Florida Archives - Page 12 of 35

Lunch at the Gasparilla Inn

March 29, 2021

Lunch at the Gasparilla Inn
📍 Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

Dress (also) (also) || Sandals || Clutch || Bracelet

Because it feels like it’s just down the road, I never say no when a Gasparilla Inn trip presents itself. That’s even true if the visit just for a few hours and lunch. One of my dear friends from New York, Sydney, just happened to be in the area. With that, David and I happily made the drive for a quick afternoon away from it all. This short change in scenery was exactly what I needed to get inspired and recharged for the work week ahead.

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Banjanan, Spring

Coffee To-Go

We opted to get into town a little early and make the most of the day. For us, that always means grabbing a coffee and pastry to go from the Inn Bakery. Since it’s the only coffee shop on the island, it was positively buzzing when we arrived. They have an entire menu of delicious treats and it’s honestly a chore having to pick only one. My standing order is a flavored iced coffee and whole wheat croissant, but this time I decided to switch it up with an iced tea and a maple-bourbon scone. We took our treats to go and found a shady spot on the Inn’s front porch. It turned into the perfect place to people watch, get caffeinated, and have a quiet morning with David.

Long Strolls Through Boca Grande

Since we had some time to kill, we decided to take a walk through Boca Grande. Like you would expect from any cute beach town, the homes were breathtaking! There’s one that’s currently a work in progress right next to the Beach Club. Each time we visit, the progress noticeable moves along. Recently, they gave this home a fresh coat of bright coral paint that I loved! Of course, I instantly asked if we could paint our home the same color, but I bet you could probably guess the answer. We also had the opportunity to do some window shopping at the boutiques downtown. Since it’s such a small island, there’s not a huge number of shops, but they are all quality!

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Pink Elephant, Florida, lunch

Lunch at the Pink Elephant

Because of our walk, we were hungry again when lunchtime came around. Lovingly called The Pink, The Pink Elephant is the place to dine on Boca Grande. The name alone is enough to get me in the door. We had a perfect little table that was outside, but miraculously in the shade on a sunny Florida day. Quickly, the pink libations were ordered and it was the perfect way to catch up and talk about all things travel! Each drink comes with a sweet little elephant figurine, so it’s fun to collect as the visits add up. I ordered the Pink BLT which may have been the best BLT I’ve ever had! It was the mozzarella and gouda cheese that did it for me. Our lunch flew by and before we knew it, it was almost 4 o’clock. I consider this to be a Sunday well spent!

When you visit the Gasparilla Inn, you quickly see and hear their tagline. It’s “Florida as it’s meant to be.” Obviously, this means so many different things to different people. For me, it’s all about slowing down the clock and enjoying a long outdoor lunch with quality people. Honestly, what could be better than that?

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.

Poolside at the Vinoy

March 8, 2021

Poolside at the Vinoy
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool, Weezie

Weezie Robe

It’s no secret that the historic Vinoy Hotel is one of my favorite spots in all of St. Pete! The beautiful pink and green exterior is enough alone, to make me love it. Add the impeccable service and stunning pool, and I’m ready to live here full time a la Eloise. Because David and I had a few days “in limbo” with our home, we took it as an opportunity to check-in. While I’ve previously shared snapshots from around the space, this post is solely dedicated to my day of lounging at the pool.

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool, Carrie Forbes

Grab a Spot Early

As I happily learned during my stay, the Vinoy pool opens up at 9 am sharp. Don’t be surprised to see a coordinated water aerobics class for Vinoy Club members. Other than that, it’s perfectly peaceful. The beauty of working remotely is I can get work done anywhere I snag some WiFi, which is plentiful all around the Vinoy. Sorry to my NYC and Connecticut co-workers who end up reading this. So, I grabbed my spot early and got some come color in the early morning sun. As soon as I needed a reprieve, I was able to take advantage of the menu cabana umbrellas available.

