The Sunday Times: Issue #14

This is a really exciting issue, one that took me two weeks to write. I'm sharing in this issue all the wonderful things about the place I now call home, Saint Petersburg, FL. Saint Pete (as it's often called) is a wonderful place to visit on vacation and is an even more wonderful place to live. It's where I've called home for 4 years now and where my partner Dave and his family is from. I hope you'll save this issue for when you need a quick weekend getaway or a full-on family vacation. Or who knows, maybe you're looking to relocate and need a helpful hint?

I'm also very eager to show you the first two rings for Paradiso! I carved the wax for these two rings many weeks ago and they are finally cast in gold and set with their stones. I have 3 more rings from this batch to set, and quite a few carved, awaiting casting.

So pour yourself a cup of tea and get comfy.

THE SUNSHINE CITY

You might be surprised that there exists in Florida a city that celebrates the arts, culture, and environment to the degree that St. Pete does. It boasts eleven major museums, countless galleries, rows of artists studios, a world famous garden, nationally ranked beaches, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. I'll list all of my favorite things to do below, but know that this list could easily be double or triple the size. There's just so much to do here!

In case you don't know where St. Pete is in Florida, you'll find it on the west coast, about halfway down the state on the little peninsula off Tampa. That peninsula gives us the best of both worlds, a calm harbor for a marina and sailing, and wonderful gulf beaches on the other side.

WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU'RE HERE

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO, HOURS, AND LOCATIONS, VISIT STPETE.ORG

MUSEUMS, ETC

THE DALI

Usually the first place I take visitors that come to see us in St. Pete. One, because it's a wonderful museum of surrealist art and rotating exhibitions, but also because it has a fantastic cafe with a view of the harbor. It's a great intro and summary of what St. Pete is all about - culture, art, food and the beautiful outdoors.
Thedali.org

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Another must-see museum with a fantastic cafe is our Museum Of Fine Arts. The MFA has a wide-ranging collection including works by Monet, O’Keeffe, De Kooning, and Rauschenberg. It also has a beautiful sculpture courtyard and is itself a gorgeous Palladian-style building. The grounds around the museum are perfect for strolling along the harbor.
MFAstpete.org

SUNKEN GARDENS

The place to spend a beautiful half-day when the weather is nice (which is most of the time). Sunken Gardens is perhaps most famous for its flock of flamingos but the lush landscaping and tropical oasis is a haven for artists workshops, picnics, and dates. I love to come here when I need a moment of stillness in nature or a fun chat with their rescued parrots. Check their website to see if you can catch a workshop or yoga class while you're in town.
Sunkengardens.org

THE RINGLING

Less than an hour's drive from St. Pete is Sarasota, home to the Ringling Museum. I highly recommend making the trip as the Ringling is one of my favorite places in the entire world. It is home to one of the most beautiful art museums, world class gardens, a circus museum, and the house (The Ca’ d’Zan) of John Ringling, one of the founders of the Ringling Brothers circus. You might recognize the Ringling from my Instagram as I love doing photoshoots there.
Ringling.org

ANTIQUING

ANTIQUE GALLERIES OF ST PETERSBURG

One of the largest antique stores in the city, it has two floors of some of the best antique vendors in St. Pete (including me! See my collection in case 18).
Open 7 days a week, so it's easy to fit into your schedule. 9am-5pm.

JANET'S ANTIQUES

A St. Pete establishment, right on Central Ave downtown. An easy place to get lost in with lots of mid century and Florida specific antiques.
Open Weds-Sat. 11am-5pm.

ANDREA & FRIENDS

If you're on the hunt for antique and vintage jewelry, this is a great place to start. I found my vintage Fred Leighton ruby and diamond ring here.
Open Tues-Sun. 11am-4pm.

THE LEFT BANK

Explore a gorgeous market filled with French and European antiques after having brunch next door at their bistro (one of my favorite places to eat!).
Open Tues-Sun. 11am-4pm.

THRIFTING

SUNSHINE

Sunshine Thrift Store is a local favorite and could easily take a few hours of your day. They have a huge selection of clothes and housewares, usually priced cheaper than Goodwill.
Sunshinethrift.com/st-petersburg 9am-9pm with shorter weekend hours.

GOODWILL

Conveniently located just one block from Sunshine is our Goodwill. Many people remark at the size of this store - it genuinely is huge. The staff is super friendly, too. You'll probably run into Dave here. If you do, say Hi!
2550 34th St. N. 10am-6pm everyday.

