Anna Maria Island is a haven for vacationers with its crystal water, clear blue skies and white sandy beaches. Its laid back vibe provides a perfect opportunity for relaxation and fun if you are looking for a nice romantic getaway. Besides, if you want to spend time with your special someone, Anna Maria Island is a great place for a date night too! 

There are plenty of activities and attractions that you can do with your partner on this island situated off the coast of Florida. From romantic sunsets to exquisite dining, here are some of the best Anna Maria Island date night activities you can plan for the perfect evening. (more…)

When you’re in need of a break, you’ll find everything you need in the year-round sun and warmth of Florida. The decision to head to the Sunshine State may be a no-brainer but planning all the details – from where to go and the fun you’ll have to where to stay seem like a list that never ends. Cross off two of those daunting tasks by choosing Anna Maria Island in the keys, and a vacation rental with Anchor Down. Bay Dreamin’ is a 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Anna Maria vacation home rental with room for up to 8 guests to enjoy the island paradise that is Anna Maria Island.

Book Bay Dreamin’ Here!

Highlights:

Island Rest & Relaxation

Guests looking for a fun and exciting stay on Anna Maria Island will find everything they’re looking for in a “home base” at Bay Dreamin’. Stylish furnishings and finishes with beachy touches can be found throughout the home, in bedrooms as well as living spaces for plenty of comfort.

Exterior Features

Arrive at the home and take in the beautiful two-story home surrounded by island foliage. The neutral-colored siding covers the home and is trimmed in white. A balcony on the second floor overlooks the neighborhood from a family room/den area. Once you’ve settled, step into the outdoor paradise. Take a dip in the in-ground pool or relax tired muscles after a day of adventure in the spillover spa. Enjoy the island weather under the nearby covered patio featuring outdoor living seating, a wet bar, and wall-mounted flat screen TV. The deck surrounding the pool spreads out into a covered patio with stainless steel BBQ grill and outdoor dining seating. If you want to practice your short game before heading to one of the area’s golf courses, there’s a multi-hole putting green around the corner from the pool area. Rinse off from a day at the beach with a nearby outdoor shower and use the pool bathroom in the garage. Your day at the beach is just steps away! The home is located right across the road from Bayfront Park and Tampa Bay. You can see the bay as well as the Sunshine Skyway Bridge just by stepping outside! There are games like cornhole, plus water toys to keep you busy in the pool and at the beach.

Interior Amenities

Step inside the home to a cozy foyer with beautiful beach décor. You can choose to continue up the stairs or turn into the spacious and airy great room. Look up and notice the beams on the ceiling that create a tray ceiling look. Relax in the living space that features a large wraparound couch facing a wall of windows letting in plenty of natural light. Watch a favorite movie or TV show on the 65” Smart TV. When you’re craving a meal in, turn to the fully equipped kitchen. A myriad of cupboards and drawers are packed with all the utensils and cookware you need to prepare and serve a mouth-watering meal. Spacious counters, including a kitchen island with bar seating for five, join stainless steel appliances to make mealtime a breeze.  Enjoy the meal at the nearby dining table. It’s easy to have a meal al fresco, too, with a glass door leading onto the dining patio from the kitchen. For your convenience, there is a half bath off the living area. Upstairs you’ll find a den/family room with comfortable couch and chairs surrounding a wall-mounted flat screen TV. Upstairs there is a full bath for all the upstairs queen bedrooms to use and another bathroom off the bunk room. There is also a round wood table where you can enjoy tabletop games or a snack during the show. Take in the view of the neighborhood when you step out onto the balcony facing the street.

Relax after a long day of Anna Maria Island fun. Spoil yourself in the master suite, featuring a king size bed, a sitting area with natural light spilling in, a wall-mounted flat screen TV, vaulted ceiling, and en suite bath. The bathroom boasts a separate soaking tub, walk-in shower with multiple shower heads, and double-sink vanity. The second and third bedrooms each boast a queen bed with night tables, dresser, and wall-mounted flat screen TVs. The final bedroom is perfect for kids! They’ll love the twin-over-full bunks and stay entertained for hours with the wall-mounted flat screen TV. There are two more bathrooms, each with a shower and single-sink vanity. There’s space for everyone to enjoy an Anna Maria Island vacation!

Sleeping Accommodations, Sleeps 8

2nd Level | Master Suite – King + Sitting Area + Full Bath

2nd Level | 2nd Bedroom – Queen

2nd Level | 3rd Bedroom – Queen

2nd Level | 4th Bedroom – Twin-Over-Full Bunks x1

Parking:

Things to Know:

Contact Us

No matter when or how long you plan your getaway to Anna Maria Island, Bay Dreamin’ will give you all the excitement, fun, and relaxation you’re looking for.