Vinoy, hotel, Paul's Landing, poolside, pool

Sipping Drinks Poolside

As a sunny, poolside day goes on, you’ll need a frozen drink to help stay cool. Whether I’m a hotel guest or walk-in, I absolutely recommend the Congelado from Paul’s Landing. It’s a delicious concoction that I can only describe as a Creamsicle and Pińa Colada having a baby. Have a glass or two as you have some much needed relaxation. Disclaimer: this is a surprisingly filling drink, so I recommend moving on two the Frosè or Lemon Crush after your second round.

St. Pete, Vinoy, Travel, Hotels, Florida

Taking a Quick Dip

The quatrefoil design of the Vinoy pool feels so unique! Throughout, the depth is pretty shallow, making it perfect for socializing with a beverage in hand. It includes a small waterfall that helps create a surprisingly relaxing ambiance. From years of competitive swimming, I tend to prefer the poolside to the actual pool. The one exception is the blue and turquoise water on a warm Sunshine State day.

Lunch at Paul’s Landing

If you need a bite to eat while lounging at the Vinoy pool, the best place for a meal is Paul’s Landing. I’m a regular there on weekends, but I swear it tastes even better when you’re a hotel guest. My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the Edamame Hummus. It’s the kind of dish you can share with a friend or call a meal for yourself. It comes with freshly cut veggies and their signature grilled bread. I know it sounds like an overstatement, but I think it’s the best bread I’ve ever had. Enjoy at the bar or order it to be delivered to you on the pool deck.

Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, the Vinoy is the perfect destination while exploring St. Pete. It has an incredible history and is the number one icon for Downtown St. Pete. Each visit here is an absolute joy and I can’t wait to check-in again soon.

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Mornings in Boca Grande

March 1, 2021

Mornings in Boca Grande
📍 Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

Boca Grande, Gasparilla Inn, early mornings, coffee, beach

Dress (also) || Sandals || Clutch || Similar Earrings

The more I travel, the more I learn about myself. For one thing, I’ve noticed that my daily schedule on vacation is surprisingly similar to my normal routine. David and I get up early and we get the ball rolling. The first priority is always grabbing coffee, especially from the local shop. I don’t know if that means my life is close to a vacation or I need to relax more. Either way, we were up to our usual habit while in Boca Grande. For a teeny tiny barrier island, the place is surprisingly buzzing first thing in the AM. Here’s a quick look into how to start your day the right way. After all, it’s the best way to fight the intense Florida humidity.

Coffee at the Inn Bakery

First thing first, let’s get some caffeine. While it’s owned by the local Gasparilla Inn, the Inn Bakery seems like it’s the hub for village life with the locals. Each morning we were there, we saw the same group of men who are clearly there on a regular basis. Order your typical morning beverage and a delicious pastry to go along with it. I’m partial to bagel and cream cheese, but the danishes and scones look simply delicious!

Stroll Through Boca Grande Village

Since this was our first trip, we decided to walk and sip to explore the island. Boca Grande is extremely walkable and the town is so pristine. I really enjoyed window shopping along the main road and branching off to daydream over the rows upon rows of gorgeous homes. Trust me, I’ve already hand picked a few to store as ‘future home inspiration’. The style is exactly what you would expect on a Florida island. While I’m not an expert, I want to call it Caribbean colonial with a twist. Think pastel colors, big front porches, and well loved gardens. Note: If walking isn’t your thing, the preferred mode of transportation is actually golf carts, available for rent.

Have a Heartier Breakfast

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If that’s your mantra, then you may want something a bit more filling than coffee and a bagel. The Main Dining Room at the Gasparilla Inn is a good option for you. While we didn’t get a chance to eat here, the menu is simply stacked! They have your standard fare, but some dishes are considered Gasparilla traditions. Lobster Scrambled Eggs or Southern Shrimp and Grits both sound like very decadent and tasty ways to get going. After all, you’re on vacation!

Claim Your Spot at the Beach

Whether you’re taking advantage of the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club or enjoying the Boca Grande public beaches, getting there early will guarantee the best view in the house. After you grab your morning coffee, grab a spot by the water. The early morning light is the perfect way to enjoy a fun beach read or go shelling.

Mornings in Boca Grande are such a refreshing experience! It’s a tiny piece of paradise right next to bustling St. Pete. I can’t wait for our return trip and I promise you I’ll keep daydreaming until then.

Love from Florida,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.