Rod & Reel Pier

We had a wonderful date night here. Great food, great location, fun atmosphere. Sitting and watching the sunset, dolphins frolick and people enjoying life was a highlight.

And it's CHEAP. Even better in my book.

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The kids went here for a great breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa and had fun fishing.

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The Coconut

So the kids were fascinated with the coconuts and were really hoping to find one....well sure enough our son found one on the ground....

We tried to open it [found screwdrivers work well]....

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Everyone is anticipating the delicious milk....

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Ewwwww...stinky.....yuck...

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Sadly this was a rotten coconut. They were over the coconuts for this trip.

Last night and random shots....

We spent our last night at a music festival on corner of Pine across from the City Pier. It was fun. They have booths with food items, trinkets and live music. It's cute. Probably more fun for couples. We walked along city pier looking for dolphins one last time but we were a tad late [chatting with friendly neighbors] so we even missed the sunset. Sigh.

Here's a pic of kids with our realtor's dad at the festival. He's so nice.
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Steven stopped to get shaved ice.
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Some random shots of this beautiful unspoiled beach town.

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Bean Point Adventures

On one of my morning runs, I went to this beautiful beach one morning and took some early morning shots. What a beautiful stretch of beach. The houses here are large lovely beach retreats with incredible views.

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Oh so peaceful.

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We went again several times to Bean Point. On our last day we finally swam to the little island. It's only waist deep most of the way out to it. Pretty cool. There is one spot towards shore that is 5-6 feet. The kids really wanted to do this and we had tried a couple days before but it was choppy. This day it was no problem. Tim and I had done it on our date walk while mom and dad took kids to breakfast. So we knew the kids could do it! Didn't get a shot of the island...it's really little. enough for you to walk around and then head back.

More beautiful Bean Point Pics.

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The best moment...heading back from the island...10 feet in front of my oldest and myself were TWO MANATEE!!! It was awesome! My daughter was freaked and it was at the deep spot so I couldn't let go of her to try to swim with them darn her. LOL. It was so awesome! Hoping my dad got some shots of them to post.

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Duffy's best Burgers

Well I read about this place before our trip and it was on our list to do...so we decide to grab burgers. First we ride the trolley there. This is a fun adventure in itself. The kids have already ridden with Grandma and Grandpa but are happy to do it again. The stop is just across the street from our cottage. Fun ride.

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It drops us off a few blocks from Duffy's. Not a bad little trek. And the pick up to head home is just across street from Duffy's so even better. I would never have found this place without the board. And I'm so glad we did....

DUFFYS is AWESOME! Oh my...a perfect 'joint' felt like singing the song from Cheers 'sometimes you wan to go where everybody knows your name'...we went late. In fact they were closing the kitchen after us. Glad we made it in time. It was 8ish...we were only people in there not sitting at the bar socializing....everyone seemed to know each other. Sad that the owner died end of May [flowers everywhere from well wishers]. The burgers were FANTASTIC!!
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It was <$60 for 7 of us...inlcluding multiple cheap beers and 2 expensive [LOL $5] wines!

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Bridge Street Beach

We went south today and hit Coquina Beach but left fairly quickly ... it was cool to see Longboat Key across the bridge. Decided to try the beach close to Bridge Street as we wanted to do Rotten Ralphs for lunch. It was shell heaven!
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The kids had a blast looking through all the shells. Tough on feet though. We walked down the bridge to Rotten Ralphs for a late lunch. We sat outside. It was a fun time. Good food and great view.

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We walked down the pier and met 'Nigel' the pelican [we named him that from Nemo]. He was a funny pelican. I wanted to venture to Cortez village but kids had been in sun a long time so I sent mom and dad to tour and get us some fish.

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They loved the little village and the Star Fish company. They picked up a beautiful snapper and grouper that we grilled with some fresh corn and watermelon poolside...rough day....

We loaded up the wagon for a beautiful sunset. Not a cloud in the sky. And several sandcastles had been built that day. The beach by us [Sandbar] is really spectacular. There was another wedding going on and a family getting their portraits done by the sunset. So fun.

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Turtle Watch

I had read about the Turtle Watch on tripadvisor's Anna Maria Island Forum [where I gathered most of my wonderful information actually] and wanted to do this during our week. I called on Monday and they called back that afternoon to let me know to meet at 7:15 at picnic tables south of the Cafe on the Beach Wednesday.
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We arrive at 7:15 with close to 20 other people. We then caravan to 68th street where a nest has been spotted. The kids are excited to go on this mission! When we arrive we listen to Suzie give lots of great information about turtles while another volunteer digs [and digs and digs] for the elusive eggs.
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Finally jackpot! They uncover 104 eggs and move them to a nest farther from shore. Pretty exciting.
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We then follow Sue to her truck [you don't have to donate, but donations are appreciated] and gets lots of great free goodies. We also buy a certificate for a hatchling. Cool stuff.

Turtle Watch Phone Number 941-778-5638