Laid-back Bradenton is the ‘Old Florida’ at its very best

A haven of happiness.

The Bradenton area is located on the west coast of Florida, 45 minutes south of Tampa and one-and-a-half hours from Orlando. Why should you go there?

Try breathtaking scenery, 16 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches, wildlife and all the elements comprising what many refer to as “Hidden Florida”.

With 249 sunny days per year on average it’s a great destination at any time and very, very chilled. I based myself on Anna Maria Island, 7.5 miles long and as laid-back as you can get.

“Old Florida” still thrives here on the beaches, fishing piers and the easy-going locals top it all off. Schools of bottlenose dolphins jump out of the sea at sunset as you sit with a sundowner at a beach bar bliss!

I stayed at the impressive and very comfortable Anna Maria Island Club which has truly stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

A friend joined me for a few days and we shared a 2-bedroom/2-bath condo which boasted a huge balcony overlooking the sparkling azure waters of the Gulf and the miles-long white sand beach.

The 40-unit complex offers a heated pool, spa and sauna. Ask for Unit 45. The views are amazing, the dcor fresh with a nautical theme and it has super-comfy big beds too! We were there during the new Harvest and Harmony Festival.

There is a unique event at King Family Farm where visitors can enjoy cooking seminars, a sustainable dinner among the peach orchards and a concert with up-and-coming country music stars from across the States.

It’s a fun day out with hay rides and a chance to meet some interesting locals.

Things to do in and around ‘Old Florida’

Try paddle boarding. Bradenton Area is one of the best places to hit the surf and experience Paddle Boarding with local specialists AMI Anna Maria.

Rent bikes and explore Anna Maria Island. The best way to see the island’s beautiful seven-mile coastline is by bike. It’s flat as a pancake and has set-aside cycle lanes.

Horse surfing. Great World Nature Tours offers an exciting opportunity to horseback ride along Palma Sola Bay and then take a dip in the surf with the horses.

Deep sea fishing. Go on a deep sea fishing day trip with Cortez Deep Sea Fishing and catch grouper, snappers, Key West grunts, porgies, sharks, barracudas, trigger fish, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and many other species depending on the season. If you’re in a condo, you can take home your catch and enjoy it for dinner.

Kayaking in the Robinson Preserve. There is a five-mile kayak trail which is home to 100 species of birds, 75 species of fish in 487 acres of natural landscape. See rentjust4fun.com/kayaks.

Turtle monitoring. Join Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and walk along Bradenton’s local beaches helping the guides to monitor the turtles from May to September.

Agritourism. Families can explore farms, citrus groves, wineries and farmers’ markets including Rosa Fiorelli Winery. See fiorelliwinery.com for more.

The South Florida Museum. Galleries explore Florida’s history and marine life. There’s also the Parker Manatee Aquarium, home to Snooty, at 66, the world’s oldest living manatee.

Village of The Arts. This vibrant community is home to more than 35 artists. Enjoy quaint bookshops, boutique cafes, restaurants and galleries in this charming area of restored 1920’s and 30’s cottages.

It’s the beaches on Anna Maria Island that you’ll travel back for they are right up there with the best on Earth. There are loads of value places to eat on Anna Maria Island.

If you like lobster but don’t want to break the bank, check out The Lazy Lobster.

Whatever, don’t miss a breakfast of delicious hand-made doughnuts at Anna Maria Island Donuts at 210 Pine Avenue. Made right in front of you, you pick your own icing and topping. I thoroughly recommend the glaze and maple bacon. Great coffee and free refills!

Pine Avenue is a charming street on the northern end of Anna Maria. It has quaint residential units over boutique shops that include everything from gourmet delis to shops selling furniture, jewellery, gifts and clothing.

Pine Avenue is one of Florida’s most significant sustainable developments, designed to generate more energy on-site than it will consume in a given year.

In fact, it’s known as the “Greenest Little Main Street in America” and a great place to grab a bite for lunch.

British Airways fly to Tampa from Gatwick. Fares start from £534 return, including taxes/charges. Book at ba.com or call 0844 4930787.

14 nights at Anna Maria Island Club AMIC45, A Paradise Vacation Rentals costs from £564 per person based on a family of four sharing two rooms on a room only basis. For more information or to book.

For car hire, visit FloridaCarHire.com or call 0845 680 7479. It’s UK-based with access to over 100 locations throughout Florida. All rentals fully inclusive of taxes and insurances. Prices start from £16 per day. They have a price beat guarantee find a like-for-like rental cheaper and they guarantee to beat it!

The Tourist Board is at bradentongulfislands.com.