 SHELLING/SNORKELING/FISHING/KYAKING/PARASAILING/JET-SKIING/BICYCLING/GOLF/TENNIS |
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Island dining offers a wide selection of natural settings. Watch the sunset from one of several restaurants situated right on the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy a grouper sandwich out on one of two piers, stroll to the Waterfront Restaurant which overlooks Tampa Bay, or dine at Rotten Ralph's (don't let the name scare you) which overlooks the marina and has a spot for you to tie up your boat. Island cuisine ranges from such international "bill of fare" as British, French, German, Italian, Oriental and Spanish to Southern Florida seafood and spicy Caribbean sandwiches.
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Wildlife   The entire city of Anna Maria is a bird sanctuary, and you will see many species of water and shore birds. Aquatic life is remarkable too. There are frequent dolphin sightings from one of the house's many decks which overlook the bay. If you are lucky, you might even discover a manatee in the warm waters of the canal next door. A white egrit occasionally visits the back porch of "All Decked Out," looking for a handout. The beaches are a prime nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles and many of the residents actively participate in their protection. Whether you decide to walk, pole in hand, to the pier; cast your line into the surf of the Gulf; or hire a charter boat; fishing both for sport or the dinner table is excellent.
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Sightseeing   Locally you might want to visit the Ringling Museum, Selby Gardens, or the Mote Aquarium. However, if you should choose to venture outside Anna Maria's congenial air of unhurried living, you'll find many of Florida's major tourist attractions such as Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios, Orlando's Church Street Station, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium, all within driving distance. Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and all they have to offer are approximately an hour or less away. You might want to help pay for your stay with all the money you save at the Prime Outlets at Ellenton, the largest manufacturer's outlet mall on Florida's Southwestern coast and a short drive from Anna Maria. The Island is also a great place to go antiquing and garage saleing. "All Decked Out" is ideally situated for hopping on the free trolley and traveling anywhere you like on the island.
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