Contact us today to book a memorable island stay that will have you coming back for years to come!

Bradenton, Florida, is an excellent destination for tourists and locals alike. This place is a great vacation destination with its beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and stunning natural beauty. You can find something for everyone here, whether you are into adventures, sightseeing or a beach body. But do you know what’s even better? A day trip from Bradenton! 

The location is close to some of the best nature parks, piers and beaches. From Sebring and Lake Placid to Myakka River State Park and Anna Maria Island, you can experience multiple destinations during your day trips. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, here are some of our favorite day trips from Bradenton, FL! (more…)

Anna Maria Island is one of Florida’s most scenic vacation spots, popular among all tourists. People get drawn explicitly to this location due to its Old Florida style, serene white sand beaches and clear water. Situated in Manatee County on the Gulf of Mexico, near Bradenton and Sarasota, the island offers a lot to visitors of a heterogeneous group. Most seasoned travelers know which places to visit and what to do on vacation here. However, if you are coming to the island for the first time, you may need help navigating all the things to do. 

Here is an extensive list of the best tours near Anna Maria Island that can help you explore its entirety, understand its history and experience its culture.  (more…)

The year-round sun and warmth of Florida is the perfect destination for a getaway, no matter what time of year you need to decompress. The decision to head on a Florida vacation may be easy but planning all the details – including where to go, the fun activities you’ll do, and even where to stay – seems like a list that keeps getting longer rather than shorter. Cross off two of those daunting tasks by choosing historic downtown Palmetto and a home by Anchor Down Vacation Rentals.

Villa Villekulla is a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Palmetto vacation rental home in historic downtown with room for up to eight guests to enjoy a Florida respite. From the moment you step inside the 100+ year old home, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into your home away from home while being close to all the fun and attractions you came to see and do.

Book Villa Villekulla Here!

Highlights:

 

Fun Florida Rest & Relaxation

Guests looking for a fun and exciting stay in historic Palmetto will find everything they’re looking for and more at Villa Villekulla. Stylish furnishings and finishes with beach style and décor can be found throughout the home, in bedrooms as well as living spaces for plenty of comforts.

Exterior Features

Arrive at the property and take in the bold red shaker shingles and white trim that pop out against the mature trees and tropical plants surrounding the home. Take the path to the gate and into the property. The simple covered deck holds the entrance to the home. Spend days sitting out front in the Adirondack-style chairs and watching the neighborhood goings-on. Step out back into the enclosed lanai and onto the deck. Take a seat or step down and jump into the pool or slide into the spillover spa. The lanai is surrounded by mature foliage that offers extra shade, too.

Interior Amenities

Step into the cozy charm of the historic home. Knotty pine floors run through the living areas of the first floor and host comfortable living and dining furnishings. The living room hosts a comfortable wraparound couch, great for reading or napping. Add some extra warmth with the wood-burning fireplace surrounded by built-in shelving and natural light from windows. Watch a movie or TV show on the large flat-screen TV. Surround yourself with light from all the windows of the sunroom and sit at the reclining love seat or one of the other cozy chairs. The formal dining room boasts large windows for natural light, and a long rectangular wood table that seats the whole group for a delicious home-cooked meal. Create that meal in the cozy, fully equipped kitchen with tile floors. Updated stainless steel appliances join a myriad of cupboards and drawers full of everything you need to prepare and serve any meal of the day. Just off the kitchen is a laundry room with a stacked washer and dryer so you can pack light no matter how long you plan to enjoy Palmetto and the surrounding area.

In preparation for a day of fun, or for a short nap between activities, choose a private bedroom. The first floor holds the master suite, which isn’t a boring four-walled space! The room features a king bed, a night table with a lamp, built-in storage on the bed on wood floors, and a spacious closet. Enjoy your morning and evening routines in private in the master bathroom. The bright space features a large shower and single-sink vanity with plenty of cupboard and drawer space for your personal toiletries. A linen closet offers shelving for towels, extra paper products, and other bathroom essentials. Head upstairs to the second level and the remaining bedrooms. At the top of the stairs to your right is the second bathroom featuring tub/shower combo and pedestal sink, and vanity area that is shared by the three bedrooms on this level. Each of the upstairs bedrooms are carpeted. The second bedroom is flooded with natural light and features a set of twin-over-full bunks kids will love, as well as an overstuffed chair. The third bedroom boasts natural light from multiple windows, a beach feel with shades of blue and nautical-themed art, and a day bed with a trundle. The final bedroom boasts a queen bed, night tables, flat screen TV, plenty of windows, and a spacious closet.

