KATIE KENNEDY

Snapshots from Old Southeast

Snapshots from Old Southeast

Orange to Apple: Snapshots from Old Southeast

Top || Jeans || Sandals || Handbag (similar) || Earrings || Bracelet

One of my favorite things to do is plan out future trips. Finding new destinations will keep me daydreaming and optimistic for at least a week. When will I feel comfortable in actually booking? Who knows! In the meantime, I’ve been making my own vacation by escaping my neighborhood and exploring the rest that my city has to offer. The other day, that meant popping down to the Southside of St. Pete to visit my neighborhood’s alter ego: Old Southeast.

Here’s something I’ve heard several times that really hits the nail on the head. If St. Pete neighborhoods were characters from Friends, Old Northeast (where I live) would be Monica and Old Southeast would be Phoebe. That’s really all you need to know! While I love my neighborhood, Old Southeast has a more carefree vibe. The houses have more character, the wind blows stronger, and everyone you see will say hi to you. If that sounds like your kind of place, here are my favorite ways to spend time in Old Southeast.

Grab a Bite at the Old Southeast Market

Your introduction to the neighborhood is aptly named the Old Southeast Market. Coming from Downtown St. Pete, it’s the first thing you’ll come across and makes for the perfect welcome wagon. Just be sure to drive carefully on Thrill Hill. It’s nothing sinister, just a surprisingly short and steep bridge that I’m sure has sent many cars flying. Anyways, Old Southeast Market is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat. Their offerings range from cold brew to deli sandwiches to local merchandise, but their claim to fame is probably their poke bowls.

  • Orange to Apple: Snapshots from Old Southeast
Wander Around the Historic Houses

Like with all of the historic neighborhoods in St. Pete, there are plenty of homes that are a century old, or at least getting close to it. Old Southeast is no exception. I love walking around and admiring the old bungalows, most of which have been clearly loved and cared for. Turn onto Beach Drive and the mood entirely changes. The bungalows get a bigger and have so much coastal inspired flare. I would love to be able to sip my morning coffee there and take in the sunrise.

  • Orange to Apple: Snapshots from Old Southeast
Relax at Lassing Park

Sometimes, the best thing to do in a new spot is nothing at all! Lassing Park is 14 acres of completely unspoiled green space that dips right into Tampa Bay. It’s absolutely pristine, but also gives you views of downtown St. Pete and, on a clear day, the Tampa skyline. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy some R&R in one of my favorite city parks.

  • Orange to Apple: Snapshots from Old Southeast
Be Adventurous and Try Windsurfing

On this particular trip to Old Southeast, the park was absolutely packed with windsurfers. I don’t know much about the sport, but the conditions seemed absolutely perfect! There is a constant breeze here that is ideal for water sports. Old Southeast is also next to the Marina District and sailboats are a very common sight. Because of the traffic on the water, this is not the place to swim though. Leave that to the calmer water in Old Northeast.

  • St. Pete, Old Southeast, Florida, Coastal Living

Since moving back to St. Pete, I’ve loved getting to know the different neighborhoods on a deeper level. The future of travel is still up in the air, but now is the perfect time to get out and explore your city, no matter where you live.

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.

Our St. Pete Bungalow

Our St. Pete Bungalow

Blouse || Jeans || Sandals || Earrings || Bracelet || Coffee Mug

Welcome to my home! Since I’ve been spending so much time here, it only seems fitting to share my little St. Pete bungalow. Our tiny spot in the historic, Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Pete will always feel like home. That may seem strange, since we just moved back to the Sunshine City in December. What I didn’t share was that we lived in the same exact spot before he moved to NYC. Learning that it was available again was actually a huge factor in our decision to move back. It just seemed like the universe was telling us it was time. In light of all that has happened, I do feel fortunate to be safe in St. Pete, but if you want to whole story, you can read my recent post here.

  • Home Decor, Bungalow, Navy, St. Pete, Interior, Decor

Left: Dish Towel || Oven Mitts || Tea Kettle || Accent Plates || Utensil Holder || Dog Bowl || Island || Crock Pot

Rights: Couch || Pillows || Picture Frames || Garden Stool || Silver Lamp || Sandals

I want to make a huge disclaimer and state that I am by no means an interior designer. If you want real interior style and inspiration, I suggest visiting my friend, Stacie Flinner, for that sort of content. As much as I love our little 660 square foot space, I obviously know it’s not going to be our forever home, but we’re perfectly happy living here in the interim. Because of that, David and I decided not to blow a huge budget on furnishings. Since it is such a small space, I can hear my mom’s advice to keep everything the same color scheme. That’s all fine and good because I feel the most at home with neutrals and blue tones. All of the walls are painted in Farrow and Ball’s Borrowed Light. I love the name, but I love the color even more.

