Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Historic Bridge Steet

 
Historic Bridge Steet on Bradenton Beach
 
 

 




Up until 1921, the only way to access Anna Maria Island was by boat. That is the year that the island was connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge extending from the village of Cortez to what was then called Cortez Beach making it the center of the island community. In the late 20’s, Cortez Beach became known as Bradenton Beach.
In 1967, the current drawbridge was opened to 5th Street North ending the use of the original wooden bridge as a means to access the island. While the side of the bridge in Cortez village was removed, the Bradenton Beach side of the old wooden bridge was saved and converted into a fishing pier at the eastern end of Bridge Street. This fishing pier still stands today and is the site of a restaurant and gathering place for locals, tourists and little ones trying to catch the big one.
When the bridge moved just a few blocks away in the late sixties, some of Bridge Street’s popularity went with it. In recent years, the area has been revitalized. A strong Merchant’s Association, coupled with a widespread rejuvenation project, that included renovation of the fishing pier breathed new life into the area.
Historic Bridge Street is once again the bustling center of activity in this historic beach community. What’s now known as the Historic Old Town District is great for day trips, weekend getaways, or an entire vacation. Bridge Street offers a walkable community with spectacular water views from the both the pier and the gulf beach.




The Bridge Street Market has become a Bradenton Beach tradition. Located at 107 Bridge Street, this outdoor market is a place to find local artwork, crafts, produce, special gifts, music, and more. The market is held November-April weekly.




 
 
Bridge Street Pier
 
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Book Now for the holidays!!!

 
Check out this cute duplex, Coral Breeze!!!
 
 



Coral Breeze is your brand new tiki paradise. This adorable 2 bedroom 2 bath duplex features everything you need for your island vacation. You may even want to book both sides of the duplex for family reunions or large gatherings where you could sleep 12 and have TWO pools and four bedrooms. There is a gate between the pool areas so you can easily manuver from one side to the other. Master bedroom features a king sized bed with an on-suit bathroom with walk out access to your tropical tiki patio and private heated pool. 2nd bedroom features 2 twin size beds and the living room has a fabulous sofa sleeper. The kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances and has all the amenities you would have at home. You are just a 3 minute walk away from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico where you can watch many beautiful sunsets or spend the day just enjoying the sounds of the waves. See what the adorable Anna Maria Island has to offer with its unique boutiques and fantastic restaurants, either by foot or taking the free Trolley ride.
 


 


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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Palm Cottage



 
Palm Cottage is a beautiful newly remodeled cottage located in Bradenton Beach and is just steps from the Gulf. This 1 bedroom unit offers a full size fully equipped, brand new kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher, micowave, oven, ample cookware and small appliances. This upgraded 1 bedroom 1 bathroom cottage has beautiful terrazzo tile flooring, queen size sleigh bed, nicely furnished living room with pull out couch, matching dining room set. And the best part about spending your vacation in this cottage, is the distance to the beach. Anna Maria Island has some of the nicest beaches in the country and it's just a few steps away. Palm Cottage is the perfect home to have a fabulous vacation, there is a free boat launch 200 yards away and is located only a few blocks away from the historical Bridge Street with quaint shops, cafes and great restaurants too.
 
View from the front door
 




 
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Thursday, October 11, 2012

Weddings and Special Events on Anna Maria Island




Today, Anna Maria Island beach destination weddings are becoming so popular that many are referring to our perfect wedding setting as the “Beach Wedding Capital of Florida”.


 


You are committing your life to the person you love in front of your family, friends and nature — on a white-sand Anna Maria Island beach. It’s your dream wedding. Imagine sauntering down the aisle with sand in your toes, sharing your vows as you hear the natural music of the waves from the Gulf of Mexico hitting our sugar sand shore line.  Getting married and honeymooning on Anna Maria Island is an ideal way to cut down on pre-wedding stress and save on costs. Big or small, formal or casual, inside or outside, there are no limits on the number of venues or romantic honeymooning locales in this lush, tropical island.

