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Mornings on Anna Maria Island

October 5, 2020

Mornings on Anna Maria Island

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Have you ever had a moment when you just wanted to get away? It happens to me every once in a while. Sometimes, I get so stir-crazy that even a few hours away with different scenery seems like a vacation. Lucky for me, I live close to so many incredible beach towns that my options are endless. So on Saturday, David and I hit the road for a lovely and quiet morning on Anna Maria Island. Even though it’s just 45 minutes away, it was just what I need to feel recharged and ready for a new week!

Anna Maria Island, Beach, Florida, Travel

Have Breakfast at Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe

If you’re just getting away for the morning, finding a great breakfast place is a Mission: Critical. AMI has so many great options, from the low-key to the more upscale. We opted for the former and landed upon Ginny’s and Jane E’s Cafe. The interior is cozy and quirky, inside a local boutique. Our breakfast was incredible, I loved my quiche, and was the perfect way to get fueled for the day.

Relax at the City Pier.

After breakfast, we took our coffee to go and started exploring quaint Anna Maria Island. Like most barrier islands on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s very walkable. You can see almost everything in a quick hour stroll. Our ultimate destination was the City Pier, which reopened just this summer. Even though we just sat, admiring the view and watching the local fisherman at work, it was so calming. Close by, you’ll find the AMI Historic Center, including the “city jail” that was meant to ward off rowdy tourists in the 1920s.

Shop along Pine Avenue.

Even for such a small town, there seems to be a never-ending list of boutiques. The majority of them are nestled among Pine Avenue, but all are worth exploring. My personal favorite was The Island Cabana, which serves as the local Lilly Pulitzer destination, and Pink and Navy. Right next door is AMI Outfitters, which offers more outdoorsy wardrobe choices. Don’t forget to shop for some beach decor pieces at the White Egret.

Explore the Beach Cottages.

As many of you know, David and I recently bought our own little bungalow in St. Pete. Ever since, I’m constantly on the lookout for inspiration a la Coastal Living Magazine. AMI was a feast for the eyes in terms of curb appeal. There were so many beautifully loved beach cottages and I took some serious notes on color combos and accents. If you happen to live on AMI and saw me take pictures of your home, thank you so much for the inspiration!

Even though we only spent a few hours here, I already want to make a repeat trip. As soon as I got home, I started looking at beach rentals and may convince my parents on a quick family vacation. Sometimes you don’t have to go far to feel a world away! Explore what’s close by and happy travels!

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.

My Favorite St. Pete Coffee Shops

October 2, 2020

My Favorite St. Pete Coffee Shops

Sweater || Jeans || Flats || Clutch || Earrings

Earlier this week was National Coffee Day and I decided to celebrate with a cup of coffee at one of my favorite local coffee shops. It sort of gave me this revelation that there are just so many great spots that call St. Pete home. Whenever I travel, whether it’s to somewhere new or a repeat visit, I always make it a priority to support local cafes. If you’re planning on visiting the Sunshine City, or just want a new place to grab some caffeine, here are my favorite St. Pete coffee shops, in no particular order.

For when you want to sip from morning to night…

INTERMEZZO. This spot in St. Pete’s Edge District always seems like the place to be. With a constant stream of people who are flowing in and out, you’re almost bound to run into someone you know. Start your day with a great cup of coffee, but if you need something a little bit stronger, they also offer a wide array of craft cocktails. Visiting Intermezzo in the evening for cocktails and coffee the next morning is a pretty common occurrence.

Instagram: @intermezzocoffee

For when you want to catch up with neighbors…

BLACK CROW COFFEE. For me, this is my original St. Pete coffee shop. Nestled in the historic Old Northeast neighborhood, David and I would spend every weekend morning here since we first began dating. We’ve watched it grow from a tiny storefront to having a second location and roastery. While I typically prefer my coffee black, they offer a delicious menu of cafe dolce if you want to treat yourself. Black Crow was also the first zero-waste coffee shop in St. Pete and serves a great example of how local businesses can help the environment.

Instagram: @blackcrowcoffeeco

For when you want to work and be productive…

BANDIT COFFEE. This was obviously more true pre-Covid. Whenever I had a lot of work to do, this would be my ideal spot. While they are still opting to keep the cafe closed, it’s a great option to get your drink to-go. Grab one of their season drinks, like the Maple Bourbon latte, and explore the rest of the Grand Central District or nearby Historic Kenwood. On a different note, I can’t wait until their Winter in Florida latte is back!

Instagram: @banditstpete

For when you want to relax and listen to good music…

THE BLEND: OLD NORTHEAST. One of the newer shops on the scene has quickly become a favorite. If you are back to commuting for work, this shop is right on 4th Street and extremely convenient for grabbing a drink to go. I like the option of having my coffee to stay and sitting a while. The atmosphere stays a calming one with a cozy interior and a constant playlist of mellow, surfy music. Also, be sure to visit their downtown location too!