Book Your Florida Vacation Now

No matter when or how long you plan to stay in Palmetto, Villa Villekulla will give you all the excitement, fun, and relaxation you’re looking for on a Florida retreat. Contact us today to book a memorable island stay that will have you coming back for years to come!

Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are hotspots for tourist attractions for their beautiful beaches, sunsets and relaxed lifestyle. Many travelers love to come here to unwind and get away from their busy lives. You may also be debating taking a trip to this charming island with your loved ones. But what if your schedules do not align? Will you cancel your entire trip?

Vacations in Anna Maria Island can be highly beneficial for you. You can better experience the island to its fullest, especially if you travel alone. If you are worried about accommodations, there is no need to be. We at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals have you covered. 

In this blog, we provide you with increasingly convincing reasons to stop putting off your trip to Bradenton. (more…)

When you’re looking for a break, the year-round sun and warmth of Florida is the perfect destination for a getaway. The decision to head to the Sunshine State may be a no-brainer, but planning all the details – from where to go and the fun you’ll have to where to stay – seems like a list that keeps growing rather than shrinking. Cross off two of those daunting tasks by choosing an Anna Maria Island getaway and a vacation rental with Anchor Down. Bloom Lagoon is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation home in Florida with room for up to eight guests and two pets to enjoy the paradise that is Anna Maria Island. From the moment you step in, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a home away from home while being close to all the Anna Maria Island fun and attractions you desire.

Book Bloom Lagoon Property Here!

Highlights:

Island Rest & Relaxation

Guests looking for a fun and exciting stay on Anna Maria Island will find everything they’re looking for and more at Bloom Lagoon. Stylish furnishings and finishes can be found throughout the home, in bedrooms as well as living spaces for plenty of comfort. Enjoy being close to exciting activities and shops, the beach, and countless other ways to keep you busy during your stay.

Exterior Features

Arrive at the home and pull into the large half-circle drive that leads to a larger parking area. The landscaped area in the front of the home features soft grass and mature vegetation, including towering palm trees. The mix of cool and bold colors and textures of the outside of the home reflect the style you’ll find inside. The entrance to the home is guarded by a small, covered area so you can stay out of the sun while you set your bags aside and open the door. Once you’ve made yourself at home inside, step out into your outdoor oasis. The backyard of the home features an open area where pets can run and do their business away from the outdoor entertaining area. There is also a large stainless steel BBQ grill in the area for cooking outdoor meals. The covered patio off the back off the home features Adirondack-style seating where you can relax in the island weather. Just beyond the patio is the fenced-in pool area that boasts a pool and spillover spa. The patio and pool area are closed in with a lanai that keeps the bugs away while you enjoy the outdoors.

Interior Amenities

Step into the home and take in the open great room. Wood-looking LVP floors spread throughout and host beautiful furnishings. Just to your right when you step in is a cozy dining area with seating for five at a round table spotlighted by a unique chandelier. In front of you is the living space that boasts stylish furnishings with touches of beach tones and décor. A large sliding glass door leads to the outdoor living space. Another dining area boasts a rectangular table that seats four, meaning everyone has a place to enjoy a meal. The cozy kitchen boasts modern, stainless steel appliances accompanied by a myriad of cupboards and drawers that hold everything you need to prepare and serve a home-cooked meal. Spacious counters offer enough prep room, making any meal a breeze.

When your day on Anna Maria Island is done, or you need a nap between adventures, relax in a private bedroom. The floors of the living space continue into all the bedrooms. The master suite boasts a king bedroom set with two-night tables and lamps, as well as private access to the outdoor space. A wall-mounted flat-screen TV keeps you entertained in the evening or early morning, or whenever you want to watch a show in private. The en suite bath boasts a shower stall and single-sink vanity. Kids will love sharing the second bedroom, which features a twin-over-full bunk bed with storage drawers beneath the lower bunk. The third bedroom boasts a queen bedroom set, spacious closet, and flat-screen TV for your entertainment. The bedrooms share a hall bath with a shower stall and single-sink vanity. There is space for everyone to enjoy an Anna Maria Island vacation!

Anna Maria Island Getaway with Anchor Down

No matter when or how long you plan to stay on your Anna Maria Island getaway, Bloom Lagoon will give you all the excitement, fun, and relaxation you’re looking for. Contact us today to book a memorable island stay that will have you coming back for years to come!

Family vacations, whether they last a weekend or a month, are a great opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. 

How can you make the most of your time in Lakewood Ranch? 

