Arrows & Bow Slow Travel Guide: Anna Maria Island

Discover Anna Maria Island with Ashley Petrone, entrepreneur and founder of Joie Inn and Fox Mercantile. After gaining popularity as a family and lifestyle influencer, Ashley along with her husband Dino, opened the colorful boutique hotel on the picturesque island off the coast of Florida. Follow this travel guide and fall in love with Anna Maria Island for your next vacation!

Choose a Location: Anna Maria Island, Florida

A hidden gem nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast! Known for its pristine beaches, charming old-Florida ambiance, and breathtaking sunsets, this barrier island offers a serene retreat for those seeking a tranquil escape. Anna Maria Island spans seven miles of stunning shoreline, where powdery white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether you're a beachcomber, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, this island paradise promises an unforgettable experience.

Rest + Reset: Joie Inn

Joie Inn on Anna Maria Island offers a serene retreat where you can truly unwind and rejuvenate. This charming boutique inn, nestled in the heart of the island, combines modern comforts with a laid-back coastal vibe, providing the perfect environment to relax and reset.

Each room at Joie Inn is thoughtfully designed with comfort and tranquility in mind. Featuring airy spaces, plush bedding, and soothing coastal decor, the accommodations ensure a restful night's sleep. Many rooms offer private balconies or patios, ideal for sipping morning coffee or enjoying an evening breeze.

Just steps away from the pristine beaches and nature reserves, Joie Inn offers easy access to the island's natural beauty. Spend your days beachcombing, kayaking, or birdwatching, and return to the inn to relax and recharge. The combination of outdoor adventures and serene accommodations creates a perfect balance for rest and rejuvenation.

Every detail is crafted to promote relaxation and well-being. Whether you're seeking a quiet escape or a holistic wellness experience, this charming inn provides the ideal setting to rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself on the beautiful Anna Maria Island.

What to Eat

Anna Maria Island is not just a paradise for beach lovers; it's also a haven for food enthusiasts seeking healthy and delicious options. From farm-fresh produce to inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes, the island offers a variety of nutritious culinary delights that cater to every palate. Grab a bite to eat at places like Skinny's, The Shore, and the Fox Mercantile! 

Exploring Anna Maria Island’s healthy dining options ensures that you can indulge in delicious meals without compromising your wellness goals. From beachfront cafés to eclectic eateries, there's something to satisfy every health-conscious appetite on this beautiful island.

Where to Visit

A visit to Anna Maria Island wouldn't be complete without stopping by The Fox Mercantile Brick + Mortar, a charming boutique that embodies the island's eclectic and laid-back spirit. Located in the heart of Anna Maria, this unique shop offers a delightful shopping experience with a carefully curated selection of goods that reflect both local artistry and global trends.

The Fox Mercantile Brick + Mortar is known for its eclectic mix of products. From handmade jewelry and artisanal home décor to vintage-inspired clothing and unique gifts, the shop offers something for everyone. Each item is selected with care, ensuring that customers find distinctive and high-quality products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.

What to Drink

OneHope is a renowned wine brand known for its commitment to quality and philanthropy, making it an excellent choice for those who want to indulge while making a positive impact.

OneHope offers a diverse range of wines that cater to various palates. From crisp whites and robust reds to delightful sparkling wines, each bottle is crafted with care and expertise. Popular varieties include their Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Brut Sparkling Wine, all of which pair wonderfully with the island’s fresh seafood and local cuisine.

What sets OneHope apart is its dedication to making a difference. Every bottle of OneHope wine supports a variety of charitable causes, such as providing clean water, funding education, fighting hunger, and supporting health initiatives. By choosing OneHope, you’re not only enjoying a great wine but also contributing to meaningful social change.

Connect With Nature

Anna Maria Island is a nature lover's paradise, offering diverse opportunities to immerse yourself in its pristine beauty. Here's how to make the most of your natural adventure on the island:

Beaches

Relax on the soft white sands of Coquina Beach, Manatee Public Beach, and Bean Point. Don't miss the stunning sunsets that paint the sky every evening.

Nature Preserves

Explore Leffis Key Preserve and Neal Preserve, where scenic trails and boardwalks offer birdwatching and wildlife observation in lush mangrove and wetland environments.

Water Activities

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to navigate the serene waters of Bimini Bay and Robinson Preserve. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

Fishing and Boating

Enjoy shore fishing, pier fishing, or charter a boat for a guided fishing trip. Experience the rich marine life that surrounds the island.

Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Anna Maria Island offers countless ways to connect with nature. Embrace the island’s serene landscapes, rich biodiversity, and the peaceful ambiance that makes it a true natural paradise.

Explore Off the Beaten Path

While Anna Maria Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and popular attractions, there's a world of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those willing to explore off the beaten path.

Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the island's farmers' markets and seasonal festivals. The Coquina Beach Market, for instance, offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies. Interact with local vendors and artisans to get a taste of the island's community spirit.

Explore the working fishing villages around the island, where you can see local fishermen in action. Charter a boat tour to explore the lesser-known waters and islands around Anna Maria, discovering hidden coves, sandbars, and wildlife habitats that most tourists miss.

Utilize Sustainable Transportation

Anna Maria Island is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and charm, making sustainable transportation a key part of the island experience. Whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy a more leisurely pace, there are several eco-friendly ways to get around the island.

Biking is one of the best ways to explore Anna Maria Island sustainably. The island’s flat terrain and scenic bike paths make it ideal for cyclists of all ages. Rent a bike from one of the local shops and pedal your way to beaches, shops, and restaurants. Many accommodations, like Joie Inn, even provide bicycles for guests to use during their stay.

The Anna Maria Island Trolley offers a convenient and free transportation option for both residents and visitors. The trolley runs the length of the island, from Coquina Beach to the Anna Maria City Pier, with stops at key locations along the way. This environmentally friendly service reduces the number of cars on the road, helping to decrease traffic congestion and pollution.

With its compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout, Anna Maria Island is perfect for exploring on foot. Walking allows you to fully appreciate the island's natural beauty, charming neighborhoods, and local attractions. Whether you're strolling along the beach, exploring a nature trail, or window-shopping in a quaint village, walking is both sustainable and rewarding.