Instagram: @theblendoldnortheast

For when you want a little beach escape…

GROVE SURF and COFFEE. Sometimes you just need a mini-vacation at the beach, even if it’s just for an hour or so. Grove Surf and Coffee is a great place to start. If their location isn’t perfect enough, right next to historic Corey Avenue, then their drink and food selection will be! On our first visit, I sipped the espresso fizz, a delicious combination of espresso, tonic water, and ginger beer. It sounds bizarre but is the perfect recipe for getting caffeinated in the Florida heat.

Instagram: @grovesurfandcoffee

Supporting your local coffee shops, no matter where you live is more important than ever. While my taste in coffee has changed over the years, I know I will always find exactly what I’m looking for when I sip local. Cheers!

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.

Florida Weekend Destinations

August 18, 2020

Florida Weekend Destinations

Florida, weekend trips, sunshine state, travel

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With back to school and fall fashion starting to take the forefront, it seems like summer is starting to wind down. Meanwhile, I’m still trying to hold onto my favorite season for dear life. That means keeping my closet cheerful and daydreaming of last minute weekend trips to some of my favorite Florida destinations. If you’re a fellow Floridian, and itching for some change of scenery, here are my favorite ideas for quick (even last-minute) weekend trips in the Sunshine State.

St. Petersburg

Well of course I have to start with my very own city as an option! If you haven’t visited St. Pete recently, my how it has grown! One of the reasons I love living here is because it’s turning into such an art and culture hub. We have so many art museums, music venues, a cherished brewery scene, and quick access to Gulf beaches. Our newest attraction, the Pier, has helped revitalize our Tampa Bay waterfront. Stay at the Vinoy Hotel, right in the heart of downtown, for a quintessential St. Pete experience.

Boca Grande

David and I had the opportunity to visit Boca Grande at the beginning of the summer. It’s easy to say that it instantly became a family favorite. Just a quick drive away, you’re transported to Florida, how it was meant to be. The rush is gone and spending all day on the water is a way of life. While they don’t open again for the season until October, the Gasparilla Inn is the place to stay. Access to their private beach club, and front row view of turquoise waters, is worth the trip alone!

Miami

Can you believe I’m a lifelong Floridian, but my first visit to Miami wasn’t until March of this year! That being said, I can’t wait to go back and take David along for the ride. There’s so much to love about Miami and South Beach, it requires multiple weekend trips to truly see it all. City-musts include wondering the Art Deco District, visit the Wynwood Walls, and stuffing yourself with delicious Cuban food. For a place to hang your head, I had a chance to visit the Savoy and their staff was absolutely wonderful!

Islamorada

One of my best friends recently visited this Florida key with her family and I think it may be my next place to visit. Again, I lived here all my life, but have yet to see the Keys for myself. That needs to be fixed right away! Of course, we have to monitor potential tropical storms and hurricanes very closely. So, booking a stay at one of their hotels, probably the Checca Lodge, will be last minute. This will be all in the name for Key Lime Pie!

St. Augustine

Our state’s (and country’s) oldest city needs to make the list! St. Augustine is an absolute must visit for any Floridian. Of course, you have the huge historic element: Ponce de Leon, the Civil Rights Moment, and Henry Flagler. This town also has an amazing food culture to go along with it! One of my favorite restaurants, aptly named The Floridian, can be found here. Visit the fort, spend an afternoon on the beach, and get to know this little slice of Florida.

Apalachicola

This small town in Florida’s panhandle was a frequent day trip for me during my college days at FSU. It’s definitely a trek to get to, but an extremely picturesque one along the Emerald Coast. Since my last visit, Apalachicola has really started to get a second wind. Despite being hit by a Category 4 hurricane in 2019, it continues to rebound with new restaurants, boutiques, and the historic Gibson Inn. I was really hoping to get here at some point this summer, I’ll have to raincheck, perhaps during the fall.

Tallahassee

Why not take the time to get to know the Sunshine State’s capital city? I spent four great years living in Tallahassee, getting to know the town away from the college campus. Since FSU’s football games seem very unlikely this year, at least to the scale, it would be the perfect opportunity to see what else it has to offer. Because it’s farther from the coast, you can appreciate different outdoor pursuits, like the many hiking and biking trails. Work up an appetite and eat at some of my favorite college haunts. Gordo’s, Jim and Melts, or Cabo’s are just to name a few name a few.

Palm Beach

Maybe I’m saving the best for last, but there is something truly magical about Palm Beach. It’s so opulent, but somehow feels welcoming and familiar. It’s a city that helped put Florida on the map as a star tourist destination. I personally love Palm Beach for it’s antique shopping and picturesque alleyways. While visiting on my bachelorette weekend, we stayed at The Colony Hotel and it was the perfect home base for our visit.

From coast to coast, Florida just has so much to offer. Instead of hopping on a plane and jetting to some far distant location, stay close to home and learn to love even more of the Sunshine State.

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.