Why would I visit Saint Petersburg ? dream vacation

By Angela Doherty 
If  you are like me and looking to escape the rain, winter, or find a white sand beach to stretch out on, your search might quite naturally lead you to the warm climes of Florida, the Sunshine State. I was looking for a sunny, warm slice of heaven, with a great mix of outdoor recreation, culture, dining and shopping and I think I have found it in St. Petersburg. Here’s what I've found out about this great city.

With on average 361 sunshine days per year, St. Petersburg is not called “The Sunshine City” for nothing. Situated on the west side of Tampa Bay, a trip to St Pete could not be complete without a day on the beach. And with over 240 miles of shoreline including a number of keys, islands, bayous and some of the best beaches in the country (including Fort De Soto beach, twice ranked number one in the country in 2005 and 2008) you are spoiled for choice in St. Pete.   I think a day on the beach, lazing under the palms or swimming in the crystal waters of the Gulf of Mexico on the beaches of Treasure Island is the first order of business for any visitor to the city. However, if it is action you are after, diving, snorkeling, fishing and canoeing are just some of the choices available to you in, on and around the waters of the city.

When you are sick of the beaches, it’s time to head across town and Beach Dr and the waterfront where you can find amazing dining, overlooking the marina and the gorgeous Tampa Bay. I think I’ll start with drinks at the famous Fresco’s and head down Central Ave and the surrounding streets to find some great food, live music and dance spots to enjoy the long, hot nights of St. Pete. The city is also home to over 2 dozen art galleries, and if you time your visit right, on the second Saturday of each month, the Downtown Arts Association hosts a Gallery Walk around a number of downtown galleries and studios. St. Pete also plays host to a series of festivals and cultural celebrations all year round, for everyone from the foodies at the “A Taste of Pinellas” festival in May, to the Tampa Bay Blues Festival in April and every March, downtown is transformed into an Indy Car track for the Honda Grad Prix! And of course, if you are looking for sport, Tropicana field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, is also within easy reach of downtown.

Shopping in St. Pete, like the rest of the city’s activities, is also all about choice. Check out the Saturday Morning Market, down by the Marina, for fresh local produce and goods. Or, if you are looking for something a little more up market, the BayWalk shopping complex is located downtown, along with a host of artisan shops and studios.

Now where to stay… Well. Let’s be honest, there are so many choices from the 5-star resorts of Clearwater and downtown to the hostels and camping grounds at Fort De Soto Park, there is something for every budget. And one of the best things about St Pete is that it is compact, making travel around it easy either through the public system, or by cab, where your friendly cabbie can suggest more things for you to do in the Sunshine City. I’m looking forward to my trip to St. Petersburg, time to stop dreaming about it!

Visiting St. Augustine Florida

by Danielle Antosz

St Augustine is a small beach town on the east coast of Florida, located just thirty minutes from Jacksonville. It is a popular destination for families, weddings, and spring breakers. Explore the Old City with friends and family or visit for a romantic getaway. If you are looking for an affordable, walkable explore place with tons to do, you can’t go wrong with visiting Saint Augustine, Florida. It is definitely a touristy place, but you don’t need to worry about safety the way you would in a big city.

Finding a Hotel in St Augustine, Florida

Like with any vacation spot, you will want to find a hotel first. There are a wide variety of hotels in Saint Augustine from affordable chains to luxurious bed and breakfasts. Another popular option for vacationers is renting a beach house in Saint Augustine. These are usually large, privately owned homes that are rented by the week. Many offer direct access to the beach and amenities you won’t find a hotel like private pools, large kitchens, and tons of space.

Shopping & Dining in St Augustine

St George Street is the most popular shopping district in the city. This is a wide open pedestrian only street filled with live music and locally owned shops and restaurants. This is where you want to go for souvenirs like specialty soaps, small batch hot sauces, and microbrew beers. Restaurants in the area offer pizza, tacos, burritos, burgers, and more. For being a highly touristy area, prices aren’t bad at all.
If you are in the mood for a cold drink, duck into St. George’s Tavern – a little smoky, but a local favorite with great drink prices. To find live music, good burgers, and a great view head over to No Name Bar. A little hard to find, but so worth the search! For the best fudge in town, check out Fudge Buckets, they sell their handmade fudge in convenient little tubs with spoon for easy munching. And it’s delicious!
If you get out of the Old City, head to the St. Augustine outlet malls. There are tons of brand name stores selling their goods for super cheap.