  • Home Decor, Bungalow, Navy, St. Pete, Interior, Decor

Left: Curtains || Similar Bench || Baskets

Right: Similar Bar Cart || Similar Tea Towel

Even though I wanted to keep to a budget, I had a very certain aesthetic in mind. Most importantly, I wanted it to be a quiet retreat after work. The blue tones help, but it’s the natural light that really makes it happen. Apart from the interior, the walls are covered in large windows, including two sets of French doors that lead out to a little patio. I counted 11 total, which is a lot, considering the size of the space. The sound of the neighborhood birds singing can always be heard in the background. It was also important for our bungalow to have a slight touch of coastal flair. I love a good dose of kitsch, but I really pulled back so it didn’t feel cluttered. Displaying souvenirs and photos from our world travels give it that final personal touch.

  • Home Decor, Bungalow, Navy, St. Pete, Interior, Decor

Left: Turkish Towel

Right: Similar Shower Curtain || Bath Mat || Garbage Can

Our bungalow was built in 1930 and has the original doors to prove it. It sits nestled, next to a larger main house, built in 1925. Both were originally owned by a local church and housed the parish’s visitors. There’s a lot of rumors about who those visitors were and it’s on my bucket list to dig up the history of the space. I would simply love to be able to travel back to St. Pete during this time period. The Vinoy was just built in its signature pink color and the city was really starting to blossom. You know me, always the history enthusiast.

  • Home Decor, Bungalow, Navy, St. Pete, Interior, Decor

With Tampa Bay a few blocks to the East and downtown St. Pete a few blocks South, this bungalow is the perfect spot in town. We chat with all of our neighbors, really making it feel like home. I hope you enjoyed my quick little tour. Sharing more of my home makes me feel so connected with you, my dear readers.

Left: Bed Frame || Comforter Set || Sheet Set || Accent Pillows

Right: Night Stand || Similar Lamps || Book

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.

Snapshots From Pass-a-Grille

Snapshots From Pass-a-Grille

Dress || Sandals (similar) || Similar Tote || Earrings || Bracelet

If I wanted to give myself a grade on social distancing, I would have to say it’s a solid ‘B’. David and I have both stayed almost pretty much at home, except for a weekly pizza run (to support a local business) and a daily walk around the neighborhood. When we take the occasional trip to the grocery, we only go for the essentials and take all of the necessary precautions. Still, we are far from perfect and last weekend, I was feeling particularly antsy. I wanted to be outside and have a slight change in scenery. So, we decided to take a quick drive over to Pass-a-Grille Beach for our nightly walk and a healthy dose of salt air.

  • St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Florida

Normally, out extent at St. Pete Beach is to get a good spot on the sand and enjoy the view. Since our area has decided to keep the beaches closed, we knew we would just be walking among the houses. You know me, that’s one of my favorite things to do anyways, quarantine or no. Pass-a-Grille in particular has so much curb appeal. From the traditional bungalows, to the pristine beach mansions, this part of the Gulf Coast just has so much character. I think David and I spotted no less than five houses that we’ll be daydreaming about for weeks to come.

  • St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Florida

More on our aimless wandering, we also walked by the oldest house on the Pinellas beaches. Only built in 1886, the Pass-a-Grille Historic Cottage is still right at home in the modern area. Better still, it’s located right next to the rest of the 8th Avenue historic district. With beach bars, an ice cream shop, and a surprisingly upscale restaurant, it’s the perfect place to spend an entire day.

All along the Pinellas Beaches, you’ll find very fetching mile marker signs. Between Pass-a-Grille Beach and north to Clearwater Beach, there’s about 25 miles of ground to cover. A fun day activity would be to drive (or even bike) your way up. Stop at all of the different beaches, restaurants, and points-of-interest. It will take you the better part of the day, but it will prove how unique each beach side town on the Florida Gulf Coast is. If you decide to bike, you can catch the SunCoast Trolley back to rest your weary legs.

  • St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Florida

Our walk through Pass-a-Grille just blew me away. I knew to expect pastel colors and beautiful florals, but it almost seemed like an art project. The attention to detail on these quirky homes was outstanding! I especially loved all of the nautical inspiration. Where else will you see a giant metal octopus attached to a royal blue beach bungalow? The installation was unexpected and bold, but not the slightest bit kitschy! I wonder if I can get away with that in my Old Northeast neighborhood?

  • St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Florida

One of the things of my Florida Summer Bucket List is to have a staycation on the beach. In Pass-a-Grille, that can either mean the Inn on the Beach or the famous Don Cesar Hotel. One is a quaint boutique hotel right by all of the action. The other is a pink palace that has housed the rich and famous. Either one would be a great pick and that’s why I love St. Pete Beach. Both types of beach life, relaxed and upscale, are present and all are welcome!

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.