119th Street West, Cortez, FL 34215
    Free Admission
    Tuesday-Saturday 9 am to 4pm
    Located in the historic 1912 school house of Cortez the museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and share traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts and personal stories specific to Florida’s fishing and maritime heritage
  4. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
    5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
    Free Admission on Monday
    Daily 10 am to 5 pm
    This state art museum was founded by the circus magnate and features 31 galleries in a pink Renaissance-style palace. The Circus Museum is charting American circus history with props, costumes & a restored Wisconsin train carriage. The home to the Ringlings is called Ca’ d’Zan and is a 1924 mansion draws inspiration from the palazzos of Venice.
  5. Sarasota Classic Car Museum
    5500 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
    Daily 9 am to 6pm
    Tour this 60,000-square-foot facility with about 100 vintage cars of all types in a constantly rotating collection. The museum also displays rare cars and ones owned by famous people.
  6. The Dali Museum
    One Dali Blvd, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
    Daily 10 am to 5.30 pm, Thursday 8 pm
    It houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside Europe with more than 2,000 pieces of art in 20,000 square feet of gallery space, including numerous oils, watercolors, sketches, sculptures and other objects.
  7. The Florida Holocaust Museum
    55 5th St  S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
    Daily 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM (except holidays)
    The museum honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. It features permanant exhibitions with original artifacts, historical photographs and documents with additional changing temporary exhibitions.
  8. Museum of Science & Industry
    4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
    Daily 10 am to 5 pm
    MOSI for short is a not-for-profit science museum located in Tampa, Florida. It is a community-based institution and educational resource that is dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology.
  9. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates
    2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901
    Daily: 9 am to 5.30 pm
    Dating from 1885 when Thomas Edison first visited Southwest Florida and purchased the property to build a vacation home this historical museum and 21 acre botanical garden is located beside the Caloosahatchee River.
  10. Chocolate Museum and Cafe
    11701 International Drive Suite 400, Orlando, FL, 32821
    Daily 11 am to 7 pm
    If you are exploring Orlando stop by this museum for a “treat”.  A tour takes you from the beginning of the use of the cocoa beans through its rich history. Sampling is included and stay at the Cafe to taste more of the delicious sweets.
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Salty Turtle

This darling Anna Maria Island home will make anyone feel welcome! Salty Turtle offers a great location on the Northern end of Holmes Beach and West of Gulf Drive. It comes with ground level convenience and a private pool in the backyard.  Just bask in the tropical charm of this three-bedroom bungalow and enjoy island time.

Salty Turtle is decorated in green and blue colors that resemble the shades of the Gulf of Mexico which is just a few steps away. Stroll down this quiet side street and touch the sand in a few short walking minutes.

The house was complicated remodeled and has all the amenities of a modern home. Start your day with a great breakfast prepared in the well-equipped kitchen, where you’ll find stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a dishwasher for easy clean-up. The skylight brings additional light into this area.The dining area is just passed the counter for easy access.

Large glass doors are opening up to the backyard where you can relax after beach hours or just take a dip in the pool. There is sitting around the pool and a propane gas grill to prepare a steak dinner or your fresh catch! Also, enjoy the outdoor shower for a quick refreshing moment after rinse off the sand.

Three bedrooms offer plenty of room for up to 6 guests. There are two bathrooms with walk in shower each.

There are two sitting areas in the house. In the front is a living room with flatscreen TV, while the second area overlooking the pool is a great hangout place to read a book or just enjoy peace and quiet. Stay connected with family and friends with the free Wifi.

Park your car in the garage or driveway and explore the island by foot or via trolley. There is a stop close by and you can ride the free trolley all the way to the North or South end of the island. The boutiques and eateries around Pine Avenue are also in walking distance. Wonder along the beach and take one of many beach accesses to reach your favorite restaurant.

Salty Turtle is a wonderful home, loved by the owners and guests alike. Duncan Real Estate is looking forward to welcoming you to this fantastic vacation rental. Please contact anyone in rentals at 941 779 0304 or send us a quick message.

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4th of July Festivities on Anna Maria Island!

4th of July festivities on Anna Maria IslandAre you one of the lucky ones to spend the holiday week in this part of the world to take part in the 4th of July festivities on Anna Maria Island? If so be prepared to enjoy a full day of fun!

It starts with the yearly 4th of July parade organized by the AMI Privateers. The caravan sets up a Coquina Beach by 10 am and makes it way northward all the way to the end of Pine Avenue. Local businesses and other islanders throw out beads, candy or rock their favorite tunes! Get your lawn chair out early and reserve the best spot for a great free entertainment!

 

Next is the 1pm Hot Dog Eating contest at the Swordfish Grill, 4528 119th St.W. Cortez. Who needs Coney Island??

