St Pete’s Beach

Originally we had intended to select a State Park, but Tropical Storm Alberto interrupted our plans, so we chose to head for the beach instead.

So on a very wet, windy Tuesday, as Alberto deposited all his rain, we left Kissimmee and headed west. This was the first time we had travelled Interstate 4 since all the road works had been completed (including the US 27 interchange) and we made it down to Tampa inside an hour despite not being able to see more than 2 meters in front of the car at one point due to the rain. We were very grateful to a large truck in front for showing where the road might be at that point. But the further west we travelled, more blue sky was illuminated, the rain became drizzle or the occasional shower and spirits lifted.

As we exchanged smoothly from Interstate 4 to Interstate 275 we headed over the long bridge across Old Tampa Bay, which was looking very angry, towards St Petersburg. We were still not entirely sure where we were going to stay at this point, but we were using one of those travel guides that you pick up free at restaurants for inspiration (we had picked ours up that morning at Denny’s on US 192).

We drove through St Petersburg with interest, and noted the exit for the Clearwater/St Petersburg airport which will soon be welcoming Flywho flights from Birmingham, and saw how easy it will be for travellers to just drive out of the airport and straight down I 275 over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and on down the coast.

As we headed off I 275 onto the beach islands, the sun was shining strongly, and the winds whilst strong were certainly not cold. We went as far as St Petersburg Beach, and decided there was no point going further up the islands, as we would only be staying overnight. Our first attempt at a hotel was overpriced for the facilities, so we moved on to a Best Western, which for $88 per night was not bad. The Best Western has a bar on the beach, and there appeared to be a number of ‘students’ staying, but we were given a family room nearer the lobby than the bar and were not disturbed. The room was clean and basic with a small kitchen attached. It made us realise just what a wonderful deal guests get when they stay in a villa!

We spent a lovely afternoon by the pool where it was still sunny, and very windy – it was strange thinking that just up the coast Alberto was dumping some inches of rain and tossing a few boats about.

On the recommendation of the lobby staff we walked a block down to Skidders to eat. Skidders has won the top award in the category of ‘Greek Restaurant’ for many years running in the local Paradise News and Beach Life ‘Best of Beaches’ awards.

Having had a gamut of chain restaurants in Kissimmee over the previous week, it was nice to be somewhere different, and the relaxed atmosphere of the coast permeated right through the building. It was decorated with red, white and blue tinsel, decorations, flags etc. A real collection of patriotic memorabilia. We believe this was in preparation for ‘Flag Day’ on 15th June, which kicks off a period of celebration of the Armed Forces until July 4th.

We sat in a booth that was dedicated to a previous Mayor and a Mabel Gribble (or similar) and this conjured up interesting images of regular visitors with their own space. In fact while we were there, many of the customers appeared to be well known and familiar to the staff. The menu was ‘eclectic’, with only 10 Greek items on the list (4 of which were Souvlaki) the ‘Greek Restaurant’ award was looking like there was light competition, with Pasta, Seafood, Steaks, Veal and Chicken to name a few. But the food was good, freshly prepared and home cooked.

Feeling very full we returned to the Best Western and hit the beach for an early evening stroll. The strong waves had washed up a fish and a jellyfish looking thing, and the winds were still what one would call ‘bracing’ on a British beach, but were softened by their warmth at St Pete’s. I found a small shark’s tooth, and the children fell through the surf having a great time. After a long walk up and down the beach, we just sat for a while whilst sandcastles were built and destroyed and soaked in the atmosphere. This was definitely the most relaxing day of our vacation, and Albert had not interrupted our time at all. So thank you all for your recommendation!

The next morning we were heading up to Busch Gardens, so after an early, tasty, cooked breakfast at Skidders again, we headed back over the bridges. Busch Gardens has always been a favourite theme park, but we haven’t visited since our eldest – 7th birthday on holiday – was 4 months, so anticipation was high. We were truly disappointed. There have been upgrades and renovations in those 7 years, but also a lot of space has been ‘in filled’ with more rides (we counted 8 roller coasters) losing the spacious relaxing feeling we have always treasured. But that was only a side issue – the main disappointment was the atmosphere. Not one attendant smiled, engaged or made eye contact. We got the impression that they all wished we would go home and leave them alone! When we rode on the little train around the park, any staff within sight of the train clearly have to wave to the passengers and oh boy, was that forced!

Take me back to Disney – the smile may hide all sorts of feelings, but it goes a long way to making my day.