Port of Call: St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Pete has come a long way from its old reputation as “God’s Waiting Room.” We were smitten with downtown St. Pete the first time we dropped anchor at the North Yacht Basin years ago. Even then, it exuded a small-town charm, with everything just a short stroll or boat ride away.

Since those early visits, the city has blossomed into a vibrant destination brimming with art, culture, and an unmistakable coastal energy. Today, St. Pete pulses with creativity—alive with music, craft breweries, and a youthful energy that rivals any major coastal hotspot. The Central Arts District bursts with murals, galleries, and cozy cafés where locals and travelers mingle. The iconic Dalí Museum remains a must-see, as does the mesmerizing Chihuly Collection. New cultural landmarks like the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and the Imagine Museum have further cemented St. Pete’s reputation as a true haven for art lovers.

The new pier opened in 2020

North Yacht Basin

The Vinoy Hotel and Marina

Looking at St. Pete downtown from the new pier (2020)

looking at St. Pete downtown from the old pier (2009)

Old Inverted Pyramid Pier (1973-2013, demolished in 2015)

Just last Saturday, St. Pete celebrated the new Pier’s fifth birthday with a stunning drone show lighting up the night sky.

The city is best explored on foot or by bike, where every corner reveals a new surprise. Its flat, sun-drenched streets and scenic waterfront paths make getting around effortless, inviting visitors to slow down and soak in the local vibe. The culinary scene is equally captivating—rooftop bars offer sweeping views of Tampa Bay, while tucked-away eateries serve up fresh Gulf seafood and inventive, globally inspired dishes. St. Pete has truly evolved into a foodie destination. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, adventurous but never pretentious—a perfect reflection of the city itself.

Whether you arrive by boat, car, or for a spontaneous weekend getaway, St. Pete feels like one of Florida’s best-kept secrets — a city that’s rediscovered itself without ever losing its coastal charm.

Have you been to St. Pete?

What were your favorite spots to eat, explore, or just relax by the water? Drop them in the comments below—your insider tips might just inspire someone’s next great Tampa Bay adventure. 🌴✨

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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Port of Call: Fort Myers, Florida

When you think of Fort Myers, what comes to mind? If you said pretty beaches, shrimp boats, the winter homes of Ford and Edison, or even Hurricane Ian, you'd be right.

Fort Myers has long been a quiet gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, known for its laid-back vibe and historical significance. Sadly, Fort Myers Beach was devastated by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The destruction left behind was heartbreaking, but the community has shown incredible resilience in rebuilding. 

Pictures of Fort Myers, taken in Jan, 2024

Below are some pictures we took in previous years, capturing the area before the storm changed its landscape.

Shrimp boats

Fort Myer's Beach

This past Sunday, CBS Sunday Morning ran a feature on Thomas Edison. With countless patents to his name, Edison’s work truly changed the world—and seeing where he spent his winters brings that history to life.

We had the opportunity to tour Edison's winter estate in Fort Myers, and it was like stepping back in time. After visiting one winter, Edison’s good friend Henry Ford loved it so much he bought the house right next door. Walking through their homes and labs, you get a real sense of what that era was like—full of big ideas, constant tinkering, and inventions that changed the world. We're talking light bulbs, phonographs, rubber experiments, early cars—things that didn’t just improve life, but totally transformed it.

One highlight was Mina Edison’s garden. She was passionate about horticulture, and her garden remains a beautifully maintained space filled with tropical plants, winding paths, and a calm, peaceful vibe. It’s the perfect contrast to all the innovation happening just steps away.

After our visit, I told a friend that the spirit of that era reminded me of the times we’re living in now: the rise of the internet, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI). The sense of innovation, disruption, and boundless potential feels very much the same.

Here are some photos from our visits during past Christmas holidays.

