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Holmes Beach At Anna Maria Island: A Very Happy Place

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Beach goers flock near the shoreline at Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island.

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TBO.com

Published: April 2, 2009

''Welcome to a very happy place'' proclaims a sign at Cafe on the Beach.

Happy indeed. With all-you-can-eat buffets, sunset dinners, pancake breakfasts and live music - the beach here may be an afterthought.

The friendly cafe on Holmes Beach has families and couples lining up at the buffet table for pure beach dining - patrons eating in bikini tops and bathing shorts in the outdoor patio.

A singer or duet frequently take the stage. A little shop, selling post cards and beach gear, is located across the cafe.

Holmes beachgoers will also find a small playground, fishing pier and showers. Beach chairs and umbrellas are for rent and a lifeguard is on duty.

A parking lot is located behind the cafe, or visitors can snag a parking space down a side street.

It's easy to get confused while driving through Anna Maria Island's winding streets, so follow your map and road signs closely. The seven-mile island is host to three cities: Anna Maria is at the northern end, Bradenton Beach at the southern end and Holmes Beach in the center.

Parking is scarce on the Anna Maria portion, unless you stay at one of the hotels.

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