Amazing Luxury Homes

There are many things to do if you are staying on a vacation rental in Boca Grande, but fishing is a clear champion of activities there. Boca Grande is a little slice of paradise, a charming and historic village that can be one of the most beautiful and relaxing places you’ll ever visit with its tropical palms, brightly colored hibiscus flowers, and vibrant teal waters. On land, you’ll find plenty to do with shops and dining establishments, tennis courts, basketball courts, rollerblading and walking trails, and of course the white sandy beaches, but the real fun comes when you hit the water.

Check out Gasparilla Inn Marina or Whiddens Marina for a location to drop off your boat. Gasparilla Inn Marina even offers dry boat storage, although there is a waiting list, and has several full-time mechanics on duty as well as a well stocked part department in case your boat runs into any trouble. Whiddens has the distinction of being on the National Register of Historic Places, and features fuel, live bait, ice, and beverages for its customers, and also allows boat rentals through Captain Russ’ Boat Rentals if you do not have your own seafaring vehicle.

While there are plenty of fish in the sea, there are some that frequent the areas around Boca Grande. They include tarpon, snook, cobia, pompano, goliath grouper, king mackerel, amberjack, barracuda, blacktip shark, blackfin tuna, bull shark, bonito tuna, mangrove, mutton and yellowtail snapper, redfish, red grouper, and seatrout. Tarpon, snook, and goliath grouper are some of the most popular targets right off of Boca Grande.

Tarpon, especially, are popular. They are considered the King of all costal game fish as they display insurmountable strength and speed, and will jump through the air in an effort not to get caught, making them a highly entertaining and accomplished catch. Boca Grande and nearby Gasparilla Island are known as the Tarpon Capitol of the World. You can go out on a boat in order to catch these fish in the deep water or settle in near the beach, where pods of tarpon are known to stay near the waves. Or, if you are feeling adventurous and visiting during the summer, check out the “Hill Tide” which occurs during the new and full moons of May, June, and early July in the shallows near Boca Grande Pass. Crabs and in turn tarpon are lured into the shallow waters, reachable by the beach for boatless fishing.

So join the marine adventures as one of the popular Boca Grande things to do. You’ll have time to relax at the beach or enjoy one of the dining establishments in the evening, but the fish and the stories they can bring to your children and grandchildren are only available if you get out there and join the adventure.

# posted by luxuryhomeguy @ 7:35 AM 0 comments

Anna Maria Island is considered to be one of the northernmost keys associated with Sarasota, located just south of Bradenton Beach. It is known for having some of the best beaches to get away from it all. A secluded spot to get away from it all, the beaches on Anna Maria Island are covered with sea oats and rolling dunes. Check out the tip of Anna Maria Island where you can get a view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

If you need a change from relaxing on the beach, check out the Historic Bridge Street at Bradenton Beach, located on the island. The Bridge Street Merchant Circle strives to make this the best shopping location, transforming it from a previously notoriously bawdy beach bar district. Businesses in this area that are members of the merchant circle add a touch of class to the area. The Back Alley features not only a combination of unique gifts and local art but also a tiny coffee shop. The Island Bazaar gift shop sells quality beach related products, including brands like Reef and Costa Del Mar. The Sailor’s Knot Clothing Company offers not only women and men’s apparel but also jewelry, gifts, home décor, and more, and was listed in Southern Living magazine as a favorite place to shop.

For food and drink, check out a number of places. The Beachhouse Restaurant is perfect for dining with the family as kids can play on the beach while you enjoy tropical drinks, and the Bridgetender Inn and Dockside Bar offers not only fabulous food but also great entertainment and a breathtaking view. Rotten Ralf’s can be visited by boat or by car, and has a relaxed atmosphere. The Sun House Restaurant is an ideal location for gatherings where you get a unique experience at sunset, as a gong is rang, a song is sung, and “green flash shooters” are passed out to all guests.

For a little fun, you can check out the Fish Hole, a unique miniature golf course themed like an old Florida fishing village. Or, relax at the Island Wellness center, with beach massages in tiki huts as well as climate controlled indoor treatment rooms, and yoga sessions available in both. If you want to get to know the island a little better, Segs by the Sea offers Segway tours and rentals, electric bikes, beach cruiser bikes, and even stand up paddle board rentals.

Clearly, no matter if you want to dine, relax, explore, or shop, Anna Maria Island has something for you to enjoy! Anna Maria properties for rent come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so book one today and start enjoying the beauty of this island.

# posted by luxuryhomeguy @ 6:11 AM 0 comments