Edison and Banyan trees

Edison's wife Mina in her lovely garden

Edison Main House "Seminole Lodge"

and furnishings

Moonlight Garden Reflection Pool

Edison's lab

The homes overlook the Caloosahatchee River

Ford's winter home "The Mangoes"

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." That’s my favorite quote by Thomas Edison—simple, powerful, and so true.

What’s your favorite Edison quote? Have you ever been to Fort Myers or Fort Myers Beach? I’d love to hear your experiences or thoughts in the comments below!

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Boating Memories: Our Last Cruise on Mai Thai

This five-year-old photo popped up in our Facebook Memories yesterday and brought back such a sweet moment. Our cousin and her family were visiting, so we took them out on Mai Thai for a relaxing boat ride. We tied up at Shellmound Picnic Area, where they took the kayaks out for a paddle while we set up a simple picnic on the boat. A perfect day on the water, with plenty of sunshine, laughter and great company. Just a simple, happy memory we’ll always cherish.

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The last time we took Mai Thai out for a spin was in late September of last year. It was a calm weekday afternoon, and the river was almost entirely ours — hardly another boat in sight.

Leaving the marina

The weather was perfect — warm but not hot, with that hint of early autumn in the air. The hills surrounding the river were just beginning to show a touch of fall color.

A hint of fall colors

Heading up river towards the TN River Gorge

View from inside the boat

Usually, by this time of year, flocks of coots would be arriving from the north, their chattering calls echoing across the water. But we didn’t see any that day. Instead, a few cormorants stood sentinel on the riverside rocks, one with wings outstretched in the sun.

cormorants

It’s moments like these that remind us why we fell in love with boating in the first place. No schedule. Just us, the river, and nature putting on a quiet show. We snapped a few photos to remember the day — not knowing it would be our last ride on Mai Thai. 

Life gets busy. Boats change hands. Seasons come and go. But the memories stay with us.

Looking back, we’re just grateful for all the good times Mai Thai gave us — the laughter, the sunsets, the solitude at anchor, and the camaraderie at the marinas. The shared moments on the water.

She was more than just a boat. She was part of our story.

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From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

I have to admit—I was never really drawn to still-life paintings. But that all changed when I saw Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Something about those bright, joyful blooms bursting off the canvas completely changed my perspective. I was smitten. 

Sunflower on a lovely summer day at a friend's farm in TN

Van Gogh's artwork on a house in Mount Dora, Florida

Van Gogh's immersive art at the Dali Museum in St Pete, Florida

Dali Museum

That same vibrant energy came to life at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. The sunflowers there were so cheerful and radiant, it was impossible to walk by without smiling — or wanting to take a bunch home.

Saturday Morning Market

Feeling inspired, I decided to try growing my own sunflowers. I picked up a pack of Mammoth Russian seeds from the Dollar Store and planted a few in a large tub. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to see little seedlings pushing through the soil. When they finally bloomed, I was amazed - these sunny giants were absolutely stunning.  What a rewarding experience! Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but truly breathtaking once they reach full height.

One year, I even documented the life cycle of a sunflower by taking a photo every day and turning it into a time-lapse video. At the end of the season, I carefully cut off the flower head and placed it in a paper bag to dry out for seeds. A perfect plan — until my well-meaning hubby unknowingly tossed the whole bag! 😢

This video below shows a butterfly on the sunflower. 

From my Florida garden

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend spending time in downtown St. Pete. It's such a charming spot, filled with cozy restaurants, local art galleries, and museums. In fact, the city just had a Free Museum Day two Saturdays ago —and it was a great way to explore without spending a dime.

And don’t miss the Saturday Morning Market, which kicks off its season on October 4! There’s live music, friendly vendors, fresh produce, and that laid-back Florida vibe that makes it such a fun way to start the weekend.

And for all you beach lovers—you’re in luck! The stunning Gulf beaches are just minutes away, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, shell collecting, a barefoot stroll along the shore, or simply soaking in one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.

Have you ever been inspired by art to try something new? 

Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up a paintbrush, or just pausing to appreciate the colors around you—I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Saturday Sparks.

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