The Perfect Weekend Getaway

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve had the travel bug. Even when I was a little one, I would devour books about different countries and cultures. My own international travel didn’t start until very recently when we honeymooned in Italy and Sweden in 2018. Since then, I’ve been able to visit three other new countries and had plans for even more this year. Sadly, those trips have been rescheduled, but I have no idea when.

The good news is, I’ve been able to use this time to explore the place I call home. Florida is a huge state and one of the most diverse out there. From the quiet beaches of the panhandle to lively Miami, the opportunities in the Sunshine State are endless. Throughout the summer, I have dreamed up a handful of long weekends and I’m so excited to bring you along for the ride.

I kicked off the unofficial start to summer with some luxury and style at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande. Although it’s only 90 miles away, I felt instantly transported to a Caribbean island with impeccable turquoise waters. This place is an absolute gem! I felt pampered with every aspect of the trip, the service is truly that great! You’ll also fall in love with the village of Boca Grande itself. Pristine streets, adorable boutiques, and not a traffic light for miles!

Normally, when I travel like to keep my itinerary booked and experience as much as I can. Vacation usually leaves me exhausted, but in the best possibly way. Every once in a while, I allow myself to truly turn off and pick a spot where I make zero plans and have all day to do it. That was true in Bermuda and it was true in Boca Grande. We woke up each morning with one objective, to relax! What that meant flowed like the waves on the Gulf of the Mexico. Everything was done at a leisurely pace. Getting our coffee and strolling through the adorable beach cottages was probably the most strenuous activity of the day.

After such a ‘workout’, we would plant ourselves at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. I almost fell into a trance watching and listening to the surf. Sometimes my eyes would wander at some fabulous people watching, but they would always make their way back to the water. We dozed, we chatted, and se sipped on delicious tropical inspired cocktails. I think I had a different drink each time, but David couldn’t get enough of their frozen old-fashioned. When we got hot, we jumped into the Gulf. Even there, I would close my eyes and float with the waves. I think I officially found my pure bliss.

Whether you’re from near or far, the perfect weekend getaway is waiting for you at the Gasparilla Inn. I love that it’s practically a stone’s throw away, but it’s worth the trip no matter the distance. When I need to unwind and take a mental break, I no exactly where I’m heading!

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.

Florida as it was Meant to Be

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As a Floridian, something I’m incredibly passionate about is sharing the best that my home state has to offer. It’s hard to go through a day without at least one crazy story about ‘Florida man’ going viral on social media. I promise you, even though it’s often highlighted, it’s far from the norm. The Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande has the motto Florida as it was meant to be. I thought it would be important to share a little into what that means and why the Sunshine State deserves a little more credit.

Year Round Sunshine

There’s a reason that we have our nickname. Sunny days is what brings visitors from around the world. While the summertime in Florida almost guarantees a daily afternoon shower, a sunshine is never too far away. It serves as the perfect backdrop for anything your heart desires. I’m partial to dining and drinking al fresco. Being outside is where I really feel like my best self.

Endless Outdoor Pursuits

If you want to try a new activity, chances are it can be found in Florida. Obviously, anything snow and ice related is exempt. Some of the popular choices are what I call ‘country-club’ sports. Tennis, golf, and swimming can be found in even the quietest corners of the state and are loved by all. The full list, though, is endless. Biking, windsurfing, hiking, camping, birdwatching, and on and on. Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one to fill your time.

Slightly Slower Pace

Especially compared to New York City, the pace in Florida is much more relaxed. That gets more true the closer you get to the coast. When you come to visit, you just need to kind of go with it. Take a second to chat with your neighbors or take the scenic route. All are great choices to truly understand the state.

Respect for Mother Nature

I’ve been more mindful of communities that have a relationship with the world around it. In Florida, there are so many examples of places where you can enjoy both a great town and nature. In St. Pete, you can go from the bustling downtown to a county or state park in just minutes. We also have a love for our green spaces. Floridians have become more aware of our impact on nature and I couldn’t be more proud of it!

All of these things and more can be found around the state. While there are different versions of Florida, and to each their own, my favorite is a healthy combination of luxury and the great outdoors. With the Gasparilla Inn the motto ‘Florida as it was meant to be’ has rang true for over 110 years. Cheers to at least 110 more.

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.

Staying at the Gasparilla Inn

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Below: Pajama Set

Not all hotels are created equal. Some are a great place to lay your head while you explore a new destination. Others are the destination themselves. They instantly create a mental picture and are the ultimate definition of relaxation. The Gasparilla Inn falls into that second category. Located on the tiny barrier island off the Gulf Coast of Florida, so much detail has been poured into every square inch of this marvelous hotel. They’re several dining options, opportunities to get outdoors, and the ultimate Florida marvel, a pristine beach with turquoise blue waters. It’s the kind of place that could make Eloise move from the Plaza Hotel to live the simpler life.

Originally built in 1911, the Gasparilla Inn is one of the oldest and largest surviving resorts in the Sunshine State. Even from the very beginning, it rubbed elbows with some of the wealthiest families in the country. Household names that made our nation would opt to stay here as an escape from the harsh northern winters. The Rockefeller’s, the Astor’s, and J.P. Morgan are just to name a few. More recently you could run into a political dynasty, champion football coaches, and award winning actors.

The hotel and island that it sits on both get their name from the infamous, and probably fictitious, pirate, Jose Gaspar. He was thought to have been the last buccaneer and loved to sail the Gulf of Mexico. I say fictitious because there’s actually no record of him ever existing. Despite the numerous folktales, his name didn’t appear until 1900 in a tourism brochure. All the same, the namesake is also attached to the biggest event in Tampa Bay, the annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival.

Even though it was our first time visiting the Gasparilla Inn, we were welcomed as if we’d been going our whole lives! Everyone here, staff, fellow guests, and locals, will mostly like say hi to you. On our morning coffee runs, we would chat with the regulars who clearly are at the hotel’s bakery every morning. As one man said to me, “this place is the ultimate meeting spot.”

No matter how you want to spend your day, there is an option for you. The resort boasts a waterfront golf coarse, tennis courts, croquet, and bike rentals. We preferred to relax the day away at their beach club. Just for guests and club members, it’s a private slice of beach with sugary sand. While on the lounge chairs, we definitely sipped our fair share of frozen cocktails. You can also choose to do nothing at all at the hotel. There are several peaceful rooms, all extremely picturesque, and a huge array of board games to get off your electronic devices.

One of things I was most excited about witnessing was the decor. Not to sound too vain, but practically every corner of the hotel is photo worthy. That’s thanks to Palm Beach based Kemble Interiors. They designed it with Old Florida in mind. Think an endless array of seashells, palms, and flamingoes. It’s eclectic without being over the top, with countless touches of wicker and rattan. In truth, it makes me think of my growing up in Florida and spending time at my grandma’s house, but brought into the modern era. Seeing it in person unleashed a huge wave of inspiration, both style and decor.

The hotel’s motto is ‘Florida as it was meant to be’. I think there are no better words to describe the experience of staying at the Gasparilla Inn. As a born and raised Gulf Coast Floridian, this is the kind of Florida that made Florida what it is. Forget the theme parks and crazy stores in the news. True Florida is about the beach, amazing weather, and spending time outside. I can’t wait to visit again!

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.