Our definition of a white Christmas is spent tanning in the sun on the white-sand beaches of a seven mile stretch of Gulf coastline. A few years ago we discovered these barrier islands (Anna Maria, Longboat & Siesta Key, etc.) and since then we have spent every Christmas / New Year's with sand in our sandals. We love grilling or smoking fish, cycling, swimming, painting (with pastels), and shopping.

We purchased La Isla (Spanish for the Island) to be close to AMI - it has captured our hearts. Anna Maria Island has earned its spot on Conde Nast Traveler's list of best islands in the world! It offers a taste of Old Florida, with such a distinct personality and atmosphere - an ideal ambiance for cycling (or golf carting) to fishing piers, mom-and-pop boutiques, and souvenir shops. Eateries with everything from fine dining to burger shacks - scenic strolls after dinner with great views of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, a community theater, weekly farmers market, art galleries with hands-on classes, etc.

Cortez, off the island (via a bridge), is an historic fishing village with old wood cottages and fish houses (of many of the village's pioneering families) - you can buy seafood at the dock, or take a pick from a number of popular seafood restaurants. Sunsets are a daily observance - no two are ever the same, and it is not uncommon to hear people on the beach burst out in applause after sundown!

Sunset cruises, pier or fishing charters, scuba diving, kayak or wave runner rentals, there is an activity for everyone! Robinson Nature Preserve is a must, beautiful walking / biking trails, all very well maintained. Great sights from Key Royale to Tampa Bay, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach - the birdlife just amazes - pelicans, osprey, cranes, etc. We haven't even mentioned the mainland (Tampa, Bradenton, and Sarasota), Palma Sola Botanical Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and the rich Art & Culture offerings of Sarasota.

Conveniently located near Palma Sola Bay, DeSoto National Memorial Park, Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, GT Bray Recreation Center, within walking distance to shops and restaurants. The Rod & Reel has the best fries - hands down!

So much to enjoy: Sunset cruises, artificial reefs, bike paths, greenways / trails, kayak through exotic Mangrove tunnels, etc.