How Lucky To Be In Tampa Bay!

As the week is about to close and the mind starts to wander toward weekend activities, it truly amazes me at how very much there is to do and see! I always mention that our decision was based on having the rare trio of Tampa, St Petersburg and Clearwater... all within minutes of 23 miles of the most beautiful beaches. So, as the summer crowds have departed and our winter seasonal guests have yet to arrive, you would think things would be quiet.

If you consider (and never take for granted) that Ft Desoto and Caladesi Island, both gorgeous beach national parks, are available year round... as well as all the beach communities in between - there never lacks for water related activities such as fishing, sailing, jet skis, parasailing, waterfront dining and simply beachcombing! YET, there is so much more!!! For example, every Friday night in downtown St Petersburg, there is Wine and Jazz Fest. On Saturday mornings, there is the very popular outdoor market. On the first Friday and third Saturday in Gulf Port (a charming area with great restaurants and ballroom dancing in an old-style casino), they have Art Walk which makes dining and taking a stroll through the outdoor vendors a lesurely and enjoyable outing. Or maybe biking or roller blading the 45 mile Pinellas Trail?

International Mall in Tampa is filled with the finest shops and restaurants. And, of course there is Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. If an outlet mall in on the agenda, Ellenton is about 30 minutes away. We already have our calendars filled with the upcoming free Clearwater Jazz Festival Oct. 15-18. Oh yes... and the International Ironman World Championship in Clearwater Beach in November. And then, we do have 9 Spring Training Teams (including the Yankees and Phillies along with our very own Rays) that will show up in the area for practice... but I guess I am getting ahead of myself!

For now, let's suffice it to say that living in Tampa Bay is incredible! You can be as active as you want, or sit right on the beach to the sounds of the Gulf of Mexico. Oh, and the weather? Highs of high 80's or low 90's and lows in the mid-70's... ahhhh. We really think you should visit soon... but don't be surprised if you decide to stay! We did.