Last month I hopped on a plane, taking advantage of a direct flight on Swoop Airlines from Hamilton Ontario to Tampa Florida. In under three hours I’d left our beautiful yet oh so cold country behind, and was knee deep in an epic adventure. We were off on an honest to goodness road trip through parts of Florida I’ve always wanted to see! Over 7 glorious days my Hubby, and I logged countless miles on the open road, ate WAY too much, and crammed in as much adventure as our two souls could manage. We laughed, got lost a time or two, and took more than a few pictures.
If you dream of exploring parts of Florida you’ve never seen or are keen to hear about hidden gems dotted about Central Florida you are in the right place. Over the next few weeks I’ll share wth you all you need to know to explore the areas of St.Pete/Clearwater, Tampa, and Anna Maria Island. Here are my amazing discoveries in fascinating Florida.
Exploring Hidden Gems In St. Pete and Clearwater!
Where To Stay:
Opal Sands When entering the Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater Beach you are immediately struck but the calm contemporary flair. The hotel is cool, modern and yet welcoming. Entering our elegant suite on the 15th floor is like walking into your favourite daydream. The wide open entrance of the suite gives way to closets, a safe and a coffee bar on the right, a sleek bathroom on the left and a sitting area ahead complete with couch, table and modern artwork to set the tone. The star of the show are the floor to ceiling windows that draw your eyes out to the spacious balcony. As you step outside your luxury suite you are rewarded with a dramatic view of the crashing waves below. The Opal Sands overlooks both the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater’s beachside promenade. While at the Opal Sands make sure you leave yourself time to lounge around their opulent pool with a snack and a cocktail in hand. Its glorious! Insider Tip: Don’t miss the complimentary Guest Pantry on each floor. Here you can help yourself to fruit, fresh baked cookies and bottles of water to start or end your day!
Where To Eat:
The crowds don’t lie. As you amble down Central Ave in St Pete you can’t help but notice the lines forming at the store front of the eclectic Bodega restaurant. A quick look at the menu and a chat with the locals confirmed that the crowds were forming for the infamous Cuban sandwiches. We were in the right spot. The Bodega is a laid back spot serving up fresh juices and sandwiches worth standing in the rain for. Insider Tip: Order the Cuban Sandwich and Jicama Slaw.
If you are craving a lively atmosphere, a live band and a beach view, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill may be the place for you. There are FIVE Frenchy’s in the Clearwater Beach area, but every single one of them offers up their perfected Grouper Sandwich. In my humble opinion, the other must try is the Rock Popper – it’s a Jalapeño stuffed with crab and cream cheese. Oh my yum!
Mykonos! When in Tarpon Springs you must stop at Mykonos . Your taste buds will thank you. As you enter you are greeted with a delectable smell making it almost impossible to decide what to order. Let me help you. You can’t go wrong with the souvlaki, soutzoukakia (ground beef and Greek herbs, charbroiled on a skewer), and patatokeftedes (pan-fried Greek potato patties). Insider Tip: The tzatziki is out of this world! Pack gum, because you will want ALL the tatziki.
Location: 628 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
Pizzeria Gregario
Warm, welcoming and worth the trip. This counter service style pizzeria is one I will never forget. Located in Safety Harbour, Owner Gregory, has created a little piece of pizza heaven loved my locals and tourists alike. Serving up perfectly cooked wood fired pizza made with not only locally sourced ingredients, but with care. This unique restaurant is creating pizza with dough that is hand mixed and uses stone milled grain. Only a handful of people in the entire country are doing this! Pizzeria Gregario will indeed feed your heart and nourish your soul. Insider Tip: When you order pizza here be sure to get the Schmoo! (Some kind of garlic, lemon, salt and olive oil magic.) Trust. You need it.
Location: 400 2nd St N, Safety Harbor
What To Explore:
The Dali Museum.
Home to the largest collection of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali’s works outside of Spain this is a must see for the art lover and a perfect spot to while away any afternoon. Insider Tip: To really get to know Dali be sure to take advantage of one of the many Docent tours happening daily.
A Sponge Diving Tour!
Located just 20 minutes north of Clearwater is the ridiculous cute riverfront town of Tarpon Springs. Jump on a boat with the charismatic characters of St. Nicholas Boat Lines and learn the ancient art of Sponge Diving. On your 45 minute tour you’ll be whisked away and feel as if you have been magically transported to a coastal village in Greece. As you hum along the river with your crew you get a quick lesson on the history of Sponge Diving and are treated to a live demonstration of the harvesting of a sponge. Insider Tip: Don’t forget your camera. You’ve never seen anything like this!
