Romantic Getaways
St. Pete Beach has all the ingredients for a spectacular romantic getaway. Island flavors combine with gentle bay breezes, warm sandy beaches, awe-inspiring wildlife, and exciting opportunities for adventure, and it's all only steps away from the attractions and excitement of the city.
While many of Tampa Bay’s beaches are often overcrowded with families, there are several spots that make for a perfect picnic for two. Shell Key, which is accessible only by ferry or private boat, is primarily popular with shell-seekers, but couples can always find a secluded spot along its undeveloped shores and towering dunes. The island is also home to one of the largest protected coastal areas for nesting and migratory birds which makes for some great wildlife watching.
Another great romantic escape is Pass-A-Grille. The first town to be established on Florida's west coast barrier island, it has since been designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark District. Pass-A-Grille began as a fishing village, and now boasts a charming historical flavor reminiscent of an Old Florida artists’ colony. Pass-a-Grille now thrives as a tourist destination with quaint galleries, restaurants, and calming shorelines. The beach at Pass-A-Grille is thought to be one of the most romantic beaches in the area. For a more secluded spot to watch the sunset, take your loved one to Fort De Soto Park, recently named the "No. 1 Beach in the U.S.A." for 2005 by Dr. Beach.
A great hidden gem in Florida is our vineyards. Many offer tours and tastings on a daily or weekly basis. Florida Estate Winery has two locations, in St. Petersburg and Land O’Lakes, and hosts several wine festivals throughout the year. Some of their unique wines include Casa Del Sol Strawberry port, and Casa Del Sol Florida Key Lime. Additionally, traditional wines, such as Chardonnay and Beaujolais Nouveau, are also made. In the quaint and Greek influenced town of Tarpon Springs is the Tarpon Springs Castle Winery. Owners Joe and Diana Marks specialize in classic European grape varieties. Daily tours are conducted that showcase the art of winemaking, and end with a wine tasting. Currently, the winery makes white wine (chardonnay, white zinfandel) and red wine (merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir).
Downtown St. Pete is infused with a flavor of the Renaissance cosmopolitan. Home to countless attractions, including the Dali Museum (which houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work outside of Spain), the world-renown Million Dollar Pier, the Museum of Fine Art, Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Palladium Community Theater, there is no end to what can be explored and enjoyed. Walking is not the only option, of course. Feel free to sit back and enjoy a guided trip on "The Looper", a fun and convenient trolley that loops downtown every half hour.
As the sun sets dreamily over the Gulf, St. Pete’s sizzling nightlife is just heating up. Opportunities abound to dance ‘til dawn, whether at trendy nightclubs spinning Top 40 hits or underground jams, or at the historic Casino Ballroom in Gulfport. Built in the 1930s, the renovated ballroom still has its original hardwood floors and Florida charm. The ballroom offers different dancing styles every night and sometimes offers lessons. Romantically located right on the bay, the ballroom has a full bar and a smoking ban indoors.
There are also plenty of hot spots to soak in the rich rhythms and beats of rock, jazz, or blues artists at local venues, or enjoy the sea air with a walk on the pier accompanied by the sounds of street musicians. For some truly local color, check out Neptune Lounge in nearby Tarpon Springs. The lounge features all local bands, five nights a week, and doubles as a bicycle shop by day. It’s a perfect spot to get geared up for a ride on the Pinellas Trail, a 47 mile hiking and biking trail connecting St. Petersburg with Central and north Pinellas County (it’s the longest urban linear trail in the eastern United States!).
The Florida Orchestra, based in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa area, is touted to be one of the best regional orchestras in the country. For the 2005-06 season, the orchestra scheduled more than 90 shows in about 15 venues. From the late morning Cozy Morning Coffee series to after dinner Super Pops performances, the Florida Orchestra makes for a perfect date. Another more highbrow night on the town can be had at the Ruth Eckerd Hall, which was nominated as one of the top five concert halls in the U.S. by a nation-wide industry poll of technicians, artists, and their management.