 


Useful phone numbers and links for beach ceremonies and weddings

Permit Information: You do not need a permit to have a beach ceremony for small gatherings. However, if you think you will have parking issues, entertainment or structures temporarily erected, please call the City Hall for the city your ceremony will take place at the numbers below:
City of Anna Maria: 941-708-6130
City of Holmes Beach: 941-708-5800
City of Bradenton Beach: 941-778-1005

Marriage License: To get married on Anna Maria Island, you will need to contact the Manatee County, FL Clerk of the Circuit Court or any county in Florida. To save time, complete your marriage license application online at: www.clerkofcircuitcourt.com/Services/EmarriageApp.aspx


Don't forget SolTerre properties offers CONCEIRGE SERVICE
One more offering that will set SolTerre Properties apart is our full-service concierge program. We have identified a niche in the Anna Maria Island market for a concierge service.
As we maneuver our way through the future, the issue of utilizing our time in a productive and effective manner has become a number one concern. Faced with a constant shortage of time and having to multi-task every aspect of our lives, we are overwhelmed and fatigued on a daily basis. The need for a personal assistant and/or a concierge is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
At SolTerre Properties, we understand and appreciate your desire to spend more time with your family and doing the things that will continue to enrich your lives. Give yourself the gift of time….


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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tips for finding the perfect vacation home rental


Tips for finding the perfect vacation home rental
 




Compared to alternatives like hotels, where every added amenity adds to the price tag, vacation home rentals can offer a cheaper way to get away. “Americans will continue to seek out more value in exchange for what they pay through 2011, which is why vacation rentals are growing as an attractive option,” says DVH. “Some three-bedroom rentals sleep up to eight people versus one or two, and include amenities like fully equipped kitchens, game rooms, private pools/hot tubs, in-home fireplaces, free Internet access and more.”
So, whether you’re new to vacation rentals or just want to try to save even more on your next one, here are a few tips…

www.solterreproperties.com

(from The Independent Traveler)
  • Start early. Whether it’s retirement or vacation, planning ahead can usually save you money – and vacation rentals are no exception. “For the largest selection, start early and ask about early booking discounts,” IT suggests. “Sometimes you’ll find that in exchange for the security of having their property rented, an owner and agent will offer a discount, sometimes as much as 10 percent.”
  • Know your needs. And then inquire about the details before you book. If you’re traveling with a small child or a pet, for example, make sure there’s a baby gate for the stairs and that pets are allowed. If you plan to save money by cooking out, make sure the grill works. “Get the details in writing and bring them with you to be sure everything is as promised,” IT adds. “Also, be sure you have the name and phone number of someone you can call if anything goes wrong during your stay.
  • Be flexible. “In the most popular vacation destinations, supply outweighs demand,” IT explains. “If you are flexible about your dates and amenities, you’re likely to save up to 30 percent on your vacation rental by searching for last-minute vacation rental deals. Just don’t get your heart set on a particular property and remember that this is a game of risk vs. reward.
  • Read the fine print. Unlike booking a hotel, booking a vacation home is binding contract between you and the homeowner. So, before you book SolTerre urges vacationers to make sure they understand the commitment. “Start looking as far in advance of departure as possible so that you can absorb all the nitty-gritty about terms and rules, physical layout, furnishings, cleaning and repair services (if any), local transportation, proximity to services that you need, financial arrangements and obligations, deposits, liability and property insurance, and whatever other details come to mind,” they say. “Minimize your risk of unpleasant surprises when you arrive and when it’s far too late to back out.”

www.solterreproperties.com

 

  • Is there a rental agreement? “Review the terms & conditions carefully. If in doubt, check with the state and/or local municipality to confirm whether the manager or owner has a business license and is paying lodging taxes.”
  • How do I make a reservation? “You should be offered standardized, secure phone and/or Internet reservations systems, with the ability to accept major credit cards.
  • Should I go with a pro? “Choose a professionally managed vacation rental to ensure you’ll get consistent hospitality services and quality assurance standards, as well as professionally cleaned and managed homes, ongoing & objective inspections and concierge type services that provide destination expert advice.

Tips for getting the biggest bang for your buck out of a vacation home rental



(from ABC)
  • Choose a popular destination. “If you’re looking for sensational savings your best bet is to choose a destination where there are a lot of vacation rentals on the market, keeping prices competitive.
  • Never send anyone money until you’ve signed your rental paperwork. “It’s also a good idea to check out the person you are doing business with. Ask for references, and check out their Web site and their track record. Many homes are run by professional real estate agents, so the rental paperwork should include all the legal details you need. If you’re renting from the homeowner there should still be a lease for you to sign.” And don’t ever pay with a check – scams aren’t uncommon. Always use a credit card.
  • Know exactly what’s included. “Most rental homes will say ‘everything’s included,’ but you want to double-check to be sure that there are no hidden surcharges. If utilities, Internet and cable are included, does this mean the property has WiFi and high-speed Internet? Is it basic cable or premium? If electricity is paid is there a cap? Many properties will say they include utilities, electricity and gas and then the fine print says it’s included, up to the first $200. Arizona real estate agent David Van Omen says you can’t ask too many questions: ‘If you’re renting a home with a pool, make sure the pool is actually heated and find out beforehand who pays to heat the pool, because that can get expensive in the winter months.’”

