In very recent news: Corey and I took 5 days off from all responsibilities and traveled to Florida. Yup. We were beach bums for 5 days.
It was perfect and wonderful and I am already dreaming of our next getaway. I need to extend an infinite amount of thanks to my parents for taking such great care of Kya and Gavin while we were away. We missed the kiddos like crazy but ma and pa just need a break once in a while.
We adore the St. Pete Beach area and just can't say enough great things about it. For one, it's easy to travel to from North Dakota (direct from Fargo to St. Pete on Allegiant Air or from Bismarck to Tampa on American Air with one layover).
Florida.
The St. Pete area is very cost-friendly — from hotels to food. With many local conveniences like a full grocery store, CVS, Chic-Fil-A, and a liquor store all right across the street, St. Pete is an easy DIY vacation spot. St. Pete is just a 90 minute drive to Disney (if that's your thing) but it seems like a world away from the the crowded mouse land.
Corey and I stayed at the Dolphin Beach Resort (don't let the name fool you, it's more retro beach hotel than resort).
But they have amazing beachfront rooms and a perfect location on the St. Pete Beach. The is the view from our second-floor balcony.
The panoramic view of our hotel from our favorite spot on the beach.
We went a little delirious after being in the sun for 5 days.
Collecting shells on the beach they day after a storm.
Corey and I played a few games of shuffleboard at the hotel. Corey found he has a natural talent for it. I do not have a natural talent for it.
We walked 7 miles round-trip to Pass-A-Grille (south tip of St. Pete) and had a drink at a rooftop bar ... and then walked back to our beach. I love days like that with absolutely no agenda.
Lots of shells!
After we arrived home I realized I took more photos of food than of us. The food was amazing. And I realized the prices of food in North Dakota are quite high. Or maybe St. Pete is just a bargain? Either way, it was delicious and priced right.
Lobster Risotto at Seared 1200 Chophouse (also across the street from the Dolphin Beach Resort)
Our favorite beach bar, Sandbar Bill's, has delicious frozen drinks, huge yummy burgers and chicken sandwiches ... and humongous salads (for only $4). Sandbar Bill's is an easy short walk on the beach from our hotel.
Agave Mexican restaurant is one of my favorites.
Spicy salsa and margaritas at Agave!
Corey's favorite dessert pair — port wine and chocolate cake (at Madfish)
Our meals (super yummy) at Madfish
Delivery pizza is a huge treat for Corey and me. Living in the country, it's just not an option. So when we are on vacation we scout out the best pizza place and have it delivered. Having awesome pizza with a beach view from our balcony was perfection. Pizza from Bones Pizza.
Our first full day at St. Pete Beach happened to be the local St. Petersburg and Tampa Corporate Sportsfest. It's a huge party event with over 200 sponsored teams that compete in events like sand volleyball, dodgeball, tug-of-war, and water relay (shown here). We have grand plans to have a Bison Booties team next in the event next year.
Our last full day in Florida was
Nether of us had ever been to an aquarium, so we both thought it was really fascinating. We learned a thing or two too! It was quite odd being there without our kids — they would have loved it.
EEEk! Shark!
After the aquarium we walked to the Tampa History Center and toured the museum.
. . .
Just in case my post wasn't clear — if you're planning a vacation: go to St. Pete Beach!!!
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