There is nothing quite like the snow finally melting away, and the thought that there will soon be leaves on the trees and flowers blooming. Since we aren’t there just yet, I’ve decided to take a trip next week to a bit of a warmer climate.
The destination is somewhere I’ve never been before, but its a quick 90 minute flight from JFK. I’m heading to Anna Maria Island, Florida. You actually fly into Sarasota, and from what I’ve heard, have a beautiful 30 minute drive along the Gulf of Mexico before arriving on the island. Ironically the island is roughly the size of Manhattan, but as you can imagine, quite a few less people. Since the spot is on the west coast of Florida, or the gulf of Mexico, the water looks incredible. The island was actually voted the third best island in the United States last year.
From my research, it appears that there is some sort of ordinance on the island in which no property can be built higher than the tallest palm tree. This leads to absolutely no high rises of condos, and in reality not much commercialization either. There also is only one chain restaurant on the entire island, a Subway. Other than that, it appears each and every place simply serves the local seafood in an unpretentious fashion.
On restaurant that I am going to be sure to visit is the Rod & Reel restaurant. As you can see in the above photo, the water is spectacular and on a clear day, I’m told you can see Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays play all the way out in St. Petersberg.
Things are going better than ever at Choice Home Warranty, but everyone needs time away, and I’m looking forward to a little rest and relaxation. I’ve also done some reading and discovered that there is a free trolley that goes across the entire island. I love the idea of never having to get in the car. While this area, like many places in Florida, was hurt by the economic downturn in 2008, there seems to be plenty of construction and updated restaurants. I’ve been told it is considered a ‘hidden gem’, and what ‘Old Florida’ used to look like. The weather forecast looks to be just about perfect, and while I’m sure it could be a little annoying to hear about the warm weather right now, while we are sitting in 40 degree rainy weather, I couldn’t be more excited about my trip and look forward to reporting back.