KATIE KENNEDY

Packing Guide: Gasparilla Inn

Packing Guide: Gasparilla Inn
đź“Ť Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Packing Guide, beach, Tory Burch

Tunic (also) (similar) || Jeans || Sandals || Clutch

In the past few months, we’ve made enough trips to the Gasparilla Inn for it to feel like home. I joke that I’m on my best self in Boca Grande. After each visit, my most frequently asked question comes from fellow travelers who would be visiting shortly. Namely, “what should I pack?” This is always a critical question when traveling to someplace new, one that I’m more than happy to answer! Because the Gasparilla Inn has a dress code for some of the restaurants, I thought it would be fun to answer by activity to make packing a breeze! 

Morning Coffee and Exploring

Every morning in Boca Grande starts at the Inn Bakery. Located just down the block from the historic Inn, you can give yourself a nice little workout first in the morning. So, first thing first, you have to get yourself out of the luxurious bed, out of your Lake pajamas, and ready for the day! Coffee time at the Gasparilla Inn is a surprisingly casual event. It’s a time where you can get to know the other guests and do some exploring around Boca Grande. My favorite outfit of choice is a simple tee shirt and bright pair of chino shorts. Whether it’s sandals or sneakers, consider wearing a comfortable pair of shoes for your post-coffee walk. Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses and a baseball hat for the sunnier days. 

A Day at the Beach Club

This my favorite part of any Gasparilla Inn trip, doing nothing at the Beach Club. Since this is a family-friendly hotel, I always like to make sure I dress modestly and comfortably. There is an infinite number of swimsuit styles out there, but my current favorite has been a high-waisted bikini bottom and bandeau top from J. Crew. It has an old-world glam feel without feeling stuffy. Pack a breezy cover-up to wear as walk around the pool and to/from the hotel. This boho midi dress has been a recent favorite over the past few years. It’s one I can dress down for the beach or make a little dressier for lunch at the Pink Elephant. Since the Gulf can be windy at times, this will help you stay warm on the not-so-hot days. Finally, don’t forget to bring a tropical-inspired tote bag to hold all of the extras: hats, sunscreen, and a good beach read! 

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Packing Guide, beach, Tory Burch
A Match at the Tennis Club

Each time we visit the Gasparilla Inn, I always bring my tennis racket in hopes to get on the court. Since my focus is almost solely the Beach Club, that hasn’t happened yet, but I know it will soon. Right next to the Beach Club is the Tennis Club which has seven courts available. Even at the hottest point of the day, you’ll still see a few courts filled up and the cutest tennis outfit. Tennis whites aren’t required, so feel free to add a pop of color. I love this stunning blue sleeveless polo from Tory Burch on a hot summer day and coordinating navy tennis skirt. Be sure to pack proper tennis shoes and buy a Gasparilla Inn logo hat from the Inn Boutique. 

Dinner at the Inn Dining Room

The Inn Dining Room was the one place where I found there to be a specific dress code. For gentlemen, in particular, be sure to pack a blazer if you visiting in the Fall and Winter. For the ladies, this is your dressiest opportunity while visiting the Gasparilla Inn. Have fun with the evening and wear a dress that makes you feel special and a great pair of heels. Before your reservation sure to join your fellow guests at BZ’s for a pre-dinner cocktail. 

Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Packing Guide, beach, Tory Burch

If you have a trip to the Gasparilla Inn or any beachside resort planned, I hope this helps! Be sure to check the weather and treat yourself to something fun along the way! Happy travels!

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.

Lunch at the Gasparilla Inn

Lunch at the Gasparilla Inn
đź“Ť 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.

  • Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande, Florida, Banjanan, Spring
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!

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

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

Poolside at the Vinoy
đź“Ť 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 PiĹ„a 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.

Picture Credit: @cathydurig

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.