6. Ideal for Sunday afternoon – Nature getaway in Florida
Ultimately, Florida’s main draw is still its white sand beaches and wildlife. “[There’s] “There is so much natural beauty in the area,” Ward said. “I think if you don’t go out to one of the beaches or these unexpected places to paddle and see dolphins and manatees, you’re missing out on what Florida has to offer and what it’s really all about.”
The perfect Ward’s Beach escape in St. Petersburg is the charming Pass-a-Grille neighborhood, located at the southern end of St Pete Beach and flanked by brightly painted gabled buildings from the late 19th century , home to artistic boutiques and restaurants. “The story is interesting,” Ward said. “He was nominated Go to the Grillers in French for the French buccaneers who grilled their fresh catches at the pass.
A day at Pass-a-Grille involves visiting the shops and relaxing at the beach before moving on to the Dewey; Luxury beachfront suites with a dazzling rooftop bar and restaurant serving upscale coastal fare (try the Kentucky Fried Grouper Cheeks).
For those looking for an alternative water adventure, Ward loves Weedon Island Preserve. “There’s a four-mile kayak or canoe trail through the mangroves,” Ward said. “It feels a bit like we’re in the Everglades!” »
Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the preserve, then stop for lunch at The Getaway; a tiki hut next to the Urban Kai paddleboard shop. “It’s really cool, it’s reminiscent of Key West,” Ward said. “The restaurant is just picnic tables in the sand – you know, bright colors, tropical music. It’s a very Jimmy Buffett Key Westie feeling. I recently took a Swiss friend there and He said to me: “That’s exactly what I was hoping for. For.’ They have tuna nachos and then grilled fish tacos like grouper, snapper, whatever is fresh. I love this place.
St. Petersburg’s location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it ideal for enjoying fresh seafood, especially the famous Florida grouper, which is most often served in delicious sandwiches – choose them blackened, grilled or fried . “There’s nothing like eating a sandwich with a view of the water,” Ward said.