We were in one of the island's restaurants and someone asked "How fresh is the catch of the day?" Well, our waters are teeming with grouper, red snapper, mullet and blue crab and the Cortez fishin village is nearby so that answered that question quickly!

If you look around Anna Maria Island's restaurants from Bayside to Gulfside, indoors to outdoors, sunrise to sunset, the locals are enjoying island living -- long sunny days, cool breezes, star-filled skies and a great dining experience.

We can choose from seafood delights or gourmet cuisine ranging from British, French, German, Italian, Asian and Spanish to south Florida favorites and, oh yes, the burgers here are definitely at their charbroiled best!

Talking of seafood, annamaria.com the website of Anna Maria Vacations has several great waterfront properties with fishing docks so you can catch your own supper. Check out Villa Rosa, Waters Edge Cottage, Waterside House and Waterview House.

Floridians looking for a great spot in the UK to visit during their European tour should look at http://www.walesholidaycottages.com/ Beautiful vacation cottages for couples or families travelling through Wales. The countryside is truly the most beautiful in the UK with rolling green hills, blossom trees, waterfalls, rivers and far reaching views over the distant mountains. The gardens are full of fresh fruit and vegetables, the orangery boasts a fine collection of citrus trees and cooking out on the grill has to include some locally sourced Black Welsh beef or local lamb cutlets.If you think Anna Maria is paradise you should try a visit to Bwlch Tre Banau in Wales.