Anyone from the Tampa FL area?

[MrsFusion]

My family will be there later next month. We will be staying on Siesta Key. Just wondering if there are any "cant miss" spots around there. We've been there before, but, this time we are staying longer and will have time to do more sight seeing.

And if any of you have a store, I would love to stop in!

 

[TessC]

I'm in Saint Petersburg, which is just across the bay from Tampa.

If you're a fan of glass arts, you must see the Chihuly collection: http://www.chihulycollectionstpete.com/

Our downtown Saturday Morning Market is lovely: http://www.saturdaymorningmarket.com/

Sunken Gardens is spectacular if you're a flower/plant fan: http://www.stpete.org/sunken/index.asp

Fort DeSoto is cool if you're interested in the history (plus it has a spectacular beach and some of the best birding spots in the area): http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

There's more stuff but I'll stop spamming links, lol. (You can't tell that I love where I live, can you?) If there's something specific that you're looking for like arts, scenery, etc I can point you to stuff around here.

 

[IanT]

My family will be there later next month. We will be staying on Siesta Key. Just wondering if there are any "cant miss" spots around there. We've been there before, but, this time we are staying longer and will have time to do more sight seeing.

And if any of you have a store, I would love to stop in!

I lived in Anna Maria Island for a while, DEFINITELY check out anna maria island, and long boat key... beautiful beaches.... a few places to go:

-Mary Selby Gardens (near sarasota)
-Mote Marine aquarium
-Check out the "Tide & Moon Jewelery Shoppe" on the North End of anna maria, ran by a sweet lady named Laura Shely, Tell her Ian Terry sent ya over if you stop by

You are going to a beauuuutiful area!!!

 

[MrsFusion]

Thanks so much Tess and Ian!

 

[TessC]

Ohhhh yeah, not my shop but if you're near Saint Petersburg you have to check out Sister Agnes Soaps. That is some of the coolest and most creative M&P I've ever seen: http://www.sisteragnes.com/main.htm

 

[IanT]

oooo another one i just thought of.... there is a place, cant remember where it is if its on siesta or elsewhere but the company is called getaguru soap co or something like that (that really is how its spelled) Ive bought soaps from them on numerous occasions and they are exceeeellent

 

[Acme]

Sounds like you are looking for an all day trip. greaguru is located in Tarpon Springs on the sponge docks about 20 miles north of St Pete. If you have not been to the Ford Edison Museum in Ft Myers that would make a nice trip. Have a great vacation and enjoy the weather.