Anna Maria Island's Best High Tides are at Feeling Swell

ANNA MARIA -- John Ganfield had never been to Anna Maria Island when he visited for 4 days this spring to take a look at a bar and grille that was up for sale. He'd also never owned a bar and grille or any other businesses for that matter. Ganfield was a career banker from Detroit, who'd spent a lot of time explaining to people why they shouldn't start a business when they'd come to him for a poorly conceived business loan.

When Ganfield retired though, he figured he knew enough about what it did take to become successful to give it a shot. So far, he's right. Feeling Swell is a perfect fit on the Anna Maria Island Scene. It's surf-themed dŽcor is fresh and genuine, when it could all too easily look manufactured and cliched.

"Look at this place", Ganfiled says with a smile. "We're a block from the beach. You can order a beer, walk down to the sand to take a dip and be back in your seat while it's still cold."

On the night I visited, it was raining down monkeys outside, and a lively crowd had gathered in the one place most likely to remind them they were at the beach when they couldn't be outside. Feeling Swell manages to walk the line between the place a gaggle of college girls could go and dance to Koko Ray or Mike Sales, but where you'd still feel totally comfortable taking your family for a meal.

That brings me to the food. The menu is one of only a handful of $7-$10 selections on the island, but you definitely don't feel like you're settling for bar food. From mahi sliders to simple burgers and the famous fried pickle basket, there's something for everyone.

Ganfield also did a good job with the beer and wine selections, offering several $4 red and whites and including more than the normal Bud – Miller Lite set for beer. You'll find bottles of Rolling Rock and Yuengling as well as the only draft Presidente I've ever seen.

Ganfield's love of the island is clear and he's obviously driven by a passion to add to the community.

"I fell in love with this place as soon as I saw it," he tells me in an tone that demonstrates his own amazement. "The people here are amazing. They've welcomed me with open arms and so have the other businesses. It's really been something."

For Ganfield, it's the residents and visitors who describe the magic of the island best.

"The ones who visit love the place," he tells me. "They come every year and just say that they can't wait to retire and finally move here. Most of the locals I've met hate to even go across the bridge. Everyone is so relaxed here. I'm really glad that I did this."