Anna Maria Island is my favorite place in the world. It has the best restaurants, desserts, shopping, and memories.

Every summer I always spend the week of July 4th on the island. It is a week full of drinks by the pool, games on the beach and food in my stomach.

This summer has been a bit different. I have already been back and forth to the beach for a couple of weeks and it has been amazing. The cover photo was actually taken at one of my first sunsets of the summer!

A typical day on the island is pretty slow, in the best way. I usually just sleep in as late as I want before waking up and driving to Dunkin' Donuts for my daily dose. After a while, I will put on my bathing suit and sunscreen and head to the beach. If the weather is cooperating, I'll lay out there for a few hours. The pool is always where everyone likes to hang out during and after lunch. Typically, we will end up back at the beach before getting ready for dinner. Making it to sunset on the beach is a tradition that has to be fulfilled each night. I have hundreds of pictures of my friends and family at sunset from over the years. It's the best!

Taking an online class instead of being at the beach this past month has made me want to be on the island even more. With a daily routine like mine, who wouldn't want to spend all of their time there? I'm counting down the seconds until I'm back in my happy place for the Fourth of July!

Here's a tip: if you ever find yourself on Anna Maria Island, make sure to get Dips ice cream. If you go anywhere else, you're just kidding yourself.