Florida Archives - Page 10 of 33

Poolside at the Vinoy

March 8, 2021

Poolside at the Vinoy
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool, Weezie

It’s no secret that the historic Vinoy Hotel is one of my favorite spots in all of St. Pete! The beautiful pink and green exterior is enough alone, to make me love it. Add the impeccable service and stunning pool, and I’m ready to live here full time a la Eloise. Because David and I had a few days “in limbo” with our home, we took it as an opportunity to check-in. While I’ve previously shared snapshots from around the space, this post is solely dedicated to my day of lounging at the pool.

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool, Carrie Forbes

Grab a Spot Early

As I happily learned during my stay, the Vinoy pool opens up at 9 am sharp. Don’t be surprised to see a coordinated water aerobics class for Vinoy Club members. Other than that, it’s perfectly peaceful. The beauty of working remotely is I can get work done anywhere I snag some WiFi, which is plentiful all around the Vinoy. Sorry to my NYC and Connecticut co-workers who end up reading this. So, I grabbed my spot early and got some come color in the early morning sun. As soon as I needed a reprieve, I was able to take advantage of the menu cabana umbrellas available.

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool

Sipping Drinks Poolside

As a sunny, poolside day goes on, you’ll need a frozen drink to help stay cool. Whether I’m a hotel guest or walk-in, I absolutely recommend the Congelado from Paul’s Landing. It’s a delicious concoction that I can only describe as a Creamsicle and Pińa Colada having a baby. Have a glass or two as you have some much needed relaxation. Disclaimer: this is a surprisingly filling drink, so I recommend moving on two the Frosè or Lemon Crush after your second round.

St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida

Taking a Quick Dip

The quatrefoil design of the Vinoy pool feels so unique! Throughout, the depth is pretty shallow, making it perfect for socializing with a beverage in hand. It includes a small waterfall that helps create a surprisingly relaxing ambiance. From years of competitive swimming, I tend to prefer the poolside to the actual pool. The one exception is the blue and turquoise water on a warm Sunshine State day.

Lunch at Paul’s Landing

If you need a bite to eat while lounging at the Vinoy pool, the best place for a meal is Paul’s Landing. I’m a regular there on weekends, but I swear it tastes even better when you’re a hotel guest. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the Edamame Hummus. It’s the kind of dish you can share with a friend or call a meal for yourself. It comes with freshly cut veggies and their signature grilled bread. I know it sounds like an overstatement, but I think it’s the best bread I’ve ever had. Enjoy at the bar or order it to be delivered to you on the pool deck.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, the Vinoy is the perfect destination while exploring St. Pete. It has an incredible history and is the number one icon for Downtown St. Pete. Each visit here is an absolute joy and I can’t wait to check-in again soon.

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Mornings in Boca Grande

March 1, 2021

Mornings in Boca Grande
📍 Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

Boca Grande, Gasparilla Inn, early mornings, coffee, beach

Dress (also) || Sandals || Clutch || Similar Earrings

The more I travel, the more I learn about myself. For one thing, I’ve noticed that my daily schedule on vacation is surprisingly similar to my normal routine. David and I get up early and we get the ball rolling. The first priority is always grabbing coffee, especially from the local shop. I don’t know if that means my life is close to a vacation or I need to relax more. Either way, we were up to our usual habit while in Boca Grande. For a teeny tiny barrier island, the place is surprisingly buzzing first thing in the AM. Here’s a quick look into how to start your day the right way. After all, it’s the best way to fight the intense Florida humidity.

Coffee at the Inn Bakery

First thing first, let’s get some caffeine. While it’s owned by the local Gasparilla Inn, the Inn Bakery seems like it’s the hub for village life with the locals. Each morning we were there, we saw the same group of men who are clearly there on a regular basis. Order your typical morning beverage and a delicious pastry to go along with it. I’m partial to bagel and cream cheese, but the danishes and scones look simply delicious!

