A Little Road Trip

Whilst we were in Orlando last year we took a little road trip.
We aren't really beach people.
We like the beach, but don't enjoy the whole laying in the sun kind of thing.
So doing a day trip like this is perfect for us.
We try to go somewhere different for a day trip each time we go to Florida.
After lots of research last year I found Anna Maria Island.
A tiny island on the Gulf Coast near Sarasota. Just 7miles in length and at parts you can see both sides of the ocean.

There are a couple of bridges to reach the island, so there's no need to take a boat.

 

The island is left very natural and has a very laid back and rustic feel. Very different to other parts of Florida that we've been to.

 

To the north of the island is the old pier.

 

 

The day that we visited Hurricane Sandy was passing by parts of Florida, so this part was thankfully dry, but a little overcast and very windy today.

 

So this was as far up the pier as we got. We had visions of Louis being blown in : )

 

 

We drove all of 2mins to the other side of the island for a beachside lunch. This place comes highly recommended.

 

 

 

And you really are on the beach.

 

 

 

The seafood was amazing and so much of it.

This was just a starter.

 

 

 

Something else about the island. It's free parking everywhere and there is a free trolley that drives up and down the island free of charge from the early morning until about 10pm.

 

 

The beach was beautiful. The sandy silky soft and the sea lovely clear and warm.

Certain parts of the year you will see dolphins & Manatees swimming from the shore.

 

 

 

The properties on the island are so colourful and sweet.

 

 

 

It was such a lovely day and we'd really recommend a visit if ever you are visiting Orlando.

I have a proper trip report written up here if you would like more details.

 

I made a LO about this day recently using Simple Stories 'Urban Traveler' papers.

These papers are perfect for recording any trip.

Details of this page are on the Papermaze blog here. 

 

Here's the LO. There are close ups and details on the Papermaze Blog.

 

 

 

After a cold and wet start to the week here, I could really do with a little Florida beach trip.

Another year to go....

 

Thanks for stopping by.

See you soon xx