Happy Tuesday!
I was a bit hesitant posting travel content during this COVID era we find ourselves in. But, I know everyone always loves my travel content so I figured I would go for it. My family vacations together every year so we decided to not cancel our plans because we are all so busy throughout the year and we really wanted to take advantage of this family time. We took the health and safety of ourselves and others very seriously while vacationing and I think it is up to you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. All that to say, we enjoyed our time in Saint Petersburg and found some really great gems while visiting!
WHERE WE STAYED
I received lots and lots of DM’s regarding where we stayed while in Saint Petersburg. We booked with Airbnb and were happy with how it comfortably fit our big family. It was such a chic home and it had it’s own backyard oasis that we were big fans of.
To be transparent, the one issue we had with the rental was that the pool was scheduled to be cleaned the day after we arrived and then the pool had to process for a day so we were not allowed to use the private pool for two days after our arrival which was kind of a bummer. I know this is a minor issue and truly it did not effect my review on the stay however, I do think the owner should have scheduled the pool cleaning days before my family arrived. Since it is something that the owner probably could have done in a more timely manner I did want to disclose it. Family vacations are expensive and I know everyone just wants to relax and have fun so I just wanted to mention the one issue we experienced.
I still truly would recommend this place, below is the link to book!
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25168077?s=67&unique_share_id=81cf768d-31f9-4285-aa8a-834b58c33bab
Don’t forgot to use my invite link, use it and get $20 off your first trip!
https://www.airbnb.com/c/katiet6288?referral_share_id=bd26c609-30e3-4e9e-995b-36e6a08adc37
WHERE WE ATE
Lots of these restuarants were functioning at half capacity, curbside pickup only, reservation only so just be mindful of that. Really anywhere you travel right now will have a set of health and safety procedures in place. Make a reservation, social distance and wear your mask and you should be good to go!
Crabby Bill’s
Yummy spot on the beach with great seafood! My sister and I split the boiled seafood platter. The restaurant was at half capacity so we did have to wait. However, with the restaurant being on the beach we took pictures to pass the time, shocker I know lol.
Colombia Restaurant
Authentic colombian food with loads of history. I had the Cuban sandwich and it was delicious. We split churros for dessert and that was probably the best decision we have ever made.
The Wharf
This is the restaurant Cory and I went to for date night. Super chill vibes with a boat dock attached so lots of locals. I got the crab cake and fried shrimp and it was tasty. However, Cory and I opted to sit outside which was a bad decision on our part. We were drenched in sweat by the end our meal, yikes.
Leverock’s
Best seafood we ate while in Saint Petersburg! I got bacon-wrapped scallops and crab-stuffed shrimp and was happier than a seagull with a french fry. Definitely check this place out!
Joey’s Pizza
Nice change of pace from all the seafood we consumed, good pizza! We like to stay-in and have a game night at least one night, so that is our dedicated pizza night.
Bandit Coffee Co.
Cute, hipster coffee shop downtown. The lobby wasn’t open so I had to call and pickup curbside. I got the matcha and it did not disappoint. Plus, the coffee shop has a really cute mural painted on the side of it, win-win.
Bright Ice
Little ice cream shop with some really great flavors. I got the chocolate brownie marshmallow and it was the bomb. My sister got the caramel glazed pineapple ice cream and it was such a treat!
The Oxford Exchange
My sisters’ and I had already eaten at The Oxford Exchange on my bachelorette party in 2018 so we knew we had to take the rest of the family to experience the phenomenal brunch situation. To our surprise, The Champagne Bar was a new feature at The Oxford Exchange and it was seriously so dreamy. It was decked out and outfitted in Rifle Paper Co. prints, even the bartenders had Rifle Paper Co. printed ties! Of course I took lots of aesthetic pictures there while sipping too much champagne but it was too much fun.
The Oxford Exchange is in Tampa so it is about a 30 min ride, one-way, from Saint Petersburg but I think it is 100% worth it. We went on a stormy day so I suggest checking the weather and go on a day that projects stormy weather. You could spend hours there scoping out the gift shop, browsing the book store, sipping coffee at the in-house coffee shop, taking Insta-worthy photos or of course grubbing at brunch.
WHAT WE DID
Lots and lots of pool and beach time. With things being different this year we mainly just focused on soaking up the sun and eating. Typically we shop around at local boutiques, go to a sports game, etc.
Fort De Soto Park
Cory and I ventured out to Fort De Soto Park on our date night and it was such a pretty spot. Long sandy beaches, a pier, fort and rows and rows of palm trees.
Don Cesar Hotel
Be sure to pop by the pink palace, The Don Cesar Hotel for a photo. The hotel was under construction in some spots so it was a bit tricky to find a good spot. Fortunately, we found a nice parking spot, snapped our pics and left.
Be sure to let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Saint Petersburg!
Hope you enjoyed my recap of Saint Petersburg, as always thanks for reading!
xx KL