Stroll Through Boca Grande Village

Since this was our first trip, we decided to walk and sip to explore the island. Boca Grande is extremely walkable and the town is so pristine. I really enjoyed window shopping along the main road and branching off to daydream over the rows upon rows of gorgeous homes. Trust me, I’ve already hand picked a few to store as ‘future home inspiration’. The style is exactly what you would expect on a Florida island. While I’m not an expert, I want to call it Caribbean colonial with a twist. Think pastel colors, big front porches, and well loved gardens. Note: If walking isn’t your thing, the preferred mode of transportation is actually golf carts, available for rent.

Have a Heartier Breakfast

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If that’s your mantra, then you may want something a bit more filling than coffee and a bagel. The Main Dining Room at the Gasparilla Inn is a good option for you. While we didn’t get a chance to eat here, the menu is simply stacked! They have your standard fare, but some dishes are considered Gasparilla traditions. Lobster Scrambled Eggs or Southern Shrimp and Grits both sound like very decadent and tasty ways to get going. After all, you’re on vacation!

Claim Your Spot at the Beach

Whether you’re taking advantage of the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club or enjoying the Boca Grande public beaches, getting there early will guarantee the best view in the house. After you grab your morning coffee, grab a spot by the water. The early morning light is the perfect way to enjoy a fun beach read or go shelling.

Mornings in Boca Grande are such a refreshing experience! It’s a tiny piece of paradise right next to bustling St. Pete. I can’t wait for our return trip and I promise you I’ll keep daydreaming until then.

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Quiet Gasparilla Inn Weekend

February 22, 2021

Quiet Gasparilla Inn Weekend

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, travel, weekend, pink dress

Dress (also) || Sandals (also) || Similar Tote Bag

It’s amazing how refreshed I feel after 48 hours in the sand and sun… The location definitely doesn’t hurt either. Not even 90 miles away from St. Pete is my little oasis that is the Gasparilla Inn. Ever since our first visit to the historic hotel, last May, it instantly became our favorite Florida destination. David and I both needed a quiet weekend, away from our phones and responsibilities, and this Gulf Coast resort delivered!

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, travel, vacation

The Inn

This corner of Boca Grande is just too pretty for words. Between our stay at the Inn and spending time at the Beach Club, I have written about this iconic location plenty. Originally opened in 1913, it has hosted titans of industry and politicians. Even during our most recent stay, we’ve mingled with CEOs, mayors, and world travelers.

The Beach Club

We arrived bright and early on Sunday morning. Even though we weren’t expecting to get into our rooms until the afternoon, I still like to take full advantage of the Beach Club. We staked our claim with two lounge chairs in the shade and caught up on some reading. The best background noise in the world is the gently rolling waves.

Gasparilla Inn, Beach Club, Boca Grande, Florida

Lunch and Daiquiris

Once the restaurant opened up. We sipped on some delicious frozen drinks. I’m typically a banana daiquiri kind of girl but decided to mix up with mango. It was as delicious and it was pretty. I mean look at that color! Later, we had lunch in the newly renovated restaurant. You honestly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. David is partial to the Mahi sandwich and I loved my Turkey club. Of course, sitting outside will give you a gorgeous view, but don’t forget to soak in the interior design from Kemble Interiors.

The Dining Room and BZ’s

After our afternoon in the sun, we rested up in our room to get ready for dinner. Although it’s a tiny island, there are so many cuisine options to choose from. We began the evening with pre-dinner cocktails at BZ’s. The space was cozy and buzzing, but we preferred sitting al fresco in the bougainvillea-covered patio. Seriously, this is my ideal outdoor space. After sipping the Gaspartini, we had dinner at the Inn Dining Room. Wow! This was an incredible meal. My scallops and homemade linguine were spectacular! I washed it all down with my signature dessert, key lime pie. Just look at that meringue topping. It was almost too pretty to eat.

With the Gasparilla Inn, you can stay for either a day or a full week. The end result is always the same for me. I feel refreshed, relaxed, and sun-kissed. As 2021 continues to unfold, I highly recommend making a trip to this stunning hotel a top priority.

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.

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