TRAVEL & CULTURE
FEBRUARY 2019 / SOUTHERNLIVING.COM
60dinnertime. It’s flanked on Saturdays
by the Suntan Art Mart, where you
can find beach-themed creations and
estate jewelry.
Take a seat at the rooftop bar at
Hurricane Seafood Restaurant for a
seagull’s view of the beach scene.
The nearby Brass Monkey also offers
an impressive Gulf vista, along with
a tangy Grouper Reuben.The Best of
Both WorldsOn the pastel-colored row of beachy
Eighth Avenue shops, check out
Bamboozle and Etc., which are both
brimming with stylish coastal wares.
This short street dead-ends into
Merry Pier, with an old bait shop
where you can book fishing charters.
Hop on the shuttle to Shell Key, an
undeveloped barrier island. After a
10-minute boat ride, the captain will
drop you off where you’re free to
snorkel, sunbathe, dolphin-watch, and
collect shells until the shuttle picks
you up a few hours later. End the day
with dinner on historic Corey Avenue
at Chill Restaurant & Bar. (Order the
espresso-rubbed beef tenderloin.)
Don’t leave St. Pete without swing-
ing back downtown for a drink along
Central Avenue, which pulses with live
music at a string of bars where tables
spill onto the sidewalk. Check out
The Mandarin Hide, a sophisticated
speakeasy-style place, or head to
Mastry’s Bar, a local landmark. They’re
both great spots to toast St. Petersburg
while planning your return. ÂWhere To Stay
St. Pete has no shortage of
cool hotels, including some
classic coastal spots
THE DON CESAR,
ST. PETE BEACH
The Pink Palace is the center-
piece of St. Pete Beach. Opened
in 1928, The Don Cesar just
celebrated its 90th anniversary
but still feels updated, with a
new lobby and room renovations
completed over the past decade.
HOLLANDER HOTEL,
DOWNTOWN
With its restaurant (The Tap
Room), a spa, and the stunning
courtyard pool and terrace, this
affordable gem is within walking
distance of Beach Drive.
AVALON, DOWNTOWN
The Hollander Hotel’s sister
property offers access to the
Hollander’s pool as well as
complimentary Champagne
and wine every evening.
THE VINOY RENAISSANCE
ST. PETERSBURG RESORT &
GOLF CLUB, DOWNTOWN
Pink with palm-green trim, this
recently renovated historic
property on the marina exudes
vintage glamour. Miami-inspired
colors meet Art Deco style in
the refreshed guest rooms
and a new restaurant called
Paul’s Landing.Urban Art
Find artist Ricky Watts’
Eye of the Storm mural
on First Avenue North.Visions in Glass
Famed artist Dale
Chihuly chose St. Pete
for this collection.Cantina Fare
Red Mesa keeps
it bold and fresh.