Five Reasons To Visit St. Pete
Five Reasons To Visit St. Pete
Craft beer, a giant tiki bar on a pier, and Salvador Dali are just a few reasons to explore this Florida city.
Miami is one of the world’s greatest playgrounds. No longer just a place to get a tan, the city now has a thriving food and business scene. The city’s Mayor, Francis Suarez, is actively wooing tech and Bitcoin to the city, and Miami’s first Michelin Guide is set to be published any day.
But there’s more to Florida than Miami. On the Gulf Coast of Florida — just a stone’s throw from Tampa — lies St. Petersburg — or St. Pete. Here, you’ll find an immensely charming city known as much for its art and culture as its beaches. St. Pete also has a vibrant food and drink scene that’s quite unique. Its proximity to Tampa International Airport also makes it ideal for a long weekend. Not convinced? Here are five reasons to check out St. Pete.
The Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail
Craft beer lovers have much to explore in St. Pete. The city is home to the Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail, a collection of 35 breweries located in St. Pete and neighboring Clearwater. St. Pete, itself, is home to 16 breweries — most of them within walking distance of each other. A suggested tour starts at 3 Daughters Brewing, located in the city’s Warehouse District. The brewery also hosts live music most days of the week and serves a mean fish dip. Don’t miss “PAW” (Pinellas Ale Works), a dog-friendly brewery that donates proceeds to local animal rescues.
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
Every Saturday morning, the park adjacent to the Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg turns into a weekly market where local farmers, artisans, and food vendors sell their wares. The market, open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a must. At any given Saturday, about 140 vendors sell everything from prepared foods to fresh pasta to just-caught seafood. A recent visit even unearthed a vendor selling tiny hats for dogs! The market also offers live entertainment and plenty of seating so you can enjoy your bounty on the spot.
Dali Museum
Surrealist master, Salvador Dali is celebrated at this museum dedicated to his work. The structure, itself, is a work of art. Designed by architect Yann Weymouth, the structure is half glass, with 2,400 pieces of Dali’s works enclosed within the second half, comprised of 18-foot-deep walls of hurricane-proof concrete. The museum is also home to an enchanting waterfront garden. Purchase a glass of Cava Rosado at the museum’s Cafe Gala to enjoy al fresco.
St. Pete Pier
In July 2020, St. Pete introduced its newly refurbished St. Pete Pier, offering 26 acres of restaurants, parks, playgrounds, vendor space, and outdoor cafes. At the very end of the pier is a modernistic three-story structure that houses Teak restaurant and Pier Teaki bar. This tiki bar is basically the city’s official Friday afternoon gathering place. The Pier offers cocktails, a good selection of local craft beer, and snacks. On the pier, you’ll also find several other eateries, including brunch favorite, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill.
Pirogi Bar
This little Ukrainian shop in Downtown St. Pete offers a selection of pierogies made on the spot to order. Choose from potato, sauerkraut, potato and cheese, or sour cherry. The shop also makes gluten-free and vegan pierogies (with advance notice). Right now, the Pirogi Bar offers local delivery and pickup for to-go orders, but is looking for a permanent restaurant space. Get a dozen pierogies and take them to either the pier or the beach for a unique picnic.
