Well, the alarm sure came early this morning...but the good news is it's already Tuesday! How do we lobby to make every weekend three days?! I'd vote for any crazy candidate that made mandatory three-day weekends part of their platform! ;)
We stayed home for the holiday weekend, but I'm still on a vacation-high from our trip to Anna Maria Island last month. We visited the quiet little island last Summer for the first time, and fell in love with the slow pace, sugar-white sand, and clear waters.
Several years ago, we moved our family vacation to the end of Summer, and it was such a great opportunity to reconnect before the crazy days of school schedules began again, so it's become our new tradition. I also love having it to look forward to all Summer long!
Warning: This post is obnoxiously photo-heavy...so if you don't like beaches or pictures of cute kids, you might want to skip it! ;) #youvebeenwarned
We rented a little cottage nestled in the trees, just a few yards from the beach, so we could have our toes in the sand whenever the mood struck, and quickly fell into a lazy routine of beach, sleep, eat, and repeat. We met our dear friends there again this year (they stay in their own home a few miles away), and I think it's safe to say a new annual tradition has been born!
Lace-Up Sundress | Tassel Bracelets | Sunglasses | Similar Hat
Dress | Striped Bag | Sunglasses | Flip Flops
Tee (2 for $16!) | Similar Shorts | Romper
Lace-Up Sundress | Tassel Bracelets | Sunglasses | Similar Hat
Floral Blouse (love this one, too) | Similar Shorts | Tassel Bracelets
Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings
Swimsuit | Hat
Tank | Similar Shorts | Similar Tassel Sandals | Sunglasses | Tassel Bracelets | Necklace
Sunglasses | Swimsuit | Similar Swim Shirt
iHeart Jen
Similar Swimsuit | Sunglasses
Cover-Up Dress | Sunglasses
Tank (2 for $16!) | Similar Shorts
Similar Dress | Sunglasses | Similar Tassel Sandals
Tassel Bracelets | Watch
Racerback Tank Dress | Striped Bag | Sunglasses
Cover-Up Dress | Sunglasses
Tee (2 for $16!) | Similar Shorts | Romper
{Where We Stayed}
Can't Wait Cottage
You won't find any big resorts or high-rise condos on AMI, but rather lots of rustic cottages, swanky homes, and small condos & townhouses for rent. Location is key for us, so we opt for beachfront, and this simple, little cottage fit us perfectly.
It's located on Holmes Beach, the quietest area on the island, and close to restaurants and the one grocery store. There were a few beach items left behind by previous renters, but you can rent chairs & umbrellas from a local shop, or pick up inexpensive ones at CVS or Public. Everything else is provided.
Travel Tip: There's a free trolley that runs the length of the island, and many people rent bikes or golf carts to get around (the top speed limit is 30mph, so it's safe!).
{Where We Ate}
For such a small island, there are a surprising number of yummy spots. Some are a little more upscale than others, but nothing requires more than a sundress & sandals.
Beach Bistro
One of only 11 restaurants in the U.S. to receive the top-score from Zagat. So basically it's the Top 10 restaurant in the entire United States. Right in the middle of unassuming Anna Maria Island! We were never able to score a dinner reservation, but enjoyed late-night dessert & the place was pure magic.
Skinny's Burgers
Little more than a road-side shack, but delicious burgers & cold beer. Plus, you can go in nothing more than a swimsuit.
Poppos Taqueria
All-natural & organic taco shop with made-to-order chips. Need I say more?!
The Donut Experiment
Donuts worth waiting for, in tons of inventive flavors.
The Sandbar
We didn't enjoy the food or service, but it's worth mentioning for the view. There are literally tables in the sand, directly overlooking the stunning sunsets. But it's also the same sunset-view you can get from any point along the beach. #sotheresthat
Sign of the Mermaid
Excellent brunch, set in a cheery yellow house.
Starfish Company
This marina-side spot is about as authentic Florida seafood as they come. Go for lunch & watch the fishing boats and seagulls parade by.
Crewneck Version of Dress | Striped Bag
No schedules or agendas, minimal bickering and nagging, and lots of laughing and relaxing...it's our perfect retreat! I wish I could bottle that lifestyle...or at least the feeling of peace that comes with it...and keep it with us all year long. #sigh
Did your family get away this Summer? Have you figured out how to keep that slow pace and easy-going attitude during the school year?!
Obviously we packed light, and left hair tools and makeup behind! I'm fairly minimal when it comes to my hair and makeup routine at home, but it's a whole other level of minimal while at the beach! You might want to check out my Tips for Staying Stylish at the Beach and my first Trip Report: Anna Maria Island, too.
{Shop My Beach Style}
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{Shop the Kids Beach Style}
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*This post created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, ideas, and idyllic-island squatting is my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors.*