Seniors looking for the perfect prescription for warm weather and fun activities need only focus their sights toward Anna Maria Island, Florida.  This hidden gem of island life extends a warm welcome to all the senior snowbirds looking for a place to settle in and enjoy during the cold winter months.  Three cities make up this tip of island life bestowing shops, restaurants, performing arts, and other friendly attractions upon those who make the island their home whether temporary or permanent.  

The island has the feel of privacy and intimacy which makes this a most coveted place to spend part of the harsh winter months.  Travelers, nationally and internationally, seek this haven of fine crystallized sand serenely awaiting her first visitor.  Warm emerald gulf waters beckon the parched and thirsty skinned westerner to splash carefree as if childhood had returned if only for a day.  Million dollar villas, rustic cottages, beach front properties, apartments, Nantucket styled homes, private or corporate, rent them or own them, either way you’re going to describe this destination as your own, with accommodations to fit in your budget and taste.  Your friends will be envious when they find out your day begins with a Tampa Bay sunrise and ends with a picture perfect Florida sunset. 

This “Island in the Sun – Anna Maria Island,” isn’t just any old island.  Historically known for some of the most famous residents and guests, Anna Maria Island was home to John Roser who created both the Fig Newton cookie, which he later sold to Nabisco brand, and built the Roser Memorial Community Church.  This church still stands today and opens its doors to all islanders for their spiritual needs.  George Emerson Bean was the island’s first resident in 1892.  He homesteaded the island and built houses, sidewalks, and laid out the city’s streets as well as installing a water system.  Through the years, Hollywood filmmakers have descended upon the tiny island to bring us such movies and musicals as “On an Island with You.”  This musical cast such legends as Ricardo Montalban, Jimmy Durante, Cyd Charisse, Xaviar Cugat, Esther Williams, and Peter Lawford, as well as doubling for one of the Hawaiian Islands.   Who could forget the cavalier George Clooney in “The Perfect Storm?”  Ah yes, perhaps when your feet touch the sand, you’ll have visions of the actors and film crews wash over you.  As you bask in the vitamin D supplying sunshine, you can relive the excitement Hollywood brought to this quaint island. 

Anna Maria Island’s Chamber of Commerce lists fun excursions and activities both locally and within driving distance for day trips out from the island.  Whether you bring the kids with you or deem yourself a “big kid,” you’ll find all the activities you could ever hope to experience surrounding your “Island in the Sun.”  Besides excursions and touristy attractions, you’ll find fifty golf courses from executive to public and semi-public 18 hole courses just waiting for your tee-time.  When you’ve had all the excitement you can stand, find a nice place to sit and watch the world go by or better yet, indulge yourself in Florida shopping.  Shops cater at every level from beach ready to high end design.  When your palate and stomach hunger for nourishing energy, you’ll find a variety of cuisines to satisfy the worldliest traveler such as Da Giorgio’s  Ristorante Italian cuisine with Giorgio, a fifth generation Italian chef, who has blended flavors of Northern Italy for over thirty years. 

For Anna Maria Island – This “island in the Sun,” you, the senior traveler won’t find a better destination to enjoy.  Here’s to you and your friends as you party on the island!  Happy Traveling and Happy New Year!

(photos are courtesy of Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce)