Take a picnic and enjoy a boat trip around the Anna Maria island's waterways with Don Meilner's cruises.  Meander past the Leffis Key Nature Reserve and stop off at Beer Can Island on the south end of Longboat for a lazy beachside lunch.

Take a look at some of the beautiful island properties available on amisland.com It's about time families start arriving on Anna Maria Island.  Villa Tuscany is a favorite as the price is really excellent value and it accommodates up to 6 people.  It has its own private pool and is just a short stroll over to the beach, making it one of the best deals on the island.

Traveling to Europe this year, then take a look at www.walesholidaycottages.com and torquay.uk.com Friends took a 2 center break in the west of England and south Wales in the United Kingdom and came back to Florida raving about it.  They called it the vacation of a lifetime.