6 Amazing Day Trips Just in Time for Spring Break | Amy West on The Chat

It's getaway season! What's left of winter is on the run and that's got me thinking of suntans, resort wear, and rejuvenation somewhere warm. On behalf of Spring Break, I've compiled a list of my favorite getaways less than a days drive away from my home base in North FL. This list includes my favorite places to stay, where to eat, and what to do, as well as where to discover experiences that deliver iconic local charm.

1. The Golden Isles 

(St. Simons, Little St. Simons, Jekyll Island, Sea Island)

Distance: 1 1/2 hours

Where to stay: Jekyll Island Club Hotel

What to eat: High Tea at the hotel

What to do: Check out the Lighthouse in St. Simons, still in operation today and yu can walk up it. 

Local Charm: Find the Driftwood beach. Similar to our Talbot Island beach, but more trees. 

Nightlife: Ziggy Mahoney's is the place to party. A place full of character where you'll have fun no matter your age. Wedding parties, bachelorette parties, and great girls night attraction. 

2. Anna Maria Island 

Distance: 4 1/2 hours

Where to stay: Mainsail Beach Inn

What to eat: Brunch at the Sandbar. The tables are right in the sand.

What to do: Take a tour of the island and surrounding area by water with Seaduced Watercraft Adventures

Local Charm: Find AMI Donuts for their famous donuts. Look for the bacon/maple combo.

3. Palm Coast

Distance: 1 hour

Where to stay: Hammock Beach Resort

What to eat: Scallops at Delfinos

What to do: Golf the Ocean Course

Created by Jack Nicklaus

Local Charm: Head to the spa for a relaxing day. 

4. Ft. Lauderdale

Distance: 5 1/2 hours

Where to Stay: Sonesta Resort

What to eat: The filet at the Bistro 

What to do: If you can peel yourself away from the surf and sand. Head to nearby Las Olas Blvd or Galleria Mall for shopping! 

Local Charm: Yoga on the beach or overlooking the infinity pool 

5. Tampa

Distance: 4 hours

Where to Stay: The Epicurean Hotel

What to eat: The Salmon at Elevage restaurant. Or head across the st to Bern's Steakhouse for that aged steak. 

What to do: Reserve tickets to the Epicurean Theatre to see your favorite chefs prepare their signature dishes which you get to eat paired with amazing drinks. 

Local Charm: Go to Chocolate Pi bakery located on site. Owned by the pastry chef at Bern's Steakhouse. Eat her amazing macarons and hand crafted marshmallows.

6. Amelia Island

Distance: 45 minutes

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton

What to eat: Reserve the "In the Kitchen Seat" at Salt and enjoy the chef's menu

What to do: Horseback riding on the beach

Local Charm: Head to the Spa for relaxation and enjoy the private spa pool for adults only. 

What are your favorite getaways? Give me the scoop in the comments below!

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Watch me discuss these getaways with the ladies of The Chat here. 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Anna Maria Family Getaway | Mainsail Beach Inn Review

Suppose you wanted to escape the stresses of this world and trade them in for a quiet piece of earth where water meets sand, and sun meets sky? Suppose you wanted to let your worries drift away on the wind as you unplugged from technology and reconnected with the ones you love? Watch your fantasy become reality in Anna Maria Island at Mainsail Beach Inn. 

During a recent family trip we experienced the charm and intimate backdrop that is Anna Maria Island. Frequently praised by multiple sources as one of the best islands to visit, we had to see for ourselves just what made this little island such a unique spot. Mainsail Beach Inn’s casually chic accommodations created the perfect setting in which to take in the scope of the island.

Home Away From Home 

Anna Maria Island is a small island situated just south of Tampa next to Bradenton, Fla. Tucked away on the west coast of the island is Mainsail Beach Inn, a luxurious beach resort offering two and three bedroom vacation rentals. The Inn sits along miles of pristine white beach and boasts breathtaking views of the sunset over the Gulf. The island is quite residential which gives your stay more of a home away from home vibe putting you in a mix of island time, and the feeling of being cozy in your favorite place. Mainsail’s hospitable staff bring that concept full circle, getting you fully up to speed with all the homey conveniences of your accommodations and welcoming you in with freshly made cookies.

Enjoy the heated pool at Mainsail Beach Inn

Delight in the Details

From the heated pool, to the white sandy beaches, if you are looking to get active you’ve come to the right place. Take a kayak or paddleboard out for a turn and get close to nature watching for dolphins and sea life as you find balance on the water. For more adventure the island awaits. Parasailing, deep sea fishing, boat charters, and bike rentals are all within easy access on the island giving you plenty of opportunity to embrace the sun and connect with family through bonding experiences. When your day turns to dusk, gather around the table and challenge each other to a game or puzzle provided by the resort. From the inside out, Mainsail provides ample opportunity for you to explore the island and find the spark that brings the magic to your family time. We enjoyed a tour of the island and surrounding waterways through Seaduced Watercraft Adventures. Captain Larry regaled us with stories of the Island and its rich history and future.

Capture the Island Vibe

To experience the flavor of the island, taste the local fare at well known destinations like Beach Bistro (located directly across the street), or the Sandbar where you can secure a table right on the sand, or Mar Vista located on nearby Longboat Key. Make sure to visit AMI Donuts for their world famous made to order cake donuts where creations like Maple Bacon, Key Lime, and Sriracha tempt taste buds, not to mention raise a few eyebrows. When you are ready to bring home a treasure to remember visit the charming shops along Pine Avenue offering stylish island themed keepsakes. Walk one or both of Anna Maria’s piers and take in the expanse of the coastline and the crystal blue waters.

Timeless Style

Anna Maria’s community is committed to preserving the culture of the island and strives to keep that “Old Florida” style. You’ll find the skyline refreshingly empty of high rises, replaced instead by neighborly kindness and wholesome values. Mainsail Beach Inn’s dedication to that same philosophy makes them the ideal setting for your next escape.

Plan your next getaway for the Gulf Coast of Florida and discover the luxury, hospitality, and timeless charm of Mainsail Beach Inn, and Anna Maria Island.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Special thanks to Salt Life for supplying featured wardrobe pieces. 

Watch the Webisode of our Anna Maria Island experience with Mainsail Beach Inn here. 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com

Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.