Things to Do in St. Pete

Lunch today was a no-brainer. I wanted chocolate and peanut butter, but didn’t think seven Reese’s peanut butter cups would be a very healthy option.

Thank goodness for Dark Chocolate Dreams!

I picked up a few mini packets of peanut butter in a variety of flavors before my trip to New York City to keep in my bag just in case I got an emergency peanut butter craving. Well, I forgot all of them at home, so I have a bunch of little peanut butter packets to use now! (Not complaining.)

Today I used a packet of Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter to make chocolate peanut butter and jelly for lunch!

Today’s sides were fruity!

Aren’t white nectarines cool? I always expect them to be yellow. Such little tricksters.

Things to Do in St. Pete

This weekend is the Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Pete Half Marathon! I’ve heard from a handful of you who will be visiting the area and am so excited you’ll be exploring my family’s hometown!

As you may know, my family and I moved to St. Pete from Palatine, Illinois in 2003. I went off to college in Orlando that fall, but every time I come home to my parents’ house, I love exploring St. Pete!

I don’t really feel like a St. Pete local, but fortunately my parents and sister are much more familiar with the city and I feel like I have a decent idea about some fun hot spots you guys might enjoy checking out while you’re in town based on places I’ve been throughout the years:

Restaurants

• Cassis: Cassis has something for everyone. Their food is fresh and high quality. Diners may eat outside which really adds to the ambiance of the restaurant since its location is smack-dab in the middle of downtown St. Pete.

(You may read a recap of my experience at Cassis here.)

• El Cap: If you venture out to El Cap, don’t expect a fancy, high-end restaurant, but do expect to eat an amazing burger. If I wouldn’t have felt like death after the Women’s Half Marathon in St. Pete, El Cap would’ve been my top choice for a post-race meal. It’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of place with delicious burgers and a very casual, laid back atmosphere. It’s also one of Ryan and my dad’s favorites, so bring the boys here!

(You may read a recap of my experience at El Cap here.)

• Bella Brava: A very popular Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete, Bella Brava offers an array of Italian fare, including fantastic thin-crust pizza, doughy gnocchi, crisp salads and more.

(You may read a recap of my experience at Bella Brava here.)

• Sunday Brunch at the Vinoy: This brunch is not cheap, but if you’re in the mood to shell out some money for one heck of an awesome dining experience, definitely check out the Sunday brunch at the Vinoy. With everything from crab legs, prime rib and sushi to chocolate fondue and a gourmet dessert station, this brunch is unreal.

(You may read a recap of my experience at the Vinoy’s Sunday brunch here.)

• The Cupcake Spot: Creative and delicious cupcakes. The “Better Than…” cupcake is fantastic!

(You may read more about these delicious cupcakes here.)

Drinks

• Tryst: I actually went to Tryst with my entire family and Ryan for drinks after dinner downtown one night and we had a blast. The bartenders were really friendly and were all about letting us sample new beers and helped us find drinks they thought we’d enjoy.
• Outdoor Bar on the Vinoy Veranda: The veranda that spans the entire front of the Renaissance Vinoy hotel has a bar off to the right side that is very popular at night with locals and visitors. You can grab a drink and relax in their comfy chairs outside and be surrounded by a fun atmosphere and the excitement of St. Pete.

Activities

• Ft. DeSoto and St. Pete Beach
• The Dali Museum
• Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center (I love Chihuly’s work!)
• Many people also enjoy dolphin cruises, though I’ve never been on one and can’t speak personally about the experience 
• Take a Jazzercise class with friends (No I’m not kidding. It’s so much fun and you might see my mom!)
• Stroll along The Pier (The shops and restaurants located at the end of the pier have seen better days, but it’s a beautiful walk to the end and back.) 

If you’re from St. Pete or have ever been to the city, feel free to comment with “must try” restaurants or fun activities you’d recommend to those visiting the area. I know I’m always looking for new fun things to try and would love to read your suggestions, too!