Date Night at the Don Cesar
📍 St. Pete Beach, Florida

Dress || Similar Heels || Clutch || Earrings

Even in these dog days of summer, I still try to create date nights that feel extra special. On most Friday nights, David and I can be found Downtown, beginning the weekend with a cocktail and dining at a local favorite. We love these evenings together, but even in a city the size of St. Pete, it can feel monotonous. For that reason, we decided to head over to the beach to shake things up and spend some time at the iconic Don CeSar Hotel.

It’s lovingly referred to as ‘The Don’ and is deeply part of Tampa Bay history. The Pink Lady debuted in 1928, at the end of the Roaring Twenties, and hosted such names as Al Capone, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today, it has a refreshed charm of the Jazz Age and is a favorite amongst visitors near and far. It’s also the perfect spot for a St. Pete date night!

Happy Hour at the Lobby Bar

You can feel the opulence as soon as you drive up to this Pink Palace on the sea. The Lobby Bar is the first thing to greet you with stunning gold features and an incredible cocktail list. On this particular evening, I ordered Pink Palace. It’s their take on a Kir Royale, except they swapped sparkling rosé for champagne. In true Jazz Age fashion, you can hear live music almost every evening. You’ll be tempted to get on your feet, grab a partner, and dance the night away.

Dinner for Two at Maritana

After a round of drinks, we made our way to Maritana. It recently completed a renovation and is such a feast for the eyes. Striking white columns give way to bright navy walls with seaside murals and influences. From there, the evening only got better as we enjoyed one of the best meals in the Tampa Bay Area. The menu is a sweeping list of coastal-inspired cuisine sourced from regional farms and fishermen. We started by sharing the Seared Foie, going our separate ways for my Seafood Linguini and David’s Lobster Gnudi. Excellent, excellent, excellent! 

Ice Cream and a Perfect Sunset

After such an incredible dinner, I had room for a tiny sweet treat. Although the dessert list at Maritana looked Devine, I had my heart set on good, old-fashioned ice cream. Just like that, we made our way to Uncle Andy’s Market. They have a never-ending menu of ice cream flavors, milkshakes, pastries, and more! I took my chocolate chip cookie dough and snagged front-row views of a famous Gulf Coast sunset. It had been a while since we had seen one, and it felt like a perfect way to cap an evening for two.

Even four-plus years into marriage, I’m thankful to have these moments with David still. Cheers to many more years of bliss, finding memories, and making date nights.

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.

St. Pete’s Winter Beach
📍 St. Pete Pier, Florida

Blouse (Similar) || Jeans || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

Do you live in Tampa Bay and dream of a White Christmas? Not to be a pessimist, but chances of that happening in St. Pete are slim to none. If you live on the sunny Gulf Coast and are looking for a healthy dose of holiday cheer, look no further than the Pier’s newest attraction. Last week, I had a special opportunity to get a sneak peek at St. Pete’s Winter Beach. It’s a unique destination with all of the charm of a winter wonderland, but with water views and 70-degree weather. 

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When and Where

The St. Pete Pier instantly became a local landmark when it re-opened to the public in July of 2021. With seasonal events year-round, there’s always something new and exciting to explore. Now it’s the time of year to add Winter Beach to that list. From November 20th through January 17th, you and the entire family have something to enjoy. Once you snag a parking spot at the Pier or along Beach Drive, simply head to Spa Beach for our rendition of a winter village. If this would be your first time visiting St. Pete’s Pier District, there will be plenty of signs to point you in the right direction.

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Festive Food and Drinks

Even in Florida, there’s just something about winter where only comfort food will suffice. During my preview of Winter Beach, one of the first stops was at the Kahwa stand to grab a celebratory Hot Chocolate. Kahwa is a local coffee institution, and I’m happy to report that they have a full menu of beverages for the holiday village. If you need a little bit more pep in your drink, be sure to order their Peppermint Mocha. For something a little more filling, you can order either a Smoked Turkey Leg from Uncle John’s Pride or delicious Gyozas from Ling’s Dumplings. For more details on what’s available at the Food Market, be sure to visit here for more details. 

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Holiday Activities For Everyone

Sipping Hot Chocolate is only half the fun while visiting Winter Beach. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, they have a jam-packed schedule. From Meet-and-Greets with Santa to Snow Days, it’s sure to be a magical experience. Be sure to mark your calendars for November 27th for the official Tree Lighting and Santa Parade at 6:30. Throughout the event, you can also test your “ice” legs with a 4,000 square foot ice rink with pristine views of St. Pete Pier and the city skyline. Because walk-ups are guaranteed, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. Tickets are $17 per skater and can be booked here.

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Once again, thank you so much to the Winter Beach team for letting me a first look at the festivities to come. I can promise it’s an absolute treat to visit, and I already have many return trips planned through the holiday season. Afterward, be sure to keep supporting local St. Pete by dining at your favorite restaurants on Beach Drive and beyond. I hope toes you around!

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.