We have some ideas for great family activities, and we invite you to check out our list of fun things to do in Lakewood Ranch, FL. When you’re ready to finalize all the details of your Florida trip, make sure you talk to us at Anchor Down Vacation Rentals. We can help you find the best place to stay depending on who in your family is coming and how long everyone is staying. (more…)

Are you planning a family or a romantic Bradenton vacation? Well, reserving the Bayou Bungalow is a must-have on your bucket list. It’s a 1930s stunning three-bedroom old Florida property that ensures you get the desired vacation you have always wanted. From the walls embellished with fascinating art to the spacious living room and the welcoming kitchen, you’ll for sure feel at home. Whether you are looking forward to de-stressing by the pool as you relish your favorite drink or want to bond with your loved ones over a savory homemade meal, this charming Bradenton vacation rental will ensure you leave this piece of heaven delighted.

Book the Bayou Bungalow Here!

Awe-Inspiring Interior

As you step into our gorgeous property, you will have one of the two appealing living rooms from the front door welcoming you. Besides offering an extra seating area, it can be closed off and turned into a bedroom by bringing down the Murphy bed. With the generous space and plushy sofas giving it a classy touch and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, you can escape into a world of imagination and pass the time with your loved ones. If you prefer working remotely, there is a desk available. You can turn this space into an office, work on unfinished projects and catch up with your colleagues when needed.

Is there a recipe you’ve longed to try out but couldn’t because of your busy schedule? Now is the time. The fully furnished kitchen has everything you need to bring out the chef in you. The white-wooden cupboards complementing the beige countertops ooze nothing but the peace you need as you prepare your delicacies. With the elegant utensils available, your loved ones can have a five-star experience as they relish the delectable hearty meal. Did you cook excess food? Worry not! You can store it in the fridge and warm it in the microwave whenever you need it. Additionally, the kitchen is spacious enough to allow your companion to help with the cleaning or keep you company.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the chic ample dining room that can effortlessly accommodate eight people. But what happens when you finish dining? Well, you can have family time in the second living room. In addition to overlooking the deck with a swimming pool, it is lush and generously spacious, with comfy sofas facing the TV. If watching movies is not what you enjoy, you can solve puzzles or try other exciting games to have a great time.

Having a good rest is what most, if not all, travelers look forward to while on their Bradenton vacation. Luckily, this glorious Bayou Bungalow has three bedrooms to provide you with the desired rest. After a day full of events, you can have a warm shower from the sparkling bathrooms to calm your nerves. If you have enough time for self-care, you can soak in the soothing bathtub found in the master bedroom. The master bedroom is also well equipped with a TV and a king-size bed boasting luxurious bedding that ensures you have a peaceful sleep. Are you a big family with youngsters? There are two more lavish bedrooms fitted with cozy beds and squeaky-clean bathrooms, guaranteeing everyone a comfortable stay.

At Bayou Bungalow, your comfort is our top priority. After a day of exploring, you don’t have to worry about cleaning your dirty clothes. There is a laundry room fully fitted with a washer and a dryer that you can utilize and leave this haven clean and delighted.

Captivating Exterior Amenities

Safety is always the first concern when on a getaway. But you don’t have to worry during your stay here. On the front of our lovely property, we have a camera that monitors all the happenings around the premises. That’s not all. This majestic holiday bungalow has a swimming pool begging that you can take advantage of on a sunny day when going to the beach isn’t an option. You can also absorb the fresh air freely given by Mother Nature as you lay in one of the loungers in the pool area. If you do not enjoy swimming, you can sit in the large covered area and soak in the serene ambiance as you read a book or self-reflect. Is visiting during the colder months in your plans? You don’t have to worry about missing out as the swimming pool is heated at an additional cost.

Food and games are some of the things that connect people. Fortunately, the inviting yard is spacious and enclosed by nature, providing you with the perfect aura you need to have an excellent time. You can develop creative outdoor games such as the giant Jenga game that will keep everyone engaged. There is more. With a BBQ grill that you can use, preparing a mouthwatering outdoor meal is another ideal way to have a wonderful time.

Where to Stay on Your Bradenton Vacation

If exploring the adorable Bradenton, Florida, is on your itinerary, look no further for affordable and comfortable accommodation. Contact us today to book your stay at the spectacular Bayou Bungalow for your dream holiday.

We talk to a lot of vacationers, and we’ve come to the conclusion that there are two types of trip-takers.

  1. Those who pack methodically, 24 hours before departure, according to a detailed list.
  2. Those who throw random things into a suitcase minutes before it’s time to leave. 

Whatever kind of packer you are, we have some ideas on how to prepare for your Anna Maria Island vacation. This is a beach town, so you’re probably expecting to bring a selection of swimwear and sunglasses. That’s good – but it’s not a complete list of what you’ll need. 

Let’s take a look at what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going so you know how to pack accordingly. (more…)