Snapshots From Pass-a-Grille
Dress || Sandals (similar) || Similar Tote || Earrings || Bracelet
If I wanted to give myself a grade on social distancing, I would have to say it’s a solid ‘B’. David and I have both stayed almost pretty much at home, except for a weekly pizza run (to support a local business) and a daily walk around the neighborhood. When we take the occasional trip to the grocery, we only go for the essentials and take all of the necessary precautions. Still, we are far from perfect and last weekend, I was feeling particularly antsy. I wanted to be outside and have a slight change in scenery. So, we decided to take a quick drive over to Pass-a-Grille Beach for our nightly walk and a healthy dose of salt air.
Normally, out extent at St. Pete Beach is to get a good spot on the sand and enjoy the view. Since our area has decided to keep the beaches closed, we knew we would just be walking among the houses. You know me, that’s one of my favorite things to do anyways, quarantine or no. Pass-a-Grille in particular has so much curb appeal. From the traditional bungalows, to the pristine beach mansions, this part of the Gulf Coast just has so much character. I think David and I spotted no less than five houses that we’ll be daydreaming about for weeks to come.
More on our aimless wandering, we also walked by the oldest house on the Pinellas beaches. Only built in 1886, the Pass-a-Grille Historic Cottage is still right at home in the modern area. Better still, it’s located right next to the rest of the 8th Avenue historic district. With beach bars, an ice cream shop, and a surprisingly upscale restaurant, it’s the perfect place to spend an entire day.
All along the Pinellas Beaches, you’ll find very fetching mile marker signs. Between Pass-a-Grille Beach and north to Clearwater Beach, there’s about 25 miles of ground to cover. A fun day activity would be to drive (or even bike) your way up. Stop at all of the different beaches, restaurants, and points-of-interest. It will take you the better part of the day, but it will prove how unique each beach side town on the Florida Gulf Coast is. If you decide to bike, you can catch the SunCoast Trolley back to rest your weary legs.
Our walk through Pass-a-Grille just blew me away. I knew to expect pastel colors and beautiful florals, but it almost seemed like an art project. The attention to detail on these quirky homes was outstanding! I especially loved all of the nautical inspiration. Where else will you see a giant metal octopus attached to a royal blue beach bungalow? The installation was unexpected and bold, but not the slightest bit kitschy! I wonder if I can get away with that in my Old Northeast neighborhood?
One of the things of my Florida Summer Bucket List is to have a staycation on the beach. In Pass-a-Grille, that can either mean the Inn on the Beach or the famous Don Cesar Hotel. One is a quaint boutique hotel right by all of the action. The other is a pink palace that has housed the rich and famous. Either one would be a great pick and that’s why I love St. Pete Beach. Both types of beach life, relaxed and upscale, are present and all are welcome!
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.