Just took advantage of the great US Air fares to Tampa, but were limited to dates in early February. Planning to go to Anna Maria but am now worried it may not be that warm. Checked the weather today and it was a high of 65 degrees. No am having doubts - I have read that it is almost always sunny which would make a big difference. Should we just wait, pay more and go when it is much warmer or do folks think it will be nice enough to sit out on the beach 2 weeks from now?

The coldest weather is past. We almost never ever have a freeze (under 32 degrees) past the end of January. We've had a cold snap but I'll wager it will be gone by week's end and back to beautiful warm weather. And it IS sunny. I'd hold onto those tickets if I were you.

The weather has been delightful here since New Years and has just gotten cold over the last three days. But if we think it's cold then look at how cold it is up in the northeast. This afternoon was a beautiful sunshiney day that was lucky to hit 60.

You can still get some cool weather while here in Jan thru March but I still wouldn't trade it.

You have a great chance of good weather in Feb.. My parents and in laws are in Sarasota and have had excellennt weather for the most part since Christmas. Only the past couple of days have been colder. The same could happen in March. Don't change your plans. I hope you love the area. Anna Maria Island has a wonderful restaurant- I think called Bistro 66 at about mid island. It is affiliated with another restaurant on the north tip but the mid island restaurant is awesome. My aunt works at the hospital in Sarasota and the doctors she works with chose this place to treat the employees at the holidays. It is in an old style motel which is completely deceiving. My family went in semi casual wear and other people were in evening attire and arrived in limos. I'll try to see if I can find the name and address.

We also rented a kayak for the week and floated around on the northshore with a minimum of five dolphins each day. Parasailing on Anna Maria is fun and relatively inexpensive.

If you get tired of the beach go to Mote Marina on City Island, then walk next door go to Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary and finish up with lunch at the Old Salty Dog on City Island (there is another one on Siesta).

A great fine dining experience in Sarasota is Michael's On East.

Beach Bistro. You can check it out at www.beachbistro.com.

What perfect timing for this email. We are also going to Anna Maria and are a little overwhelmed by where to stay. Guess that happens when this is your main vacation of the year.

We are looking at a couple of properties, one right on the beach in Holmes Beach and the other about four houses off the beach (with a path access) in Anna Maria.

I am just trying to determine what the differences between the two areas are and which would be better for us. We tend to be laid back and go with the flow but we do have a two year old that needs some entertainment.

Any advice/suggestions?

Thanks!!

Holmes Beach and Anna Maria are both on the island of Anna Maria, as you surely know. There is little to do in either location, except go to the unbelievably beautiful beach. And there are a few restaurants as well. The beach is going to be your 2-year-olds "fun" unless you get in the car and go elsewhere. I doubt fishing from the numerous piers will hold him but there are restaurants at the end of the piers. There used to be an old guy who had a "Science Center" at the base of the main pier. He might be gone by now.

I would opt for the Anna Maria Island property because Anna Maria has more character and a few more places to walk to, if they are within reach for you and the toddler by foot. The jaunt to the beach will be fun. Some people bring a red wagon or other carrier and load up.

Has your toddler been to the beach? More than likely, he/she will enjoy a pool more than the beach (some hate the beach and are scared of the waves). If you can find a place with a pool, I think that would be what the toddler would like the most. Unfortunately, this is hard to find on Anna Maria.

Appreciate the information. Fortunately, both properties have small pools. We had the same thoughts. The Anna Maria property is called the Blue Dolphin Inn. Looks quite quaint. Are you familiar with this property?

The great thing about Anna Maria Island is that it is very laid back but it is in close proximity to Siesta, Lido, and Sarasota. Since my kids have been toddlers we've taken them to City Island for a visit to Mote Marina, Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary, and lunch at Old Salty Dog. You might want to check it out for a day away from the beach.

I've not been to the Blue Dolphin Inn. It looks spectacular. The north beach is really beautiful and it looks like you'll be right there, that walk will be nothing. It is a longer walk from there to the "downtown" but there's really nothing in "downtown anyway. A few shops, some restaurants. You'll enjoy the walk to the Rod and Reel Pier, where you can have your standard breakfast overlooking the water. I think this property would be ideal for you.

amwosu: are you being paid by the Beach Bistro to advertise??

trvlite2- I wish! Sorry if I'm gushing... There are so few upscale restaurants in the area that it was a great find for us.

amwosu: would be nice, huh? Have you been to Gio Portofino on Cortez Road, couple miles east? Very nice Italian restaurant. Key lime pie martinis. Yum.

I haven't been there. I will certainly go (in three short weeks but who's counting) just to try the martinis! Thanks for the advice.

I can understand Amwosu's feelings about the Beach Bistro. Before we moved back home to Bradenton, my parents would take us to the Bistro on our visits home. Now that we live here - no such luck! It's a splurge, but SO good. The crab appetizer with mangoes and the Floribbean grouper are my favorites.