Attractions in Saint Augustine

There are a million reasons to visit the Old City. It is full of history, charm, and fantastic shopping. Popular attractions include the Castillo de San Marco (often just called “The Fort”), the ghost tours, the beaches, and the Pirate Ships. If you get off the beaten path, the Alligator Farm is a great way to spend the day. You can zip line through the entire park, just out of reach of the alligators! There is also a beautiful river walk with a great view of the Bridge of Lions and all the docked sailboats. When you are ready to dip your toes in the sand, head across the Bride of Lions and follow the signs!
St Augustine is a charming town with tons of history to explore. There is an active night life, but the area is also very popular with families. Hotels get expensive during peak season which includes Christmas time, for the lights, spring break, and a much of the summer. Also, late spring is wedding season and hotels can be hard to come by. Plan accordingly and enjoy your Florida vacation!

Destination Saint Pete

By Sasha Brown

St. Petersburg: Old World Charm and New Spaces St Petersburg isn’t your grandmother’s sleepy little beach town anymore. There’s still plenty of sand here, but there’s also an established art community, a diverse restaurant scene and a newly gentrified downtown filled with park-side cafes. It’s now the cool sister to the neighboring city of Tampa. During the daytime, visitors dawdle between pristine beaches, art museums, farmers markets and waterfront parks. At night, locals and tourists alike flock to the city’s potpourri of restaurants for elegant seafood dishes orhamburgers in tiki bars dotted along the beach. St. Petersburg has grown up, but remnants of its Old World charm still remain. Graceful art deco buildings line St. Pete’s wide boulevards—a refreshing change from the urban sprawl and mega strip malls that dot Florida’s coast. For those who like a little culture with their sunshine, the impressive Dali Museum has an extensive collection of Salvador Dali works, representing every stage of his career. Considered a jewel on St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront is the Museum of Fine Arts which houses a wide range of world art from antiquity to modern times. Art buffs will also appreciate the permanent collection of Dale Chihully's unique glass artwork at the beautiful Morean Arts Center. There are a wide range of museums and galleries along the downtown waterfront parks, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of History. Nature lovers will appreciate the Boyd Hill Nature Park which boasts walking trails, live exhibits and sneak peaks at alligators who call the park their home. The Weedon Island Preserve is a wonderful place to kayak, find a quiet path to walk or look for birds. For those who insist on spying an alligator, Sawgrass Lake Park delivers on the wildlife. Boardwalks bring you through scenes of swamps and woods, where gators and turtles and other wildlife are camera ready. A nice place to relax sprawled beneath the palm trees is the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum. It’s a quiet place to enjoy a bagged lunch and a book. And whatever you do, don’t miss out on Sunken Garden---a botanical paradise in the midst of the city and a cherished St. Pete icon. And what would a trip to St. Pete’s be without a little sand between your toes? Fort Desoto Park offers picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay and clean, pristine beaches. There’s a snack shop there and tours of Fort Desoto are available for those seeking a break from the sun. There are two public beaches in the heart of the bustling downtown area, along with Maximo Beach and Park in South St. Petersburg. St. Pete’s boasts 361 days of sunshine every year with an average temperature of 73 degrees. These statistics, along with an array of activities for every taste and age group makes this lovely Gulf city the perfect destination for families, lovers and snowbirds. You might also be glad to know that Central Florida’s theme parks are a short drive away. Or you might be tempted to stay right where you are.

Fort Desoto Park

Fort De Soto Park, one of the major attracions in Tampa Bay area
Fort Desoto Park and its Beatiful Beach


Whether you are sitting on the beach or kayaking near the still water's edge at Fort De Soto, you find yourself absorbed in the abundance of natural beauty for as far as the eye can see. The complexity of the ecology is not immediately apparent, but the park offers the greatest diversity of systems just about anywhere. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto.