![]() "Sometimes it feels like you just found this place. "Standing there on the deck of the lighthouse, looking over the pass there, it's magical, it really is," she said. Visiting Boca Grande is like taking a step back in time. ![]() Some of Boca Grade's highlights are the beaches, a lighthouse and the warm, friendly, small-town vibe, Pigott said. ![]() "Those kinds of things end up being an economic driver for us." "We certainly do our best to promote the area, but when you have an independent judge, so to speak, write a story about and highlight a unique area like Boca Grande, it really multiples our ability to talk about the area," Pigott said. Fodor's described the village in the Lee County part of the island as "lined with cottages painted Easter egg hues," where "residents tend to dress in matching shades of Lily Pulitzer pink and green." Despite these "preppy aesthetics," as the story calls them, it has a very relaxed atmosphere.įodor's singled out the venerable Gasparilla Inn & Club as the premier hotel but also nodded to the island's handful of smaller historic hotels, like the Anchor Inn.īeing recognized on a list from an organization like Fodor's is highly valuable to the businesses in Boca Grande, said Tamara Pigott, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Pretty soon you have someone else who would like to come," she said.Īlso on the list was Boca Grande, a small residential community on Gasparilla Island. "It's kind of a snowball effect when people come here to visit, they come back home, they tell their friends and family that it's a wonderful time and its a beautiful place to be. Many people who have visited for years eventually decide to retire here, she said. Visitors will come here and then tell people back home about it, she said. People will read stories like that and then contact the Chamber for more information. Getting recognition from Fodor's helps build awareness of the Island, Kinder said. You can stop almost anyone and they'll be more than happy to explain where to find a specific dish, and a specific shop if you're looking for something in particular. "The people who own businesses and the residents who live out here - everyone is welcoming," Kinder said. The Island's trolley, which runs seven days a week, allows visitors to get around without using their car, she said. You won't find any high-rises up there, and Dunkin' Donuts and Publix are among the Island's limited offering of chain stores. What sets Anna Maria Island apart from other destinations is its old Florida charm, said Terri Kinder, president of the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce. ![]() The story also recommended dipping your toes in the sand during dinner at the Sandbar, as well as the restaurant's grouper sandwiches and prime sunset views. Visitors can rent beach cruisers, surrey bikes, kayaks and the like at Beach Bums. Some of Anna Maria Island's highlights, according to the Fodor's story, are creme brulee French toast for breakfast at Ginny's & Jane E's, a restaurant and beach-inspired home furnishings shop that operates inside a former IGA grocery store, and pedaling a beach cruiser around the residential streets. But there’s always a surprise waiting for those who stray from the classic Panama City–Orlando–Miami–Key West stops," she wrote. "Here’s the thing about Florida: You visit time and again, and you’re quite sure you know the state and its glorious sandy stretches pretty well. 3 and written by Florida-based travel writer Terry Ward, highlighted 11 beach towns in Florida that are not household names and how that's a good thing. Recognized for its abundance of activities, cuisine, creative repurposing of space and almost complete aversion to chain restaurants and hotels, Anna Maria Island was named one of 11 under-the-radar Florida beach towns to visit this winter by Fodor's Travel.
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