St. Petersburg; More Than the Beach!

The 2 "must do's" are the Salvador Dali museum and the International museum with it's special exhibit (check the local paper). There are some terrific restaurants, beautiful waterside walkways and various fairs throughout the year (Shakepeare in the park, Native American festival to name two).

Quick Tips:

Pick up a local weekly paper for listings of events and restaurants.

Best Way To Get Around:

Feel free to drive. Most of St. Pete is on a grid with streets running north and south and avenues running east and west. Most are number names, like New York City, so it's just a point of noticing if you are on a street or avenue & which way the numbers are going. The streets are marked N if north of Central Ave and S if south.

With live music and delicious burgers this place is hard to beat for a local and relaxing night out. It is just one of many casual spots along 4th St. North. El Caps (3500 4th St. N, 727-521-1314) is another good spot to grab a burger (but no live music). Closer to downtown is 4th St. Shrimp Company (1006 1/2 4th St North, 727-822-0325). I highly recommend going by there on Tuesday when they have their all-you-can-eat crablegs! In downtown St. Pete, don't miss The Garden restaurant(217 Central Ave, 896-3800). It has both inside and outside dining (very pretty terraced patio). The Garden has a casual atmosphere and Mediterranean dishes. They serve lunch and dinner.

Coffee Pot Drive is a shorter than mile long road that runs along the water in the Northeast section of St. Petersburg. Exit I275 at 22nd Avenue and follow east. The end of the avenue is Coffee Pot Drive. This is a terrific spot for walking or running. On the east side of the street is the water and a good view of the stately homes on Snell Island. On the west, beautiful small and large homes with varying architcture and style. Starting north at Coffee Pot Park, follow the sidewalk to 21st Ave. and go over the bridge to Snell Island for a closer view of huge homes on Snell Island. When you return to Coffee Pot Drive, be sure to check out along the small piers for manatee. They enjoy the warm water and can be seen there throughout the year. The drive ends at 19th Ave and Beach Drive (which also runs along the waterfront). Coffee Pot Drive is just another little-known spot in St. Pete where you can enjoy the wildlife and the weather.

Never a huge Dali fan, I became one after stopping by this museum (well maybe not a huge fan, but definitely a fan). With drawings, sculptures and floor to ceiling paintings, it is hard not to be awed. You may not like Dali but you have to admit, he was interesting. The collection includes early as well as later works. His "Slave Market" with the hidden head of Voltaire will stop you in your tracks. One of his room-size paintings is "The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus". Another is "The hallucinogenic Toreador" with its repeating images of the Venus de Milo and the whispery form of a toreador that seems clear on one viewing and hidden on the next. Dali's wife Gala's head floats in the upper corner with a disapproving frown and a young Dali is standing in the corner. This museum is one that can be revisited several times without boredom. www.salvadordalimuseum.org There are guided tours daily.

M-S: 9:30-5:30
Th: until 8
Sun. 12-5:30
Adults: $9 Under 10: free

OK, OK, it may be a big tourist draw but it's worthy. Jutting out into Tampa Bay, the Pier offers a terrific chance to shop, eat and dolphin watch! The Pier is made up of 5 floors including an aquarium, various shops, a food court, Great Explorations Museum (a hands on museum;good for young children), sightseeing cruises and several restaurants (Lido, Columbia and ChaCha Coconuts). Everyone should go to ChaCha Coconuts at least one time on any visit to St. Pete. Its view of the city is terrific. The food is not fancy but good and you can watch the dolphins frolic while having an afternoon cocktail or Caribbean fries. Located at the end of 2nd Ave. NE, the Pier is easy to reach and there is generally adequate parking. There are also free shuttles if you need to park further away.