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.
The Opal Sands Resort looks like the go to destination in Clearwater Beach. It must have been fantastic staying on the 15th floor and taking in that magnificent water view.
Lots of interesting things to see and do; I’d love to go on the sponge diving tour.
Frenchys looks fun, something different.
That is one awesome staircase!
This is a great idea as I have only been to Orlando to visit the theme parks and never explored the rest of Florida. Now I have lots of great ideas for my next trip!
We’ve never thought about Florida as a vacation destination before, but after reading this post, I think we might consider the idea now. Thanks!
Thanks for the tzatziki tip! I love it too
I would love to try the Cuban sandwiches.
Oh! This sounds like a fun place! I’m going to put it on my vacation wish list!
I would love to see Whimzeyland! That walkway is phenomenal! It almost makes me wish I had a yard so I could make one!
Really great tips and pictures – I like how you always include things I don’t read about anywhere else! Since I don’t travel, I’m still living through you and your posts vicariously lol
.You always seem to find the most unique places. Hidden gems in common areas. I always enjoy your vacation posts. You have once again expanded my bucket list.
I love the A Mural Tour idea! I think it would be great for the kids that they can download the Pixel Stix app and learn more about each piece! Totally love this!
Fabulous tips, thanks for the info!
oh that would be am amazing trip, sites, the food and the beautiful weather