Location: 693 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
Whimzeyland (also known as the Bowling Ball House)
Whimzeyland is pure magic. The passion project of two Florida artists, Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda, they have spent the last 20 years turning their home and neighboring properties into flamboyant works of art. The artists have used sculptures, paintings, bottle trees, recycled material sculptures, and bowling balls to turn their own home into a local landmark. To step onto this property is an almost other-worldly experience. You are immediately enveloped by a feeling of peace and joy that is difficult to describe. To visit this home is to feel happiness. All are welcomed to explore this property as well as the Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, a non-profit organization where children and the children-at-heart can gather to celebrate and create art. Insider Tip: Go for the instagram picture, stay to soak up the joy.
Location: 206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor
A Mural Tour
Art lovers and Instagrammers rejoice! Downtown St. Pete is where you want to be. I had the pleasure of a private mural tour led by Local Muralist, Derek Donnelly (@SaintPaintArts). He walked us through the colourful streets of St Pete helping us explore the incredible urban art scene. Pick a spot on Central Ave and just start walking. You can find over 500 gorgeous murals in the area, all worthy of introspection and photo taking. Insider Tip: If you are interested in knowing even more about each piece download the Pixel Stix app. This app enables you to scan a badge on the artwork and learn about the piece and artist.
When you’re ready to have a little adventure, explore new places, try some new food and meet some friendly people I highly suggest grabbing a travel buddy, a map and heading out to the Gulf Coast. Come back next week for Part 2 of how to have an epic road trip with the one you love most!
Disclosure: Accommodations and experiences were made in order to help provide this review. As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.
Wow! I love how that green car is done up! So cool!
Can you believe how creative it is! I can’t even figure out where to put a bumper sticker on my car. LOL
Opal sands looks beautiful.
Opal Sands is a true find. I hope to get back there one day and get some pool time in!
looks beautiful! We have been wanting to take our little family on a vacation and Florida looks promising!
Florida is one of my favourite places to take my family. Between the beaches, attractions, food and shopping, there’s something for everyone to do! Please do let me know if I can ever answer any questions for you!
I’d really enjoy visiting The Dali Museum, it looks like a wonderful museum.
The Dali is a must for the art lover!
🙂
I can’t say Florida has been at the top of my travel list but seeing your pictures changed my mind. It looks so pretty.
I’m a HUGE Florida fan, and this area offers so much! Shopping, beaches, art, culture and the food. Honestly, we ate in so many fabulous restaurants.
Sponge diving looks so nice!
I feel like watching the Songe Diver was one of those once in a life time experiences. It was so cool!
I have to say the car is one of my favourite pictures!
Oh thanks Lynda, it’s for sure one of the most unique cars I’ve ever seen!
My in laws live there & my parents spent 20 winters in FLA and yet I have never been. The Cuban sandwiches sound great I love the look of those.
You’ve never been? Oh my goodness. Time to pack a bag! There’s so much to see and do, plus the restaurants! 🙂
Wow, gorgeous pictures and this looks like it would definitely be a great place to relax!
You are so right! I’d definitely build in some extra time to just soak up the sun on one of those stunning beaches.
Did someone say pizza, I am so there!
You are my people 🙂 Not just pizza, but pizza in a warm welcoming environment, and pizza created by an owner that truly cares about the ingredients he uses. I’m now ruined – no other pizza will ever live up to Gregarios Pizza.
The Rock Popper look very tempting. I have to saw Florida is only about Oranges 🙂 but the seafoods are YUM!
There’s fresh seafood everywhere! I ate very VERY well while I was away 🙂
Oh I most definitely agree, Stephanie. Typo above, what I meant to say was Florida isn’t only about the Oranges 🙂
It all looks incredible, but the pizza is the most beautiful thing in this post.
LOL That was one beautiful pie ( and I ate the whole thing!)
Oh I love the sounds of the complimentary Guest Pantry – definitely a good tip! I would totally make use of that!
The Guest Pantry is a small thing but I too loved it. Bottles of water and a piece of fruit are just perfect as you run out the door.
This place looks spectacular with lots of exciting things to see. We spent two weeks on the Gulf side and loved it.
Two whole weeks! Now I’m jealous!
Okay, not gonna lie. I’d go there just to get that pizza!
HAHA Well if you’re going for the pizza, you might as well stop by Whimzeyland for a tour too – it’s just around the corner!