Snapshots from Old Southeast
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One of my favorite things to do is plan out future trips. Finding new destinations will keep me daydreaming and optimistic for at least a week. When will I feel comfortable in actually booking? Who knows! In the meantime, I’ve been making my own vacation by escaping my neighborhood and exploring the rest that my city has to offer. The other day, that meant popping down to the Southside of St. Pete to visit my neighborhood’s alter ego: Old Southeast.
Here’s something I’ve heard several times that really hits the nail on the head. If St. Pete neighborhoods were characters from Friends, Old Northeast (where I live) would be Monica and Old Southeast would be Phoebe. That’s really all you need to know! While I love my neighborhood, Old Southeast has a more carefree vibe. The houses have more character, the wind blows stronger, and everyone you see will say hi to you. If that sounds like your kind of place, here are my favorite ways to spend time in Old Southeast.
Grab a Bite at the Old Southeast Market
Your introduction to the neighborhood is aptly named the Old Southeast Market. Coming from Downtown St. Pete, it’s the first thing you’ll come across and makes for the perfect welcome wagon. Just be sure to drive carefully on Thrill Hill. It’s nothing sinister, just a surprisingly short and steep bridge that I’m sure has sent many cars flying. Anyways, Old Southeast Market is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. Their offerings range from cold brew to deli sandwiches to local merchandise, but their claim to fame is probably their poke bowls.
Wander Around the Historic Houses
Like with all of the historic neighborhoods in St. Pete, there are plenty of homes that are a century old, or at least getting close to it. Old Southeast is no exception. I love walking around and admiring the old bungalows, most of which have been clearly loved and cared for. Turn onto Beach Drive and the mood entirely changes. The bungalows get a bigger and have so much coastal inspired flare. I would love to be able to sip my morning coffee there and take in the sunrise.
Relax at Lassing Park
Sometimes, the best thing to do in a new spot is nothing at all! Lassing Park is 14 acres of completely unspoiled green space that dips right into Tampa Bay. It’s absolutely pristine, but also gives you views of downtown St. Pete and, on a clear day, the Tampa skyline. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy some R&R in one of my favorite city parks.
Be Adventurous and Try Windsurfing
On this particular trip to Old Southeast, the park was absolutely packed with windsurfers. I don’t know much about the sport, but the conditions seemed absolutely perfect! There is a constant breeze here that is ideal for water sports. Old Southeast is also next to the Marina District and sailboats are a very common sight. Because of the traffic on the water, this is not the place to swim though. Leave that to the calmer water in Old Northeast.
Since moving back to St. Pete, I’ve loved getting to know the different neighborhoods on a deeper level. The future of travel is still up in the air, but now is the perfect time to get out and explore your city, no matter where you live.
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.