KATIE KENNEDY - Page 108 of 265 -

Quick Trip to the Hard Rock

March 12, 2021

Quick Trip to the Hard Rock
📍 Tampa, Florida

Hard Rock, Tampa, Seminole, pool day, Florida

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This is my favorite time of year in Florida! After a not-so-hard “winter” in the Sunshine State, we finally have returned to warm days. Since peak summer hasn’t fully hit, both the temperature and humidity level and pretty reasonable. I find myself saying “this is a really gorgeous day” every few hours. Because of that, I’m taking full advantage of the weather. Without even realizing it, I’ve been pool hopping at some of the best hotels in the Tampa Bay Area. The most recent visit was a quick trip to the newly renovated pool at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa with my mom. If you haven’t visited, you just need to see this one for yourself!

Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock, Tampa, Pool, Spring Break, Travel

The Location

Located just east of downtown Tampa, the Seminole Hard Rock is an easy destination from anywhere in Tampa Bay or Greater Orlando. Currently, the Hard Rock Tampa is the 4th largest casino in the United States, but it didn’t start out that way. When it originally opened in 1982, it was just a small high-stakes bingo hall. This is because the land was given reservation status for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and they actually own the entire Hard Rock franchise. It may be because I’m a Florida State grad, but the tribe’s history absolutely fascinates me. As you explore the hotel, be sure to look for Seminole-inspired influences.

The Venue

As I get older, the more I appreciate a great resort pool. Sitting poolside gives me the Vitamin D I’m craving, without worrying about the beach. The chairs are provided for me, a frozen drink is just a few steps away, and it’s completely sand free. The Seminole Hard Rock pool did not disappoint! There were plenty of chairs, some even in the water. I always appreciate a good cabana or just a shadier spot to get away from the sun. Both were present. I especially loved eating at the Pool Bar. I ordered a Pina Colada (my go-to frozen drink)and chicken quesadilla. Both were delicious! A second pool was reserved for VIP guests. Sadly, I don’t fall into that category, but it looked perfectly serene.

The Evening

After a few hours of soaking up the Florida sun, don’t forget the SPF, we went back to our room to get ready for dinner. I wanted to really enjoy the evening with my mom, so the camera stayed in the hotel room. We wandered the gigantic gaming space, looking for any slot machine that caught our eye. I even got to walk away with $60 more than what I started with. Dinner at The Rez was simply delicious, but the highlight of the evening was probably lounging in my room afterward, snuggled in a robe. Seriously, isn’t that just the best feeling? From a social distancing stand-point… Marks are required, shared spaces are constantly being sanitized, and plastic shields help separate the machines and tables.

Whenever I talk about going to the Seminole Hard Rock with friends, I always give the disclaimer that I’m not much of a gambler. I have no qualms about throwing some cash into a Penny-Slot, but I definitely have a time limit. From fine dining, to events, and just great people watching, it’s nice to know that this casino offers so much more than slots and card tables. Book a room or get a day-pass and this stunning pool can be all yours!

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.

Visiting the MFA St. Pete

March 10, 2021

Visiting the MFA St. Pete
📍 St. Pete, Florida

Museum of Fine Arts, MFA, St. Pete, Beach Drive, art

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I will always have a love for art museums. While living in NYC, I was a regular at the MET and would find any reason to explore a new museum at least once a week. Surprisingly, my appreciation for art museums happened well before the move, right here in St. Pete. Our Museum of Fine Arts, lovingly known as the MFA, holds so many incredible memories. The big one, of course, is our wedding reception. Over the weekend, I stopped by the newly reopened MFA and thought it was a great chance to share one of my favorite spots in St. Pete.

History and Location

The Museum of Fine Arts happily opened its doors in 1965, making it the first art museum in all of St. Pete. The founder, Margaret Acheson Stuart, wanted to bring art from around the world to St. Pete. As part of her vision for the museum, she also wanted the collection to seem intimate. Since then, it has grown into a sweeping building located on the downtown waterfront on Beach Drive. The elegance remains, especially in This makes it the perfect stop while you explore what all of the city has to offer.

The MFA Collection and Visiting Exhibits

The Museum of Fine Arts Collection is home to over 20,000 pieces of art from around the world and history. You’ll instantly recognize the work from Monet, Rodin, O’Keefe, and others. I invite you to find an artist that you may have never noticed before. I particularly love gazing at the antiquities from Ancient Greece and China. It’s a good way to pretend I’m traveling the world without ever leaving St. Pete. Don’t forget to also visit the visiting exhibits that change every few months. While some focus on other mediums like photography and weaving, they also highlight Tampa Bay artists with the frequent Skyway Collaboration.

Making the Most of Your Visit

Arguably, one of the best things about the MFA is its location. Nestled right along on Beach Drive, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from some of St. Pete’s best dining. After you visit the Museum of Fine Arts, I highly recommend getting lunch at Alto Mare for a glass of wine and local seafood. Walk off the meal by strolling through North Straub Park towards the historic Vinoy Hotel for a refreshing drink on the patio. No matter what district you take from the museum, you’ll run into another St. Pete gem. Other favorites include Annata and Bella Brava for a refreshing glass of wine and pasta. Enjoy your exploring!

Even though the world is beginning to feel normal, don’t forget the love you have for your city. No matter where you live, be sure to visit your local museums. You never know what treasures you’ll find along the way.

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.