  • Get emergency contact info. “Your rental contract should include who to call if your dishwasher breaks or there’s some other problem with the property. It should also state a time frame for fixing any major problems. You don’t want to rent a home and have the hot water heater conk out and end up with cold showers for two weeks. The information should also be posted in a contact book inside the property. Make sure you have a phone number and email address of the contact and if possible get a second person as a backup.”
  • Scope it out beforehand. “Make sure you see pictures of the home. Do you really want to rent a place with a white couch and fancy décor if your 3-year-old still thinks it is fun to color on everything in sight? Make sure the home you’re renting fits your family’s needs so you’re all comfortable.”
  • Check the refund policy. “If you think you may want or need to leave early, check your contract to see if you’re eligible for a partial refund. Most vacation rentals are for a specific time period and don’t offer refunds because that leaves the homeowner in a lurch with no time to rent to someone else. Know going in what the rules are so there are no unpleasant surprises.”
  • Love the house you pick. “You’re renting a property that’s individually owned. This isn’t a hotel where if you don’t like what you have you can get something else. Once you sign a lease for a specific property, that’s the property you’re getting, so make sure it’s exactly what you want. Ask if reviews from other renters are available. Also remember you get what you pay for. While scoring a good deal is the goal, if it’s too cheap there’s probably a reason.”



Visit our website at www.solterreproperties.com to see all of our properties available now!!!
 
 


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Vacation Rentals



VACATION RENTALS
Now that you have found your perfect vacation destination on Anna Maria Island, affectionately known as “The Island in the Sun” and is Florida’s best kept secret.
You are just a reservation away from your piece of sunshine! From luxurious, waterfront and grand, to charming, cozy and affordable accommodation.
Your vacation is as important to us as it is to you. We are always ready to take your vacation experience to the next level year after year.
RESERVE YOUR PIECE OF SUNSHINE!
 
 
 
 
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012


Don't forget to "like" us on facebook!!!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Anna Maria Island Free Trolley



The Anna Maria Island Trolley is a great way to tour the island, transporting you to all your favorite restaurants and shops. Thanks to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, this MCAT (Manatee County Area Transit) trolley is FREE! Just one more reason you don’t need a car to get around on our intimate 7-mile island. You can even load your bike on convenient racks provided at the front of the trolley.

Service Hours and Stops

Daily service on the trolley runs from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every 20 minutes from the Anna Maria City Pier on the north to Coquina Beach (in the city of Bradenton Beach) on the south. Trolley Stops are two to four blocks apart along the route and there are three main stops: Anna Maria City Pier, Manatee Public Beach, and Coquina Beach where the trolley will wait approximately three minutes before continuing the route. In the city of Holmes Beach the Trolley runs north on Marina Drive and South on Gulf Drive. All Anna Maria Island Trolley stops have a green sign with a trolley on it and most of them have a covered seating area while you wait. Trolleys offer both air conditioned and open-air seating.

Go to our website at www.solterreproperties.com and book now!!!!!




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Sans Souci Unit A - 102 6th St.A


FALL SPECIAL!!! Book now anytime for the months of September and October and receive over 25% Discount off your stay!! Don't miss this opportunity!
 
Sans Souci, French for "no worries" or "carefree", is a brand new Vacation home!! This top floor unit has one of the best views on the island. It has two balconies that gives you a view of either the Gulf of Mexico or the Bay. With 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and an elevator to carry you up after a long day at the beach. Sans Souci is located only a few blocks away from the historical Bridge Street with quaint shops, cafes and great restaurants too. You will enjoy a fully equipped Kitchen with Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, dishes, pots & pans. HD TV's with cable & DVD player and high speed internet with Wi-fi and with only a 2 minute walk to either the Gulf beaches or the beautiful bay you will be surrounded by water in this fabulous property.
 
 SANS SOUCI!!!!
 
 
Go to our website at www.solterreproperties.com and book now!!!!!
 
 View of the Gulf from the balcony


View of the Gulf from the Master Bedroom


Views of the Bay from the Balcony 













 
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