Hello Everyone,
We arrived in St. Petersburg Friday, Jan 19 & are departing this morning (Monday) around 10AM heading to Sarasota, about 3 hours.Plan on staying in Sarasota about 4 days. So here is my summary of our St. Petersburg stay - Fantastic!! they say a picture says a 1000 words, so here are my 1000 words!
Some interesting info about the historic Renaissance Vinoy Hotel: The property was purchased for $35 on a bet in the 1880's. The hotel opened on New Year's Eve, 1925. The hotel accommodated celebrities & dignitaries such as; Babe Ruth, Jimmy Stewart, Admiral Byrd, Calvin Coolidge & Herbert Hoover & famous families like the Pillsburys & Fleischmanns.
Today, it is named one of the "500 Greatest Hotels and Resorts in the World". In the 1960's guest numbers declined, due to lack of air conditioning & repairs. It was saved by the citizens from demolition in the 1980's. With an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, it re-opened in 1992.
We found St. Pete to be a very walking and biking friendly town, with a water front that covers ~5 miles of trails along with numerous bike paths around the city. Capt Bob and I unfolded the bikes on Sunday and toured for 10 miles +or-.
We even ventured via bike to dinner to a great Mexican style restaurant (Red Mesa Cantina). The Red Mesa was recently noted as one of the top 3 restaurants in St Pete (per a Tampa food editor), it was definately worth the bike ride!
Today, it is named one of the "500 Greatest Hotels and Resorts in the World". In the 1960's guest numbers declined, due to lack of air conditioning & repairs. It was saved by the citizens from demolition in the 1980's. With an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, it re-opened in 1992.
We found St. Pete to be a very walking and biking friendly town, with a water front that covers ~5 miles of trails along with numerous bike paths around the city. Capt Bob and I unfolded the bikes on Sunday and toured for 10 miles +or-.
We even ventured via bike to dinner to a great Mexican style restaurant (Red Mesa Cantina). The Red Mesa was recently noted as one of the top 3 restaurants in St Pete (per a Tampa food editor), it was definately worth the bike ride!
Here is a shot of the Vinoy Marina & the B & B.
My funny story for this leg of the trip goes something like this:
When we arrived in St. Petersburg my cell phone died. So we went to the hotel to get a cab to take us to the nearest ATT store, which was only about 5 miles away. The hotel attendant said they only had Town Cars available, which sounded fine. A few minutes later, up comes a black stretch limo; I thought I was going to die of embarrassment! As we pulled up in front of the tiny ATT store, the people in the store were gawking. It was pretty funny, actually. I should have asked to have a Mimosa, since the limo was fully stocked!
We'll catch up again in Sarasota.
I loved your limo story, what a hoot.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Will and Jim