Like most resort areas on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is blessed with miles of sugar white sand that gently slopes into the warm coastal waters. The Gulf side of the beach is a favourite for just strolling along the water’s edge, picking shells and swimming under lifeguard supervision.

The bay side tends to offer more in water craft activities that include parasailing, and jet ski riding. Here you are also likely to find several boat charters that specialize in deep sea fishing.

There are a couple of small parks in Bradenton Beach, worthy of note only because one, Herb Dolan Park, offers great views across to Sarasota and Tampa Bay whilst the other, Katie Peirola Park, is a great spot for sunsets.

The City Pier has recently reopened following hurricane damage in 2004 and is popular for fishing. It was interesting to hear that when the old wooden bridge connecting Bradenton Beach to the mainland was replaced the island side of the bridge was retained as a fishing pier. Today, after its two million dollar refurbishment the pier is home to a restaurant, tackle shop and restrooms.  Whether you are into fishing or not, this is a lovely spot for a stroll and to watch the catch coming in.

Bridge Street is the historic centre of Bradenton Beach and, as it was directly at the end of the old wooden bridge linking it to the mainland; it became a thriving and prosperous community. When the old bridge was replaced it lost some of its appeal and many businesses closed down. However, today after a major restoration project, Bridge Street has rediscovered its charm and can offer the visitor quaint little shops selling antiques, paintings and a variety other crafts. There are some lovely pavement cafes as well as more up market restaurants and bars.

At the end of the day, if the weather is good, head back to the beach, the pier or Katie Peirola Park, and be prepared to witness a spectacular sunset across the Gulf of Mexico. There is nothing better to lift the soul after an enjoyable day exploring this little piece of paradise in central Florida.

Kissimmee Old Town, on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho, to you and me) is well worth a visit. And if you want to impress the locals, do pronounce their city’s name correctly, with the stress on the second syllable - “Kissimmee”.

Kissimmee (previously known as Allendale) was incorporated as a city in 1883. It was the heart of cow country and the sound of the men “cracking” cow whips led to them being called “Florida Crackers”. Ranching and citrus packing remained an important part of the local economy until the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971. After that, tourism took over, although cattle ranches still operate nearby.

The Kissimmee downtown area is a bit of real genuine Americana, and is pedestrian friendly. Yes - you can park your car and actually walk around streets full of brick buildings, boardwalks, shops and restaurants. Currently the Kissimmee downtown area has several restaurants, an art gallery, photographers, and a number of retailers selling clothing, music, art, antiques, video games, and furniture; plus lawyers, doctors, accountants, architects, printers, beauty & barber shops.

We came across the Farmers’ Market which operates at Toho Square on Thursdays from 7 am to 1 pm. It is modest in size but has lovely fresh produce for sale.

And if you are looking for some good ol’ “down home” cookin’ and a bit of old time service, do what we do, and eat at Joanie’s Diner at 120 Broadway, Kissimmee. You will not be disappointed with the food or the friendly service. It’s where the locals go.

Should you be in Kissimmee in the evening you can also go on ghost walks, and hear tales of the “headless horseman”, the “hanging tree” and the “ghost of the lake”.

A lot of money has been poured into the area for improvements, and a lot of the historic houses in the roads leading down to the lakefront have been renovated or rebuilt and are well worth a look. Also on the road down to the lake is the very quirky “Monument of States”.

Down at the Lakeside, you can walk along a long promenade by the lake which has piers, bait shops, boat slips and marinas. Chill out, watch the fishermen, or take an airboat ride, daytime or night time. There’s also a lot of green space for relaxation down by the lake, with playgrounds, picnic areas and bike paths, all well used by the locals at the weekend.

Do have a look at Kissimmee. It’s well worth it.

Andy Brownlie

Glenbrook resort is situated on Highway 27approximately 2 miles North from the 192.  It is approximately 10/15 minutes drive to the Disney gates, 20/25 minutes to Seaworld and Aquatica and within 30 minutes of the other main attractions in the Orlando area. Its only about 6 miles from Disney and on a clear night from a good vantage point you can even see the Disney fireworks.

Apart from the parks there are many other things to see and do in the central Florida area within an hours drive from Glenbrook.  For golfers there are dozens of courses within less than one hour.

A 24/7 Walmart store is 3/4 minutes drive away and there are more convenient shops.  Within easy walking distance you will find a Walmart, CVS, Sweetbay, Italian restaurant (eat in and take away). There are many well known restaurant names within a 5/6 minute drive.

Glenbrook is a community of approximately 250 homes, mainly 4 bedroom but with some 5,6 and 7 bedroom homes also. All homes have their own pool. Most homes are vacation homes but there are some residential properties.  It is described as a resort due to there being a clubhouse with communal pool, tennis and sand volleyball courts and a small gym.  Inside the clubhouse is a computer with internet access and large screen TV.  There is also a small games room.  All of these facilities are complimentary to guests staying at Glenbrook.  There is also free DVD rental and help and advice.  There is a small lake on Glenbrook and free fishing rod hire is available from the clubhouse.

Glenbrook is a peaceful community on which all building work was completed early in 2006. It is very well maintained through the efforts of an active Home Owners Association which ensures that owners comply with HOA rules to make sure that the community is well maintained and presented at all times. This means that everything is how it was intended to be with no eyesores!

The Disney area has many communities with villas for rental.  Many of these are lovely with fantastic villas. Glenbrook in my opinion ranks very highly against all of these.  We bought a new 7 bedroom villa in December 2005, just as the community was nearing completion.  We rent it most of the year, mainly to Americans from the mid west.  The feedback we have received has been fantastic and there have been many, many wonderful vacations there.  We have many guests who return each year or every other year.  Buying a villa in Glenbrook was one of the best decisions we have made.  We visit twice each year from the UK and have enjoyed many fantastic family vacations.

Please feel free to take a look at our villa through the link to our website. You will also find links to some of the main attractions  We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the area or our villa.

Best regards

Ed and Gill Danvers

We have all heard that the Prices to the Disney Parks will definitely increase in the first week in August this year, The present Multi Day Ticket offers will be honoured, so it makes sense to look into booking your tickets NOW.

We hope they do not also increase the Parking charges!!

With all of the rumours concerning the 40th Anniversary of Disney in 2011 the price increase may continue gradually to offset a big rise to pay for the proposed new Disney Night Kingdom and the new Parades and Rides in the pipeline.

The Night Kingdom is said to be open from 4pm to 12 midnight and for Adult Adventurers there will be a special experience which includes Close Ups with Lions, Tigers and feeding the Hippos. A new Indiana Jones Adventure and Dining Experience sounds brilliant. A bit like the Swim with the Dolphins experience, it will be a limited daily entry, with only 2000 guests allowed at a time and 2 hospitality staff to each couple. The rumoured cost is $300.00 each.  

He has also said that the new Universal/Islands of Adventure, the First Phase of Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade Villages will open this December but with limited attractions. The Second Phase, with Hogswart Castle, The Forbidden Forest and the New Flying Cars Ride will open in 2010.

Everything sounds exciting, we just hope they can keep the price increases to a minimum.

Happy Holidays

Mary & Larry