Hold on tight. This is the part where I confess all my deepest darkest secrets. One of my favourite parts of travel? It’s the planning. Yes, I love every single part of it. The research, the hunt for the perfect hotels or rentals, the narrowing it down to the best places and searching for the undiscovered gems that turn ordinary trips into lifelong memories. We may not be able to travel just yet …but we can certainly do a little dreaming! (and I’ve been doing a LOT of that for the last few months!)
If you dream of exploring parts of Florida you’ve never seen before 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. It’s a magical place and here are just a few of my amazing discoveries in fascinating Florida.
Have you been to Clearwater Beach? I was lucky enough to spend a couple days in the area and stayed at the drop dead gorgeous 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 with couch, bistro table and modern artwork complete this elegant room. The star of the show are the floor to ceiling windows that draw your eyes out to the vast 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.
Once you’re all settled into your stunning suite, it’s time to get out and discover the local eats.
Where To Eat:
Bodega
When I travel I like to eat where the locals eat and in this case 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: Arrive hungry and order the Cuban Sandwich and Jicama Slaw, your palate will thank you.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
If you are craving a little action, 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! It’s a great evening out.
Mykonos! When in Tarpon Springs you must stop at Mykonos. It’s a do not miss! 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, never have I felt so welcomed in a restaurnat. Insider Tip: When you order pizza here be sure to get the Schmoo! (Some kind of garlic, lemon, salt and olive oil magic you dip your pizza in.) 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. I guarantee 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 neighbouring 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.
Are you ready to start dreaming about your next vacation? 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.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with @visitflorida. As always all opinions on this blog remain my own.
Confession time. I didn’t know you could dive for sponges!
LOL Not to worry, neither did I!
I spent my entire weekend looking at rentals in Orlando but you now have me thinking about Clearwater!
Orlando has been my “go to” for years. It was so much fun to pick a different area to explore!
Yesterday and today really seem like super heavy news days. I LOVE this idea of taking some time and simply dreaming about and planning that next trip. We don’t know exactly when we can go, just that we will. Now to convince my Hubby!
I agree! The last few weeks have been especially hard. Taking some time to start dreaming about that next trip really does help. Let me know if can answer any questions about our trip!
I need a vacation like that!
It was a lovely way to explore a new part of Florida. Well, new to me anyway 🙂
I hope you get that fabulous vacation soon!
Oh you make me yearn to return to Florida! Like others we remained in Canada this year and we are so looking forward to traveling once again. We’ve never been to this area and it’s definitely on our bucket list now. Tarpon Springs looks absolutely fascinating and I’d so love to go on that tour. The Opal Sands in Clearwater Beach looks fab! Count me in! Thanks for sharing!
There is SO much to do in this area of Florida. My only regret, that we didn’t have more time!
Oh all these cool places to visit and some j didn’t even know you could do or visit. Great recommendations! Can’t wait to visit soon.
And this was only the first leg of our road trip! I have to admit I didn’t know there was so much to do the Clearwater Beach area. Such a great area to explore.