Snapshots from the Vinoy

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I have a serious love for historic hotels. Not only do they add to the story of a city, but they often serve as the social hotspot. If you want to get a good sense of a town’s culture, then you should stop by the local hotel. In St. Pete, the name to know is the Vinoy. It’s the focus point of the downtown area and is exactly what you should expect from a Florida resort. Painted in the prettiest shade of pink, that would make any visitor fall in love, it offers sweeping views of Tampa Bay and is right next to the laidback nightlife that St. Pete offers.

The History

In its nearly one hundred years, the Vinoy has had several different lives. Originally opening in 1923, the bright salmon building served as one of the premiere Florida destinations of the time. Then during World War II, it was taken over by the U.S. Army for a training school. When the war was over, it was back to the hotel life, but time had not been kind. It quickly fell in to disrepair, ultimately closing in 1974. It’s hard to believe, but this prime slice of real estate remained vacant until the 1990s. That’s when it was scooped up and restored to the beautiful hotel that all locals know and love.

Old Meets New

When you stay at the Vinoy, you get a real sense of the old world meeting the new. The Mediterranean Revival architecture leads to striking white details and charming archways. Visitors even have the option of staying in the historic building or the new annex that overlooks the bay and pool. I even know about a little secret guest room in the historic building with it’s own private balcony. David and I stayed here for our wedding night and it was intimate.

The Local Watering Hole

Like any great resort, the Vinoy boasts two different spots to watch the world pass. Both the Veranda and Paul’s Landing have become local favorites. They’re the kind of places where regulars from St. Pete come to feel like they’re on vacation and visitors feel like they’ve lived here their whole lives. I’ve bragged several times how friendly St. Petian’s are and that’s doubly true for who you’ll see at the Vinoy. ‘Let’s meet at the Vinoy,’ is one of the most commonly used phrases in my vocabulary.

If you live in the Tampa Bay Area, then you don’t need any introduction to the Vinoy. It’s a place where you can kick back, relax, and live your best life. No matter where you’re from, it’s this hotel will always feel like a piece of home.

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.

Gulfport: Gateway to the Gulf

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Since moving back to Florida, one of my biggest goals has been to explore to-me-destinations around the state. That being said, that makes this post long since overdue. Under ten miles from my corner of St. Petersburg is the quaint town of Gulfport, also known as the Gateway to the Gulf. A few weeks ago, I posted about nearby Tarpon Springs and that actually inspired this trip. My best friend read the post and told me, you must visit Gulfport too! I just can’t believe I’ve never been to a town that’s practically in my backyard!

This tiny town is cozy in one of the farthest little corners on the Pinellas County peninsula. Leading straight up to Boca Ciega Bay, and beyond that the Gulf of Mexico, you actually can find some of the most serene views in the area. The water is calm, with sailboats gently rocking and the impossibly pink Don Cesar Resort off in the distance. Gulfport may be small, but the coastal, old Florida feel has made it a new favorite destination for when I want to get away.

David and I had the pleasure of driving down last Sunday morning for a quiet breakfast and some strolling. We started our day at Gulfport Coffee Bar. It’s situated in a converted bungalow painted the prettiest shade of lavender. Their mantra is Inspired by the Gulf, fueled by the Perk. If that sounds like words you could live by, they also sell fun t-shirts. More importantly, their coffee and bagel offerings were just what I needed to start an early morning. With plenty of space to spread out, I can’t wait to visit soon!

There are, surprisingly, a lot of places to eat for the size of the town. Stella’s was absolutely packed for breakfast, while Pia’s Trattoria is known for some of the best Italian food in the area. If you’re already full from a great meal, you can burn some of it off by taking a walk along the waterfront and some of the town’s gift shops. Gulfport Beach Bazaar has so many fun souvenirs, but also serves as the town’s post office. Only Florida can you find the USPS next to pieces of art made out of driftwood.

Gulfport, the gateway to the gulf, is charming, small and absolutely deserves your attention! If the Florida life even seems to hectic, spend an afternoon or morning here to clear your head. You’ll thank me later.

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.