Head over the bridge to historic Cortez! While there stroll through the village and discover its charm. Do you know that three fishermen, Captain Billy Tyne, Michael “Bugsy” Moran and Dale “Murph” Murphy were crew members of the ill-fated Andrea Gail that had all ties to Cortez? A monument honoring Cortez veterans lost during wartime and Cortez commercial fishermen lost at sea is underneath a shady tree near the A.P. Bell Fish Co. where the names are etched on a corroding plaque. The 3 men were aboard the swordfish boat that left Gloucester, Massachusetts and sank south of Nova Scotia during a fierce storm in 1991 and were made famous by the movie “The Perfect Storm” with George Clooney.

Take the afternoon off or take a nap on the beach to be ready for the Sandbar Restaurant Extravaganza. The beach front restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary with a VIP party. The event begins at 6 pm. Enjoy champagne toast, open bar, complimentary T-shirts, raw bar, buffet and dessert! This all takes place at the Sandbar’s Grand Pavilion. Reservations are required.

If you are not having a reserved seat for the firework show enjoying the extravaganza just come out to the beach after dark. The sparkling celebration will start at 9 pm from barges out in the Gulf by the Sandbar, 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria.

Happy 4th to y’all!

 

While celebrating our independence consider donating some of your time for the next day beach clean up! The Fourth of July is a day filled with food, fun and fireworks but the day after is one of the dirtiest days of the year at the beach. Join “Keep Manatee Beautiful” for the 5th of July Beach Cleanup. Volunteers will pick up the litter and debris from 8 – 11 a.m. Meet the group at the Coquina Beach Bus Circle on Gulf Drive South. Gloves and trash bags are provided.
If you have any questions click here.

 

If you are still looking for a vacation rental check out our last minute discounts for the month of July 2019! Also, be sure to sign up for our promotions to never miss one of our great Duncan Flash Sales. For more information please call Team Duncan at 941 779 0304 or a send us a quick message.

 

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Lazy Hammock on Anna Maria Island

Welcome to Lazy Hammock on Anna Maria Island!

If you are looking for a tropical, laid back escape with all the bells and whistles stop your search right now! Lazy Hammock has it all! This amazing north-end canal front home offers everything you need to make this your best Anna Maria Island vacation ever.

When you arrive at this prestigious North end location, park your car in the circular drive and enter through a jasmine pergola to this stunning ground level beach house! You will never want to leave! The vacation home is located on the very quiet Hammock Road in the historic city of Anna Maria, only a two minute walk to Pine Avenue. It has three bedrooms and three full bathrooms on an oversize lot which offers plenty of room for several outdoor sitting areas, a private pool with spa and 2 ponds. We assure you, nothing has been spared when it comes to fine details and comfort inside with the lush gardens and mangrove lined canal for total privacy outside.

The split floor plan features the centrally located living room with comfortable couches and large flat screen to enjoy a movie. Wireless high speed internet with free domestic long distance calling is provided. The adjacent kitchen is a delight and has everything you need for entertaining. It has all of the amenities you will need to grab a snack or to make a gourmet dinner for your sun induced appetites.

The dining area is just past the sitting area with three walls of large sliding doors to take full advantage of the magnificent outdoors. This room with a view of the pool and tropical gardens will make any dining experience a special occasion. There is also a covered outdoor eating area complete with twinkle lights and a water feature.
The house features 2 master suites on each side of the house with TVs and a third guestroom with a queen size bed. The main bedroom has a king size bed with en-suite bathroom with walk in shower. The second master has a queen size bed and en-suite bathroom with shower/tub. The third bedroom comes also with a queen size bed with a hall bathroom right next to it. There is also a shower/tub combo.

A desk area is by the foyer if you need to work while away. Other amenities include a full size washer and dryer, gas grill, beach chairs and pool items.

 

The garden features several outdoor areas to sit and relax. Take some time to walk around and explore all the plants and beautifully maintained flower beds. Let the day pass while reading a book in the hammock or take a nap after coming home from the beach. Refresh in the large heated pool with spa and enjoy an outdoor shower. Pick your favorite sitting area and be surrounded by nature. There is a path through the backyard down to the dock which is a perfect spot to launch a kayak or fish right off the dock and catch the evening dinner. Watch mullets jump and manatees floating by or just enjoy the quiet nature views. Bring your low clearance boat as you need to pass bridges to access Tampa Bay.

The beach is a few minutes away walking along the quiet side streets to the beach access on Coconut Ave.  If you do not feel like cooking yourself stroll over to historic Pine Avenue. There are several eateries to satisfy your appetite. Try the Turtle Shack, General store or Burn’s Pizzeria for lunch. If you are looking for a nice dinner out check out the Waterfront Restaurant.  The Rod ‘n Reel Pier is also a nearby choice to grab a Mahi Mahi sandwich while watching fishermen and passing dolphins.

Sorry, no Events!!

 

If you are interested in Lazy Hammock or any other Duncan vacation rental please call Team Duncan! You can reach us at 941 779 0304 or a send us a quick message.

 

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Contact us or call Duncan Real Estate today at 941-779-0304 to speak with our knowledgeable real estate specialists.