What Makes You Happy

Our 5-year-old grandchild was spending the night, and my wife Sherrie asked him: what makes you happy? His answer had to do with monster trucks, dinosaurs, and riding four wheelers. I have a feeling yours and mine would be a bit different. Besides, when I think of dinosaurs I think of Jurassic Park, not a happy place in those movies. 

For as long as I can remember back my family loved vacationing at Anna Marie Island. So, if you were to ask me what makes me happy, a day at the beach in Anna Marie would be very close to the top. It no longer requires a two day car ride from Indiana, it's just 45-60 minutes down the road from Sun City Center. If you go, I have a couple of suggestions. First, go early, or go late, but not between 10 am and 3 pm. Much less trouble finding a parking spot, and your favorite place to park your beach chairs. Second, if you go early, I highly suggest breakfast at Ginny's and Jane E's Cafe. It's in the old downtown section of Anna Marie and the dishes are amazing. They have a cute gift shop in the front of the building and then the line forms for the real treats. They have the most delectable cinnamon rolls and sticky buns you can imagine. They also have Creme Brulee french toast that you just have to taste. 

Should you decide to visit in the afternoon, what I call "second shift" the Tex Mex restaurant "The Wicked Cantina" on the south end of the island is just across the street from the beach. There you can watch the sunset and listen to live music as it descends into the Gulf. Catch all this for a very reasonable price. Weekly a guy from our hometown in Indiana, Ross David, plays which is an added treat for us. Well, if dinosaurs and the beach is not your thing, I'll bet you can come up with your own list. 

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