Sunset Picnic at Pass-a-Grille

Sweater || Tank || Similar Pants || Sunglasses || Similar Tote || Sandals

While all of the St. Pete area has its fair share of stunning beaches, Pass-a-Grille may just be my favorite. In the town of St. Pete Beach, it is at the very bottom of a long chain of islands that tightly hugs Pinellas County, starting at the top in Dunedin. Coming here always seems like a mini-vacation. Even to cross the bridge, you see sweeping views of the historic (and perfectly pink) Don Cesar Hotel. It instantly tells you that you are somewhere special. The beaches are so relaxed, it makes even laidback St. Pete seem like a bustling city. More importantly, the beaches are simply gorgeous.

• 

• 

I am a lifelong, and very firm, believer that sitting down to watch a sunset is just good for your soul. It’s a reminder to slow down and to enjoy what’s truly important. Some of my best soul-searching has been done while taking in a Gulf Coast sunset. When we were in Manhattan, we lived on the East Side of the island, so my sunset views were too rare. When I did get to catch one, normally while visiting David at his work, they were twice as effective.

• 

• 

Now that we’re back in St. Pete, I want to make sure a good sunset is part of my once-a-month (at the very least) routine. Since the weather has been simply perfect here, even for January, David and I packed up a straw tote and had an impromptu sunset picnic. All you really need to get prepared is a Publix sub, a bag of chips, and a beach blanket. Admittedly, it was much colder on the water than we anticipated and we were the only people at the beach. I’m so thankful I decided to layer up with a cozy sweater and long linen pants. The beach blanket may have been more for warmth and sitting.

• 

• 

Regardless of how warm we were, it turned into quite a show. The rainbow of pastel colors against the navy looking Gulf of Mexico left me in awe. It was the prettiest sunset I had scene in a while. Although, I’m pretty sure I say that every time. No matter where you live, make sure to stop for a moment and enjoy what Mother Nature gave us. I promise, you won’t regret it for a second!

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.

Launching St. Pete Socialite

Dress || Wedges || Bag || Earrings || Bracelet

If you haven’t been able to tell, I’m so excited to be back in sunny Florida. It just feels like home and I can truly be myself. Since moving back, I’ve decide to make it my own personal mission to show the best that St. Pete has to offer. Whether it’s the budding restaurant scene or love for the arts, St. Pete has so much to offer. Even while living in NYC, I couldn’t help but rave about this city that I love. With that all said, I’m very happy to launch a new chapter for Orange to Apple… Launching St. Pete Socialite!

What is St. Pete Socialite?

The end destination is to hopefully run a separate blog about all things St. Pete. I’m thinking about comprehensive restaurant guides, specialized itineraries, and collaborations with my favorite spots in town. Is it too lofty to even think about marketing? Until then, I want to start on a much smaller scale. Once a week, on this blog, I will be highlighting a new spot in the Sunshine City that you absolutely must try. While I’m obviously thinking with the mindset of a 20-something, it will steer anyone in the right direction. As I’ve said before, this isn’t your grandma’s St. Pete!

Why am I taking on this project?

St. Pete truly is a special city. And yes, I’m saying this while considering my time in New York. Currently, a huge revival movement is underway and it’s quite an experience to be a part of. Almost daily, new restaurants, cocktail bars, and coffee shops are bursting onto the scene. Because of our amazing weather all year, events and festivals want to call St. Pete home. More importantly, the people who live in this town are truly wonderful. The locals are friendly, laidback, and make for great company.

What do I hope to accomplish with St. Pete Socialite?

Just like everyone else who lives in St. Pete, I have a vision for what it could truly be. While I’ve heard folks relate it to a laidback South Beach, I am more keen on to think of it as Austin, Texas by the Sea. We have the foodie spots, we have great music, and we have a little something for all walks of life. In the not so distant future, I could also see a South by Southwest type of event being hosted here. Only time will tell!

At the same time, there’s also a distinct divide in St. Pete that sometimes feels like the elephant in the room. There are parts of town that have a very negative reputation. Just the other day I heard someone say, “you never want to go past Central Avenue.” Well, if you don’t, you’re missing out on a great variety of restaurants, beautiful parks, and so much opportunity for growth! I hope to fade that line.

If you live anywhere outside of St. Pete, you probably feel like this has nothing to do with you. That’s where you’re wrong! Florida has been one of the ultimate tourist spots in the country for years. Countless people escape to the Sunshine State during the harsh winter. You should absolutely make St. Pete your destination. If you haven’t even thought about my little city, let me convince you.

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.