But this One Is Here To Stay for Vacation Renters Looking For A Great Experience!
Does anybody out there ever go through renovation hell? If you mentally raised your hand, let me just say this – I feel you! I’ve just completed the renovation of my Anna Maria Island rental unit, and to say it was difficult doesn’t begin to describe the experience. But hey, let’s not relive it.
Maggie and I spent the weekend putting the finishing touches on the unit and I have to say – We love it. Welcome to the Sandy Turtle!
We barely got the last pillow fluffed before the first renter rolled in – but I couldn’t be happier, knowing that my guests will be vacationing in a rental unit that meets my gold standard for style and comfort. Take a look … and then feel free to plan your next vacation here, if you have a yen to stay on the Gulf side of Florida.
It wasn’t all work while we were on the island. We had our teenage son and his friend with us, so we had to make a decision. What do you do on Anna Maria Island with two teenagers whose favorite pastime is watching YouTube videos on their phones?
Why, you rent a golf cart, of course, and explore this beautiful vacation spot on the way to your favorite eatery – because the other thing teenage boys do when they’re not surfing, is eating, of course.
So off we went, trundling through this Old Florida town until we came to our first stop – The Doughnut Experient.
This is a “must-visit” place for anyone visiting Anna Maria Island. Who doesn’t like doughnuts? Especially made-to-order ones fresh out of the fryer!
Here’s how it worked. Four of us selected three doughnuts apiece. We then chose icing (chocolate, caramel, maple syrup, etc.), followed by the toppings (sprinkles, coconut flakes, M&M, among the many others to choose from).
And voila! Just minutes later, we were enjoying our custom-made doughnuts. The best-tasting one? The Maple/Bacon confection won hands down.
Later that evening we ventured out for pizza. It was our first time at My Pizza Social, and believe me, it was a great find.
What teenager doesn’t love ordering their own personal pan pizza? Growing up in New York, I am a pizza snob, But I have to say, our pies were baked to perfection in a pizza oven. There were many choices of toppings, cheeses, and sauces to choose from. They all came fresh out of the oven and topped with homegrown basil. Another winner.
Meanwhile, back in Ponce Inlet, my siblings were having their own great food experiences. My sister Pen decided to make a Sicilian fish stew and found the scallops, cod, and shrimp she was looking for at Two Jerks Seafood Market in Port Orange.
Sourced directly from local fishermen and harvested from the pristine waters surrounding Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, you won’t find fish that is fresher anywhere else. The white shrimp, for example, are landed the same day they are caught by local shrimpers out of Ponce Inlet.
I’m hoping Pen saves me some stew for when I visit her and the rest of my siblings later this week — but I’m guessing it will be all gone. Till the next time.
My brother and sister-in-law, meanwhile, decided to dine at Our Deck Down Under in Port Orange.
Located under the Dunlawton bridge, yards away from Two Jerks, this hidden gem offers a casual waterfront dining experience where the portions are generous, but the prices are really reasonable. According to my brother, the fried shrimp was outstanding. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, there’s a great variety of ribs, burgers or other house-made specialties. My sister-in-law loved the outdoor deck, where she was able to catch a panoramic view of the Intracoastal waterway and a glorious sunset. Can you think of a better way to end the day? One caution though….no pups allowed if you’re thinking about bringing your dog.
I’m heading back to Ponce Inlet tomorrow to see my family one last time before they head north. Because family is what it’s all about these days, as we head into summer.
Welcome to Summer, everyone!
Sandy