PINELLAS FARMERS AND FLEA MARKET

If you're here on a weekend, it may be worth visiting our flea market. Sunday is usually the best day to go as many of the vendors are out picking on Saturday.
13600 Icot Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760

CASA

CASA is conveniently located downtown. It has mostly housewares and all sales fund CASA, the official provider of domestic violence support & services in Pinellas County.
1011 1st Ave N. 9am-5pm, Weekends 9am-4pm.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

RESTAURANTS

BABA

Greek and Lebanese, great indoor/outdoor atmosphere for dinner or lunch. Best to make a reservation.
Eatatbaba.com

GOOD INTENTIONS

The best vegan food you'll ever have. Even great for even non-vegans. Super cool atmosphere in the warehouse arts district. Great cocktail list, as well.
Goodintentionsfl.com

PIA'S TRATTORIA

In Gulfport, Pia's is by far one of the best Italian restaurants in the city with the most charming atmosphere. You'll easily feel like you're in a Tucsan villa! Reservation needed.
Piastrattoria.com

WILD CHILD

Neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar. This place had been on my "to-try" list for a long time and I finally ate here just this week. It did not disappoint!
Wildchildstpete.com

RED MESA CANTINA

Make a reservation so you can sit outside in their beautiful courtyard with the fountains. They have several locations so make sure you choose the Cantina for the courtyard, although all of their locations serve great Latin Fare.
Redmesarestaurant.com

TEAK

I take all new-comers here on their first night in the city. Teak is located at the end of the St. Pete Pier and has a wonderful view of the entire city. New American cuisine.
Teakstpete.com

COFFEE SHOPS

BANDIT

Our favorite, most frequented neighborhood place that has excellent coffee/espresso and a killer food menu. Gotta go early, they close at 3pm.
Banditcoffee.co

BLACK CROW

The Central Ave location has a wonderful courtyard that is shared with my favorite bookstore, Tombolo Books. A great place to recharge in the afternoon or a place to start your day.
Blackcrowcoffeeco.com

PARADECO

An art deco inspired coffee shop that is very instagrammable. Location is great if you're hitting the Museum of Fine Arts or other attractions by the bay.
Paradecocoffee.com

INTERMEZZO

Coffee and cocktails. A wonderful space to get some work done if you need to do some screentime while you're on vacation. Definitely my favorite spot to WFH and people watch. Italian inspired so you know I love it.
Intermezzo.com

GET OUTSIDE

BEACHES

Our favorite beach is Upham Beach. It has rock jetties that generally break the bigger waves, creating calm coves. It's also less crowded as it's less known. Take the public access that is all the way to the right, and walk along the water to the right as far as you can to get away from the crowds.
6850 Beach Plaza, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

If you're staying north of St. Pete, Indian Rocks Beach is also a great, more local beach. Parking can be a little more difficult. If you decide to try it, be sure to visit our favorite French cafe, Cafe De Paris!
2300 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach

ACTIVITIES

Sunset sails with Dolphin Landing are a MUST! A lovely way to end the day or to celebrate a milestone. Bring cocktails, beer, dinner, snacks, etc!
Dolphinlandings.com

Kayaking to Shell Key can be a wonderful activity with friends or kids. I love Scott's personality and his limitless knowledge of the area. Pickup is on Terra Verde.
Islandkayaktours.com

Walking The Pier can be a great way to get some exercise while you're here. There's usually a market or an event going on, such as free community yoga or art installations.

LOCAL FAVORITES

Mazzaro's Italian Market is a great place to visit and eat if you like Italian markets. It's overflowing with Italian imported goods, has a great espresso bar, and a hot bar for take away. Not to mention the most decadent desserts and pastries made there fresh, just like their pasta! Can be crazy on weekends, best to go M-F, 9am-5pm. Closed on Sunday.

The Saturday Farmer's Market is where all the locals will be on Saturdays! Best to get there early and peruse all of our local farms' goods and pick up some fresh flowers and bread for the week.
Opens at 9am, Al Lang Stadium, 230 1st St SE.

Okay I think that's a good start for anyone wanting to visit here. If you decide to, please let me know! Living here has given me the wonderful opportunity to meet so many of you already! If you need recs on where to stay, I did not include those here because, TBH, aside from The Vinoy and The Don CeSar, I'm not that familiar with the hotels or AirBnBs. You really can't go wrong with any of the hotels located downtown, I would just avoid any that are located on 34th Street.

If this list was too long, you can access the quick list here. I always update it with new favorites.