Travel Destination: Anna Maria Island, Florida

Anna Maria Island, an idyllic barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast, is an undiscovered gem that offers you miles of magnificent white sand beaches, without towering condos, noisy traffic and throngs of tourists. The island, comprising of three small-town communities - Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach - is very laid back and low key, a perfect backdrop for some rest and relaxation. Imagine dining at a beach-side restaurant in December and listening to a guy on guitar singing Christmas songs while watching the glorious sun melt into the horizon. Or simply walk along the beach at low tide to discover a wealth of sand dollars and other exquisite shells.

"Come as a guest, leave as a friend," a sign at a B & B, is the kind of friendly attitude you'll find all over the island. Fishing is a popular activity here, as is kayaking. After a few days of doing nothing, and you feel the need to seek some culture, there are two options - downtown St Petersburg, about an hour's drive north through the breathtaking Sunshine Skyway Bridge, or downtown Sarasota, forty minutes south. Both are pretty waterfront cities that have much to offer - museums, art galleries, theatres and great restaurants. During the winter months, both cities hold a farmers market and some sort of festival on the weekends.

When venturing south, try to avoid Gulf Dr (State Road 789) during the prime beach or shopping hours on the weekends, between noon and five. This narrow strip of road, lined with shops on one side, the gulf on the other, can get very busy. The last thing you want to spend your precious time on is in a traffic jam! Once you get past Gulf Dr Bridge, slow down and enjoy the scenic drive.

Stop at Longboat Key for lunch at one of their dockside restaurants overlooking scenic Sarasota Bay. After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to admire quaint cottages and their beautiful landscaping. Peacocks roam freely around the neighborhood, usually on Russell Street. You may be lucky to find them and see their plumage.

Swanky St Armand's Circle, half hour south, is a fabulous place to people watch, shop for that special gift or simply feast on a gourmet meal. For a change of pace, head over to nearby South Lido Park for a picnic. There are cooking grilles, picnic tables, rest rooms, and nature trails. You can take in the view of the Sarasota skyline and of boats and canoes passing by.

If nature and wildlife viewing is more your thing, take a day trip to Myakka State Park. This is an excellent state park that offers a little bit of the Everglades without having to drive all the way down there. You can also hike, bike, canoe, fish and camp in the park. Take a tram or boat ride to get a closer look at the countless alligators and the many varieties of birds. Don't forget your binoculars! Complete your day trip with a view of the famous sunset at Siesta Key on the gulf side, half hour away from the park.

Enjoy your stay at Anna Maria Island!